Excellence

Men cannot really long rest content with mediocrity once they see excellence is within their reach. –Thomas S. Monson

One of the greatest gifts of the gospel is the blessing that comes with understanding who we really are and where we come from. We are children of God, the most powerful being. What is He if not Excellence? As His sons and daughters, we have an innate worth and potential that comes from being a child of Deity. I think more often than not, we see so much less of ourselves than Heavenly Father does. We accept mediocrity where He knows what we are truly capable of. When we accept Him into our lives, and apply this gospel He has prepared for us, our own vision of ourselves begins to expand. Then, as we accept that we have more potential than we ever imagined, our old habits and expectations are no longer satisfactory. We begin to see what He has seen all along, and we want to make the changes and be the people Heavenly Father means for us to be. 

This doesn’t have to be a huge thing. It can start with something as simple as a change in attitude. I have found in my life that the minute I begin think about who I really am, my divine heritage, I automatically want to be better, and act more like a daughter of God should. It’s a simple thing really, to accept who we are meant to be, but can make all the difference in how we live up to our potentials. For each of us, excellence is within our grasp, we just have to reach out for it.

Betsy Z. 

Consistent Obedience

"At times the wisdom of God appears as being foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right."
-Thomas S. Monson

Obedience is what makes my life happy. It doesn't always immediately put a smile on my face. Sometimes I am very happy while being obedient to God's laws, and at other times it is the most difficult thing I could be asked to do. But I have learned that sooner or later the consequence of keeping His commandments always comes. Consistent obedience leads to a consistent stream of blessings. Hard times still come but they always go as well.

Obedience really is such a small thing. The best part about it is that it is something that we are 100% in control of. Sometimes it is very difficult, but I am certain that God always provides the means to allow us to obey.

The last part about obedience that makes me happy is that it gives us a definitive answer to the question that Christ asked Peter: "do you love me?" Christ defined love as, "if ye love me, keep my commandments." It provides the means for us to indisputably prove our loyalty and love to our Savior. Someday, when He asks me that question, I hope to already have kept the commandments and say "look at the sheep and how well they are fed."
 - Spencer Y.

We Are Meant to Shine

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
- Marianne Williamson

The Good News

The Gospel of Christ is the good news, that we have the ability to be helped by the Grace of God to over come temptations and trials currently and throughout all eternity. Comfort through the uncomfortable. Peace in times of war. And triumph through the darkness of doubts, fears and sin. On a daily basis Scripture Study, Prayer and an enthusiastic Attitude of Gratitude are the keys to access the Spirit of Peace. This turns my focus from inward to outward and shapes my pride to become humility. May we all strive to become more willing to obey, and by so doing be more worthy of the Spirit of Peace which is Joy.
- Nathan G.

Blessings of the Gospel

How has the gospel of Jesus Christ blessed your life?

God created man so that we could have joy. As I search for happiness in different parts of the world, I have definitely found it more consistently in the gospel of our Savior than anywhere else. While other experiences might bring me temporary gladness, even lasting memories, the strongest and most enduring joy I have ever found comes from living a Christ-centered life. He is, of course, the perfect example of charitable service as He selflessly reached out to everyone around him. There is indescribable warmth that comes from hiding a candy bar for my roommate in her room, or helping a stranger carry an awkward load to their car; to me, this is living the gospel of Christ.

John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

As the world around me searches for peace and happiness in the work place, the media, and social endeavors, I find lasting peace in knowing that my Savior lives, and that by living his gospel I never need to fear. I know that remembering the gospel of Christ-that we are always working to improve and grow closer to God-carries me through the darker times of my life. It helps me to forgive myself for totaling my parents’ car they let me borrow. It helps me forgive others who have hurt me. It clears the guilt that comes after making a mistake. It gives me strength to change. It gives me peace that I can float while the world around me seems to sink. I know that as we reach out to others, sharing the gospel of Christ, we can help others to float as well. 

-Chantelle S.