GET BACK ON SCHEDULE DAY!!
-Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through:
Helaman 7
or
If you're up-to-date, take time to study:
Helaman 5
Something to think about: What did Helaman name his sons? Why? Whose name have you taken upon yourself? How were the Lamanites converted through their ministry?
For my reading today, since I'm caught up, I decided to read the First Presidency Message President Thomas S. Monson gives us for the New year :) It's called: "Living the Abundant Life." I also read a few other bits and pieces of talks from other people, because this wonderful talk President Monson gives us reminded me of other things to look up (that's why sometimes there are quotes from other people).
President Monson starts his talk by saying, "At the advent of a new year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life--a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABC's in school, I offer my own ABC's to help us all gain the abundant life."
The first letter, A, he talks about represents having a positive Attitude. He says, "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."
Later on he say this, which I really quite liked: "We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." So simple, yet so powerful, right?
The B is for Believing in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. "Don't limit yourself and don't let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.
You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith."
C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.
Said the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them."
I really like how he said that, "Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them." That is so true. Life is hard, we can't expect it to be easy all the time. But we just have to be brave sometimes and take chances, believing that the outcome will be worth it. The results may not come immediately, but results will come.
President Monson continues in his talk, "There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember--David did win!
Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one's coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.
Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, "I'll try again tomorrow."
May we remember these ABC's as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we CAN achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours..."
I just really liked this talk because it's just so encouraging to me! A little faith can go a long way. President Hinckley says this about faith, "Faith is the basis of testimony. Faith underlies loyalty to the Church. Faith represents sacrifice, gladly given in moving forward the work of the Lord.......This precious and marvelous gift of faith, this gift from God our Eternal Father, is still the strength of this work and the quiet vibrancy of its message. Faith underlies it all. Faith is the substance of it all. Whether it be going into the mission field, living the Word of Wisdom, paying one's tithing, it is all the same. It is the faith within us that is evidenced in all we do."
He continues, "Our critics cannot understand it. Because they do not understand, they attack. A quiet inquiry, an anxious desire to grasp the principle behind the result, could bring greater understanding and appreciation."
Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, puts it quite frankly, "Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours."
He continues on, "But while I don't know everything, I know the important. I know the plain and simple gospel truths that lead to salvation and exaltation. I know that the Savior did suffer the pain of all men and that all repentant people can be cleansed from sin. And what I don't know or don't completely understand, with the powerful aid of my faith, I bridge the gap and move on, partaking of the promises and blessings of the gospel. And then, as Alma teaches, our faith brings us to a perfect knowledge (see Alma 32:34). By moving forward into the unknown, armed only with hope and desire, we show evidence of our faith and our devotion to the Lord."
As I wrap this up, I just wanna say I hope that all of us will have the hope and desire to be faithful, courageous, and believing, even in the toughest of times. I know for me, personally, that when I go through a rough time, whether it be a relationship/break up, hard class in school, etc, just enduring and having the best attitude I can always leaves me coming out stronger, and I have always learned something new about myself.
Don't give up on yourself, and definitely don't give up on the Lord. He loves each of us and wants us to come safely back to Him again.
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