Happy Still

I'm such a random blogger that probably no one will read this, but I want to share some thoughts anyway. This morning as I read in Mormon 9:14 about the final judgment, these words jumped out me:

"he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still."

WOW - Talk about motivation!!! I've been working for a couple of years on not being critical. In other words, being more positive. In other words, being happy. And it's a challenge for me. But knowing that I am training myself for how I'll be eternally makes me want to try again and makes me want to keep trying until I succeed. I don't want to be "unhappy still" for eternity!

Coincidentally, in today's email I received a FHE idea from LDS Living on optimism. You can check it out at http://www.ldsliving.com/e/2009/fhe/FHE010309.pdf.

Here is a story from it that goes along with my scripture study thoughts:

Janet Lee, wife of the late Rex E. Lee, former president of Brigham Young University, remembers an occasion when Sister [Marjorie Pay] Hinckley's optimistic outlook changed her own perspective:

Several years ago, during the Christmas season, President and Sister Hinckley came to BYU for a musical event. Before the program, there was a buffet dinner, and at one point while the men were away from our table, the women began to talk about the frustrations of getting ready for Christmas. Our conversation focused on the fact that everything about the season was becoming a burden for women. We bear the responsibility of selecting gifts, organizing social events, preparing everyone's favorite food, and making certain that family, guests, and even the less fortunate
have a merry Christmas. We felt overwhelmed if not resentful.

Sister Hinckley listened patiently, and then without the slightest edge of criticism in her voice said, "I love Christmas. It is the most joyful of all seasons. I love seeing the eyes of little children light up on Christmas morning. I love giving gifts. I love being with my family. We just need to simplify and remember what we are celebrating."

After she had spoken, something magical happened. Our attitudes shifted, and we began to talk about the birth of our Savior and the spirit of giving. In the years that have passed since those words were spoken, a burden has been lifted for me during the holidays. As I shop, prepare food, and join with friends and family to celebrate the birth of our Savior, her words nurture and calm me. "I love Christmas," I hear her say, and I let her teach me to relax and enjoy the season.
(Virginia H. Pearce, Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1999].)

And here's an activity idea (that I'm going to use in our FHE lesson tonight!):

Give each family member a pencil or pen and a piece of paper. Turn out the lights and have all family members close their eyes. Tell them that peeking will not be allowed.

Have everyone draw a picture of a beautiful lake with mountains in the background and trees around the edge. Tell everyone to draw a boat on the lake with members of your family in it. Tell them to do the best they can with their eyes closed. When they are finished, turn the lights on and have them share their handiwork. Chances are the pictures will be barely recognizable. Have them turn their pictures over and draw the same picture again, this time with the lights on and their eyes open. Compare the two drawings.

Explain that the scripture in this lesson (see above) gives us a reason why we should be happy (be of good cheer). Have the family name the reason. (Jesus is in our midst). Tell the family that drawing in the dark is like trying to go through life without the help of the light and direction that Jesus gives us. Turning on the light is like having him guide and direct us.