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The LDS Daily WOOL© Archive - Joy


(7/14/02)
"To those who respond to its teachings, the gospel brings the joy which passeth all human understanding. The light of virtue, temperance, human relations through the righteous dominion of the priesthood, high educational resolve, and the sanctity of the home are but a few of the solid influences that signal unto mankind that truth, dignity and righteousness are his normal heritage if he will but accept them." — Alvin R. Dyer, "BYU Speeches of the Year," March 15, 1966

(7/15/02)
"We are indeed a covenant-making people. I hope and pray that we are also a covenant-keeping people. Unspeakable joy, indescribable blessings and associations with those that we love await all who receive the covenants of God and who endure to the end, faithful and true." — Elray L. Christiansen, "Conference Report," April 1955, p. 30

(7/16/02)
"Learning the things of God and the things of eternity brings joy of a special and lasting kind, because our deepest hunger is to understand the things of God and to learn to be like him." — Chieko Okazaki, "Sanctuary," Deseret Book Co., 1997, p. 104

(7/17/02)
"Indeed it is a source of joy to us, to know, that all the prophecies and promises which are contained in them, which have not been fulfilled, will come to pass. The saints may lift up their heads and rejoice, for their redemption will soon be perfected. Soon the curtain of heaven will be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and they will see their Lord face to face. In view of these coming scenes, they may lift up their heads and rejoice, and praise his holy name, that they are permitted to live in the days when he returns to his people his ever-lasting covenant, to prepare them for his presence." — "Evening and Morning Star," Vol. 1, April, 1833

(7/18/02)
"Heaven's morning, with the joy and knowledge of hope and progression beyond the grave, is breaking in upon the lives of men. The notion that in this life only we have hope in Christ, we do not accept, for 'if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.'" — Charles A. Callis, "Conference Report," April 1945, p. 47

(3/22/04)
"How important it is to know the purpose of our existence. Man is that he might have joy, and that joy will come to us as we keep God's commandments! (Jacob 5:75.)" - Lynn A. Mickelsen, "Eternal Laws of Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 1995, p. 78

(5/29/04)
"Professional advancement, increased income, bigger homes, or newer cars and recreational equipment do not bring lasting peace and happiness. Happiness comes from understanding God and knowing that He has a plan for our eternal joy and peace. Happiness comes from knowing and loving the Savior and living our lives in accordance with His teachings. Happiness comes from strong family and Church relationships based on gospel values." - M. Russell Ballard, "The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work," General Conference, April 2003

(6/28/04)
"Joy comes when we have the Spirit in our lives (see Alma 22:15). When we have the Spirit, we rejoice in what the Savior has done for us." - Quentin L. Cook, "Rejoice!" Ensign, November 1996, p. 28

(5/8/05)
"The most difficult thing for us seems to be to give of ourselves, to do away with selfishness. If we really love someone, nothing is too difficult for us to do for that individual. There is no real happiness in having or getting unless we are doing it for the purpose of giving it to others. Half the world seems to be following the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness—many think it consists of having and getting and being served, when really happiness is found in serving others." - N. Eldon Tanner, "The Great Commandments," Ensign, July 1980, p. 4

2/15/06
"The Lord has promised that he will help us in our pursuit of happiness if we will trust in him and follow his path. The abundant life will be ours if we rely on his strength. If we will... share our talents every day, Satan will have no power over us, and our Heavenly Father's strength will make all righteous things possible. Ammon, in his comments to his brother Aaron in the twenty-sixth chapter of Alma, verse 12, points to a way of life that brings security: 'Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;... for which we will praise his name forever.' All we need to do to enjoy eternal, happy lives is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ." - Marvin J. Ashton, "Love of the Right," Ensign (CR), June 1971, p.30

8/13/06
"Not many have seen the Savior face to face here in mortality, but there is no one of us who has been blessed to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism but that may have a perfect assurance of His existence as though we had seen. Indeed, if we have faith in the reality of His existence even though we have not seen, as the Master implied in His statement to Thomas, even greater is the blessing to those who 'have not seen, and yet have believed' (John 20:29), for 'we walk by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7). Although not seeing, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable in receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls (see 1 Peter 1:8-9)." - "Teachings Of Presidents Of The Church: Harold B. Lee," p.37

10/31/06
"You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism. Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God's loving hand in the details of our life. A favorite hymn counsels, 'Count your many blessings; see what God hath done.'" - Anthony D. Perkins, "The Great and Wonderful Love," Ensign, November 2006

2/22/07
"Striving for happiness is a long, hard journey with many challenges. It requires eternal vigilance to win the victory. You cannot succeed with sporadic little flashes of effort. Constant and valiant living is necessary. That is why patience and faith are so often associated in the scriptures. You must 'withstand every temptation of the devil, with [your] faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.' (Alma 37:33.) But remember, faith is not a magical formula. It requires that you make a deliberate decision to do good and then carry out your decision. Do it. Simply do it, and do it long enough that you experience success, no matter how hard it may seem. Your victory over self brings communion with God and results in happiness—lasting and eternal happiness." - Jack H. Goaslind, "Happiness," Ensign (CR), May 1986, p.52

10/16/07
"My dear brothers and sisters, aren’t the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and our membership in His Church great reasons to rejoice?

"Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' And like Paul we can answer: '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' (2 Corinthians 12:9)." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" General Conference, 6 October 2007

4/30/08
"In the Book of Mormon, Nephi speaks often of delight. He delights 'in the things of the Lord,' 'in the scriptures,' and 'in the great and eternal plan' of our Father in Heaven (see
2 Nephi 4:15–16; 11:2–8). Notably, Nephi often remembers his sources of delight in the midst of affliction, serving to lift and focus his spirit on eternal blessings.

"We too should delight in the things of the Lord for it will 'lift' our hearts and give us cause to 'rejoice' (2 Nephi 11:8)." - Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," General Conference, April 2008

6/30/08
"Find happiness in ordinary things, and keep your sense of humor." - Boyd K. Packer, "Do Not Fear," Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.77
 


9/8/08
"Even though our yoke is tiny compared to His, the bearing process is the same. Still, some of us puzzle over the full meaning of the words, 'For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:30). True, as John wrote, 'his commandments are not grievous' (1 John 5:3). Likewise, God is quick to bless us immediately in one way or another (see Mosiah 2:24). But the most profound relief waits to be claimed: our afflictions can be 'swallowed up in the joy of Christ' (Alma 31:38). Only then the yoke and its burdens truly are eased." - Neal A. Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It Well," p.3
 


7/19/09
“The crowning attribute that leads to joy is love of God. Even that first look in the mirror can be more enjoyable knowing we are created in his image. Each of us can say, as did the Apostle, ‘Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance’ (Acts 2:28; see also Ps. 16:11).” - Russell M. Nelson, “Joy Cometh in the Morning,” Ensign (CR), November 1986, p. 67
 


1/8/10
“While teaching at BYU in 1978, Brother Dennis Rasmussen applied and was selected to study at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In the opening session, as he gave his name and university, Rabbi Muffs boomed, ‘You’re the Mormon! … Do you pay your tithing?’ ‘Yes,’ he answered. ‘Do you pay it with a joyful heart?’ ‘I believe,’ the rabbi said, ‘that joy is the essence of religion. There is nothing more fundamental to religious living than joy. … I am working on a book about joy.’ Brother Rasmussen responded, ‘There’s a passage in the Book of Mormon … , ‘Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.’’ Rabbi Muffs was profoundly touched and exclaimed, ‘I’ve found the text I’ve searched for all my life … in the Book of Mormon.’ Turning to Brother Rasmussen he said, ‘Say it again, but not so fast.’ As he repeated the familiar words, the rabbi’s eyes glowed in appreciation of this great truth he understood but had not heard so succinctly expressed.” - Lynn A. Mickelsen, “Eternal Laws of Happiness,” Ensign (CR), November 1995, p. 78


2/27/10
"
To make ourselves happy is incorporated in the great design of man's existence. I have learned not to fret myself about that which I cannot help. If I can do good, I will do it; and if I cannot reach a thing, I will content myself to be without it. This makes me happy all the day long.” – “Teachings Of Presidents Of The Church: Brigham Young,” p. 183


8/2/10
"Why are we such a happy people? It is because of our faith, the quiet assurance that abides in our hearts that our Father in Heaven, overseeing all, will look after His sons and daughters who walk before Him with love and appreciation and obedience. We will ever be a happy people if we will so conduct our lives. Sin never was happiness. Transgression never was happiness. Falsehood in word or behavior never was happiness. Happiness lies in obedience to the teachings and commandments of God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Are People Asking about Us?" Ensign (CR), November 1998, p. 70


10/5/11
You want happiness? Find ways to serve. Your happiness will be commensurate with the service you render. - Robert L. Backman, "As I Have Loved You," Ensign (CR) October 1985


12/4/11
Our wise and loving Father in Heaven is concerned for the welfare of his children. He desires to see us happy. The very purpose of our lives can be defined in terms of happiness. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it.” (History of the Church, 5:134.) - Jack H. Goaslind, "Happiness," Ensign (CR) April 1986

1/22/12
These are the signposts along life's highway which if followed will lead any man to do the Lord's will, to know his Son, the Redeemer of the world, to know whom is eternal life. And while we are gaining this great knowledge which leads to immortality, we find the greatest joy in mortality that can be experienced by the human soul. - David O. Mckay, "Conference Report," October 1950, Third Day—Morning Meeting, p.111


 
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