Monday, August 8, 2011

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

A-Wise-Woman-Builds-Her-Home



10 comments:

Ardith Haws said...

What a lovely reminder, one that I need to hear frequently. Thank you for being such an inspirational friend. I love all the great quotes! I am glad we found one another.

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

I am so out of touch with blogging!!! I can say that this is the most uplifting blog I have read in months!!

I couldn't agree with you more - our attitude has everything to do with the way that we live our life. I love the beatitudes (beautiful attitudes!) I love to read them to remind myself of what a loving Father I have! He gives me all the directions I need for a good life, I just need to be obedient... :0)

I love the picture of you and I! I will probably steal it and put it on my blog too . . . heheheheh! All the pictures were so wonderful - what a beautiful family!

Hugs and Love,
Barb

P.S. Christian told me he had such a wonderful time with you - you are such a good grandma!!

Marie Rayner said...

Love this as always Leanne. Another beautiful post. In a world that is going completely mad, it is nice to be able to come here and read positive and beautiful thoughts. The world is completely mad over here at the moment and very, very scary. It is good to know in my heart that Heavenly Father ultimately is in charge and that He has a plan. I send lots of love and hugs to you today and always. xxoo

John said...

I love your blog. It is always so uplifting. I am glad you found me out in blog world.

Susan Anderson said...

Great post.

Happiness is the very best of gifts, and for me, it starts with gratitude.

=)

Anonymous said...

I'm reminded of Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

and

1Ti 6:6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Kids and pets do make for the cutest photos, don't they?

Blessings!

The Adventurer said...

I couldn't agree more, being positive, and happy is so much healthier and better than being so negative. I do try to be encouraging to others and positive as often as I can. Great pictures of your friends and family being happy:)

Just Ramblin' said...

I loved reading your very uplifting blog. Especially loved the quotes. I truly believe life is easier when we
try to be happy. I try each day to do or find something that will make me happy. Loved all your pictures, especially the one with you and Barb.
Thanks for another great post. Nola

Grammy Staffy said...

What a WONDERFUL post. I think I will use it for my next talk... I will give you credit for the inspiration of course. It is just beautiful..... thank you for the encouragement and the smiles.

Have a good week dear LeAnn. I wish you well. How are you healing from your surgery? I wish you luck in all that you do. Hugs, Lura

Kara Chupp said...

Such encouraging words...and I especially love the quotes...
Thank you for this very hopeful, beautiful post...
Love,
Kara @ The Chuppies/NOBH