Joy versus Happiness, There is a difference

When God's hand touches ours and blessings upon our heads.



It is time to take an inventory.

What is it that brings one happiness?

What is it that brings one JOY?

This question was posed this week in a discussion in a meeting at church.

It gave me pause to think what the difference was between the two.

I am happy when. . . ?

I experience joy when. . . ?

Suggestion: Make a list and head each one with the two words in two columns at the top of the page.

Now go through and think just what is it that brings happiness?

Then, decide what is it that brings JOY? It may surprise you.

The list for happiness is in the "now," and the state we find ourselves on a day to day level.

On the other hand, list if you will, all the things that are more lasting and appear to be eternal as the Savior stated: My Joy is full. Completeness in embracing the principles of the gospel in the arms of his love.

Webster's dictionary defines happy as a state of contentment; well being, glad, joyous or pleased. Whereas, joy is defined as a state of great happiness; delight; a state or source of contentment or satisfaction; anything which makes one delighted or happy. This kind of contentment is fleeting.

It appears that the two are almost the same. However, except that the joy one feels in the eternal blessings of the temple are more long lasting and transcends into the eternities. That must be the difference between happiness and joy.

My children bring me joy, the joy of knowing they are mine forever and I am their parent as long as I am worthy of those eternal promises and blessings.

" I have no greater joy, than to see my children walk in truth." The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and adhere to the principals taught them in their youth. I was faithful and obedient to bring to pass their joy in serving missions, and marrying in the temple. I have been truly blessed to embrace the goodness and mercy of God in my family's blessings.

I know that I find great joy in serving in the House of the Lord each week. I am the recipient, as well as my children for that service given. The sacrifice I make is worth all the spiritual blessings I receive each time I am there.

I walked into the Celestial room this past week and marveled at the beauty of that room. The serenity I felt enveloped me and was simply beautiful. I observed the many couples who were there as seemed to glow with peace in their hearts and countenances. I walked over to the mirrors that face and saw the incredible crystal chandelier reflected upon those mirrors that represent eternity and have no beginning nor end. The image was infinite, and went forever in eternity.

I thanked the Lord for his goodness to allow me the tender mercy to be where I was and serving Him in his holy house. My cup runneth over. I pondered, prayed and read scriptures for about fifteen minutes. Anytime I have some extra time between assignments, I go into the Celestial Room to pray. It is so comforting and I feel so un-rushed. My gratitude for just being there is increase each time that opportunity is mine to embrace. How sweet it IS!!

When I keep myself centered in Christ, my day and experiences are heightened and it feels like I walk on clouds. There is no other place to feel that for which I am most humbly grateful. How I wish my siblings knew what JOY is and how I feel in that special room. It is heaven on Earth and the closest we can ever get being in the Lord's Holy house. What a privilege too. God bless you all, my love ones and athose I care so much about. I am a better person knowing each of you. Thank you.

Hope in the Savior and his great love-- Synonymous with the Atonement

A woman wrote a letter to President Monson and she said, "Sometimes I wonder If I make a difference in my children's lives. Especially as a single mother. . . , I sometimes come home to confusion, but I never give up hope." December Ensign, 2007

I had a conversation with Tanise this week and she mentioned this quote. I would like to tell about my experiences as a single mother. There were many choices that I made that effected each of you and my life as well. The one about remarrying and undoing it was one of those. My education also was a big decision which made such a difference in the lives of my children without a doubt.

This week I had the impression of the assurance that I made the correct, wisest decision that was right for me. I attended the funeral this week for David Michael Perkins. He died suddenly of natural causes in his sleep, at age 40--. He left a wife but had no children. I saw his father there at the mortuary, as you all know as Michael. He had changed so much and appeared to have had a stroke or some kind of dementia, although he did know me and thanked me for coming. His speech was slowed; he didn't have the spark in his old personality that I remembered him. His daughter, Becky told me beforehand that he has not been himself the last several months. He was also about three inches shorter than he used to be. It was confirmed again to me that the choice to go forward alone without a companion was the best I could have done for me and my children, and never looked back.

I never gave up hope--

Somehow, failure was never a consideration or option in working through the challenges. When I had a big decision to make I always went in prayer to the Lord and listened to his guiding words and inspiration. Each of you came with a different set of challenges, as you all know we each have them. I could not use the same solution with each and all because each of you were not all the same!

I was very blessed that way that I learned to know from those promptings of the spirit attending the temple often or receiving priesthood blessings along the way. There was never a problem too small or too large to call upon HIM for his grace and carry me through--

Blessings of the Covenant

One that I count as the greatest blessing I have had was to see each of you married and sealed in holy wedlock by the power of the priesthood ordinances in the temples. Another great blessing of me personally was to be sealed to my parents. I always honored my parents, in life and now beyond the veil. They continue to bless me and our family.

I think that when Grandpa Rodriguez came to live with me we forged a bond of love that transcends into a strong welding link that blesses many generations back as well as forward. I learned that the sealing I received gave me my "birthright." I had never thought of it as that before then, but know by the Spirit it is true.

Each of you have given each of your children that birthright by virtue of your sealing when you were married. I pray that all of my posterity will honor themselves and carry on the blessing of birthright to their own children. Years ago, I taught the sixteen year olds in Sunday school that the parents they should honor most was those of their own children.

Windows of Heaven

Another great opportunity and blessing was to have four missionaries out over a six year period of time. I was in school during those years and it seemed like that was my "mission" to be in school at that time. I know the blessings poured out of the windows of heaven and I cherish the memories of your mission service and how close it brought me to the Lord. I vicariously experienced your missions with all five of your missions. It was a time of refinement and growth for me too. Thank you, all.

So, yes I have seen the hand of God through the lives of my children and now grand children. I feel honored to be your mother, grandmother. My heart and joy is full. God bless you all.

Love always, Mom