2023 December 23, Saturday, Journal Entry

We spent yesterday getting ready to have Beth and Karen over for dinner and fun. Cathy a really good soup that was supposed to be lentil soup but became split pea because she inadvertently used split peas instead of lentils. It turned out well though and we had a very enjoyable evening. It gives us a rain to decorate when we can have loved ones visit us and enjoy our home and hospitality.

Today we serve in the Bishops Storehouse. We are anticipating a busy day but you never know. We are still trying to finalize what we will say while narrating tomorrow's Sacrament meeting. 

Come Follow Me 

We Are That We Might Have Joy

In the scriptures, the word joy typically means much more than passing moments of contentment or even feelings of happiness. Joy in this context is a godly attribute, found in its fulness when we return to dwell in the presence of God. It is more profound, elevating, enduring, and life-changing than any pleasure or comfort this world can offer.

We were created to have joy. It is our intended destiny as children of a loving Heavenly Father. He wants to share His joy with us. The prophet Lehi taught that God’s plan for each of us is that we “might have joy.” Because we live in a fallen world, enduring joy or everlasting joy often seems beyond our reach. Yet in the very next verse, Lehi continues by explaining that “the Messiah [came to] … redeem [us] from the fall.” Redemption, by and through the Savior Jesus Christ, makes joy possible.

The gospel message is a message of hope, of “good tidings of great joy,” and the means whereby all can experience peace and occasions of joy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the life to come.

By Elder Craig C. Christensen Of the Seventy, April 2023