Friday, March 7, 2008

True Happiness Comes From God

I am currently dating a wonderful guy. Last night I realized a very important lesson as I reflected upon the happiness he brings into my life. If one is currently unhappy, one must not depend on a boyfriend or future spouse to come along to make her life all better! One must strive to find ways to enrich and bring joy into her life and not rely on some guy or perhaps something-a new car, clothes, etc to make her happy...otherwise she is setting herself up for huge disappointment. I'm not merely talking about your boyfriend dumping you...i'm talking about what really makes us happy. Harold B. Lee said, "Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life." Another great man, James E. Faust said, "To be in control of your life, to be a success regardless of your [circumstances], I recommend that you come to know your Father in Heaven." He goes on to say, "You can best do this by prayer, study, and keeping the commandments. Always remember that He loves you and will give you guidance and support if you will invite Him into your life. Include Him in your decision making. Include Him when you take inventory of your personal worth. Pray to Him when you are discouraged, because I testify that He does hear our cries for help." I totally agree. True happiness comes from God, all other forms of "happiness" or pleasure don't last long and aren't really happiness after all. The greatest joy in my life comes from keeping the Lord's commandments. Who knows what is to become of me and Bradshaw...but this i know as the prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley put it so beautifully, "We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us. He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is "risen from the dead...the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthinans 15:30). He is the Lord who shall come again "to reign on the earth over his people" (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15). None so great has ever walked the earth. None other had made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare his divinity without equivoaction or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God."

6 comments:

Mrs. Wright said...

Charmaine,. . .I LOVE YOU! I needed to hear what you wrote today. Your testimony is strong. I am proud of you for working so hard to get your testimony where it is today. Many people in this life won't work to know our living God and Savior Jesus Christ. You have. You will make a great missionary. I hope you haven't given up on this goal because of a boy. I don't know if you know this about me or not,. . .but the same thing happened to me. WEIRD, I know. We'll have to chat about it on the phone. I hope to call you this weekend. Loves!

Robbie said...

you make my blogs look stupid! hahah jk. loved it

Chanelle Pingree said...

You are so right about happiness, that it should not be depended on a boy, or materials things, but things that are everlasting like the spirit, testimony of the gospel, Heavenly Father's and Christ love-family, all those things that cultivate true and lasting peace and happiness. I too agree from personal experiences that if you strive to live the gospel and enrich good things that invite the spirit one will feel a peace and happiness like other. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and testimony of both yours and our wonderful prophets.

Mrs. Wright said...

Happy St. Patty's day Sis! Are you wearing green? I tried calling you yesterday to talk, .. . and they said you were at work. Is everything ok?

Mrs. Wright said...

Will you pleeeeeeeeeeease call me.

Mrs. Wright said...

Hey Girl,...what's been happenin' with you? Are you still planning on a mission? Have things changed? How's the saving coming along? I miss you!