ABC's

I do not get an Ensign in the mail where I live and even though I can read it online I seldom do. That is a very sad thing! I have decided that I will post about the First Presidency Message each month so that I make sure and read them, and then hopefully remember what I learned by writing it down. This month the article was by our prophet Thomas S. Monson called Living the Abundant Life. He taught about the ABC's of gaining the abundant life.

A stands for Attitude 

and having a positive one. He quoted William James by saying, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” He then 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."

B stands for Believe

believe in yourself. "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

Face challenges with 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...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! Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” 

Read the full article here: http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng 

Pure and Simple Faith

This year for relief society our theme and focus is coming closer to Christ by learning to be like Him. We were given a list of Christ-like attributes and told to focus on a new one each month until the end of the year. For January I chose Patience and Faith. I would like to talk about Faith. I have realized that I have always had a testimony of paying my tithing and that by doing so because it is what God has asked, I have been taken care of. I have found that my financial needs have truly been met because I was willing to give a part of what I have back to God. My faith has always been strong in that area. But what about all areas, do I have faith in God about everything in my life? I am in my last semester of Dental Hygiene school and I have been struggling, I often doubt my abilities and second guess whether I am where I am supposed to be. There is a lot of stress and pressure and responsibility that comes with this training and graduating from this school and it is difficult. I always pray to my Heavenly Father and tell him that I trust in Him and His will and that I want to do what He see's best for me. But looking at it now, do I really have faith that I can get through this time in my life? I say I trust Him but is my faith complete? And then I answer myself. If I am constantly doubting, then no, I don't have faith, I don't completely believe He can help me succeed. Which is why this attribute was a good place to start. I came across this video about having pure and simple faith. We don't have to make things complicated, all we need is to ask, believing that he can help, and then do something about it.

"Whatever problems we encounter, there is always a way that it will be solved as long as we put our trust in God and trust in His power. If we exercise faith in ALL that we do he will provide a way to accomplish it."