How Do You Find Happiness?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-06-01-we-can-find-happiness?lang=eng

I'm always surprised when people give me sympathy. By this time you wouldn't think that I would be surprised since I've been ill for over 45 years. When I tell them that I can't eat wheat or dairy, must avoid petrochemicals (plastics, perfumes, polyester etc. . . . ), and often have little energy, their eyes grow round, then they blurt out that "They couldn't live that way!" They actually seem to have a hard time believing that I could really be happy.

Is It Really Great?

A little is too much! I've lived long enough to see the degenerating effect that choosing entertainment that dulls and crushes the spirit has had on society. Slowly we are being lead downward as more and more we excuse "just a little bad".  Motivated by greed, those who pander the base and the crude are making themselves rich as they weaken our souls. 

"The books you read, the magazines you read, the videos you look at, the television programs you look at, the shows you go to, all have an effect on you and will do if you subject yourself to the influence of those titillating kinds of things which are designed to make you poor and somebody else rich. Stay away from them." 

Gordon D. Hinckley Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1995 to 2008

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-gordon-b-hinckley/chapter-7-the-whispering-of-the-spirit?lang=eng

New Year - New Start

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-12-21-new-years-look-not-behind-thee?lang=eng

Here are some New Yorkers thoughts on beginning a New Year. They talk about the mistake Lot's wife made of looking back instead of moving forward.

This year I too am poised to either move on, or live in the past. Last New Year's day, my life was miserable, but very settled. After desperately praying for help, I felt impressed to go to St George, a town three hours south of where we lived. Surprised, I found myself on my feet, and knew we needed to move there if I wanted better health. We did, and my health has greatly improved.

My question now is, will I look back? Will I allow the fears of returning to poor health hobble my efforts to regain my strength? Will I reach out and make new friendships, or long to return to the comfort of my old community? Will I reach out in love to those around me, or moan that my children live far away? Will I sulk over all I can't do, or share what I can do? Will I sit dejectedly in my home, or be out as much as I can? Will I look to the future with hope and energy, or fear and depression? Will I retreat into the past, or move into the future?

Will this be a good new year? The choice is mine. Though my efforts are feeble, if I allow the Lord to help me, this will be the best year ever!

Faith - Choosing to Believe

April 5, 2016    Faith - Choosing to Believe

Written June 2014 to answer a friend's question.

I agree with you that you have to choose to believe. Some people no matter what experiences they have; no matter what they see, hear, or feel simply refuse to believe. I see the Lord's creations around me and I choose to believe in their creator. I have tried God's commandments and found them good and know they they have enriched my life and brought me and my family great happiness. I choose to believe in the giver of these guides to happiness. I have had many, many personal experiences where the Lord has helped and guided me. I trust my own experiences and choose to believe in a God who loves me. My brother once said to me that if there really was a God, then He should show Himself to him and he would believe.

Here is something to think about from the Book of Mormon - Alma 32:17 to 19
17 Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe.

 18 Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it.

 19 And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?

What does a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe about Blind Obedience and Freedom

Go here to download this fun video. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-1260-act-for-themselves?category=topics/agency&lang=eng

I have often heard, "I would never be a Mormon. They believe in blind obedience. I value my freedom and will not blindly follow some leader, some Prophet." There are dictators and cult leaders who through military force, drugs, and personal charisma are able to make others submit to their will, but they are never able to maintain this control for very long. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1836 nearly two hundred years ago and is now a thriving worldwide church of over 15 million people. Would so many people join and remain in a church where they were required to surrender their right to make decisions, to think for themselves? Are our eighteen year old missionaries that charismatic? Hardly!

People say, but you follow a prophet. Yes, we do. What would have happened to the people of Israel if they had not followed the prophet, Moses, who led them out of slavery in Egypt?  As one of our Apostles explained, "We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see. " 

Why doesn't God stop bad things from happening?

Should all good be rewarded? 
If we try and do good things, should we be blessed with a life of ease and comfort? Is a wealthy person more righteous than a poor person? Should a loving God save us from all suffering?  Should only the evil experience pain? What would life be like if all good deeds were immediately rewarded and all bad deeds immediately punished?