Happiness -- August 20th

We met with Mark a couple of times!  He's still doing well.  He still loves the gospel, and his testimony is really growing.  On Saturday we had a lesson on temples and forever families.  Oh boy, it was really good.  A couple of things happened...he really loves the idea of temples.  He is so excited to prepare to go after he's baptized.  He got teary-eyed and cried a couple of times during the lesson as we talked about the temple and being with our family forever.  That's what he wants.  Another thing that happened...is I just realized that that's what I want to! haha And I just felt so grateful and overwhelmed that that is exactly what we have the chance at having.  It's pretty great.  Oh!  Also, we teach him a lot at Sister Rooney's house (the older woman that we love in the branch).  She always is willing to have us over to teach and always gives us yummy sweets.  Well, the last lesson we had there Mark brought a bouquet of flowers for Sister Rooney!  Just to say thank you.  Oh my goodness, it was so cute.  Our hearts just broke. ha. 

I thought I would tell you about something I studied this week: happiness.  It all started when I was reading the Book of Mormon.  I read 2 Nephi 2:25.  We are here in this life to have joy.  To be happy!  After that I studied Alma 36...this is when Alma the younger is talking about his conversion story.  He talks about how he is in so much pain and has so much sorrow, but after he repents and uses the atonement..his pains and sorrow is turned into joy.  Real and true joy.  Christ can and wants to do that for all of us.  I got to thinking (because my train of thought is everywhere when I study..) I've always tried to be happy, but I don't think I've always let myself be as happy as I can be, just because I worry so much about the past...so much about the trials and "hardness" of today.  And I think that happens to a lot of us.   But He wants us to be happy!  Not just when everything is perfect and hunky dory, but today.  Always.  And yeah, sometimes it's really hard, but He can help us.  That's what He's there for. :)  And it doesn't mean we won't be discouraged, frustrated, sad, or waiting for something better to happen...but He can help us overcome those things and just...be happy.  And yes..I've turned into a cheesy sister missionary, but just embrace it.  haha And try to be happy.  Because God loves you and He's there for you.  And I love you too!!!