Laughter: Life's greatest medicine

I think one of my favorite things to do in life is laugh. Usually once I start, it's hard to stop :).With that being said, I've realized that some of my best and most valued moments in life have involved laughing with the people around me. I think it's one of the greatest and happiest things we have been given.
I think laughter is a way that God lets us know that even though life is hard, we can still find joy in the little moments; that there is ALWAYS a way to find the good in a tough situation.
Have you ever been talking to someone where they won't even crack a smile...but then you finally get them to laugh and it's like their whole countenance changes? Laughter simply cures the soul. It resonates in our hearts and helps even the darkest days see sunshine.
The older we get, the more responsibility we have. More stress is added to our lives and we have important and eternal decisions to make. As serious as this time is, we forget to let ourselves be happy in the now. We become so bogged down with life that we don't allow ourselves to feel the joy, love, peace and happiness that God is trying to give us. Marjorie Hinckley states, "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me headache." I one-hundred percent agree.
God wants us to experience the utmost joy, because he loves us and we are his children. He wants us to see a world full of bright opportunities.
I know laughter is a simple reminder that his love for us exists, and that there is hope in every situation.
So my challenge to you is to allow laughter and the goodness of God into your life. It can heal the most bitter wounds and turn days of repetition into days with blissful moments. Know that this life is meant to be lived wonderfully and nothing less. 

Begin to Hope

 Each of us in our lives will have moments of sorrow, heartache, despair and disappointments. It's a part of our mortal existence here on earth.
That being said, we must know that through these hardships, hope will always exist. It is never lost; it can't be lost. Although we will have moments when our lights may dim within us, and our paths seem too great to walk on...God has not forsaken us. In fact, he loves us so much, that he gave us his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to mark the way before us. He is a symbol of hope to all of us. In John 16:33 it reads, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world."
Amongst our challenges, hope is what carries us through. The hope that good things are happening and that good things will come.
Some may ask, what we should have hope in?
We need to have hope in the atonement of Christ. That through him, we can overcome the things of the world and look forward with a positive perspective.
This requires faith and the belief that God can heal us. I know without a doubt that this is possible.
The moment we begin to hope, is the moment we invite God to help us during our trials. We will have a clearer perspective and know how to move forward. Our burdens will be made light and we will have a strong foundation to stand on. Never lose sight of the beautiful plan God has for you. Things will get better. Begin to hope and know the future is bright.