Our Search for Happiness

Our Search for Happiness by James E. Faust

…..In Tolstoy’s book War and Peace, the Russian writer had his character Pierre Bezúkhov learn “that man is created for happiness, that happiness is within him, in the satisfaction of simple human needs, and that all unhappiness arises not from privation but from superfluity” (trans. Louise and Aylmer Maude [1942], 1176). So often we find ourselves striving for the superfluity. We are not content with what we have and think that happiness comes from having more or acquiring more or being more. We look for happiness but go in the wrong direction to find it…..

….. In the story The Little Prince, the fox was wiser than he knew when he said, “Now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, trans. Katherine Woods [1943], 70). The odyssey to happiness lies in the dimension of the heart. Such a journey is made on stepping-stones of selflessness, wisdom, contentment, and faith. The enemies of progress and fulfillment are such things as self-doubt, a poor self-image, self-pity, bitterness, and despair. By substituting simple faith and humility for these enemies, we can move rapidly in our search for happiness…..

I believe in Christ

Detail from Christ and the Rich Young Ruler, by Heinrich Hofmann, courtesy of C. Harrison Conroy Co.; background iStockphoto/Thinkstock

     There is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved. --Lehi

     I believe in Christ; he is my King!

With all my heart to him I'll sing;

I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised.

     I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!

As Mary's Son he came to reign

'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ, who marked the path,

Who did gain all his Father hath,

Who said to men: "Come, follow me,

That ye, my friends, with God may be."

     I believe in Christ-my Lord, my God!

My feet he plants on gospel sod.

I'll worship him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.

From Satan's grasp he sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In his eternal courts above.

     I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!

From him I'll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I'll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

Text: Bruce R. McConkie, 1915-1985. © 1972 IRI

 Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. © 1985 IRI

Madera Miracle

Family Gatherings Matter

     It was apropos today that Christmas is on a Tuesday and I am currently studying the last Tuesday of  our Savior's ministry prior to the atonement.  Matthew 23:37-39 reads:

      O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I haved gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

      Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

      For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

     I see much likeness in the gathering of the family for Christmas and the gathering of the family for the eternity.  

     Why gather?  To receive blessings!

Jesus is the reason for the season and He desires us to be happy!

Family

Family

     The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. … Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Thankful for the Teachings of Jesus

     In my scripture study this morning I was reading John chapter 6 and passages in the companion scriptures of Matthew 14, Mark 6, and Luke 9.  I was pondering the similarity between Jesus and the multitude in the desert [solitary] place being miraculously fed and Moses and the Israelites in the desert being fed manna.  Mark states, “They considered not of the loaves: for their hearts were hardened.”  How often do we forget the everyday miracles we experience?  The scriptures often tell us we need a contrite spirit and we need a broken heart.  Then I came to John 6:22 “The day following…” and verse 27 reads,

“Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man hath power to give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed.”

     Jesus goes on to say that he is the bread that Father gave unto the world.  I know that faith casteth out all fear.  How apropos that the teaching of Peter walking on the water is part of this reading (see Matthew 14:28-31).  May we all partake of the bread of Life.

Mother and Son Parting

Farewell My Stripling Warrior, by Del Parson

     This image was inspired by my wife and son when he was leaving on his mission. We were at the airport saying our good-byes, and I watched him as he hugged my wife. She was hanging on, having a very hard time letting him go, and he was hugging her, but he was looking beyond her — toward the airplane. He was obviously ready to go. The expression on her face was one of trepidation. It was as if she were asking herself, "Have I prepared him for this? Have I done all I could?" While his expression was one of eager determination. He had been preparing so long for this and he was ready to get started.

     That moment made me think of the story of the Stripling Warriors. Those two thousand young men had never fought before. They had no idea what they were up against, or what to expect going into battle against the Lamanites, but that didn't matter to them. They were prepared in spirit and in faith. They knew that the things their mothers had taught them were true, and they were willing to march into the unknown, with their strength and courage coming from their faith. I think about those young men and their resolve to defend their families and their homes. They went forth with bravery and they succeeded. Then I think about their mothers. I know how worried and afraid they must have been. That's what moms do. They worry and they wonder if they have prepared their sons. That is really the feeling I wanted to portray in this painting.