It’s a new year. A time to reflect on how you are doing. So often we wonder if we are enough. If we are going to make it. Well, let me give you some words of encouragement. You are doing better than you think you are. But who doesn’t want to improve? To let the Savior make you more than you are now?
We can be just a little better, each day, each week, each month, each year. Improvement is a slow progress toward something bigger. It’s not meant to be done in one day. Not even Heavenly Father did it all in one day. He created the world over six days, and He took time to rest on the seventh day. We should pattern our lives after that—work six days, giving your all, and then pause to rest on the seventh. Pause to take inventory of your life and reflect on how you can do better. This is a pattern that is most pleasing to Heavenly Father. Take time to rest and rejuvenate and rejoice.
“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order” (Mosiah 4:27).
A new year often means new year's resolutions. But how often do you actually follow through with those resolutions? A friend recently posted on Instagram that she chooses one gift to give the Savior each year. I loved that idea! Instead of making a list of all the things you need to change (which can quickly become discouraging), choose one thing that you can do. One gift you can give to the Savior.
“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order” (Mosiah 4:27).
A new year often means new year's resolutions. But how often do you actually follow through with those resolutions? A friend recently posted on Instagram that she chooses one gift to give the Savior each year. I loved that idea! Instead of making a list of all the things you need to change (which can quickly become discouraging), choose one thing that you can do. One gift you can give to the Savior.
I hope this post has inspired you to seek Christlike change this year. Don't be discouraged when it doesn't happen all at once. You are work in progress. Even Christ grew from "grace to grace" (D&C 93:13). Just seek to pattern your life after His and watch as the Lord works wonders in your life.
To end, here are a few quotes to buoy you up this year as you strive to become better.
To end, here are a few quotes to buoy you up this year as you strive to become better.
"God cares a lot more about who we are, and who we are becoming, than about who we once were.” —Elder Dale G. Renlund
“When we’re tempted to give up, we must remember God is long-suffering, change is a process, and repentance is a pattern in our lives.” —Brad Wilcox, from his book "The Continuous Atonement"
“Yes, we should learn from the past, and yes, we should prepare for the future. But only now can we do. Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others and ‘lift up the hands which hang down.’” —President Russell M. Nelson
“Each of our stories is a journey still in progress, as we discover, create, and become with possibilities beyond imagination.” —Elder Gerrit W. Gong
“When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing—loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways—then we can work on those things with joy.” —Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“No matter our circumstances, our lives are sacred and have meaning and purpose.” —Sister Susan H. Porter
“One of Satan’s greatest lies is that men and women cannot change.” —Elder Kevin S. Hamilton
“Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.” —President Thomas S. Monson
"Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday." —Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
“Perhaps, at times, we see ourselves as a little less than we are. Unworthy. Untalented. Nothing special. Lacking the heart, mind, resources, charisma, or stature to be of much use to God. You say you’re not perfect? You’re not good enough? Well, welcome to the club! You may be just the person God is looking for.” —Dieter F. Uchtdorf, BYU Devotional, August 17, 2021
And here's a great read on how we can change and become more like our Savior.
“When we’re tempted to give up, we must remember God is long-suffering, change is a process, and repentance is a pattern in our lives.” —Brad Wilcox, from his book "The Continuous Atonement"
“Yes, we should learn from the past, and yes, we should prepare for the future. But only now can we do. Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others and ‘lift up the hands which hang down.’” —President Russell M. Nelson
“Each of our stories is a journey still in progress, as we discover, create, and become with possibilities beyond imagination.” —Elder Gerrit W. Gong
“When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing—loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways—then we can work on those things with joy.” —Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“No matter our circumstances, our lives are sacred and have meaning and purpose.” —Sister Susan H. Porter
“One of Satan’s greatest lies is that men and women cannot change.” —Elder Kevin S. Hamilton
“Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.” —President Thomas S. Monson
"Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday." —Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
“Perhaps, at times, we see ourselves as a little less than we are. Unworthy. Untalented. Nothing special. Lacking the heart, mind, resources, charisma, or stature to be of much use to God. You say you’re not perfect? You’re not good enough? Well, welcome to the club! You may be just the person God is looking for.” —Dieter F. Uchtdorf, BYU Devotional, August 17, 2021
And here's a great read on how we can change and become more like our Savior.
You can do this life, friends! And it will be beautiful. Have a blessed and happy new year!
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