Rosemarie Layne: 10 September 2003 “HAPPINESS” by Peggy McCarthy3

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Happiness is the object and design of our existence and we will be blessed if we pursue the path that leads to it. The path is virtue, righteousness, faithfulness in keeping all the commandments. Happiness comes from within. You chose whether to be happy or not. Happiness is the purpose of our lives. We all seek happiness and may try to find it in many different ways. The only way to find true Joy, however, is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I know that everyone can testify to the fact that having accepted the Gospel is the way to happiness. Living the Gospel will bring us blessings now, and in the next life. The promise of the Gospel for this life is peace and happiness. The promise for life after death is eternal life and the fullness of joy.

In 1891, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph F. Smith said, “I would like my children and all the children in Zion to know that there is nothing in this world that is if so much value to them as the knowledge of the Gospel. 

God originated and designed all things. Beware of men who … would make you think and feel that the Lord Almighty, who made heaven and earth, and created all things, is limited in his dominion over earthly things to the capabilities of mortal men.

If we know the truth but act contrary we cannot be happy. Father in heaven is mindful of us and has given the commandments to guide us, to discipline us. He has also given us our free agency – freedom of choice to see if we will do all the things, whatsoever he shall command and choose to live morally clean. We cannot do wrong and be happy. Years of happiness can be lost as a result of surrendering to Satan’s enticement to self indulge. As we keep the standards. 

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outward in the scriptures there will be blessings and calming companionship of  the Holy Ghost and the feelings of Peace and Happiness. All Peace and happiness is possible through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 16:26 reads:
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be friends to all his children. He commanded us to forgive everyone and he will help us as we try to keep the commandments. If we have charity and virtuous thoughts, our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God.

Doctrines & Covenants 64:10:
“I, the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive but of you it is required to forgive all men.

John13:34 A new commandment that I give unto you that you love as I have loved you. Heavenly Father wants us to fill our lives with love and eliminate contention.

3 Nephi 11:29
He that has the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil who is the Father of contention.

We must be able to put our own wants and needs aside to show love and concern for others. Our thoughts and deeds cause us to be happy or not to be happy.

Work, our primary means of both growth and happiness, is ordained of God. A family will be strengthened by working together, and individual members will gain self-esteem by realizing that they can make a worthwhile contribution to the family.

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Proverbs 14: 23:
In all labour there is profit. Brothers and sisters plan and work in a way that will permit you to be happy even as you do it without certain things that in times of affluence may have been available to you. Live within your means and not beyond them. Where you have a plot of land, however small, plant a garden. Staying close to the soil is good for the soul. Purchase your essentials wisely and carefully. Strive to save a portion of that which you earn. Do not mistake many wants for basic needs.

We are given talents and gifts to help us fulfill our missions on this earth and to help us bless the lives of others. We have a responsibility to Heavenly Father, to ourselves and to others to develop our talents and gifts as completely as we can. The development of talents and gifts requires persistence and courage and patience but brings great joy.

Matthew 25:21:
Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord. Don’t seek happiness – create it. Happiness is wanting what you have, not having what you want.
Happiness is something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. To be happy free your heart from hatred, free your mind from worries, live simply, give more and expect less.

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A merry heart does good like a medicine. A sense of humour may save numerous difficult and awkward situations turning them into pleasant experiences. In addition to making life more pleasant for all concerned, a sense of humour also helps cushion the bumps along the road of living together. Every situation has at least two sides and what is emphasized may bring entirely
different results. It is important to look at the good side of people and experiences. We must use the power of forgiveness within us, to overcome anger, feelings of revenge, unhappy and bad feelings. Our Heavenly Father commanded us to forgive everyone and he will help us as we try to keep this commandment. If you have charity and virtuous thoughts your confidence will wax strong in the presence of God.

D& C 64:10:
“I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you, it is required to forgive all men.” Happy is the man whose hope relies on Israel’s God! He made the sky and earth and seas with all their train and none shall find his promise vain.

 There is a right way to live and be happy. Choose the right way …keep the commandments.

I leave you this in Jesus’ name.

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