Sunday February 9,2014 Day 8

      It always takes a week to figure out the best system. In relation to my practicum for my Book of Mormon class I have been trying to blog daily, read three articles, and interview 2 people at the same time I am finishing reading assignments and homework. I decided the best way to do my practicum is to blog daily what I learn and observe about happiness in general. On Sunday I will give the happiness scripture of the week, the 2 interview reports, and my notes from the three articles read.

Scripture: 4 Nephi 1:15-16    And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.   And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

Two Interviews:
1. Brynn Mix-reported earlier this week
2. Jennifer Hoopes Mix. On a scale of 1-10 Jen gives herself an 8 most of the time, unless she is dealing with hard stuff in her life, then she is about a 4. which she said has been a lot of the time lately. (She is married, 4 daughters ages 6-13. She just started a masters program and started as a permanent substitute in a class of at risk kids in elementary school) I asked her what 3 things most contribute to her happiness and she said exercise, the Gospel, and relationships. I asked her to list one or more times that were the most happy in her life. She completed a marathon two years ago and that is at the top of her list. She worked hard to accomplish this goal and feels as though it was a pinnacle event in her life as she put so much in to it. She mentioned both wedding day and birth days of her daughters, but felt hesitant to list them as happiest days as so much apprehension surrounded those days. We were on our way to the temple as I asked her these questions and was cut short at our arrival at the temple. I would like to know her thoughts on what she could change in her life to increase and/or maintain her happiness.

Notes on Three Articles:
Article 1  True Happiness: A Conscious Decision   by Elder DeHoyos
     Happiness is the purpose of the gospel and the purpose of the redeeming Atonement for all men.
     We need to recognize that :wanting to" is the determining factor which leads us to lay hold upon the word of God and be happy. Perseverance in making correct decisions is what leads us to happiness.
     Happiness comes as a result of our obedience and our courage in always doing the will of God, even in the most difficult circumstances.
     Happiness is a condition of the soul. This joyous state comes as a result of righteous living.
     The prophet Joseph Smith stated, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.
     Nephi after 30 year journey to the promised land, "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."
     Life is good if we live in such a way to make it so. Believing, desiring, deciding, and choosing correctly are the simple actions that define an increase in happiness and an increase in the inner assurance that transcends this life.

Article 2   The Great Plan of Happiness  D&C and Church History Seminary Teacher Resource Manual  1993
     Boyd K Packer told teachers in the CES:  "A brief overview of the 'plan of happiness' if given at the very beginning and revisited occasionally, will be of immense value to your students. The essential components of the Plan of Happiness are:
PreMortal Existence
Spiritual Creation
Agency
War in Heaven
Physical Creation
The Fall and Mortality
Principles & Ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (first principles: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, Confirmation)
The Atonement
Life beyond the grave
Spirit World
Judgment
Resurrection
     In the spirit world there is a serration between those who accepted eh gospel and kept the commandments and those who did not. As President Packer explained, "It is happiness, a paradise for the righteous. It is misery for the wicked."

Article 3  The Search for Happiness  by W Eugene Hansen
     I believe it is fair to say that most of us are influenced greatly in our daily lives by what we perceive will result in happiness for ourselves, as well as for others."
     The Founding fathers of our nation considered happiness to be of such importance that is twas ranked with life and liberty. An unalienable right., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
   He tells of a survey where most people felt money was a significant part of happiness. Yet the author's research indicated that money alone seldom, if ever resulted in happiness.
    The words of William George Jordan:  Happiness does not always require success, prosperity, or attainment. It is often the joy of  hopeful struggle, consecration of purpose and energy to some good end. Real happiness ever has its root in unselfishness, its blossom in love of some kind.
     One of the most critical challenges mankind faces today is to recognize the difference between happiness and mere pleasure.
     Real joy and happiness come from living in such a way that our Heavenly Father will be pleased with us.
     In order to be happy there are lessons we must invariable learn while in this life. We can learn them with joy or sorrow.
     One cannot break God's commandments and be happy.

Summary:
     This has been a great week. I am changing my opinion concerning happiness. My favorite of the 3 articles I read was number 3. Elder Hansen also told a story about a young girl working all summer to earn enough money to buy a pair of shoes. After buying the shoes she shared them with her grandmother. The young girl wore the shoes to Sunday School in the morning and allowed her grandmother to wear them to Sacrament Meeting in the evening. Working hard and sharing bring happiness.