Discussion Questions
• Many people seem to have a negative outlook on life. How can we avoid this attitude and help others look at things in a positive way?
• How does listening for and being aware of ideas or promptings from the Holy Ghost increase the potential for joy?
• How does trusting in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ affect the joy we feel in our lives?
• How do obeying the commandments and keeping covenants increase our happiness and joy?
Excerpt from "Finding Joy in the Journey" by President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference:
My dear brothers and sisters, I am humbled as I stand before you this morning. I ask for your faith and prayers in my behalf as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you.
I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”
Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.
This conference marks 45 years since I was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As the junior member of the Twelve then, I looked up to 14 exceptional men, who were senior to me in the Twelve and the First Presidency. One by one, each of these men has returned home. When President Hinckley passed away eight months ago, I realized that I had become the senior Apostle. The changes over a period of 45 years that were incremental now seem monumental.
To read the full talk, click here.