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(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, "
5/27/14
And then he gave us the real
key to joy and happiness. He said: "But learn that he who doeth
the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in
this world, and eternal life in the world to come." (D&C
59:23.) Peace comes as the Father witnesses unto us his divine
approval of the things that we are doing. This peace is a basis of
real joy and happiness, and it comes to us through the gospel of
Jesus Christ. - James A.
Cullimore, "Conference Report," October 1967, Afternoon Meeting,
p.45
8/30/14
Joy
and misery are eternal emotions whose ultimate extent we are not
likely to experience in mortality. In this life we have some
mortal simulations, which we call happiness or pleasure and
unhappiness or pain. In the midst of these emotions is suffering.
Some suffering comes from our own sins or those of others, but
much suffering is simply an inevitable part of the mortal
condition, like an accidental injury. - Dallin
H. Oaks, “Joy
and Mercy,” Ensign (CR) November 1991
1/16/15
The pleasant future belongs to those who properly use today. We
need to find the abundant life as we go along. How can we be happy
tomorrow if our “nows” are filled with self-inflicted
unhappinesses and unwise delays? Generally speaking, those
inclined to count their daily blessings have more to count because
they help make more possible as they learn gratitude. - Marvin
J. Ashton, “The
Time Is Now,” Ensign (CR) April 1975
2/16/15
This
is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer
we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief.
Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among
the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon
the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is
important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most
important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and
nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want
to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now. - Thomas
S. Monson, “Finding
Joy in the Journey,” Ensign (CR) October 2008
4/27/15
I believe that as we deepen our understanding of the Savior, we will
have an increased desire to live joyfully and a conviction that joy
is possible. Consequently, we will have a greater ability to go
about each day with more enthusiasm for life and for keeping the
commandments of God, even in challenging circumstances. - José
A. Teixeira, “Seeking
the Lord,” Ensign (CR) April 2015
7/14/15
While man is struggling to achieve security and independence, he
should also realize that happiness and joy can be his. The Prophet
Lehi, speaking under the inspiration of the Lord, taught his sons
that "men are, that they might have joy." (2
Ne. 2:25.) This joy could come from performing unselfish acts
for others, a life filled with love for fellowmen, the rewards that
come from honest toil, from a home where love and kindness abide,
the peace and tranquility that come from observing the commandments
of the Lord. - Henry D. Taylor,
"Conference Report," April 1968, Afternoon Meeting, p. 32
2/16/16
We
must serve the Lord and honor Him; we must be pure in our
thoughts, in our words, in our conduct, and seek to be in
communion with Him and honor Him continually. If men do that,
they will have joy in this life. We will have a taste of heaven
before we get there; in fact, we will have a little heaven
here—and it is a good thing to have it commence here. If we get
a little taste of it here, we will have a good deal of faith in
the heaven of the future. - Francis
M. Lyman, "Conference Report," April 1910, Overflow
Meeting., p.32
10/9/16
As the Savior’s latter-day disciples, we come unto Him by loving
and serving God’s children. As we do, we may not be able to avoid
tribulation, affliction, and suffering in the flesh, but we will
suffer less spiritually. Even in our trials we can experience joy
and peace. – Robert D. Hales, “‘Come,
Follow Me’ by Practicing Christian Love and Service,”
Ensign (CR) November 2016