Hymns

Happy Day 25

Comfort and peace. 

Happiness Talk - Parley's 7th Ward 8/31/14

Happiness

100 happy days

Several months ago,Our grandson, Matthew Mathison’s school teacher, bravely shared her struggle with infertility.  She and her husband had tried unsuccessfully for years to conceive a child.  She was about to undergo her last in vitro attempt.  Via email, she humbly asked families of her students to please pray for her – to pray to their own personal God in her behalf that she and her husband would be blessed with a child. A brave and vulnerable  request.   Her prayers were answered as were the prayers of many parents and students who love her.  A miracle of faith!  She is expecting a child in a few months. 

She moved to Chicago and to keep in touch and express gratitude she is posting her 100 Happy Days on Instagram.  I love the idea – a perfect project to seek happy moments, recognize blessings and express gratitude for a wonderful life.

I found this is a popular project on social media – 100 Happy Days  The website says this-

"The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the bridge towards long term happiness.   71% of people tried to complete this challenge, but failed quoting lack of time as the main reason.  These people simply did not have time to be happy. 

People successfully completing the challenge claimed to

Start noticing what makes them happy every day.

Be in a better mood

Start receiving more compliments

Realize how lucky they are to have the life they have

Become more optimistic

Fall in love during the challenge."

This is not a new concept.  Gratitude journals serve a similar purpose.  Most importantly, prayer.   We are admonished to begin our prayers with first thanking our Father in Heaven for our blessings. 

 I have read and enjoyed the book, “The Happiness Project” written by Gretchen Rubin. She begins with a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson:

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. "

People asked her:  "so if you’re pretty happy, why do a happiness project?"  She replied:

“I am happy – but I’m not as happy as I should be.  I have such a good life, I want to appreciate it more and live up to it better.  I think if I felt happier I’d behave better. 

Contemporary research shows that happy people are more altruistic, more productive, more helpful, more likable, more creative, more resilient, more interested in others, friendlier and healthier.  Happy people make better friends, colleagues and citizens.  I wanted to be one of those people.”

  

I loved President Uchdorff’s talk in April conference.

I have selected a few of my favorite quotes from his address:

"Over the years, I have had the sacred opportunity to meet with many people whose sorrows seem to reach the very depths of their soul.  In these moments, I have listened to my beloved brothers and sisters and grieved with them over their burdens.  Often their grief is caused  by what seems to them as an ending. Some are facing the end of a cherished relationship.  Others feel they are facing the end of hope – the hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness.  Others may be facing the end of their faith, as confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempt them to question, even abandon what they once knew to be true.  Sooner or later all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated and adrift.

There is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives.  There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.  We can be grateful. 

Some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?"

Instead of being thankful for things – focus on being thankful in our circumstances. 

Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God.  It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true.  True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony.  It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trust that one day we will.

Our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness; that through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones; that in the end we will have glorious, perfect and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced

with an abundance of happiness and joy, “good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over. 

The Lord has given us His promise that those “who receive all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious, and the things of this earth shall be added unto them, even an hundred fold yea more.  DC 78:19”  end of Uchdorff quote

Nephi, one of my heroes – even after all he had been through, exclaimed:

“And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." 2 Nephi 5:27

I love the Chinese Symbol of Double Happiness. We used it as the theme for our daughter Camille’s wedding and has been a focal point in our home ever since.  

To achieve happiness – make someone else happy and as a result you are happy too. 

Double Happiness – so simple, so profound.

When you focus on others rather than yourself  happiness increases- 

Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

One of the low points in my life has been an empty nest.  For 30 plus years I was focused on raising and serving my children and suddenly I found myself “lost at sea".  I’ve had to refocus and work hard to fill my life with purpose and meaning.  I think we must constantly readjust our sources of focus, service and happiness – a never ending project and challenge. 

I love this Audrey Hepburn quote:

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.  I believe that Happy girls are the prettiest girls.  I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

Happiness is living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Last week, Elder Ballard gave these suggestions to students at the Ogden Institute:

"If you stay anchored to the gospel of Jesus Christ, I promise that you will not have any challenge you can’t deal with.  Make time for self-evaluation.  Find and befriend a lonesome person.  Stay clear of harmful things.  Say thanks to your parents.  Don’t forget to pray.  And never take life too seriously – it’s OK to have fun."

Elder Ballard concluded with an invitation to take the journey to Gethsemane.  "Come to know the Lord by studying the scriptures and those essential moments in the Garden of Gethsemane when Christ atoned for the sins of the world.  You will have an experiene that will change your life forever.  Jesus Christ wants to be your friend.  Let Him in.  Turn your eyes to Gethsemane and you will find inner strength and power to carry on and do whatever it is that faces you."

I am on day 25 of the happiness challenge.  It has been a fun project and has raised my spirits and helped me recognize the true source of my happiness.  I’ve realized that happiness is not some grand event – but – often, small quiet moments – recognized through the whisperings of the Spirit – moments shared with family and friends – simple things.  Most importantly, happiness comes as we try a little harder to be a little better, rejoicing in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and striving to become like Him. 

I challenge each of you to recognize and be grateful for happy moments – let your life be anchored to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be grateful in every circumstance.  Lose yourself to find yourself. Make someone else happy and you’ll be happy as well. 

Who doesn’t need a little more happiness? 

I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen 

Freshly Picked

Happy Day 24

 

Delicious apples from our tree. 

City Views

Happy Day 23

We hiked to the top of the world. Vistas!

Clean Sweep

Happy Day 22

David spent two days dejunking the garage. It's nice to be clutter free and so shiny and clean. 

Baby Samuel

Happy Day 21

Cruising

Happy Day 20

On a walk through the "hood" we ran into our friend Ryan. We were missing our Lake Pals - so fun to see him and his latest restoration project. 

Fitly Framed Together

Happy Day 19

It is my privilege to attend church at the beautiful Granite Tabernacle, built in the 1930's and dedicated by President Heber J. Grant. It is a magnificent building; housing such fine craftsmanship -  Garden of Eden Murals, fireplaces, gold leafing and stencilling, wrought iron, barley twist pillars, unique brick designs, ballroom, colored glass windows, tiled parrot room, balcony - a truly marvelous place to worship. 

Over 700 members gather together each week. The spirit fills the magnificent space and the hearts of the faithful. I feel God's love for me. I know He loves these single women and men so very much. This is a holy place, a haven where lost sheep can find their Shepherd;  He forgives, He comforts and blesses all who seek Him. I'm grateful and happy to be a part of this talented, loving and unique ward. 

Now therefore, ye are no more strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:

In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple of The Lord. 

In whom ye also are builders together for an habitation of God through the spirit. 

       Ephesians 2:19-22

Lake Pals

Happy Day 18

It was a wonderful week in Lake Powell with the Nielsons and friends from our singles ward :  sunshine, skiing, surfing, starry nights and lots of laughter. Grant King, master of ceremonies, dubbed it "Best Trip Ever!".

Morning Rain

Happy Day 17

It was a beautiful morning walking through the Country Club with Ann, Liz and Vicki - quiet and peaceful and a little wet - fresh and clean. I love rain any time. 

Welcome Home

Happy Day 16

David spent the last four months in Seattle working for Three Form Light Art. It was a great opportunity to intern for such a well-respected and innovative company. He drove home today - 842 miles - 11 hours. It is so good to have him here. 

He bought a Boreas tent - a cool new design. David makes our home much more fun. Love him. 

Garden Tomatoes

Happy Day 15

I love freshly harvested garden tomatoes - a fine and wonderful delicacy. We have a bounteous crop this year!

The Garden of Eden

Happy Day 14

A perfect night hitting a few with my personal pro. I'm beginning to enjoy this game! 

School Shopping

Happy Day 13

One of my favorite traditions is school shopping. When I was a teenager, I ventured to Salt Lake City from Ogden and spent happy hours exploring Adrian and Emilie, Makoffs, the Paris, Auerbachs, ZCMI and William B. Woods. 

I loved taking my children shopping and lunching before school began. Now it is my pleasure to take my beautiful, smart and sweet granddaughters. It's so wonderful to be their BB!

Home Tour

Happy Day 12

I have always loved beautiful homes and gardens. My dear friend, Jodi Wood, took me to see an exquisite estate - the most beautiful home I've ever encountered. Rochelle Warner, designer extraordinaire, was there to give us a private tour. We spent a very happy afternoon appreciating every detail of this unique property - such a feast for the eyes. 

Standing Alone

Happy Day 11

Annie and I shared a fun night traveling to Provo. We drove past the old Provo Tabernacle which is being renovated to become a temple. It was cloudy and rainy  - Angel Moroni was so beautiful and strong, standing alone amidst the turbulent sky. 

 Annie forwarded me this photo and quote:

"The angel Moroni stands atop the temple as a shining symbol of our faith. In a degenerate society he remained pure and true. He is my hero. He stood alone. He stands alone today, beckoning us to have courage, to remember who we are, to "arise and shine forth", to rise above the worldly clamor and to, as Isaiah prophesied, 'Come to the Mountain of The Lord - the Holy Temple."

      --Elaine Dalton

We all stand alone at times and can do hard things. 

Thank you Annie for your example friendship, and love of the temple. 

Birthday Bests

Happy Day 10

Dear friends planned a birthday hike for Liz, Ann and me. The scenery in Millcreek Canyon (Bowman Fork Trail) was spectacular and the after hike brunch was delicious. I love these forever friends. 

Hike and flowers - Jodi

Food and planning - Wendy and Vicki

Rise and Shine

Happy Day 9 

It's been a wonderful summer break but I was thankful to return to temple service this morning  - even with a 4:30 a.m. alarm. 

Yesterday in sacrament meeting we were challenged to magnify our talents and let our light shine brightly. I'm going to work a little harder to be a little better. 

Childhood Friends

Happy Day 8

It has been a happy weekend having David home. Yesterday morning he and friends waterskiied and came home for lunch. I have many happy memories of friends gathered around our kitchen counter - makes my heart happy. 

Welcome to the Mountain of The Lord

Happy Day 7

Today David's childhood friend, Max Wood, was married. The temple sealer greeted us, "Welcome to the Mountain of the Lord!"  I love the temple and was so very happy to be there today. 

I'm grateful for eternal families and forever friendships. 

Summer of Magic

Happy Day 6

A Magical Summer and it's not over. 

Thank you Mathisons - it was magic for me too!