Through The Hard Times, Know That You Are Never Alone...

We will always have hardships and go through difficult trials throughout our lives but if we keep the Holy Ghost close to us we will never feel alone and we will feel comforted during those hardships.

"Wherefore, I now send upon you another comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise;" (D&C 88:3)

Living The Abundant Life

Recently the President of our church, Thomas S. Monson spoke about "The Abundant Life" It really hit home with me. He gave what he called the ABC's to help us gain the abundant life. He said that A is for Attitude. Having the right attitude is so important in our everyday lives... improving our attitude towards things can hep us have closer relationships with loved ones, gain us more success at work, be happier with who we are, and so on. President Monson had said:

"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. We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

I loved this. It made me realize that we should not stress over the little things in life (such as a chore not getting done). I need to look around me and remember how many wonderful things surround me and how blessed I truly am. Instead of focusing on the the negative things we should all try and sit back for a moment and really think about the blessings that are all around us. I did just that today, I sat down and just took a moment to think of everything that I am thankful for and there were too many things to count.

B is for Believe-in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

He said to "be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. 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.”

"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 loved this talk by President Monson. If we can everyday remember these ABC's to living an abundant life and everyday we can strive to have a better attitude, believe in ourselves, in our Heavenly Father, and in all those around us, and if we can live everyday with courage I truly believe that we will gain a happier life and that we will be blessed in doing so. I am so very grateful to have the love and support from those around me and to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am truly thankful for the many blessings it has brought me and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you would like to read the entire "Living The Abundant Life" please visit http://www.lds.org/ or click on the link below!

http://lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng

New Posts

I haven't written any posts for awhile! Been a bit hectic around here but now that things are settled down I will be posting at least 4 times a week starting tomorrow so stay tuned :)

Thanks for all your love and support!