Welcome brothers and sisters - I would like to thank all of you for coming tonight, I would also like to thank everyone that will be participating in our conference over the next two days, the music, prayers and speakers. None of these individuals that will speak have received a topic or assignment - what they will talk about hopefully comes from their hearts and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
In my case the topic I have chosen is one that is very personal - and there is no one in this congregation that should heed this counsel more than I should. So as I'm counseling myself I would invite you to listen and use it in your own lives if possible. Thankfully I will be using some wonderful quotes from Prophets of God.
In 1964 in preparation for the New York Worlds Fair the church introduced it's first film made and directed to non-members of the church. More than 5 million people watched the film at that time. It continued in wide use for more than 15 years when I used it as a missionary and who knows how much longer. It was called "Man's Search for Happiness." I believe, It's popularity stems from an innate longing each of us have to feel the love and happiness we felt in our preexistence.
Alma talking about the resurrection and what would happen to the righteous, stated that the righteous would be "raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God." He continued in the next verse saying they were "raised to happiness according to (their) desires of happiness."
I would assume that all of us want to be happy. As Alma stated we can be raised to happiness according to our desires of happiness. This would insinuate that ones happiness is a conscious decision. Given according to our desires. Could someone actually desire to be unhappy? Apparently so, as Alma continued with the famous words "wickedness never was happiness." He goes on to say that anything that is contrary to the nature of God can not and will not bring us happiness - but misery. How many times do we put the things of the world or the honors of men ahead of the teaching of the Savior. Many of these things we believe can bring us a temporary satisfaction or joy, but eventually they will be fleeting - true happiness can only be achieved through righteousness.
In our last general conference President Uchtdorf stated -
The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.`
You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.
So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation, a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial.
We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” “Rejoice and be glad in it.
Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it. (End Quote)
Brothers and sisters - this quote should be tattooed in my brain so it would be easier for me to remember. We should focus on the positive things that have happened in our lives. Even in my darkest moments there are areas of joy and satisfaction. When I have a difficult day at work - I know that I have a loving family at home. It would be impossible to list all of the areas of difficulty and concerns that we each have - but no matter how dark they may seem, we know that those infirmities, pains or sorrows have been felt by the Savior and that he understands what we are going through and He will give us the support that we need.
More than thirty years ago I was serving as a missionary in Santa Fe New Mexico. I was told that at the time it was one of the richest cities per-capita in the United States. On a daily basis we would track among some of the most beautiful homes I had ever seen - with very few exceptions when someone would answer the door they were not receptive to our message. Like every city there were also some less fortunate. During one such day of tracking - there must have been some type of full moon or something as we were greeted by some of the rudest, unhappy people I had ever met. I can not repeat or explain what they said to us that day, to say the least, we were discouraged and not excited to continue. As we walked down a hill into a lower income area we came upon a small humble home - a beautiful elderly woman answered the door and asked us to come in. Like the others we had met that morning she wasn't interested in the message we had to share - but that is where the similarities ended. She was pleasant and wanted to know about our families and why we had decided to go on a mission. The walls in her small living room were covered with photos of numerous posterity - she offered us something to drink and thanked us for our visit when we left. Her circumstances were humble at best.
As we walked away - we were invigorated, renewed and the words of the Savior came to my mind - "when ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." She had in reality taught me that day, a discussion or lesson that I still need to remember.
Brothers and sisters, Satan is a master of discouragement and despair. He tries to tell us what will bring us happiness, he tries to convince us that our trials are to hard and that we should give up. In our relationships and experiences - all of us make mistakes, Satan tries to remind us of these faults and mistakes and doesn't want us to forgive those that have wronged us, and especially not to forgive ourself's for our own mistakes and shortcomings. This lack of forgiveness is contrary to the nature of God - so as Alma stated, it will bring us misery.
We as a nation were shocked a few weeks ago about the senseless shooting of elementary school children in Connecticut. Bobbie Parker, a member of the church and a father of one of those children. In an act of forgiveness, extended his prayers to the family of the shooter.
"it is a horrific tragedy and we want everybody to know that our prayers go out to them. This includes the family of the shooter," he said.
During one of the hardest things that I could ever imagine, he reached out to others including those that were close to the cause of his suffering. Doesn't this sound familiar? During the Saviors death and suffering on the cross he said: "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." His thoughts and prayers turned to those that someday would realize what they had been part of. Can you imagine the pain and guilt that you would feel when such a realization would come to your understanding.
Brothers and sisters, there are so many things or challenges that can bring us despair and cause us to worry about the future. There will always be discouragements, fiscal cliffs, Mayan calendars, political unrest, wars and rumors of wars. These thing we have been told are part of the Last Days - prophets have spoken of them for thousands of years.
The part that is most likely surprising to my wife right now, is that I have chosen this topic, she knows that I am a worrier. Thus, occasionally I let my emotions get out of control - this then effects my demeanor and the spirit in our home. I need to be better at choosing happiness.
President Uchtdorf - continued
"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets. The more we rely on the Savior’s grace, the more we will feel that we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us." (End Quote)
If then we are closer to the Savior and know that he is guiding and directing us, our faith will increase - driving out the feeling of despair and hopelessness that all of us feel on occasion.
Last spring speaking to the the graduating Seniors at BYU-IDAHO Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve talked about the faith and hopefulness that they should feel. Now remember that these are young men and women that have just graduated - many of which have been unable to find jobs in a struggling economy. I would assume that many of them are married and supporting a small family. I would recommend this talk to all of us.
Elder Ballard stated;
What I believe the Lord wants me to tell you is that you should replace fear with faith—faith in God and the power of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ...
As you think about your future, you should be filled with faith and hope. Always remember that Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe, the architect of our salvation, and the head of this Church is in control. He will not permit His work to fail...
Face the future with optimism. I believe we are standing on the threshold of a new era of growth, prosperity, and abundance... I think the next few years will bring a resurgence in the economy as new discoveries are made.
Many of these discoveries, as in the past, will be the result of the Spirit whispering insights into and enlightening the minds of truth-seeking individuals. Many of these discoveries will be made for the purpose of helping to bring to pass the purposes and work of God and the quickening of the building of His kingdom on earth today. With these discoveries and advances will come new employment opportunities and prosperity for those who work hard and especially to those who strive to keep the commandments of God. This has been the case in other significant periods of national and international economic growth.
-(possible commentary)
Before the Savior’s second coming—and based on His divine timetable—the gospel must be taken to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people until it fills the whole earth...
As the gospel is carried to the billions of spiritually hungry souls, miracles will be performed by the hand of the Lord. Missionaries of many nationalities will serve the Lord throughout the earth. New chapels and many more temples will be built to bless the Saints as pre-millennial growth has been prophesied.
You may ask, “Where will the financial resources come from to fund this growth?” The resources will come from faithful members like you through your tithes and offerings. As you.. do your part, the Lord will bless you with prosperity and the wisdom to keep your mind focused on what matters most in your life: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:13). (End Quote)
These are amazing quotes. Is it a coincidence that six months later the prophet announced the changes in the missionary program that they are estimating could double the number of missionaries in the field within the coming year. One of those new missionaries is my 18 year old daughter that received her call two weeks ago.
Brothers and sisters - these are words of hope and prosperity, not of panic, dome and gloom. The key is that we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. But as in all times - there will be those among us that need our assistance, friendship and prayers. No matter our economic or social circumstances there will still be challenges and difficulties. These times will require us to seek more earnestly the companionship of the spirit and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
The powers of evil will not let these events happen without resistance, social out cry and persecution. With the doubling of missionaries, increased buildings and temples - the growth and blessings of the gospel will be unprecedented, at least in this dispensation. This is one of the greatest times to be a on the earth and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Elder Ballard mentioned that during these events miracles would be performed by the hand of the Lord. Miracles and revelation have always followed the righteous.
Brothers and sisters, the past few years have been difficult for many. Working in the financial industry, these past few years have been unlike any that I have seen. Many times I have plead with The Lord for support, assistance or perhaps even a miracle in my life.
In Moroni 10: 3-5, is the great promise of the Book of Mormon. It is the formula to know if the Book of Mormon is true. But it's not just for the Book of Mormon - but for all revelation. One of the first steps is to remember how merciful The Lord has been to each of us. We need to show gratitude for our blessings. When I look back over my life I can see so many times that The Lord has helped, guided and protected me. He has made sure that my family has the things that we needed. Why do I then question my future so much?
Our decision or search for happiness - requires faith that God is in-charge of our lives, that he wants us to be happy. We need to be more positive, loving and serving one another. We need to spend less time being critical and feeling sorry for our-self's.
This all sounds good - but what can we do to make it a reality now? 1st - we need to Forgive those that have offend you, forgive yourself for your short comings, tell and show others that you love them. Live the commandments more faithfully so The Lord can bless and inspire you. Thrust yourselves into the scriptures and the teachings of e prophets.
Then as trials and difficulties come - trust in The Lord and his infinite love and assistance. Then as we ask for guidance and strength he will manifest the answer or truth unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Brothers and sisters - as I look back over my life, there are so many times The Lord has been there for me. I still have challenges as do each of you - I still don't know what the outcome will be for some of my trials.
The apostle Paul talked about his thorn in the flesh that he had to go through.
This is found in 2 Cor 12:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Brothers and sisters, I don't know if I am spiritually strong enough, yet, to take pleasure in my trials. But I do believe that they will be only for a short moment and I have faith that The Lord can make me a better person for enduring them.
Testimony -
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