The Truth About Happiness

Happiness is one of things that people are always in search of.

It might be that dream job that they have always wanted. The new Prada shoes in the window at the shop on Main St. It could be to meet "the one". Many think, "Oh, I'll be happy when..." 

Why not be happy now?

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."

-Charles Spurgeon

Happiness isn't determined by some one else. My dad didn't call me this morning and tell me that I would be happy today. I made that decision on my own. Only I can control my own happiness.

"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition."  

-Martha Washington

CHOOSE to be happy. Of course things about our lives aren't perfect. Nothing will be. You may not be where you thought you were going to be. You might have family that causes problems. These may be influential in your life but no matter what you can be HAPPY. 

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."-Abraham Lincoln

How I Prepared Myself To Hear the Prophet's Words This Weekend

My missionary friend, Elder Augustus, challenged me in his email this week to come up with questions and pray to have them answered during conference.

"CHALLENGE TIME. Pray and think of questions you want answered, and write them down at the top of your notes for conference. Watch them get answers. "

I thought about it for a few days and had a hard time coming up with questions.

I won't share my specific questions but I will share how I came up with them. 

Like I said I thought about it for a long time. I had no idea what to ask. I even thought, "Oh I don't have any questions." Nope! I actually came up with 8! 

First, read past conference talks. Read a few you that you forgot were given and ponder what they say in them. Is there something you don't fully understand from their talk? Write it down. 

Second, read your patriarchal blessing. This is the one that actually gave me most insight on what questions I wanted answered. Identify the counsel, warnings, and "stand out phrases". Use those to help you understand what you should be prepared for and then ask how to become prepared for that specific event. 
You might also try and identify a major theme in your blessing and study that. Then come up with questions you have about that subject. 

Third, pray. Pray to have a remembrance of some questions that you had over the past 6 months. The Lord will answer your prayers and bring to your remembrance past events and words that were said that inspired a question. 

After you have written down some questions pray that they might be answered. Pray before each session that you might hear what you need to hear. 

Lastly, as you listen TAKE NOTES. Don't just take notes of the words being said over the pulpit, but take note of the words being said to JUST YOU. Write down your feelings and impressions during each session.