Finding and Achieving Joy and Happiness in all you do.

HAPPINESS AND JOY

Joy is finding great delight and happiness in what we do. Joy and happiness are often synonymous in usage and by definition. Man is that he might have joy. The object of mans existence is happiness. Happiness is the purpose of God’s great plan.

We were given a blessing and charge to find joy in the work we do. It requires us to act and not be acted upon. We must choose to be happy. We must choose and make choices that will bring us joy.

To be truly happy, however, we must have the love of God in our hearts (see 4 Nephi 1:15-16), which will result in a myriad of blessings in our lives and remember the state of happiness comes from keeping the commandments and covenants (see Mosiah 2:41).

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

·      Psalms 146:5 -- Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- Happiness can be found only in our God and Savior Jesus Christ, for in and through Them we are sustained, blessed, and given hope of eternal life, which God has promised before the world began (see Titus 1:2).

·      Proverbs 29:18 -- Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- Obedience is the only sure way to happiness and joy. Obedience leads one to righteousness, through which one can enjoy a state of never- ending happiness.

·      1 Nephi 8:10 -- And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- The fruit of the tree is the love of God. The love of God was expressed through the gift of His Only Begotten Son, who would redeem the world and provide an opportunity for all to enjoy eternal life. Should we not hold to the iron rod and stay on the straight and narrow path and partake of His goodness?

·      Mosiah 2:41 -- And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, 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.

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- Obedience to the commandments of God and enduring to the end will lead us back to the presence of God, to a state of never-ending happiness. Obedience -- even exact, immediate, and courageous obedience should be our quest. We can find joy through keeping the commandments.

·      3 John 1:4 -- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- As mortals, we feel joy in our family as we see our family members progress on the path to eternal life. This provides a glimpse of the joy of the Lord over a soul that repenteth (see D&C 18:13) and over those who show an increase in faith (see 3 Nephi 17:20).

·      Alma 29:9-10 -- 9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

Likening the Scriptures to our Lives -- We find joy in serving our Lord by helping others repent and come unto Him. This joy is in others. Joy can only be found in serving and helping others grow (see D&C 18:10-16).

WE LEARN FROM THE PROPHETS

If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burdens, and your own burdens will be lighter. Truly in the words of Jesus of Nazareth: “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt. 10:39.)

(Ezra Taft Benson, Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990], 59 - 60.)

Joy is sweeter than pleasure. Joy is an emotion excited with the acquisition or expectation of good. Pleasure is a state of gratification of the senses or mind and may be sensuous. It may be self-indulgence. It is nearly always transitory. Joy and happiness are permanent. Joy is pleasure not to be repented of.

(David O. McKay, Steppingstones to an Abundant Life [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1971], 219.)

HERE ARE FOUR IDEAS WE CAN ACT UPON TO HELP US FIND JOY AND HAPPINESS:

1. Joy and Happiness depend on how we relate to God and His commandments.

·      Obedience -- Happiness come through obeying God, keeping His commandments (see Prov. 29:18), and blessing others (see Alma 36:24; D&C 15:6).

·      Receiving the love of God – God’s love expressed through the gift of His Beloved Son (see John 3:16-17) is the source of our happiness, the fruit of the Tree of Life (see 1 Nephi 8:10). This love, which can dwell in our hearts, causes us to live righteously and to enjoy happiness (4 Nephi 1:15-16).

·      Separation from God brings sorrow – We separate ourselves from God through wickedness and lose the Spirit because of our disobedience (see 2 Nephi 26:11; Mormon 1:14). We cannot enjoy true happiness in wickedness -- because wickedness never was happiness (see Alma 41:10).

·      Blessings -- Knowing that by keeping the commandments and covenants we can dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness (see Mosiah 2:41), we are motivated and drawn forward in our desire to repent and humbly seek and pursue happiness (see Alma 27:18).

·      Peace -- Happiness is inner peace that endures because of righteousness. It is a gift from the Lord. It is peace that transcends mortality (see D&C 59:23).

·      Live after the manner of happiness --

2. Joy and Happiness depends on how we deal with ourselves and our use of Agency.

·      Attitude – An attitude of faith and hope attracts us to the conditions and possibilities of joy and happiness. It is the way we choose to live (see 2 Nephi 5:27). Our attitudes will effect our level of happiness almost more than anything else, because as we think, so are we. “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be,” said Abraham Lincoln. 

·      Principles -- Happiness is knowing that you have aligned your life with gospel principles and values that are not momentary and fleeting, but have endurance and give continuity to our lives. Our “contentment level” must come from adherence to values and standards that are designed to bring us happiness. We cannot be happy doing things that bring hurt to ourselves and others.

·      Rejoicing in success-- Happiness is knowing that we have overcome ourselves in our trials and temptations, our weaknesses and mortal frailties.

·      Being -- Happiness is a state of being, not a state of ownership or worldly attainment. Don’t let success and happiness depend on possessions or positions or comparisons.

3. Happiness depends on how we relate to and serve others.

·      Service -- Happiness is the perception that we have enriched the life of others in ways that bring them lasting joy and peace (see Alma 36:24).

·      Togetherness -- Happiness is togetherness with those we love. When we have someone to share our happiness with, we are happier (see D&C 18:10-16).

·      Joy and Happiness in others growth and success -- Happiness is the capacity to discern and see in every person the capacity as a child of God striving, growing, and reaching to become like Him. You literally joy in other people’s success (See also Alma 29:14).

4. Happiness depends on how we deal with life.

·      Meaning -- Happiness is an assurance that you have gained the vision of eternal life sufficient to infuse your being with purpose, meaning, and the hope of an eternal family living in the presence of God.

·      Simplicity -- Happiness is the ability to see in any given moment the purpose of life, goodness, and joy -- just because you are alive and can choose your steps in life. Don’t look beyond the mark. Enjoy the journey of life. Find joy in the simple things of life along the way.

·      Beauty -- Happiness is the thrill of experiencing the beauties of nature in all its wondrous variety and abundance -- and realizing that it is a gift from God because He loves us.

·      Remember always the tender mercies and goodness of God  

            

Ponder the Tender Mercies and Goodness of God

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. (Moroni 10:3.)

(1 Nephi 1:20.)

20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

(1 Nephi 8:8.)

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

(Ether 6:12.)

12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

(1 Nephi 1:1.)

1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

(1 Nephi 5:4.)

4 And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I know that I am a visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren.

(2 Nephi 9:10.)

10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.

(2 Nephi 33:14.)

14 And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day.

(Jacob 1:7.)

7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.

(Mosiah 4:5-6.)

5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—

6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—

(Mosiah 5:3.)

3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

(Mosiah 25:10.)

10 And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.

(Mosiah 27:22.)

22 And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.

(Alma 12:32.)

32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.

(Alma 24:7.)

7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers.

(Alma 57:25.)

25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.

(Alma 57:36.)

36 Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these words of Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the goodness of God in preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea, and I trust that the souls of them who have been slain have entered into the rest of their God.

(3 Nephi 4:33.)

33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction.

 

·       “Happiness is a by-product of helping others. No man ever finds happiness by thinking of himself.” -- Royden G. Derrick 

·      “There is no other way by which the individual can attain to his own happiness than that which leads to the common happiness of all.” -- Richard Cumberland  (Think of D&C 128:15—Perfection is in vicariously serving one another. It is the basis of the Plan of Happiness as Christ sacrificed for and served us.)

·      “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.” -- Victor Hugo

(John 3:16; 2 Nephi 26:24)

Happiness and Joy Quotes

A life can never be happy that is focused inward. Source: ENSIGN, November 1985, p. 13
Author: Robert L. Backman

Happiness is a by-product of helping others. No man ever finds happiness by thinking of himself. Source: ENSIGN, May 1977, p. 58
Author: Royden G. Derrick

Has anyone ever poured happiness into the lives of others without becoming drenched in it himself? Source: ENSIGN, December 1976, p. 59
Author: Rose A. Openshaw

There is no other way by which the individual can attain to his own happiness than that which leads to the common happiness of all. Source:
Author: Richard Cumberland

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. Source:
Author: Joseph Smith

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Source:
Author: Abraham Lincoln

Man is always happy when he is righteous. Source:
Author: Brigham Young

Every human being either adds to or subtracts from the happiness of those with whom he comes in contact.

In seeking happiness for others, you find it in yourself.

Gather the crumbs of happiness and they will make you a loaf of contentment.

THE WAY TO HAPPINESS

Keep your heart free from hate,

Your mind from worry. Live simply.

 Expect little. Give much.

There is only one way to be happy,
And that is to make somebody else so.
Author: Sidney Smith

The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are LOVED.

Author: Victor Hugo

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise man grows it under his feet. Author: James Oppenheim

Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.

Author: Libbie Fudim

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes real happiness. It is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Author: Helen Keller

Grief can take care of itself; but to get the full value of joy, you must have somebody to share it with.
Author: Mark Twain

Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.

The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.
Author: Victor Hugo

Happiness is doing--not having.

 Happiness
Take 2 heaping cups of Patience
1 heartful of love
2 hands full of generosity
1 handful of understanding
A dash of laughter
Sprinkle generously with kindness, add plently of faith and mix well. Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve everyone you meet.

Only by aligning our wills with God's is full happiness to be found. Anything less results in a lesser portion. ]
Author: Neal A. Maxwell

Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you.
Author: Harold B. Lee

ATTITUDE of CHOOSING to be HAPPY

Our feelings and thoughts about a situation often determine our actions and the ensuing results. Literature is replete with guidance on attitude and power: “Your attitude determines your altitude,” “You are what you think you are,” “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” And the list goes on and on. A positive attitude is an important building block in one’s life. The big question is: What can you do in daily doses to maintain a positive attitude about life?

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

Proverbs 23:7. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

The heart is the center of the soul, the mirror of the mind, and the emotional center of our very beings. Our lives eventually become the results of the feelings and yearnings of our hearts. Often, we act on our thoughts and our feelings.

1 John 3:3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

When our attitude is one of hope, looking forward and being positive with faith, we tap into the power of our Savior Jesus Christ, with astounding results. Hope has power because it is interrelated to faith and charity.

Moroni 7:6–8. For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.

The attitude and motivation for our actions can make all the difference. If our attitude is good and motivated by love, our deeds are acceptable before God. As we act with hope in Christ, our capacity for righteousness increases.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Gordon B. Hinckley:

I hope that we will cultivate an attitude of looking for positive elements that lead to growth and enthusiasm. (Faith: The Essence of True Religion [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989], 77)

The Lord has said: “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made” (D&C 25:13).

I believe He is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people . . . who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk in faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine. (“Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism,” New Era, July 2001, 4)

Neal A. Maxwell:

At the center of our agency is our freedom to form a healthy attitude toward whatever circumstances we are placed in! Those, for instance, who stretch themselves in service—though laced with limiting diseases—are often the healthiest among us. The Spirit can drive the flesh beyond where the body first agrees to go! (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book, ed. Cory H. Maxwell [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 24)

James E. Faust:

The Savior reminds us, “All things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23), and “All things shall work together for your good” (D&C 90:24). The attitude with which we submit to “all things” is important. Maintaining a positive attitude and being cheerful are helpful. A belief that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” is like a spiritual stabilizer. (D&C 122:7.) (Reach Up for the Light [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], 83)

SOME IDEAS TO ACT UPON

1. Orient your being toward Christ and His gospel.

●            Remember your heritage and your destiny—Knowing we are children of God Himself can help us have a better perspective of ourselves and others. We have been promised eternal life if we keep the commandments.

●            Faith in Christ is the source of a positive attitude—Because of the Savior’s Atonement, there is hope for a better life now and in the eternities. The more we exercise faith and hope, the more positive we will feel and the better we will do.

●            Living the gospel requires thinking in gospel terms—Since mental outlook has such a dynamic power in our lives, it would seem that to live the gospel requires a positive attitude. Doing much good is both the result and the perpetuation of good thoughts.

●            Your deeds reflect your attitudes—Our attitude towards our eternal roles and our Church callings will be reflected in our performance.

2. Focus on the benefits.

●            Self-esteem—A good attitude encourages good works and thoughts, which in turn encourages self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence.

●            Peace—A good attitude brings peace, and peace, in turn, helps sustain a good attitude. When you are at peace with your life as it relates to your values and behavior, your attitude toward life and others is good. To feel well and be well, we must think and do well.

●            Health—Research has repeatedly shown a positive relationship between attitude and physical and emotional health.

●            Contagious benefits—Your attitude affects everyone you come in contact with. All will see and feel your “upbeat spirit.”

●            Gratitude—An attitude of gratitude is a catalyst for righteousness.

●            Overcome problems—When you have a positive attitude, your problems often become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, and your capacity to do good increases.

3. Give yourself the choice.

●            Teach yourself—Remember that attitudes can be learned—the earlier the better. Just as you can teach a child to have a positive outlook on life, you can do the same for yourself. Set goals to create habits that cultivate a more positive attitude.

●            Keep learning—The saying “What you are not up on, you are down on” confirms that knowledge and understanding not only give you power, but a change in attitude.

●            Adjust your perspective—You can choose to look at things in a positive way (for example, the glass is always “half full” rather than “half empty”).

4. Serve others.

●            Lift yourself by lifting others—Thinking of others always helps your own attitude and well-being; selfishness only hurts your attitude.

●            Be patient—Withholding judgment and practicing patience will usually keep your attitude on a positive note.

●            Give praise—Receiving praise always makes one’s attitude better. Praising others sincerely is one way you can help them develop a better attitude, and help improve your own attitude at the same time.

Your Pursuit of Happiness and Joy

The prophet Joseph taught clearly and poignantly the purpose of our existence. He said, “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. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received.”

(Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951], 5: 134 - 135.)

Now that we know that happiness is the purpose of our existence and what we need to do to obtain it we should be busily engaged in seeking it (see Alma 27:18). We must understand where happiness comes from. Happiness is found as described by Nephi. “And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.” (1 Nephi 8:10.) The Tree of Life and its fruit is a representation of the love of God (1 Nephi 11:22, 25). Happiness comes to us as we partake of the love of God. The love of God is expressed, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.) We receive this love as we accept Jesus as the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, take His name upon us and promise to keep His commandments. We are in the business of happiness. We seek it and want all mankind to receive it by coming unto Christ. This is how Alma expressed his happiness and joy when he said, “Yea, and from that time (the time of his conversion) even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Alma 36:24.)

The world would have you think that happiness comes from things, possessions, positions, appetites and passions satisfied and a whole host of external gratification. The happiness of the world is fleeting and must continually be increased with more of everything, more drugs, more fame and fortune, more things and more sensational and sensual appetites being appeased. This kind of so called happiness never satisfies but leaves one disillusioned and disenchanted with life when people come to realize that they have sold their soul for a moment of carnal pleasure and have sought happiness from a source other than God. True happiness is lasting and eternal and supports one in the trials and tribulations of life for it is built upon the Lord Jesus Christ and when we build upon this Rock we will never fall (see Hel. 5:12).

When the prophet Joseph mentioned…” this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God,” we can see how the Celestial law as described in 3 Nephi 12-14 surely leads one to living a happy life. Beginning with the beatitudes when the Lord says, “Blessed are”…which literally means “How happy are.” You see happiness is in following the plan of happiness and in keeping the commandments of God just as King Benjamin described, “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, 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.” (Mosiah 2:41.)

When you truly come unto Christ you will find happiness as you seek to serve and bless others, express love and kindness to all you come in contact, pray for the well-being of others and their happiness, count your blessings, look outward instead of inward, express gratitude at every opportunity possible, praise others, being filled with hope through the Lord Jesus Christ and remembering the counsel of the prophet Joseph, ”this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”

Yes, I have maintained a cheerful disposition and I will gladly share with you some positive ideas:

1.     ï Learn to love the calling that you have in the Church. You can learn to love it so much it becomes invigorating.

2.     ï Learn to be satisfied. It is just as easy as being dissatisfiedóand much more pleasant.

3.     ï Learn to accept adversity. No matter who you are or where you serve, you are going to have some. But do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember, a kite rises against the wind, rather than with it!

4.     ï Get in the habit of saying pleasant things rather than making negative remarks.

5.     ï Live the present moment to the hilt, and do not live in the past or in the future. Success is a journey, not a destination.

6.     ï Live and honor the covenants that you made at the time of your baptism and in the temple.

7.     ï And when you have reached the age of seventy, you must resist the urge to straighten out everybody's affairs and admit occasionally that you might be mistaken.

(Jacob de Jager, "Service and Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 31)

May the Lord bless us to find joy and happiness as we serve the Lord