Poster Article:
Finding Happiness*

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

When you hear the word happiness, what do you think of? In a general conference address, Sister Coleen K. Menlove, Primary general president, quoted children explaining what they think happiness looks like. One child said, “Happiness looks like a smile that you can see in people’s eyes so that you know they really are happy.” Another child answered, “Happiness is a big word with flowers all around it.” Another said, “Happiness looks peaceful like Jesus and Heavenly Father” (Ensign, May 2000, 13).

Heavenly Father wants us to find happiness in being with our families now and for eternity. That’s why He sent His Son to be an example for us. Sister Menlove said, “The Savior, Jesus Christ, showed us the way to happiness and told us everything we need to do to be happy” (Ensign, May 2000, 12).

Those things we need to do include following the commandments found in the scriptures and given to us by modern prophets. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The way of happiness is found in … obedience to the commandments of … the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ensign, May 1996, 94).

As we keep the commandments, remember our baptismal covenants, and are worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us, we can feel peace and bring happiness to our families.

Ideas and Activities

1. To make a pass-it-on box, glue page 43 to heavy paper and cut out the unfolded box, slit, and flowers. Fold and glue the tabs, as illustrated, to form the box. Decorate the box by gluing on the flowers. Focus on one of your family members for one week. Each time you notice something good about him or her, write it on a piece of paper and put it in the box. At the end of the week, give the box to that family member and explain why you love him or her. It’s then his or her turn to think of another family member, fill the box, and pass it on.

   box

   Illustrated by Julie F. Young

2. Or in a family home evening, discuss ways to have more peace in your family. Then plan to read the slips of paper in the box as a part of family home evening.

• Emphasizes the Primary monthly theme. (See “My Family Can Be Forever,” poster, Friend, Jan. 2004, insert.)

Illustrated by Julie F. Young