Finding Happiness

Each day is filled with moments of opportunity to show our devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His Spirit, we learn of what He would have us do through small, simple acts of service and obedience. It is rare that we don’t get caught up in all the great and marvelous things we could do. We all seek to make the best of our lives. Sometimes this desire and ambition drives us a little too hard and gets in the way of what is right before us. The atoning grace of Jesus Christ has already brought us to Him. He has already accepted us.

However, we must be obedient to His gospel in order to receive an eternal reward. The beauty of the Plan of Salvation is that we do not need to earn our way into heaven. Instead, we learn how to get there through small and simple acts of faith every day. God does not expect us to perform grandiose tasks. Instead, he seeks our humble sacrifice in our day-to-day activities. Deen Kemsley, author of Trust in the Lord, relates an experience he had with his daughter that helped him understand this principle:

One evening, I took one of my daughters to a school friend’s home to play. Following my daughter’s directions, we drove up to a humble home on a busy corner, a cottage in a town of mansions. As I approached the door, I wondered why my daughter had chosen this particular home to visit, a place that lacked the prestige of all that surrounded it. However, when I stepped over the threshold of the home, a feeling of comfort and respect swept over me. At first I didn’t understand why. The inside of the home didn’t look much different from the outside.

Then I met the mother of my daughter’s friend—a woman who worked as a nurse at night and served her family devotedly throughout the day. Given her tough schedule and lack of sleep, I couldn’t help but think I’d just become tired and cranky if I tried to do what she did. Yet she was filled with optimism and enthusiasm. Though her tasks were difficult, they were simple and unnoticed by the world. They were not unnoticed by God, however. He had magnified her efforts, sanctifying her home with his presence.

Through simple acts, she fulfilled a faithful mission in life. She wasn’t a star in the world, but she was something much higher—an instrument in the hands of God. Likewise, each of us can fulfill the deeper purposes of life by performing the simple acts God would have us do. Christ himself set the example. Although filled with might and power, he spent his mortal ministry performing simple, yet deeply meaningful, acts of obedience, submitting himself unto the will of the Father in all things. He taught, he served, and he healed in the most humble of circumstances, personifying simplicity.

Christ loves our simple acts as well, not only because they follow in his footsteps but also because they amount to little on their own and can’t be mistaken for extraordinary personal achievement. They only produce fruit as Christ magnifies them. When he does, the harvest he generates can dwarf our small contributions, leading us to marvel at the power of his hand in our lives, filling us with appreciation and drawing us closer to him. In other words, simple acts of faith leave ample room for the power of his redeeming grace. Unlike many remarkable deeds, simple deeds don’t squeeze out the Savior with the burden of their own greatness. It doesn’t really matter what simple acts we perform as long as they are acts Christ would have us perform.

I know that when we focus on the things that matter most and do as Christ would do, we will be sustained and uplifted. I have come to learn of this truth as I study the teachings of the modern day apostles. I love my Savior and I know that His grace is sufficient for me. Apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said:

Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents.

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 (“Of Regrets and Resolutions, October 6, 2012).

–Excerpts in this article are from Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ, by Deen Kemsley, 2008, Sweetwater Books (a subsidiary of Cedar Fort, Inc.)

Article was written by Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Mormon Doctrine

The Bible in Mormonism

We live in a world energized by personal desire and motivation. It is driven by lust and gluttony. Most people are on their ambitious pursuits to claim all that they think should be theirs and more. Yet how many times on this worldly pursuit do people come up empty handed? Although one might receive all that they desire in a worldly sense, worldly pleasures will not fulfill the desire we have to be full of joy and feel peace. The belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can receive a fullness of joy and everlasting fulfillment. But this is only achieved through our sacrifice to submit to the will of the Lord and live an obedient life. Deen Kemlsey in his book Trust in the Lord, published in 2008, shares his thoughts on sacrifice for our Savior:

Compared to the path of the world, the path of discipleship may seem low and dusty. It isn’t nearly as popular to follow the path of Christ as it is to follow the path of sin. Unlike the path of sin, the path of Christ doesn’t promise the lust, pleasures, and riches of the world. However, if we trust and believe in Christ enough to let him take us down this path, he will eventually lift us up to a beautiful illuminated kingdom filled with reflections of his light. This is the only path leading to the deepest, best part of ourselves—the only path where we can find our true selves. All of eternity lies at the end of this path.

However, the path of discipleship requires sacrifice—sacrifice of our worldly lusts and ambitions, as well as all other things the Lord requires. This sacrifice is central to the purpose of life. It has always been a prominent feature of the trail. From the days of Adam and his righteous son Abel to the day Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for us, God has called on men to build altars and offer sacrifices of the firstlings of their flocks, their best gifts, unto him.

Even now, God expects us to sacrifice as we walk down the path of discipleship. Of course, we may disregard this call. When our desires clash with the Lord’s desires, we can choose our will over his. Given this agency to choose as we please, the determination to follow God is much more than simply a decision to comply with mandates imposed upon us. When we obey, we’re actually placing tokens of our own will upon the altar of God as gifts to him. These tokens are often small. But they are meaningful to the Lord. He receives them with joy. It helps perfect our bond with him.

From our mortal perspective, [absolute sacrifice] can be viewed as tough doctrine. It requires us to believe in Christ no matter what. God understands it’s hard. If we’re not willing to make the sacrifice, God gives us the option to turn aside from the path of discipleship at any time, going just as far as we choose. However, the path ends in one place, and one place alone: Jesus Christ. To reach that end, we must submit everything unto him.

This type of submission requires deep faith. It requires us to give up that which we see, feel, and cherish as a gift unto the Lord, whom we do not see. It requires us to trade a visible treasure for an invisible return. Yet this return is the ultimate promise of eternity. It includes the covenant that we will be born again as God transforms us into new creatures in Christ, rooting out the man of sin. He will fill us from within with knowledge, understanding, and love that reaches to the heavens, and he will lead us to find our deepest, truest potential. No self-devised detours lead to this end.

Nevertheless, our sacrifices are not trivial to God. They are deeply meaningful to him. He receives each small gift of faith with joy, amplifying it within the bosom of eternity. If we’re steadfast upon the path of discipleship and let the Savior raise us all the way back to him, we’ll eventually kneel before the true altar of God that stands before his throne in the heavens. Christ will there reach out to embrace us in the joy he feels. At that time, we will know the pain of sacrifice and loss no more, but will be filled with the joy of his infinite sacrifice for us—the joy of eternal love.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the “Mormon” Church) is often viewed as a religion that is full of restrictions and limitations. Most see the standards and commandments put forth in the Church as a set of rules that are unnecessary and restrictive. I can testify that by being obedient to the commandments that the Lord has set forth, one’s life will become happier. I know that each commandment from God is for our good as long as we view it as such. Sacrifices made in order to obey and do what is right will bring us closer to our heavenly home to dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, forever.

–Excerpts in this article are from Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ, by Deen Kemsley, 2008, Sweetwater Books (a subsidiary of Cedar Fort, Inc.)

Article was written by Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Meaning of Life

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the “Mormon” Church to our friends of other faiths, believe that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of all mankind so that we can progress toward perfection and live with Him and Father in Heaven again. We believe that the doctrine of Jesus Christ is established upon His great and eternal sacrifice. I know that through His atonement, we are cleansed and made pure. As we come to know of Him and what He did for us, we will be drawn towards His love and want to partake of His grace. Deen Kemsley in his book Trust in the Lord, from Cedar Fort, Inc., relates the sacrifice and atonement of Jesus Christ:

Christ is ever ready to offer it unto us. In fact, if we could see more clearly, we would perceive that he is standing there next to us in the surf, waiting to reach into the waves and pull us up into his arms, where his power to heal is deeper than our deepest pain.

Christ perfected this healing power through sacrifice. Rather than standing on the sidelines and simply describing the need for pain and opposition, Christ descended into an eternal pit of affliction himself. He knelt in the garden of grief at Gethsemane and hung on the cross of sorrow at Calvary. When we face pain, therefore, we’re not alone. Through his eternal grief, Christ developed perfect empathy. He knows our sorrow; he understands our pain; he cares about our loss; and through the power of his perfect empathy and love, he stands ready to take our burdens upon him. In a very real way, Christ feels all our infirmities.

The sacrifice of Christ was all-encompassing. He held nothing back. He yielded to the betrayal of a close friend, a disciple whom he had loved and served. He submitted to false accusations in the palace of the high priest, where he should have been revered as the Great High Priest. He subjected himself to the threats and ridicule of Caiaphas, who should have knelt to worship him rather than stand to sentence him. He gave way to the stripes of a brutal whip and to a crown of thorns.

Humbly, Christ then bore his cross as he started the arduous march to Calvary. Once there, soldiers transfixed him to the posts, driving nails through his hands and feet. They then lifted him up as his enemies reviled against him, wagging their heads, taunting him, and mocking him. Here Christ suffered inestimable pain, pain that we can’t begin to fathom. And as he did, he took our sins upon him, finishing his work of salvation for men.

Before he subjected himself to the physical pain of the cross, Christ submitted to the spiritual pain of Gethsemane. Descending into the pit of Kidron, he knelt at the base of the Mount of Olives. He was alone. Even Peter, James, and John, his beloved disciples, had fallen asleep. Sinking deeper into the pit of despair and pain than anyone else has ever gone, he took our sorrow upon him with pain so great that he sweat great drops of blood.

The depth of this eternal sacrifice testifies of the depth of Christ’s love for us. This love is very personal. As the omniscient eternal God of heaven and earth, Christ sees and understands every sin we commit, every inadequacy we feel, and every sorrow we bear.

He knows exactly why his suffering was so great. Christ not only suffered for the world as a whole—he also suffered specifically for you and for me. Given the personal nature of this sacrifice, he feels a deep personal bond of love and concern for each of us. Through this personal bond, Christ can sustain us through our grief and loss. Sometimes he manifests his power unto us in our daily routines at home and at work, where disappointment often abounds. At more dire times, he bestows his peace upon us when we face deep trials, finding ourselves in the very jaws of sorrow and tribulation. Through the power of his resurrection, he also provides the hope and comfort we need so dearly when we must stand at the doors of death. Finally, he grants his redeeming grace upon us each time we sorrow for our sins and call upon him.

The Book of Mormon provides a deeper understanding and insight into the infinite power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through its teachings, we learn more of Christ and the far reaching effects of His atonement. Not only does it cleanse us from our sins, but it also provides comfort and relief from all the trials we encounter in life. A prophet in the Book of Mormon, Alma, states:

 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

I know that Christ died for me and I feel the power of His atonement every day in my life as I draw closer to Him. I have experienced an enduring peace as He blesses me through the challenges I face. It is through Christ that I know how to feel joy and relief. I love Him, and I know He loves me. I know His atonement is sufficient for every one of His children and I invite all to read the Bible and Book of Mormon and come unto Him.

Article was written by Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

Request a free copy of the Holy Bible

The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ)

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

I have found great peace through the knowledge I have of who I am and where I come from. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (also known as the “Mormon” Church to other friends of other faiths) we believe that a plan has been made to fulfill our purpose in life and bring us back to our Father in Heaven to dwell for all eternity. It is through the tender mercies of the Holy Spirit that I learn more of my divine heritage and remember the love of God. In a book called Trust in the Lord by Deen Kemsely, he relates an account in his life that helped him understand who he is and where he comes from:

I remember one particular occasion in which I yearned for [my] eternal home. I was sixteen at the time, traveling with six or seven friends. My friends had just won a basketball tournament in Los Angeles and were headed to Oakland for the sixteen-team Western Final Tournament. I went along with them to provide moral support.

The tournament was held in a gym next to a towering white tabernacle, which caught my attention as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. I’d never seen a building like it before. My friends went on to win the tournament, prevailing in four straight games. However, my most vivid memory from the trip is the lone walk I took outside during one of the games.

Following a prompting from within, I left the gym and circled the tabernacle. Finding a private place in back, I reached out and placed my hands on the outside walls. As I did, my heart ached deeply to go inside. I wanted to walk through the locked doors to feel the wisdom and peace of that sacred building. That is, I wanted to step closer to God, my eternal home.

At times, we all yearn for this eternity. Something inside whispers that we’re not completely at home in mortality, with its boundaries, limits, deadlines, and death. It feels awkward. Innately we sometimes feel there is an enduring place of peace and meaning beyond our view—a being in whom our deepest desires may be fulfilled.

When we were born, we were all richly endowed with this eternal inheritance—the Light of Christ is woven deeply into the fabric of our souls. This same light gives life to all creation. It fills the expanse of eternity, encompassing the mysteries and riches of the entire universe. It’s the ultimate source of all joy and fulfillment.

Although the eternity within us is as profound as the universe itself, God has laid out a simple, straightforward path to unlock its secrets. We have but to repent from our sins, place our trust in the light, and turn to Christ. If we do, we will feel his comfort and know his peace, being born of him. Through the voice of the Spirit, we will know God is there, even in our days of loss and despair. The Spirit will whisper that God hears our prayers and he loves us. He will testify that we have deep eternal worth as the sons and daughters of God, filled with the inheritance of Christ.

As we step out of the mire and temptations of this world and begin to ascend the Mount of the Lord unto the tabernacle of eternity that is within our hearts, we will find the true

Holy of Holies—Jesus Christ himself. No matter how far we may have strayed from him over time, we will learn he has always been there on the lookout, waiting for us to return. When we do return, through humility and sincere repentance, he will be there to bestow our eternal inheritances upon us—he will embrace us with his love, scrub our scarlet sins until they are white as snow, and lift us up to a higher vantage point to show us a deeper vision.

He will transform us from within, placing his robe of righteousness and forgiveness upon our shoulders, his ring of eternal inheritance upon our finger, and his shoes of worthiness and peace upon our feet, as he lifts us up to become one with him, our true eternal home.

It is the Spirit of the Lord that testifies of our eternal identity. It is through the Spirit that we are brought to know God and to learn of His ways. I know that the Spirit is active in our life, waiting for us to listen. Jesus Christ will never leave us comfortless. He stands awaiting out arrival to come unto Him. I conclude with a scripture from John 14:26-27 that teaches us of the peace that comes through the Spirit of Jesus Christ:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Article was written by Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism 

Learn more about what Mormons believe

Request a free copy of the Holy Bible

In a world where God is mistakenly missed, it is hard to believe that Jesus Christ is evident in our lives. In a world that is full of devilish destruction, it is hard to believe that there is a God that cares. In this plagued world where darkness continues to downpour, hope of a brighter day is clouded. The surety of a God in this world has diminished over the ages, and people have lost sight of who they are and their divine makeup. I can testify to you that God is there. He has never left. His hand is evident in our lives although we may not see it. We are His sons and daughters and He will not leave us alone.

In a book called Trust in the Lord by Deen Kemsley, Kemsley said:

We’ve entered an era of instability and uncertainty… Without a doubt, this is a day of shaking and turmoil, and the tremors are cracking many of our conventional foundations of peace and security. Amid all this uncertainty, the foundation of Jesus Christ is the only secure anchor. Without the assurance that God exists and watches over us, our failures seem random, meaningless, and absolute. With the assurance of Christ, we can stand firm in confidence that he will ultimately restore our losses more completely than we can even begin to comprehend.

This truth that Christ will restore our losses will resonate within us when we come to know of this. However, skepticism that there is a literal Son of God, Jesus Christ, has broadened. The idea of Christ as the Son of God has been replaced with the notion that He was merely just an inspired teacher who did good things. When our concept of the nature of God changes in such a way, the ability to know Him decreases and the capability we have of discovering ourselves is hidden. With the knowledge that Jesus is our Older Brother and God as our very Eternal Father, we are inseparably connected to divinity.

In the first chapter of the Holy Bible, we have an account of the creation of the world by our Lord and Maker, the Great Jehovah. We learn that God created the heavens and the earth, the sun and the sky, the land and the sea, darkness and light. We also learn of His supreme and most precious creation: His children. Through this knowledge, we learn of the likeness of God as we discover that God and Christ created man in their own image. As literal sons and daughters of God, we have the ability to possess godlike power through our bodies that are designed after His. We are given the divine light that our Father in Heaven possesses. It is in our very makeup. It is our potential, and it is who we are. As we come to recognize Christ, the evidence that we are much of what He is comes to light. He reveals the best of who we are. He takes away the worst of what we can do and He restores the hope that we all yearn for.

While all of this seems so perfect, the world has failed to grasp the nature of God, resulting in a spiritual plummet. Society is so concerned about physical evidences that spiritual evidences have no meaning. If you cannot see it, it must not be real. But as sons and daughters of God, we are spiritual beings. Kemsley describes how we have the ability to see in a perspective that transcends the naked eye. He said, “It is our spiritual vision that can see through the transitory world in which we live to the enduring world beyond.

In other words, spiritual vision is the sure link to our eternal identity.”

There is light that is alive in all of us and it comes from our Father in Heaven and it is kindled through our Savior, Jesus Christ. When that light begins to brighten, this spiritual vision enhances all that we see in the world around us. Jesus Christ is reflected in our countenance when we begin to allow Him to work within us. When we begin to see the reflections of the Savior, we will begin to see that even though this world is full of despair and turmoil, God is everywhere. We will look back on our lives and see the hand of God protecting and guiding us on our journey to know of Him. The more we come to know of Him, the more we come to know of ourselves and develop a greater understanding of trials and difficulties.

God is at the helm and He is leading us to Him through what life presents us. The terrors of today can bring us to our knees and unfold a spiritual lense that will reveal our life with God. Kemsley describes that the transform that takes place replaces failure and loss with meaning and purpose. We develop greater confidence that these failures are part of an eternal plan and hold great eternal weight. Life becomes more meaningful and enriching.

As we step towards the light that is within us, we draw closer to our true identity. We are all part of a greater plan. Each of us is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents. We have a divine nature and destiny. We are created and sustained with a light that cannot be rid. No matter how far we are from the Lord, we are not as far as we think. He is waiting for us to come unto Him. Our light might have diminished, but it is not out. It will never be out because it is a part of who we are. Regarding light, Kemsley says:

We find ourselves in Christ because Christ is the true light within us. This Light of Christ is the deepest, most genuine element of our being—nothing we can produce on our own begins to compare to the glory and majesty of the Light of the Almighty God who is within us. In a way, therefore, we’re all connected to each other; the deepest, most sacred part of you is the deepest, most sacred part of me, and in both cases that part is Christ… Indeed, the ultimate evidence of Christ is not in what we observe, but in what we become as we journey to know him. This is the journey to know the deepest, best element of ourselves.

We are on a journey back to our heavenly home. Each of us are children of God with a plan that will unfold that reality. May we all pray to see the light that burns within us so that our potential will unfold more fully. I know that Jesus Christ is active in my life. I have experience the transformation of knowing who I am through the grace of God. I, like you, and a child of God. I am an heir to His kingdom. It is my hope and prayer that we all discover that. I know that as we begin to see with a spiritual vision, we will see life in a whole new light. We will see and feel our true identity and hope will be restored. God is at the helm. He is guiding us. He is evident in our lives. I testify to that.

This article was written by Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Meaning of Life

Learn more about what Mormons believe

When thinking about the question “How does God bless us,” my thoughts immediately turn to temporal blessings that we receive on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is through emotional, physical, or spiritual relief, God does bless us. It is hard to zero in on one way that Heavenly Father blesses His children, because they are so vast. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon Church”), I recognize that my blessings are part of the plan our Heavenly Father has for us. I know that every blessing I receive in this life is because God is aware of me and desires for me to come unto Him, so that I can live with Him in the next. That is what I desire to express today: that God has a plan for us so that we can fulfill the requirements to live with Him eternally. It is through this plan that all other blessings come to pass. It is the most important blessing that God has already bestowed upon His children, which is that of eternal life.

Within the Mormon belief, this plan is called The Plan of Salvation. We live under the reign of a loving and merciful Heavenly Father who desires to bless each of His children. Before we came to earth, we lived with our Father in Heaven. The Plan of Salvation is outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Within it, it states:

In the pre-mortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness [salvation] enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

I am in awe at the goodness of God who has created us. Through this plan, made possible through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our families forever. Life did not begin with birth and does not end with death. All blessings here stem from the blessing of eternity. Within the Mormon belief is that while we are here, we make covenants and promises to God that will enable us to return to him. Everything hereafter falls upon our obedience to the Lord so that He can extend blessings to us beyond that which we can imagine.

In the seventh chapter of Moroni of the Book of Mormon, it states that “all things which are good cometh of God, and that which is evil cometh of the devil” (verse 12). Spiritual or temporal (earthly, temporary), every good thing comes from our Father in Heaven, made possible through His Son. The goodness in our life testifies of the goodness of God in his efforts to bless us. It is in those moments of blessing that God gives His children to opportunity to know Him. As we come to know Him, we come to know of our identity as divine heirs of eternal life.

I have often found that the greatest blessings that come to me are in times of struggle. While God might not immediately take away the struggle and pain, He does still immediately bless me when I call upon Him with a feeling of hope. The blessing that comes from peace and comfort to endure a challenge far outweighs the prospect of having to suffer that trial alone. The Savior taught in the book of John that He would not leave us comfortless (John 14:18). I can testify that that is true. One of the greatest blessings I have received is the ability to be of good cheer amongst challenges. The blessing may not necessarily come in an answer or resolution, but in our increased capacity to feel peace and joy in what seems like the greatest trial that we will ever endure. The extended peace and comfort allows for me to feel God’s infinite love and understand that He is active in my life. He wants me to endure, so that I can learn more of Him and return to live in His presence.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 14 verse 7, it says, “And if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all gifts of God.” God is a gift-giving God. He loves us with everything that He possesses and is willing to offer us eternal life in His presence based upon our obedience. He is waiting for us to call upon Him, so that He can help us along the way. Trials will come, but when we call upon God for help, we advance further into His kingdom. He will deliver us, and our hearts will be changed as God continues to mold us through life’s challenges.

We are part of a greater plan. God’s love for us extends far beyond right now. Every good thing in our life is preparing us for eternity. Heavenly Father desires for all of His children to live with Him again and in His role as our Eternal Father, I believe that He will do all He can to get us there.

By Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Resources:

Mormon Doctrine

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

The Bible in Mormonism

The Lord Jesus Christ is happiness.

We live in a world where a most recurring question is, “Why aren’t I happy?” In an effort to answer that question, people often seek happiness from various sources. Some would say that more money would bring them happiness. Others consider that a comfortable life, free from trial or challenge, would bring them happiness. Happiness is sought after through the temporary satisfactions of this life that are often contrary to the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. What cannot always be seen is the great difference between momentary happiness versus living a life of happiness; between having a good time and leading a good life.

I believe happiness to be a state of mind. It is a manner in which we live. Happiness is the abiding hope that brings life more purpose and fulfillment. The true meaning of life is founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose joy is full when we too are full of joy.

In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Lehi said, “Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Therefore, our very existence is for the purpose of having joy. The atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has made it possible for all men (and women) to be happy now.

Society often associates happiness with something that will come later. It is connected to future ambitions. You often hear, “I’ll be happy when… I will finally feel happiness if…” It’s as though people do not believe it can actually come now. And when it does come, through a temporary outlet, that happiness is not enough. But the very purpose of happiness is to relieve despair and replace it with hope.

The happiness that comes from Jesus Christ is an everlasting state of being due to its connection with eternity. Keeping the commandments of God enables us to be happy always. And it is through obedience to the commandments that we are able to have eternal life and dwell with our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ forever.  Jesus Christ taught us that through His peace we would discover the innate happiness within each of us. “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Jesus Christ has taught that through Him and His atonement we are able to experience a peace that will prevail through the difficulties of life. Happiness is a part of our Savior. Not only did He die for our sins, but also He lives for our success. It is through Him that we are able to experience a fullness of joy. The meaning of life is not to be downtrodden! This life is brought to pass by our Lord Jesus Christ! Through His atonement, we can have hope. We can be happy. Happiness can pull us through what we cannot. As children of God, we have a right to be happy. It is because we have a Savior—a model to look towards for everlasting happiness. He now stands at the right hand of His Father, smiling down at us. He weeps when we weep. His joy is full when our joy is full. His happiness is based on our happiness and He has provided the way to feel so now.

It is through the example of Jesus Christ that we know where to find His happiness. Our Prophet Thomas S. Monson said,

To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellowmen. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy (“In Quest of the Abundant Life,” Ensign, March 1988, 5).

I can testify that the above quote is true. There was a time in my life where I did not feel happiness. I was keeping the commandments of the Lord. I was reading my scriptures, praying, and attending church meetings. But there was something missing, because I was still not happy. It was after I heard a talk at Christmastime from Mormon Prophet Thomas S. Monson that my life changed. I went home that night and prayed to forget about myself. I specifically said, “No more, Mady.” And I forgot my problems. I soon found myself looking to others for service opportunities. In that moment my heart began to change. I had already made all the necessary steps to live a happy life, but my heart had not been fully turned to the Savior – to do what He would do, which is to love others.

Matthew 10:39 says, “He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has paved the pathway to happiness through living by His name. And through His life and example, we discover that we too can feel as He does. We gain the greater reward of His continual peace.

God has promised us eternal life and everlasting joy. But before that He has also promised us mortal happiness and joy right now. He has promised that the meaning of life can be found and lived. It can resonate with cheer. Life is about being happy and happiness is found within our Lord Jesus Christ. May we walk in His ways all of our days.

By Mady Clawson

Mady Clawson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ʺMormonʺ single adult), with a zest for the gospel. She currently studies English, with an emphasis in Professional Writing and Communications at BYU-Idaho.

Additional Sources:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

Find out more about what Mormons believe

Knowing God

A Book of Mormon prophet named Moroni spoke regarding the principles of hope and the source of all our hopes. He said,

And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope? And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart. (Book of Mormon, Moroni 7:40-43).

The Book of Mormon peoples, hundreds of years before Christ was born, through intensive study of the holy scriptures, the guidance of the Spirit, and following their prophets, developed faith and hope that the Lord Jesus Christ would come, bringing salvation to mankind. Many led righteous lives and had a perfect brightness of hope, having been taught of Christ by name. Their prophets created a record aimed for us in our day, a day when many would be confused, and choose to do evil rather than good.
These times are referred to in the scriptures and by the prophets as the last days.

And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 45:26-27).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called the Mormon Church by some people) teaches that these things will surely come to pass, for the prophecies have been written in the holy scriptures and have been spoken of by the prophets both living and the dead. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only solution to these maladies.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (New Testament, Romans 3:23-26).

In God’s Plan of Salvation, life on this earth is a probationary state where all men are tested to see if they will, according to their own free will, obey God and His commandments. The test is not easy, for the reward is great —eternal life. God knows that all of us will fall short of keeping all His commandments, and thus He sent the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (New Testament, John 3:16-17).

Many people who have made mistakes have felt hopeless thinking that they are far beyond the power of the Atonement. Trials and disappointments are not uncommon in earth life, indeed they are part of the test and can be overcome if one relies on the power of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the greatest doctrine of hope all people must understand is that there is nothing that the Atonement of Jesus Christ cannot heal or mend, and that no one is ever too far from the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, if one would only submit his whole self to the Lord, that is, through a sincere prayer and repentance.

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. (Book of Mormon, Ether 12:4).

References:
1) Book of Mormon, Moroni 7:40-43
2) Doctrine and Covenants, Section 45:26-27
3) New Testament, Romans 3:23-26
4) New Testament, John 3:16-17
5) Book of Mormon, Ether 12:4

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormornism

Search for Happiness

What Mormons Believe

Why doesn’t God stop suffering and evil? I have asked myself this question many times not only because of my own personal challenges but also due to witnessing many around me suffering in despair. Within the social work profession, I’ve worked with many people who have been taken advantage of and suffered heart breaking stories. I have advocated for immigrants, mentally ill adults, and truant teenagers and seen them endure harsh circumstances that were out of their control.

Jesus Christ Bobby (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Recently, I spent the past two years researching public awareness of human trafficking (modern slavery) and was shocked to discover that almost half of these victims were children and millions of kids are working in hazardous conditions (International Labor Organization [ILO], 2000, November 17. ILO worst forms of child labour Convention comes into force. ILO News, pp. 1A, 2A. & ILO, 2011. International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor: Europe and Central Asia.) My heart weeps in despair when I think of the families split across different countries, children enduring abusive relationships, and those living on less than a dollar a day.

I’ve heard many people say God could not exist or He would not allow such despair and adversity. I admit I’ve sometimes wished that He had ended some of my personal trials and that I didn’t have to be hearing impaired, endure multiple surgeries, or watch my mother slowly die. However, there is something that has changed the way I view suffering and evil. The plan of salvation has brought me hope, peace, and security even when it seems like the rain won’t stop pouring. Continue reading →

Gaining a Body and Being Testest

Written by Frank, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths).

What is the meaning of life? People have been asking this question for ages. The material written below helps us answer this question.

To start off I will take you to the scriptures where it is recorded by Abraham on a scroll in his own hand (Found in The Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 3:22-28). It began in the spirit world, before the earth was made and was presented to us by our Heavenly Father at a Grand Family Counsel. Continue reading →