Thursday, January 1, 2015

         Wow!  We made it to 2015 and all is well.  Over the last few days, Glade and I have been contemplating what we want to do in the future to become better servants, to become more Christ-like, and to prepare for the future.  Because there was so much football today, our big day to put it all together and get it on paper will be on Sunday.   In the meantime, we are reading, discussing, and making notes. 

         Perhaps you have seen a post on Facebook that suggests goals we may want to consider for 2015.  The following is the introduction:

        

“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around the world prepare for the New Year, many are setting goals for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development.

While these goals may be inspired by any number of sources, prophets and other Church leaders mentioned during the October 2014 General Conference some specific changes people can make to improve their lives and their spirituality.

In his address, Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.”

Here are 15 goals from the prophets to help you center your life on Christ during 2015.

1. Avoid contention

Today’s world—especially the online social media world—is fraught with arguments and differing opinions. Church members can emulate Christ by being peacemakers even when they disagree with others.

“On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught. “Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. . . . We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence.”

       Over the next few days, you will see the rest of the list.  Happy January 1^st and Happy New Year!  Love to Everyone!  Miss you all so much, but we are in the final stretch and will finish strong!  Good Night J