Happiness

Happiness. Probably the most desired feeling...the most desired possession, in existence, is many times one of the hardest to feel like you have gained. But, why? Why is it so hard to gain? Why is it so hard to hold on to? Why can we never seem to keep it once we feel we have it; once we feel we are finally happy? My thoughts, coming from personal study and some insightful discussions in recent church meetings, are that Satan, the Father of Deceit, has managed to warp the world's definition of this happiness that I am, as I'm sure all of you are, trying to securely lay hold of.

So, first, to make this post make any sense, the definition of happiness, true happiness, needs to be standardized and clarified. Today, in our busy, modern, hectic, demanding lives, I think all of us have seen having happiness as having "things"-at least at some point in our lives. I know that I have! I've wanted the newest phone or the funnest vacation or the highest grades, and the list can go on and on and on. I feel I can safely say that most of us have done that. Whether or not that definition still stands for us, it certainly is the general consensus of the world, aaaaaand, frankly, it's just not right! It isn't! I know because I've tried it before!

But many of us know that already. Happiness can't be found in these things because they aren't lasting. And, to be honest, nothing is guaranteed to make us feel the elated, blissful, "I'm going to explode" kinda happiness ALL of the time. There is another kind of happiness though. One that can be kept. And it's a little bit different than what we normally think of as happiness.

I'm going to say something kinda crazy here. We can by happy all the time. Take part of this definition of happiness from lds.org, for example, "As we seek to be happy, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. We will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service.". "Hold on a minute!", is what I said to myself the first time I read that. If we are praying for strength, that means we are going through struggles. If we are needing to repent, that means we have sinned, felt sorrow, guilt, and maybe even shame? How can this be happiness?

One answer is that we are working towards earning eternal happiness! Eternal JOY! I can't wait for that day when I am with my Savior and Heavenly Father again!!! But I think there is a better answer.

Happiness, by the scriptures, is not just the moment that our brains recognize the chemical causing us to feel "happy", but it is a way of living. Many ancient cultures considered it exactly that! It was not one distinct feeling, but the culmination of the choices that we make. In a sense, happiness is not just a thing that we GET, but something that we DO. It is the joy of our SPIRITS, not our BODIES. To help this make a little more sense, here are words from Jesus Christ himself, said in a revelation to Joseph Smith,

"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul." D&C 101:36-37






Much of what we experience on earth is with our bodies and our minds. Our spirits, however, are eternal, powerful beings! With a knowledge far greater than what we "know" because of the veil that has been placed over it. As we are put through trials, no matter how hard, as long as we work to continue to follow Jesus Christ our spirits are THRIVING! They are growing and strengthening! As we repent, we are following what Jesus Christ has asked of us and our spirits are becoming pure. Even as we make mistakes our spirits are maturing and developing, as long as it's followed by true repentance.

In 1 Peter 1:7 it says, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, thought it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Our trials, hardships, and pains are precious because they allow us to change, mature, and develop greater testimonies and further conversions - both things that make our spirits happy.

So, everyone, I'd just like to propose that y'all try out this new look on happiness! "Happiness is a condition of the soul. [A] joyous state [that] comes as a result of righteous living" (True Happiness, Hoyos).

Happiness is not just a fleeting moment of blissful feeling, smiles, and laughter, but a way of life!! It is a choice. It is following Jesus Christ.

Be Happy. Live Righteously. Love Life. Hardships, trials, and mistakes included. Lasting happiness can be gained, enjoyed, and kept because of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice.

HOPE!!! It's what we all need!

Well, the work here in Chapel Thrill (Hill), North Carolina continues to be just plain amazing! The last week or so has been just great! Really good things are going to be happening! I can FEEL it!!!

Anyways, let's start off with some updates on some of the best investigators in the entire world. Josh...oh Josh, how you test me, in a good way though! Josh has got to be one of the most Bible savvy people I have ever encountered. His knowledge of every single pivotal moment is basically flawless! So, you can imagine, he asks some really good, thought-provoking questions that have lead me to a much more thorough investigation of the Bible. It has been a growing experience.

The good thing is that he isn't asking them to argue or "bash", but to be thorough. He wants to make sure he knows our churches stance on many of the parables, and such, so that he can have a deeper knowledge of the teachings of our church and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is soooo great! Has a baptismal date and knows it's true! Just gotta keep him laser-focused these next couple months.

He also came to basketball with us last night! Which was AwEsOmE! I have two favorite quotes of his that made my night. The first was, "Well, I'm not really a basketball player, so......it's good exercise right??" Haha, he was just fine, by the way. The second wasn't really something he said with his mouth, more with his eyes.  I had a pretty good put back (surprised myself actually) and his look said "what in the world!? How is this lanky dude doing this!?". It felt good...real good.

We have had a couple lessons with one of our younger investigators, Peter. Peter is incredible, really. He has read all the way into Alma, all by himself. He has accepted a baptismal date, and continues to want to do all that he can to come closer to Jesus Christ. It is really humbling to see the actual power of the Atonement in him as he works and changes and sets himself in line with the gospel standards so that he can receive a divine witness of the truthfulness of the message the Book of Mormon shares. I'm am ecstatic to see his future progress! I'll keep y'all updated!

I think I'd like to share one quick thought with y'all about something I've studied, pondered, and been able to define with greater clarity for myself these last few weeks if that's alright?.....actually....ha.....you don't really have a choice ;-P

Anyways, HOPE. Hope has taken on a bit of a new meaning. I think we many times think of hope as something unsure or wavering. For example, I hope for a pony for Christmas!!! YAAAAAYYY!!!!! Ooooooor....I really hope Mom doesn't notice I broke that fancy candle stand thing again (true story). And this use of the word definitely isn't incorrect. Language has evolved so significantly since the time of the scriptures conception that the scriptural meaning of "Hope" can be lost on us - I know it was for me.

In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope, is sure, unwavering, and active. Moroni taught in Ether 12:4 that "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God". Hope is not these fragile wishings, but something sure and promised by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have hope that through the power of the Atonement I can become a more Christ-like person and live with my Father in Heaven again. I have hope that because the sealing power has been restored on earth, I will live with my family eternally. I have hope that when I pray, I will receive an answer. And all of these things I have hope for because of my faith in Jesus Christ.

In many ways, hope is our motivator. When I'm discouraged and my faith is withering, hope in God's promises can uphold me. When I'm annoyed or tempted to speak ill of others, hope can push me to continue to be charitable, even when I might think a person might merit it. Faith, hope, and charity work together, totally dependent on one another to help create harmony. They build upon each other and help the other continue. But, hope is the conqueror of despair, the victor over heartach, and catalyst to a stronger resolve to continue in the face of hardship.

Have hope! The grass is greener on the other side.


also...here are some pics....don't judge me too hard.

 Classic shot...enjoy?

 Found this awesome outside classroom. Nature study...I think yes!!! Except for Elder Bodily...he just does what he wants.