patterns for a joyful life

i read an article called 'a pattern for a joyful life'. here are a few thoughts from it that i want to remember:

we are reminded by the Lord to 'continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice, for behold, and lo, i am with you even unto the end.  d & c 100:12 

the path is not always easy. it is not even mostly easy.

it is not enough to continue to walk with gritted teeth. we are told to rejoice evermore.  to rejoice evermore isn't just an ancient nod to the power of positive thinking. when we rejoice, our eyes become open to miracles. there are gifts of grace all around waiting to be made visible by our rejoicing. if we are willing to rejoice in our walk, however hard the road, we will witness miracles.

the Savior is with us-to the end. He has shown Himself in His power and calls to us personally to know Him. because He is with us, we must continue, embrace and own the lives we are given, find ways to make them useful and live every day of our eternal life- and that means today. 

sister eliza r. snow declare, 'i will go forward...i will smile at the rage of the tempest, and ride fearlessly and triumphantly across the boisterous ocean of circumstance...and the 'testimony of Jesus' will light up a lamp that will guide my vision through the portals of immortality.'