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Happiness: Finders, Keepers
Happiness. What is it, and where can it be found? Is it an ideal to be hoped for in the next life, or a reality to be sought here and now? "To me there was never a time when we had a greater need for happiness and for the peace, contentment, serenity, hope, gratitude, and joy that are part of it," writes Mary Ellen Edmunds. In Finders, Keepers, she offers a wealth of practical, cheery, spirit-filled suggestions for living a happier life. Since our Father in Heaven's plan is "the great plan of happiness," and since one of the reasons for our very existence is that we "might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25), it's clear that we're meant to be happy right now, here, today! We can do so, even in the midst of trials, if we understand the true nature of this heavenly gift. "I am convinced that even with the heavy burdens, the awful injustices, and the tragedies in the world, there is happiness all around us," writes the author. "We must be the finders and the keepers — those who are aware of and who cherish this holy, abundant blessing." Overcoming stress, maintaining a sense of humor, remembering our blessings, feeling gratitude — these are just some of the paths to happiness discussed in this delightful book. Warm personal stories and solid insights from the scriptures and the words of Church leaders help shape our perspective. The message is one of There are things we can do and feel that will make us almost instantly happier. As Mary Ellen "May we remember that we already chose the great plan of happiness, but we need to choose it again, hour after hour and day after day, through all our earthly experiences. . . . If we will, we can live happily ever after!"
213 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2012
6 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellen Edmunds
30 books35 followersMary Ellen Edmunds has served as director of training at the Missionary Training Center and as a member of the Relief Society general board. She graduated from the College of Nursing at Brigham Young University, has been a faculty member at BYU, and has served several full-time missions. A popular speaker, she is also the author of Happiness: Finders, Keepers; Love Is a Verb; and Thoughts for a Bad Hair Day.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 4, 2008
Mary Ellen Edmunds if my hero! She has such a positive happy outlook on life...it is contagious.
Love everything she writes!
Love everything she writes!
July 21, 2008
She was our teacher at the MTC. She's hysterical. I love reading whatever she writes.
April 22, 2008
I also loved this one. In it she shares a heartwarming story about her brother in law that I loved!
November 19, 2009
Just started this uplifting book!
November 16, 2015
I believe in the great plan of happiness - designed by our Heavenly Father for our eternal benefit and joy. Sometimes life gets in the way and we forget that purpose of our lives here - to have joy! I am grateful for the reminders in this book to seek and create and share happiness. Ultimately it is our choice. I think it's important to remember that it's our responsibility to choose happiness.
There are lots of little and big things we can do to choose happiness. I am particularly grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that provides the vision and perspective that can help us choose happiness even in our trials. Obviously there are different things that make us happy, but some principles apply to all - simplify, be grateful, serve, think of others, have faith, laugh. I'm grateful for these reminders and ideas.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"'Be of good cheer! It is not a suggestion, it is a commandment (Elder Jacob de Jager, p. 4)!'"
"I've come up with several essential ingredients for happiness....They include contentment, peace, serenity, grace, pure love, service, forgiveness, hope, simplicity, joy, a clear conscience, spirituality, reverence, and gratitude (p. 5)."
"The plan of our Heavenly Father is referred to in a variety of ways. Among other things, we call it the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, and the plan of reconciliation, but my favorite name for it is the great plan of happiness. I like the way it sounds and feels to know that there is a plan that will lead us to happiness (p. 7)."
"President Lorenzo Snow taught: 'There is nothing the Latter-day Saints can imagine that would afford them happiness that God has not unfolded to us. He has prepared everything for the Latter-day Saints that they could possibly wish or imagine in order to effect their complete happiness throughout the vast eternities (p. 8).'"
"Perhaps the height of happiness--the ultimate in joy and peace--is pleasing God, having His will become ours, and ours His. No difference. No conflict. No difficult choices. This doesn't need to feel like a heavy duty or an overwhelming responsibility. Rather it becomes the source of our happiness: doing what our Heavenly Father wants us to do because we've figured out that anything and everything He asks of us is designed and planned to make us happy! It is the object of our existence, and design of our mortal experience (p. 11)."
"We are the ones who choose--we choose happiness or we choose misery (p. 17)."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is our source for a perfect brightness of hope (p. 29)."
"When someone asks how we are, we should answer, 'Happy, thank you!' She always did that, and she meant it....It's amazing how this one little thing can make me feel....I have found that it catches people off guard when you say you're happy. They like it (p. 30)."
"I'm convinced that everyone has need for such positive words and messages, and that Heavenly Father knows who His children are, what they need, and why. And He can help us be in the right place at the right time to help provide what is needed, be it a hug, a smile, or a world of thanks or inquiry (p. 33)."
"Every single person I have ever met in my life has had something important to teach me (p. 37)."
"What a wonderful source of happiness it is to feel and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost (p. 41)!"
"Once in a while change your daily routine (p. 58)."
"Cut down on things that 'drag you down (p. 58).'"
"Have things to look forward to (p. 62)."
"Establish a few more traditions....Traditions to look forward to can help us make it through the days when we feel stressed out or lonely or sad. I love one family's tradition of celebrating the first snowfall. When it happens--no matter when--those who can will gather for hot chocolate and doughnuts. What fun (p. 64)!"
"One tradition I really enjoy is reading the Book of Mormon once a year. I choose something to watch for or ponder each time through (p. 66)."
"See what writing things down can do to unstress and happify you (p. 67)."
"Do some planning, some looking ahead, some preparing. Anticipating upcoming tasks or responsibilities can allow us to minimize or even avoid the stress waves heading our way....But don't get too organized...Don't get too uptight about this 'place for everything and everything in its place' stuff. Be flexible and strive for balance. Please don't miss a sunset because you haven't taken the lint out of the dryer (p. 70)."
"'Did you note that the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew upon both houses? Just because we follow the word of the Lord does not mean we will suffer no ill winds; it does mean that we will spiritually survive them (Elder L. Aldin Porter, p. 80)!'"
"God is burning away our dross (that which is not Godlike in us) and refining our gold (p. 85)."
"'Our trials and sufferings give us experience, and establish within us principles of godliness. The Lord will test the Saints. The Latter-day Saints have done wonders; but they cannot cease from doing wonders in the future. There will be greater things demanded of the Latter-day Saints than have ever been demanded since the organization of the Church. The Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows what He can do with us (President Lorenzo Snow, p. 86).'"
"'No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God....And it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven (Orson F. Whitney, p. 89).'"
"We can't avoid all adversity in our lives, but we certainly can do something about our response to it and our attitude toward it (p. 89)!"
"'Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear to be totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, p. 91).'"
"'Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life (President Ezra Taft Benson, p. 93).'"
"'Edmunds, is there a chance that there's someone who needs this more than you do?' Almost every single time, the answer is 'Yes!' Why should things remain in my closet, my basement, my drawers, or my garage when there's someone who could use and appreciate what I'm keeping 'just because' (p. 130)?"
"When we have love in our hearts, we do not need to be told all the ways in which we should care for the poor and needy (p. 130)."
"'There is an interdependence between those who have and those who have not. The process of giving exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process, both are sanctified (President Marion G. Romney, p. 132).'"
"'By nature he was an unsuspicious man and that made his life free from jealousies, envies, and misgivings so destructive of human happiness. That nature made him an optimist. He went about life not only looking for the good, but with ability to see it. He had nothing to conceal, nothing to disfigure, therefore the shades and colorings of life with him were true to nature (Matthias F. Cowley about President Wilford Woodruff, p. 136).'"
"Think of someone you enjoy being around. Think of someone who lifts your spirits and lightens your burdens. Would you describe that person as being happy? Does he or she tend to have a good sense of humor? Does the person help you laugh when you need to (p. 143)?"
"May we bring happiness to each other (p. 147)."
"I believe with all my heart that we can live happily ever after if we choose to follow the path and plan that lead to heaven (p. 202)."
"'Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again. A life filled with unselfish service will also be filled with peace that surpasses understanding (President Howard W. Hunter, p. 204).'"
"May we remember that we already chose the great plan of happiness, but we need to chose it again, hour after hour and day after day, through all our earthly experiences (p. 207)."
There are lots of little and big things we can do to choose happiness. I am particularly grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that provides the vision and perspective that can help us choose happiness even in our trials. Obviously there are different things that make us happy, but some principles apply to all - simplify, be grateful, serve, think of others, have faith, laugh. I'm grateful for these reminders and ideas.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"'Be of good cheer! It is not a suggestion, it is a commandment (Elder Jacob de Jager, p. 4)!'"
"I've come up with several essential ingredients for happiness....They include contentment, peace, serenity, grace, pure love, service, forgiveness, hope, simplicity, joy, a clear conscience, spirituality, reverence, and gratitude (p. 5)."
"The plan of our Heavenly Father is referred to in a variety of ways. Among other things, we call it the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, and the plan of reconciliation, but my favorite name for it is the great plan of happiness. I like the way it sounds and feels to know that there is a plan that will lead us to happiness (p. 7)."
"President Lorenzo Snow taught: 'There is nothing the Latter-day Saints can imagine that would afford them happiness that God has not unfolded to us. He has prepared everything for the Latter-day Saints that they could possibly wish or imagine in order to effect their complete happiness throughout the vast eternities (p. 8).'"
"Perhaps the height of happiness--the ultimate in joy and peace--is pleasing God, having His will become ours, and ours His. No difference. No conflict. No difficult choices. This doesn't need to feel like a heavy duty or an overwhelming responsibility. Rather it becomes the source of our happiness: doing what our Heavenly Father wants us to do because we've figured out that anything and everything He asks of us is designed and planned to make us happy! It is the object of our existence, and design of our mortal experience (p. 11)."
"We are the ones who choose--we choose happiness or we choose misery (p. 17)."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is our source for a perfect brightness of hope (p. 29)."
"When someone asks how we are, we should answer, 'Happy, thank you!' She always did that, and she meant it....It's amazing how this one little thing can make me feel....I have found that it catches people off guard when you say you're happy. They like it (p. 30)."
"I'm convinced that everyone has need for such positive words and messages, and that Heavenly Father knows who His children are, what they need, and why. And He can help us be in the right place at the right time to help provide what is needed, be it a hug, a smile, or a world of thanks or inquiry (p. 33)."
"Every single person I have ever met in my life has had something important to teach me (p. 37)."
"What a wonderful source of happiness it is to feel and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost (p. 41)!"
"Once in a while change your daily routine (p. 58)."
"Cut down on things that 'drag you down (p. 58).'"
"Have things to look forward to (p. 62)."
"Establish a few more traditions....Traditions to look forward to can help us make it through the days when we feel stressed out or lonely or sad. I love one family's tradition of celebrating the first snowfall. When it happens--no matter when--those who can will gather for hot chocolate and doughnuts. What fun (p. 64)!"
"One tradition I really enjoy is reading the Book of Mormon once a year. I choose something to watch for or ponder each time through (p. 66)."
"See what writing things down can do to unstress and happify you (p. 67)."
"Do some planning, some looking ahead, some preparing. Anticipating upcoming tasks or responsibilities can allow us to minimize or even avoid the stress waves heading our way....But don't get too organized...Don't get too uptight about this 'place for everything and everything in its place' stuff. Be flexible and strive for balance. Please don't miss a sunset because you haven't taken the lint out of the dryer (p. 70)."
"'Did you note that the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew upon both houses? Just because we follow the word of the Lord does not mean we will suffer no ill winds; it does mean that we will spiritually survive them (Elder L. Aldin Porter, p. 80)!'"
"God is burning away our dross (that which is not Godlike in us) and refining our gold (p. 85)."
"'Our trials and sufferings give us experience, and establish within us principles of godliness. The Lord will test the Saints. The Latter-day Saints have done wonders; but they cannot cease from doing wonders in the future. There will be greater things demanded of the Latter-day Saints than have ever been demanded since the organization of the Church. The Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows what He can do with us (President Lorenzo Snow, p. 86).'"
"'No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God....And it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven (Orson F. Whitney, p. 89).'"
"We can't avoid all adversity in our lives, but we certainly can do something about our response to it and our attitude toward it (p. 89)!"
"'Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear to be totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, p. 91).'"
"'Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life (President Ezra Taft Benson, p. 93).'"
"'Edmunds, is there a chance that there's someone who needs this more than you do?' Almost every single time, the answer is 'Yes!' Why should things remain in my closet, my basement, my drawers, or my garage when there's someone who could use and appreciate what I'm keeping 'just because' (p. 130)?"
"When we have love in our hearts, we do not need to be told all the ways in which we should care for the poor and needy (p. 130)."
"'There is an interdependence between those who have and those who have not. The process of giving exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process, both are sanctified (President Marion G. Romney, p. 132).'"
"'By nature he was an unsuspicious man and that made his life free from jealousies, envies, and misgivings so destructive of human happiness. That nature made him an optimist. He went about life not only looking for the good, but with ability to see it. He had nothing to conceal, nothing to disfigure, therefore the shades and colorings of life with him were true to nature (Matthias F. Cowley about President Wilford Woodruff, p. 136).'"
"Think of someone you enjoy being around. Think of someone who lifts your spirits and lightens your burdens. Would you describe that person as being happy? Does he or she tend to have a good sense of humor? Does the person help you laugh when you need to (p. 143)?"
"May we bring happiness to each other (p. 147)."
"I believe with all my heart that we can live happily ever after if we choose to follow the path and plan that lead to heaven (p. 202)."
"'Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again. A life filled with unselfish service will also be filled with peace that surpasses understanding (President Howard W. Hunter, p. 204).'"
"May we remember that we already chose the great plan of happiness, but we need to chose it again, hour after hour and day after day, through all our earthly experiences (p. 207)."
August 8, 2014
Great book on what brings happiness and what is seeking pleasure.
"Sometimes the witing for happiness can lead down a long, long road of unhappiness. If we're waiting, we may think that happiness will come when .... then we'll be happy"
"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virture, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God" - Joseph Smith
" Be positive, look for the good and the uplifting in people and circumstances."
"Sometimes the witing for happiness can lead down a long, long road of unhappiness. If we're waiting, we may think that happiness will come when .... then we'll be happy"
"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virture, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God" - Joseph Smith
" Be positive, look for the good and the uplifting in people and circumstances."
April 10, 2009
I had heard Mary Ellen Edmunds speak at the Women's Retreat "Sweet Assurance" last month in Denver and her book is just as fun. She has such an optimism that I admire. I have been trying to not get worked up over the little things and take her advice and laugh over frustrating situations more. Well see..........
February 17, 2016
This book wasn't what I expected. I expected bubbly, over the top happiness. It was about happiness and some of it was bubbly but it was also very deep. It showed many different perspectives in life and really made you think about and be grateful for things and want to be a better person. I am thinking of buying it in hardback because I will read it again and again.
July 1, 2008
Mary Ellen Edmunds is a very funny old lady. I love everything she writes. If you ever get a chance to hear her in person, you should go! She's spiritual, honest, and has a silly sense of humor. This book is inspirational with a down-to-earth touch.
August 11, 2008
I love this book because it is so uplifting. She is a great woman,great sense of humor,strong, hardworking. etc and a great writer. I got a lot of good ideas on how to be happier and staying that way. :)
Want to read
January 8, 2009I found this on my book shelf and I believe I read this years ago but plan to read this following The Shack
Read
June 2, 2009This is such a "happifying" book. I loved the personal stories, laughable anecdotes, scripture links and the beautiful picture on the back in which she talks about in her book. An inspirational book that I will keep on my shelf to read again and again.
May 27, 2011
As usual sister Edmunds is a hoot. I like her style and her way of explaining things. This book gave me a lot to think about. She talks about so many things that we have to be greatful that we just forget about.
September 1, 2008
She always makes me smile. I love her.
July 1, 2009
This is such and uplifting book and well worth your time!
February 17, 2016
A good book that is easy to read. It was nice to read when I was going through a hard time in my life.
April 21, 2024
I read this once a long time ago and since I was having family and friends leave this world right and left I felt that I really needed it. I am so glad that I re-read it. I found so many things to remind me of how blessed I am and how happy I should be. I especially liked the check list of 25 things that should show how happy I am if I have them. I think that I have 23.
December 30, 2020
One of my favorite quotes from this book is, "If you want to be happy eternally, you need to choose the plan of happiness every day. "
Here are some great points Mary Ellen Edmunds makes in this book:
1)Heavenly Father’s plan is the great plan of happiness.
2)Wickedness never was happiness. Righteousness never was misery.
3)Happiness is not an absence of problems.
4)We can choose to be happy.
5)Happiness comes from following what God asks us to do.
6)Those who are happy here will be happy There.
If you want to be happy eternally, you need to choose the plan of happiness every day.
Here are some great points Mary Ellen Edmunds makes in this book:
1)Heavenly Father’s plan is the great plan of happiness.
2)Wickedness never was happiness. Righteousness never was misery.
3)Happiness is not an absence of problems.
4)We can choose to be happy.
5)Happiness comes from following what God asks us to do.
6)Those who are happy here will be happy There.
If you want to be happy eternally, you need to choose the plan of happiness every day.
March 7, 2008
Just plain happy book. I marked it with crayons. She shares great ideas for enjoying simple things. Her focus is on caring about lasting truths. This book cheered my heart.
May 12, 2016
This was an excellent book. I've loved hearing Mary Ellen Edmunds speak at Time Out for Women, and this book is just as good.
Want to read
April 9, 2009I started reading this one and just couldn't get into it. I was hoping for a light hearted book like what MEE usually writes. Perhaps I was just in the wrong place. I'll come back to it later.
April 29, 2008
Positively encouraging.
June 11, 2008
This book helps us remeber to be happy and to try to always have a positive out look on life. We all have trials but Mary Ellen helps to find tools to stay happy. This is really an inspired book!!
August 1, 2008
I want to read this one again. I need regular doses of Mary Ellen Edmunds to keep self pity away!
October 23, 2008
If you're having a hard time or feeling down and want to feel happy...just read this book...I was laughing so much as I read that I cried a few times...so good!
March 20, 2009
This is a good book to lift your spirits and help you get on track to what is really important
Read
August 29, 2009Fabulous, everyone should read it, great humor.
March 16, 2016
Great ideas for seeking happiness...a must read!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews