An Attitude of Happiness -

Through my life experiences I have come to realize that our attitude is directly connected to our joy and happiness in this life. Attitude is a choice and we can choose to be positive and happy or we can choose to be negative and unhappy. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated the following: "I delight in a glad heart and a cheerful countenance".
In the world of today we are surrounded by negative influences. Most of the news is negative. Very few TV shows are movies are positive in nature. We are bombarded with violence, sexual situations and language. In the schools bad language and other negative influences impact the lives of our children.
So, the question is how can we choose to be happy and positive in our daily lives? Pres. Spencer W. Kimball gave the following thought; "And when we are asked why we are such a happy people, our answer is. “Because we have everything—life with all its opportunities, death without fear, eternal life with endless growth and development.”
The Savior said "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33.) We can overcome the world. We can choose not to read, listen to, or watch negative things. Heavenly Father wants us to have joy in our life."Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2Nephi 2:25). As disciples of Christ we need to be more cheerful and optimistic about the future.
Take a moment to ponder Matthew 5; the Beatitudes. Perhaps think of the beatitudes as beautiful attitudes. All of the characteristics in the beatitudes are positive, happy, uplifting and blessed.
I know that I am the happiness when  I am obeying the commandments and serving and helping others. When we are just into Me's; we will find ourselves looking down instead of up towards our Savior.
The Savior also said: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17) .
When you are happy it will show in your countenance; there will be a smile on your face.

May the smile on your face come straight from your heart.~ Ann Reinheart
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.~ Dwight Evans
Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
~ Mother Teresa
A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home.~ Bishop Sheen
Everyone smiles in the same language. ~ Randall Scott
 The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.~ Marcus Robinson
Life is a Gift enjoy it ~Mother Theresa

Think about our modern day prophets; they are men of positive and happy attitudes.

Pres. Gordan B. Hinckley said; "Be Believing. Be Happy. Don't get discouraged. Things will work out." Our prophets know that we will have discouragement, difficulties, and afflictions in our life; but they know that the Savior has overcome the world. On the night of Gethsemane, the Savior said; "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid:.(John 14: 27).

Let us choose to be happy. Again, the Savior said, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13: 17).

My Happiness Gifts for today -

176.The sweet face of a great granddaughter

177. My husband's smile

178. A hug from a friend

179. A listening ear

180. A prayer that is answered

181.The beauty of the earth

182.The smile of my dogs

183. A moment of good news

184. Hearing my daughters sing

185. Watching  grandchildren play

186. Good thoughts

187. The warmth of the sun

188. A cool breeze on a hot day

189.The beauty of a sunset

190. A spiritual moment in the temple

191. A test that is passed

192. A phone call from a child

192. A cheerful heart

193. An early morning walk

194. An encouraging scripture

195. A happy family

196. The song of a bird

197. A race that is run

198. A good night kiss

199. Chocolate, chocolate and then chocolate

200. The ending of a wonderful day