"Look Not behind Thee"

     I know that it isn't New Year's but I still love the message that is contained in this video and it is a principle that applies to us at all times of life. We can leave our past behind and look forward to the future because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It will be bright as we make the choice to follow Christ.

How To Be Happy

     Where does happiness really come from? How can we find lasting happiness? Those can be hard questions to find answers to with everything in the world today. Sometimes we try to find it through money or possessions, but that is not the way. So then where can we find it?

     In the Book of Mormon we read, "Wickedness never was happiness. (Alma 41:10)" That is about as straightforward as it gets if you ask me. When we disobey God's commandments we aren't happy. Another thing we can understand from this is that righteousness always is happiness. When we choose to follow Christ and to do what he would have us do, we are truly happy.

     We see examples of this throughout the scriptures but I have one particular favorite. After Christ appeared to the people in America, everyone united in their efforts to follow him and we see the blessings that come to them because of their obedience to God.

     "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." (4 Nephi 1:15-16) 

     It is clear to see that when we follow the commandments and do what our Heavenly Father wants us to, we find true happiness just as the people here. It isn't always easy but if we will "give away all [our] sins" and try our best to follow Christ, we will experience true and lasting happiness.
I know that this is true and you can too. Pray about it and give it a try. I promise that as you follow Christ you will feel more happiness throughout your life.

What's Going On?

Many of you probably remember me saying that I would not be on Facebook or have a blog when I left on my mission. Well, our mission was selected as one to use the internet as a tool to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a missionary my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ and that's exactly what we are doing online. I will regularly post to my blog and be available on Facebook for one hour each day. The messages I share will invite everyone to come unto Christ and to find the true happiness that comes through following him.