Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out cfaithful to the end they are received into dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Article 1 Happiness Through Service by President Monson
Happiness comes through serving our Heavenly Father and our fellowmen. God bless you, my brothers and sisters in all your incomings and outgoings. May you have peace in your hearts, may you have tranquility in your homes, and may you have the Spirit of the Lord, Jesus Christ in your souls.
Article 2 Because He Came by President Monson Christmas Devotional
Scrooge is such an unpleasant soul that his name has become a universally accepted term for a mean or miserly person. Scrooge is shown what he once had in his life, what he has in the present, and what his life will be if he remains on the path he has thus far chosen. He is able to recognize the error of his ways. He learns that happiness can come to us if we will forget self and worldly gain, concentrating instead on helping others and learning to embrace the love of family.
President Monson reviewed the story of The Mansion. The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things. Because He came to earth, we have the perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others. Because He came there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Article 3 Church News Viewpoint: Choosing and Achieving Happiness by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin
"We must heed the voice that tells us that Heavenly Father loves us and that as His children, we are of infinite worth and He wants us to be happy. Happiness is the purpose and design of our existence...Virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping the commandments of God lead to a happy life." In this quote by President David O McKay he did not mentions material possessions, public acclaim, professional achievements or recognition in social circles. None of these in itself brings joy or true happiness.
More than 2000 years ago, Aristotle suggested that everyone who lives has the same basic objective, to be happy.
B+Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." If we accept the premise that we can choose to be happy, we may surmise that much unhappiness is self-inflicted. William James, noted psychologist, said, "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. For maximum happiness, peace and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.
A sure formula for achieving happiness is to live in conformity to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Doing anything contrary to his teachings brings misery, not happiness.
We cannot buy or borrow happiness, and no one can give it to us. It is a reward we must earn through our own thoughts and actions.
Interview 1: Amy Hoopes Wood My youngest child, married with 2 children, member of the Church
On a scale of 1-10 Amy is a 10.
Top two contributors to her happiness are:
1. Her family
2. Her religion
Two situations that create happiness for her:
1. Long car rides with Eric her husband, where they can talk without interruption.
2. Special time spent with her daughter Penelope, they have very happy moments.
Most significant contributing factors to her happiness:
1. Amy said, "I choose to be a 10. I can't think of a happier time. I am visiting with my family without Eric and Penelope. I would be happier if they were here. I have have a pretty good perspective on life."
Advice for others: Do research on happiness. Think about what makes you feel happy and do those things more often. Do gospel research on happiness to find out what happiness is. Restrict research to the prophets, apostles, and the scriptures.
Interview 2: Vicki Hubbard We are in the same ward. We both work at US Bank Home Mortgage
On a scale from 1-10 Vicki is a 6
Two top contributors to her happiness are:
1. Family-they are the main drive to be better.
2. Loves her church responsibility as a counselor in the Primary presidency.
Vicki said, "Everything else drags her down, her job, I am trying to improve my outlook."
Changes she can make to improve her happiness:
1. Improve her financial situation.
2. Continue progress on family goals, include family and relationships.
3. Has requested to be a visiting teacher to improve ward relationships, which is giving service.
Vicki said, "I feel like I am setting goals and taking steps to make relationships better.
Four happiest times or situations in her life:
1. When she got married.
2 When she had her children, 3 sons and 1 daughter.
3. When her sons received their mission calls.
4. When her kids have big accomplishments; when they have success or accomplishments.
Unhappiest events in life:
1. Current employment has too much stress.
2. Divorced from first husband.
3. Financial failure. Husband was a contractor. Tried to hold on to home and business for 3 years. In the end lost the battle.
4. Lived with her husbands ill parents, were their main caretakers. Received criticism and accusation form sisters-in-law. Took care of them until their death.
Advice for others: Make correct choices. Some things can't be helped. Make the best of what your have. Set goals. Have something to look forward to. You can't control everything, but you can control your choices.
This has been a good week. I had another sick day this week. I woke up with an earache in the middle of the night. I enjoyed my reading this week. We were assigned to read 3 Nephi 1-11. There is a division of the people, the church and the land just prior to and during the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I found a scripture that gives me hope that I am on the path which leads to eternal life. As I read the articles on happiness I recognized one of my hurdles is time. I have activities that I enjoy, that bring a smile to my face. While working and going to school I don't have time to do them. My family is on that list and I have had time with some of them this week. Amy came to visit with Benson for 3 full days. It has been so good to be able to chat like the olden days. Family definitely is at the top of my happiness chart.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment