Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and Spirit of Optimism- February 12, 2017

Tina D. taught our lesson this week from Chapter 3 in the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B Hinckley Manual- Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and Spirit of Optimism.


1 Even when many people are negative and pessimistic, we can cultivate a spirit of happiness and optimism. 

First, we discussed how we need to remember to "look deeper" for the good. Happiness and optimism are a choice we have to make every day.

President Hinckley always encouraged us to be positive: "I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course."

President Hinckley also taught that "we must turn from the negativism that permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears."

Why do we need this council today? 

Some comments from our sisters:

-Sometimes it feels impossible, especially with the devastating situations that some of us face. We must try to look for good and find something to hold onto to help you get to the next point. The reality is, we may not be happy all the time, and we can acknowledge that we will have bad days, and try to cultivate things that are positive even on those bad days. 

-How to deal with negativity: Find someone who will listen, let out all of your troubled feelings to them, and then leave it behind. Have a safe way to let out your anger to someone. 

-Use a creative outlet to make others happy when you are feeling down. You can still take action and think of others. 

-Go for a walk, it can lift your spirits to be outside. 

-Try journaling.


2 Rather than dwell on our problems, we can let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless us. 

How are you blessed when you have a spirit of thanksgiving?

Some comments from our sisters:

-The older I get, the more skeptical I am of "happy." Joy is happy and we can't have joy without pain. When you have joy you have thanksgiving. An attitude of gratitude can help you get there. 

-Make conscious choices to be grateful, even when our situation is not ideal or what we imagined. 

-In the Lamaze method of childbirth, we are taught not to think of the pain and to concentrate on other things. We can use our bandwidth for the good. 

-Try to be happy for others, it helps take away the comparison you may feel. 

-Check in and notice what makes you happy. Examine how you are feeling inside. Notice your triggers- what brings you down? What do you need to change? Ask yourself what is bringing you happiness and that's what you need to focus on. 

-Keep up, and keep happy. When you are not happy, you are not keeping up. Try to brighten up the world which in turn can lift your spirits. 

3 The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us a reason for gladness

Gordon B Hinckley:
"Regardless of your way of doing things in the past, I offer you a challenge … to square your lives with the teachings of the gospel, to look upon this Church with love and respect and appreciation as the mother of your faith, to live your lives as an example of what the gospel of Jesus Christ will do in bringing happiness to an individual."

President Hinckley also relayed the words of Jenkins Lloyd Jones: “Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” (Deseret News, 12 June 1973.)

We were reminded that the little day to day choices we make can influence the track upon which we run. 

4 The gospel is a message of triumph to be embraced with enthusiasm, affection, and optimism.

5 With knowledge that we are all children of God, we can stand a little taller, rise a little higher, and be a little better.

Encouragement from President Hinckley:

"There is also in our society a sad tendency among many of us to belittle ourselves. Other persons may appear to us to be sure of themselves, but the fact is that most of us have some feelings of inferiority. The important thing is not to talk to yourself about it. … The important thing is to make the best of all that we have.

Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for yourself. Don’t belittle yourself. Never forget that you are a child of God. You have a divine birthright. Something of the very nature of God is within you."

Walking the Savior's Path of Charity

Alison F. lead discussion around the lesson in Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity of the Howard W. Hunter manual.

The touchstone of compassion is a measure of our discipleship; it is a measure of our love for God and for one another. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How does your love of God fuel your charity toward others?

An old axiom states that a man “all wrapped up in himself makes a small bundle.” Love has a certain way of making a small bundle large. The key is to love our neighbor, including the neighbor that is difficult to love. We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties. Christ said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46). (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• How can we increase our love for neighbors who may be “difficult to love”?
  How was your heart changed or what blessing followed?
  Have you at times been "difficult to love"?

"These two virtues, love and service, are required of us if we are to be good neighbors and find peace in our lives." (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

• Do you remember a time when you felt love from someone who made you a priority by listening to you and sharing a topical experience from their life?
• What is your favorite scripture that shows how the Savior did this?

(The gospel of Jesus Christ) provides the only way the world will ever know peace. We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us. (Chapter 20: Walking the Savior’s Path of Charity)

President Joseph Smith

“If we would secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others, even our enemies as well as friends. … Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst.” (History of the Church, 5:498–99.)

In Moroni 7:48 it says: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ”

Find someone difficult to love and pray for them - listen for ways to show charity to that person.

True Greatness - June 19, 2016

Sara G. led our thoughts from Chapter 11: True Greatness from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, frequently said "I am the greatest!" His biography sits in many libraries.
Have you considered the question: Why do some people have books about them in the library?

The Lord does admonish us to write down our own personal story and to study those of our ancestors. "For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand" (Alma 5:58)

The world’s definition of greatness is often misleading and can prompt damaging comparisons.

• Are we affected by the world's definition of greatness?  Is popular put above valuable?

“Those things which we call extraordinary, remarkable, or unusual may make history, but they do not make real life.

“After all, to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness."

True greatness comes from persevering in the difficulties of life and from serving in ways that are often unnoticed.

True greatness requires consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary steps over a long period of time.

 … Giving consistent effort in the little things in day-to-day life leads to true greatness. Specifically, it is the thousands of little deeds and tasks of service and sacrifice that constitute the giving, or losing, of one’s life for others and for the Lord.

As President Joseph F. Smith has said, “Let us not be trying to substitute an artificial life for the true one.” (Juvenile Instructor, 15 Dec. 1905, p. 753.) Let us remember that doing the things that have been ordained by God to be important and needful and necessary, even though the world may view them as unimportant and insignificant, will eventually lead to true greatness.

The small things are significant. We remember not the amount offered by the Pharisee but the widow’s mite, not the power and strength of the Philistine army but the courage and conviction of David.

"What is my depth but layers and layers of shallow?"  e e cummings

Frequently it is the commonplace tasks we perform that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.

But all things must come to pass in their time.

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (Doctrine and Covenants 64:32-33)

To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

The Law of Tithing - May 15, 2016

Rebecca J. gave a spiritual lesson on the observance of tithing from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

The payment of tithing strengthens faith, increases spirituality and spiritual capacity, and solidifies testimony. It gives the satisfaction of knowing one is complying with the will of the Lord. (Howard W. Hunter, The Law of Tithing)

• Have you noticed blessings in your life specifically from paying tithing?

In 2 Samuel 24:18–25 we read that David would not make an offering unto the Lord of that which cost him nothing. He no doubt reasoned that unless the gift cost the giver something of value, it was not fit or appropriate to be an offering for the Lord. (Howard W. Hunter, The Law of Tithing)

“A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, 69).

• How do you feel about paying tithing?  Whether or not you do pay it, do you want to pay it?

If tithing is a gift, we could give whatever we please, when we please, or make no gift at all. It would place our Heavenly Father in the very same category as the street beggar to whom we might toss a coin in passing. The Lord has established the law of tithing, and because it is his law, it becomes our obligation to observe it if we love him and have a desire to keep his commandments and receive his blessings. In this way it becomes a debt. (Howard W. Hunter, The Law of Tithing)

All-Hands Relief Society Meeting - May 10, 2015

We were blessed to be in the company of almost all the sisters, as the men took over roles in the Primary and Young Women classes.

Sue introduced the meeting with some interesting statistical information and quotes from Elder Ringwood's talk from April and Sheri Dew's "Are We Not All Mothers?" talk from October 2001 General Conference.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: “Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.”
(Truly Good and without Guile, Elder Michael T. Ringwood, April 2015 Conference)

Today there are some who would have us believe our search for relevance can be satisfied only by obtaining position and power. Yet, thankfully, there are many who are uninfluenced by this perspective. They find relevance in seeking to be truly good and without guile. I have found them in all walks of life and in many faith traditions. And I find them in large numbers among the truly converted followers of Christ.
(Truly Good and without Guile, Elder Michael T. Ringwood, April 2015 Conference)

Since it was Mothers Day, members of the presidency shared vignettes of women who had been strong influences in their lives - sisters in the ward, seminary teachers, young women leaders and dear friends.  We were then blessed by a musical number of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" by Becca and her children.
After the meeting we enjoyed a snack prepared by the activities committee, thank you ladies!

We hope you celebrate the ways that you feel valued and relevant and take a moment to thank a woman who helped you get there.

Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord - April 19, 2015

Natalie M. reminded us of the many ways Joseph Smith sacrificed and followed the Lord as we discussed Chapter 7: Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord from the Ezra Taft Benson manual.

“I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (Joseph Smith--History 1:25).

• How has the First Vision influenced your life?

Joseph Smith the Prophet went willingly to his death. He sealed his testimony with his life--his own blood. On that fateful day in Nauvoo, Illinois, as he looked back upon his city and people whom he loved, on his way to Carthage Jail and his martyrdom, he declared: “This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens; little do they know the trials that await them” [History of the Church, 6:554].

Later the Prophet said feelingly, but calmly and courageously, “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as calm as a summer’s morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, ‘He was murdered in cold blood’” [History of the Church, 6:555].

  Thus did the Prophet Joseph Smith climax his earth life and fulfill the mortal part of his divinely appointed mission. This mortal mission, he made clear, was not to end until fully completed. Like the mission of the Savior, “a lamb slain before the foundation of the world” [see Revelation 13:8], Joseph was truly foreordained to his great mission.
Chapter 7: Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord

Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence - March 22, 2015

Carolyn P. highlighted sections of Elder Jörg Klebingat's talk from October's General Conference, Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your spiritual confidence before God? Do you have a personal witness that your current offering as a Latter-day Saint is sufficient to inherit eternal life? Can you say within yourself that Heavenly Father is pleased with you? What thoughts come to mind if you had a personal interview with your Savior one minute from now? Would sins, regrets, and shortcomings dominate your self-image, or would you simply experience joyful anticipation? Would you meet or avoid His gaze? Would you linger by the door or confidently walk up to Him?

1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being.  Spiritual confidence increases when you take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily.

2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being. Spiritual confidence increases when your spirit, with the help of the Savior, is truly in charge of your natural man or woman.

3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life. Spiritual confidence increases when you are truly striving, for the right reasons, to live a consecrated life in spite of your imperfections!

4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

5. Become really, really good at forgiving. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.

6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience."

The gift of our bodies - November 2, 2014

Nettie lead us in a brief lesson about how we are blessed with having a physical body.
She recalled many events her body taken her through, getting high heels at 16 and hearing of the attack on Pearl Harbor, going on a train alone at 21, getting married at 23, and dressing her mother for burial at 61 - the body that gave her a body.

Brown and white Spectator pumps, circa 1940

• Why do we have a body?

To cover our spirits, to learn. Our bodies are connected to our spirits, so taking care of one can also improve the other.  We can feel life more fully with our bodies.

Our bodies are an amazing gift and it is incredible what people do with it, even if not every part works perfectly.

We closed with time for a few beautiful testimonies.

"Savor Your Season" Enrichment Garden Party

We celebrated all our seasons of our lives together in Sue's garden on a lovely Saturday morning.

We began with a delicious brunch including raspberry bread pudding with syrup, muffins, cinnamon rolls, egg dishes with salsa and plenty of tasty, fresh fruit.  The tables were decorated with pencils to both remind us to slow down and 'savor our season' by handwriting something and also to remind us of the many donated items to local schools that were collected prior to the event.

A group dressed from the 60's led us to dance to the tune 'Turn, Turn, Turn' to kick off the program with flowers in their hair.

 Perspectives on different 'seasons' of life were given by Julie S., Cassy B. and Jean G.

 It was a great time to connect with all our sisters on a mild summer morning.

Lesson Summary: July 27, 2014

Tori G. gave the lesson using the following general conference talks: "Grateful in Any Circumstances" by President Uchtdorf and "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" by Elder Bednar. 

Tori started off the lesson by discussing her adventure while on a boat from Italy. She discussed how her "deck" seats were less than desirable and how she was extremely grateful when able to upgrade to a cabin seat. She discussed how grateful she was for the simple luxuries during this trip. 

"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.We can be grateful!It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding" Elder Uchtdorf

Have gratitude in the midst of challenges. The blessings we receive when we are grateful carry us through the tough times. 

Examples of gratitude- class discussion: 

• Kathryn L. discussed how everything good comes from God and we should be grateful.

• Alice M. discussed how a gratitude journal helped prevent her from falling into "ruts"

• Carolyn T. described how she found gratitude among pain after experiencing a painful trial. We can be grateful even when acknowledging things are bad.

"In any circumstance, our sense of gratitude is nourished by the many and sacred truths we do know: that our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness; that through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones; that in the end, we will have glorious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability; and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with an abundance of happiness and joy, “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Elder Uchtdorf

Tori then summarized Elder Bednar's story about a friend who acquired a truck and got stuck in the snow. HIs friend got out of the vehicle and started cutting his firewood. After he had filled the truck with his heavy load, he was able to move the truck back onto the road. see Elder Bednar's talk for the full story. 

When was a time you turned to the Savior when pulling a heavy load?

• Jule S. shared how she was amazed at all they were able to accomplish with the Lord's help when recently moving. 

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
Mosiah 24:14-15

Thanks Tori for the wonderful lesson!