1

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................... 4
AN INTRODUCTION TO A NEW YOU ............................................................................5
CHAPTER 1 ....................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 ..................................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER 3 ..................................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 4 ..................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 5 ..................................................................................................................... 21
CHAPTER 6 .....................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 7 .................................................................................................................... 26
DAY 1 .............................................................................................................................. 28
DAY 2.............................................................................................................................. 32
DAY 3 ............................................................................................................................... 37
DAY 4 .............................................................................................................................. 42
DAY 5 .............................................................................................................................. 46
DAY 6............................................................................................................................... 51
DAY 7 ...............................................................................................................................54
DAY 8.............................................................................................................................. 58
DAY 9.............................................................................................................................. 62
DAY 10 ............................................................................................................................ 64
DAY 11............................................................................................................................. 69
DAY 12 ............................................................................................................................. 73
DAY 13 .............................................................................................................................76
DAY 14 .............................................................................................................................79
DAY 15 ............................................................................................................................ 83
DAY 16 ............................................................................................................................ 86
DAY 17 ............................................................................................................................ 89
DAY 18 ............................................................................................................................ 92
DAY 19 .............................................................................................................................95
DAY 20 ........................................................................................................................... 98
DAY 21 ........................................................................................................................... 104
DAY 22........................................................................................................................... 107
DAY 23 ........................................................................................................................... 110
DAY 24........................................................................................................................... 113
DAY 25 ........................................................................................................................... 116
DAY 26........................................................................................................................... 119
DAY 27 ........................................................................................................................... 123
DAY 28 .......................................................................................................................... 126

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DAY 29........................................................................................................................... 128
DAY 30 .......................................................................................................................... 131
DAY 31 ........................................................................................................................... 134
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................... 136
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ................................................................................................. 137

3
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

IT IS WITH GRATITUDE THAT I express my appreciation for all the wonderful friends and
editors who have made this work possible. I am grateful to Ann Jamison for her
thoughtful suggestions and editing. Thanks to Shauna Humphreys for her special
editing. I also express thanks to my dear friend Richard Allen for the many ideas we have
shared. Thanks to Samantha Millburn and the staff at Covenant Communications for
bringing this book to life. And to my sweetheart, Pat, who is always so supportive of my
time spent hunched over the computer, typing with my three fingers, I am forever
grateful. I am eternally grateful that through the grace, goodness, and mercy of our
Heavenly Father we can become perfected through Christ the Lord.

4
 AN INTRODUCTION TO A NEW YOU

THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE: young and old, teenagers and young adults, families, those
married or single, single parents, those who are struggling and downtrodden, and those
who are happy and positive. This book is to help everyone become a little better as we
strive to follow our Savior.
What do you want out of life? The answers to this question are as varied and numerous
as are all of God’s children: to be happier, to find fulfillment, to overcome adversity, to
please God, to find peace, to gain exaltation, and the list goes on.
We might ask ourselves the question the rich young man posed to Jesus: “Good
Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus responded that
he should keep the commandments, and “the young man saith unto him, All these things
have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:16, 20). Even the best of us
undoubtedly lack qualities that would allow for personal and spiritual improvement. We
can all respond to the Savior’s invitation to change and come follow Him (see Matthew
19:21).
The very fact that you are reading this book indicates your desire to grow and change.
You want to receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your life and partake of His gospel and
enjoy everlasting life and happiness. When? Now! How? The answer to this question is
found in the underlying purpose of this book. We can become better disciples of Christ
line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, one step at a time,
one day at a time.
We have agency—a gift from God. It is moral agency. This implies we are responsible,
or accountable, for our actions. We can choose. Everything we will ever be or become is
dependent upon our use of that agency. We have to receive Christ. We have to come unto
Christ. We have to receive the ordinances and covenants of the gospel. We have to
exercise faith. We have to pray with all the energy of our heart in order to receive charity.
We are responsible for becoming a better disciple.
We would do well to take time to evaluate our life using the fifty introspective
questions found in Alma chapter 5, then prayerfully consider each one and note ways we
can implement them each day to become a better disciple of Christ. I give you a premise
with a promise: When we are humble enough to be taught the true principles and
doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will understand and appreciate them.
Gratitude for God’s love and tender mercy will fill our souls. We will receive the love of
God in our hearts and receive the doctrines, covenants, and ordinances in our lives—
and we will have an overwhelming desire to do good. We will change because we
choose to change in the strength of the Lord. The wise use of our agency is supremely
important.
We are each in charge of our own life, and there is a price to pay for success and
happiness. It is not a pleasure trip. It is a “learning by experience” trip. There will be
suffering and heartache. There will be trials and tribulations. There will be highs and
lows. There will be some pleasure and some pain. There will be opposition and
temptation in every aspect of life—and we get to choose how we will act and how we will
respond to every situation. The choice is ours!
Over time, I have found the following six fundamental concepts to be important in
achieving success and have integrated them into a growth cycle. They are important to
understand and appreciate prior to engaging in the thirty-one daily principles of
becoming a better disciple of Christ.

5
Have a vision of what you want to do and become.
Gain enough desire to keep moving toward your goals.
Prepare every needful thing to set your goals and make your plans.
Become diligent in your efforts.
Learn to keep your commitments.
Follow up, evaluate, begin again.

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 CHAPTER 1

GAIN YOUR VISION

THE LORD HAS GIVEN US a blueprint for achieving success in all things. He has said,
And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be
deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the
nations—
Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted
of me if he obey mine ordinances.
He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and
edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and
shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations
and truths which I have given you.
And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even
according to this pattern, is not of me.
Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the
whole heavens.
And the days have come; according to men’s faith it shall be done unto
them. (D&C 52:14–20; emphasis added)
This is the pattern we need to apply in overcoming Satan, becoming accepted of the
Lord, bringing forth fruits of praise and wisdom, and becoming better disciples.
Remember, it is through the grace of God that we receive every good thing we have on
this earth. We are indebted to our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ for
everything. But within that great, magnificent plan, we have moral agency to choose, and
our choices determine our destination (see D&C 101:78). The way we endure determines
what we will achieve. The way we work determines the degree of our success because we
are agents, completely responsible for our actions. As children of God, we must choose
to repent or suffer for our own sins (see D&C 19:15–19). We can be blessed through
faithful obedience, and whatever intelligence we gain here on earth will rise with us
(see D&C 130:19). Therefore, we should realize that we are responsible for our state of
being. We choose how we will act and react in every situation. Thus, blessings and
consequences are the result of our decisions. Yes, Lehi’s words are true: “And they are
free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose
captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27).
Our decisions will determine our destiny.
We can gain the vision for our life through pondering, praying, and feasting upon the
word of God. As we consider our values and what matters most, we can actually visualize
what we want to become. We can actually see it happening. In Proverbs 29:18, we learn,
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” We need to know that if we have no vision
of who we are, what we can become, and how we can do it, we will succumb to mediocrity.
The greatest vision we can have is to know what we can do and become. We have the
capacity to become joint-heirs with Christ in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father
(see Romans 8:16–17); to receive all that the Father has (see D&C 84:38); and to become
gods (see D&C 132:20). This is our vision.

7
 So where do we begin? We can ponder the goodness and mercy of the Lord
(see Moroni 10:3), the infinite Atonement, the doctrines and principles of the gospel, and
the commandments the Lord has given us. Then we can obtain a clear vision of what we
can become. Our thought processes will give us a vision that can lead to action, and we
can begin the process of becoming a better disciple of Christ.
In his weekly letter, my missionary grandson Grayson Magleby provided us with this
great insight:
This week in some of my studies, I have been thinking about thinking . . . as
in thinking about how important and impacting our daily thoughts are!
In Proverbs 23:7, it says, “For as [man] thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Our thoughts big or small shape our soul; they reflect our desires . . . those
thoughts you have small or big always snowball into actions. Impure
thoughts, no matter how little, unless halted and repented of, will make their
way into actions. . . . In that same aspect, virtuous thoughts turn into
virtuous, righteous actions! Think good thoughts! Think about Jesus Christ!
I promise if you are constantly thinking about Jesus Christ and
remembering what He did for you, chances are, you aren’t gonna go off
sinning!
Remembering is part of the thought process and is a key ingredient to growth and
change. To remember means more than just periodically recollecting a thought. It means
having the principle, doctrine, and covenant in our mind. In remembering, we should
think, ponder, and meditate upon the things of the Lord and, in particular, upon our
covenants. The process of thinking and mental exertion (part of exercising faith) and
pondering is the beginning of gaining the vision and developing the desire and the ability
to live the gospel through our words and actions. Focusing on Christ, the Rock of our
Salvation, and His infinite Atonement enables us to do all things. This is how the thought
process works:
We start with a “thought” (perceived or received), which is an idea or a concept,
and in this case we will use the example of the infinite Atonement of our Savior
Jesus Christ, the enabling power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and all the blessings
associated with it.
We ponder and dwell upon the Atonement of our Savior. This was exemplified
by President Joseph F. Smith when he recorded, “I sat in my room pondering over
the scriptures; And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the
Son of God, for the redemption of the world” (D&C 138:1–2). The Atonement and
all of its empowering truths resides in our mind. It is so continually before us that
we become engrossed in it and linger on it. We make a time, a place, and a way for
this to happen. Our mind dwells upon the transcendent, nurturing, and enabling
power of the Atonement. We ponder, pray, and think about the suffering and
sacrificing Christ as He completed the Atonement for each of us. In humility we
gain a greater understanding and appreciation for His infinite Atonement and we
are filled with gratitude, which leads to desire.
The desire to apply the Atonement in our life is initiated by gratitude, which
draws us to Christ. This desire creates within us a want, a need, and a willingness
to please God and to serve Him with all our heart, might, mind, and soul. Desire is
the fuel that keeps us continually seeking to understand and appreciate the

8
 Atonement to such a degree that our love for God increases our desire to go about
doing good.
This desire must then be continually encouraged through gratitude, the
catalyst of change, which will inspire and motivate us to move forward. We must
constantly recall the great blessings of the Atonement so that our heart is changed.
A grateful heart keeps our desire strong. “They did all declare unto the people the
selfsame thing—that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire
to do evil” (Alma 19:33). “And it came to pass that there was no contention in the
land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people” (4
Nephi 1:15). The sons of Mosiah, following their conversion and change of heart,
demonstrated how their desire carried them forth in righteousness: “Now
they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they
could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that
any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble”
(Mosiah 28:3).
As illustrated by the previous scriptures, a strong desire results in action. As we think
and ponder, we become. We unleash the power of faith in Jesus Christ in our lives. Our
faith increases our hope and belief. Faith is the moving cause of all action. Faith is the
power to do all things. We can have perfect faith in our Savior Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi
9:23). And as we act on our faith, our Heavenly Father will bestow charity upon us
because we are true followers of His Son (see Moroni 7:48). Alma reminds us, “And see
that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works”
(Alma 7:24).
This desire born of conversion to Christ is intensified and magnified as we spend time
pondering. We will be faithful and seek righteousness continually because thanksgiving
and gratitude for the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ resides within
our very souls. We can be empowered to do good in the strength of the Lord through the
enabling power of the Atonement, “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”
(Ephesians2:10).
As we follow this process, we will find that we indeed always remember the Lord and
His Atonement and that our remembrance translates into gratitude and goodness. The
question at this point is one of initiative and self-reflection: Will we in fact remember the
goodness and mercy of God and our dependence upon the Lord and His infinite and
eternal Atonement? Moroni exhorts us to ponder and remember the tender mercies of
the Lord (see Moroni 10:3).
The sacrament prayers exhort us to remember the Lord’s sacrifice of His body and His
blood on our behalf. We are under covenant to remember Him always and to keep His
commandments. Remembering requires pondering. And this pondering brings us the
magnificent blessing of having His Spirit to be with us always. It is in this sacred moment
of partaking of the sacrament each week that we renew all of our covenants. The key to
living these covenants is to “remember.”
Gratitude and remembering are both symbiotic and synergistic—they enhance and
augment each other as they work in concert. One major purpose of this book is to
encourage us to increase our gratitude and thanksgiving for the goodness of our
Heavenly Father and our beloved Savior’s atoning sacrifice, thus empowering us to go
about doing good. Gratitude is the great catalyst for change, for keeping us on the straight
and narrow path so that we may enter into our Lord’s rest. Gradually, we will become

9
more like Him. Our actions will flow from who we are and who we have become; from
what our heart has become, even a new heart the Lord will give the house of Israel: “A
new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away
the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my
spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26–27). With the love of God in our heart, we will be sons and
daughters of the Lord, living in happiness, without contention, and in unity brought
about by the infinite Atonement of Christ the Lord (see 4 Nephi 1:15–16).
As we continue to gain our vision for our life, we need to consider the following
questions:
Who am I?
What matters most?
What are my possibilities?
What do I want out of life?
Where do I need to improve?
How can I better keep the commandments and covenants I have made?
How can I become perfected in my Savior Jesus Christ?
How do I commune with Heavenly Father?
Are my priorities for life in place?
As we periodically reread and ponder these nine questions, we will find ourselves
seeking to do the will of God and to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.
While speaking at a singles conference in the 1980s, a good brother who was close to
the prophet told the audience, “I spoke with the prophet today.”
The people were astounded and registered their surprise. “No kidding, you spoke with
a prophet? What did he say?” He then related his conversation with the prophet to his
listeners. They were abuzz about his having spoken with the prophet when the last
speaker arrived for the concluding session. They told him of their excitement regarding
the earlier events. Then the meeting began.
Without being sacrilegious, the last speaker stood and humbly said, “Brothers and
sisters, this morning I talked with God.” Silence prevailed. He went on. “My dear brothers
and sisters, our divine heritage makes me want to weep. You and I sometimes don’t
remember who we are; if you and I did, we would change today. If you really believe that
you are the literal son and daughter of God the Eternal Father, Elohim, our Eternal
Heavenly Father, who gave spirit birth to Jehovah and me and you, we would act
differently. You see, you and I are His divine children in a mortal experience. He is our
Father. We are brothers and sisters! You are destined through your faithfulness to return
and live eternally with your Heavenly Father, your Savior and your families.” Everyone
could feel the Spirit bear witness of an eternal and supernal truth. Lessons were learned.
The vision of who we are is vital to our understanding of who we can become.
Years ago I was instructing a teachers quorum and asked the young men, “What are
you going to be when you grow up?” Someone said he was going to be a doctor; the others
aspired to be a lawyer, a therapist, a coach, etc. I said, “That’s really good; now, what are
you really going to be when you grow up?” One young man said, “I know what he wants
us to understand—I’m going to be a daddy; I’m going to be a father someday.” I said,
“That’s pretty good. Now tell me, what does Heavenly Father really want you to become?”
And then from the back of the room came the answer: “We’re to become like our
Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.” They had the vision.

10
 The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the doctrine of becoming gods when he delivered a
sermon at the funeral of Elder King Follett: “God himself was once as we are now, and is
an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! . . . It is the first principle of the
Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God, and to know that we may converse
with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea,
that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself
did” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1938], 345–46). Lorenzo Snow created a couplet declaring this doctrine,
“As man now is, God once was: As God is, man may be” (Teachings of the Presidents of
the Church: Lorenzo Snow [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2011], 83).
Brigham Young has stated, “Then will they become Gods, even the sons of God; then
will they become eternal fathers, eternal mothers, eternal sons and eternal daughters;
being eternal in their organization, they go from glory to glory, from power to power;
they will never cease to increase and to multiply worlds without end. When they receive
their crowns, their dominions, they then will be prepared to frame earth’s like unto ours
and to people them in the same manner as we have been brought forth by our parents,
by our Father and God” (Journal of Discourses, 18:259–60).
Doctrine and Covenants section 132:37 states that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are no
longer angels but gods. That’s what we are to become; that’s our potential. “And again,
verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new
and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by
him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this
priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection;
and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones,
kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths . . . Then shall
they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to
everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are
subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels
are subject unto them. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot
attain to this glory” (D&C 132:19–21).
We can be exalted; we can become a just man or woman who lives by faith and is
perfected through Christ the Lord. Now that we know who we are and what we ought to
be doing here upon the earth, we have direction for our life. “Do as Christ would do” can
be our vision.
It’s more than just doing our best in school. It’s more than just doing our best at work.
Though both are important, the greatest thing we can do on this earth is to become “even
as He is” (3 Nephi 27:27). It is difficult to bless and strengthen others unless we are truly
converted. True personal conversion is all about the mighty change. It is coming to the
knowledge of the truth and never departing from it (see Alma 23:6). Those who are truly
converted prepare themselves to be instruments in the hands of the Lord that they may
bless all of God’s children. If our attitude is faith-filled and positive, these ideas are
exhilarating; if our attitude is negative and self-defeating, these ideas will sound
overwhelming and discouraging.
The Lord admonished Peter,
Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith
unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed
my lambs.

11
 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou
me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith
unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love
thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15–17)
The last thing the Lord told His disciples was to feed His sheep. The greatest thing we
will ever do on this earth is to help others come unto Christ, and this includes ourselves
as well as our families. This is part of our vision.
The Whitmer brothers went to the Prophet Joseph seeking counsel from the Lord:
“For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth
unto you” (D&C 15:4). The Lord then answered, “And now, behold, I say unto you, that
the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this
people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom
of my Father” (D&C 15:6). Here, then, is the vision: help someone repent (ourselves and
others) so that we may all come unto Christ and be perfected in Him. That is the goal.
Every day as we roll out of bed, the first thoughts that should enter our mind are “What
would the Lord have me do today? Who can I bless? Who can I help? Who can I love?
Who can I serve? Who can I nurture? Who can I comfort? Is there someone who is
mourning who needs my help?” As we capture the vision, we will live outside of ourselves
in charity. This vision must be embedded in our soul because if we ever lose that vision,
we lose the purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Nephi records, “[Christ] doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for
he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto
him” (2 Nephi 26:24). Seek to become like Christ. Seek to serve others. As the Lord said,
“Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all
your exhortations, and in all your doings” (D&C 108:7). Our baptismal covenant reminds
us that we “are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and
are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of
comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). We will find that happiness lies in righteousness. The Lord
has asked us to live, to serve, and to bless our fellow men. This is our vision for a
productive and happy life . . . the vision of our capacity and our purpose. As we become
more Christlike, our vision of serving and blessing others will become part of our very
nature.
A well-defined vision brings happiness. If there is no map to our course, we will
become frustrated; we will be like a boat on the torrential river of life without a rudder
and without a motor. We will have no direction and no power. We will not be able to go
against the current but rather will just go wherever it happens to take us on the tortuous
path of life. When we make sure that our vision is clear and that we have direction and
purpose, we will begin to be successful and happy. Organize every needful thing (see D&C
88:74, 119) and remember the counsel of King Benjamin: “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). We can achieve
God’s purposes for us here upon the earth and claim His promise to “dwell with [Him]
in a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41).

12
 CHAPTER 2

GAIN YOUR DESIRE

DESIRE IS LINKED TO EVERYTHING we do. Desire is not just a wish or a so-called want; it is
a passion, an urgent need, a longing and yearning within the soul of man. As breath is to
life, so is desire to the soul as we act and achieve our goals. Desire is the beginning of
change. It is the motivation from within. Its power or the lack of it can be seen in the lives
of successful and unsuccessful people. The question is how do we create righteous
desires? How do we keep our righteous desires alive? Apathy destroys desire, but
gratitude, love, and avision for life keep desire alive.
Desire to please God becomes the fuel within our soul. The Lord tells us that we will
be judged by our works and the desires of our hearts (see D&C 137:9). Our quest should
be like unto that of Christ, who sought only to please His Father (see John 8:28–29). To
illustrate the depth and power of desire in our life, consider this well-known story: A rich
young man went to a wise philosopher, desirous of finding out how he could learn more,
be more, and find success in life. The wise man said, “Come with me down to the river.”
They walked into the water until it was up to their chests. The wise philosopher then held
the rich young man under the water until he began thrashing about and finally burst to
the surface, gasping for air. The wise philosopher said, “When you desire to learn and
succeed as badly as you wanted to breathe, come back to me and I will teach you all I
know.” Desire makes all the difference in staying the course and achieving your goals.
Ponder and meditate on the following:
What do I really want to achieve in this life?
What really matters to me?
How do I spend my time?
What do I love to do?
As we answer these questions, we will better understand our true feelings, the desires
of our heart. How does Heavenly Father strengthen our desire? He gave us His Son, who
suffered in Gethsemane and died on the cross, thus drawing all mankind to Him in
gratitude for His infinite Atonement (see 3 Nephi 27:13–14). We are filled with the love
of God. He does everything for us because He loves us (see John 3:16). The Lord has said,
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that
loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to
him” (John 14:21). Gratitude and love strengthen our desire. Without desire we will
wither and diminish; we will not convert our goals and plans into realities. The absolute
key is staying motivated.
As a little eleven-year-old boy, I desired to be a basketball player for Brigham Young
University. It was all I thought about; I just loved basketball. And I can remember writing
down on a piece of paper, “Someday I’m going to be a basketball player for BYU.” When
I was sixteen years old, our new coach, Don Snow, said, “Pinegar, you are going to be the
captain of our team and our starting center.” I thought, “For little BY High?” We had
three hundred kids in six grades. I’ll never forget it; things turned up roses, some all-
state honors came my way, and one day the phone rang and it was Stan Watts: “Hello,
Ed, this is Coach Watts. I would like you to come and play basketball for Brigham Young
University.” My strong desire as a little eleven-year-old boy was realized.
Now, I tell you that story because that experience was empowering to me. It was
something like a fairy tale that all began with the desires of a boy. My desires to play for

13
Brigham Young University caused me to work hard at becoming the best basketball
player I could be. I worked to make that dream become a reality. Here is the principle
behind that story: If our primary desire is to become a valiant son or daughter of God,
we will do more than write that goal on a piece of paper. We will let that desire become
our motivation for all that we do in mortality, and the things of the world will not be a
stumbling block. At the judgment bar, we will not be asked about our positions,
possessions, titles, or stations in mortality. Our Father in Heaven will reward His
children according to their good works and the desires of their hearts . . . and hopefully
we will have become perfected in Christ.

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 CHAPTER 3

PREPARE—SET YOUR GOALS AND MAKE YOUR PLANS

PREPARING EVERY NEEDFUL THING IS imperative to change, improvement, growth, and

becoming what we are meant to become. Setting goals and making plans according to
our vision and values is essential to growth and change. Life is an adventure full of joys
and sorrows. Our vision, values, and attitude affect our actions and reactions in all
aspects of life. Having a vision of what we want to accomplish keeps us not only inspired
but on track. The desire to change and improve must be strong enough to carry us
through the process. When we have specific goals and plans, we gain a sense of direction
and confidence.
Ponder the following:
What goals and plans have I made?
Have I written them down?
Are they “SMART” goals?
Is my list of goals prioritized? Do first things come first?
Consider the following as we make “SMART” goals in order to achieve a measure of
fulfillment and success in life.
When a well-developed personal mission statement undergirds our goals, we are
better able to make the myriad daily choices regarding how to utilize our time and other
resources. And one thing is certain: as we honor the law of the harvest, we will enjoy the
fruits of continuous improvement. When we genuinely do our best, our “best” gets better
and better.
Values clarification, visioning, and time management are critical components of being
able to achieve our goals. Effective organizing and planning cannot happen unless and
until we are clear about what we stand for (and what we will not stand for), what we hope,
and what we dream.
Make no mistake—big hopes and dreams are not just the province of prophets,
presidents, and kings. Big hopes and dreams can bring power and energy to any of
Heavenly Father’s children, including each one of us.
The purpose of organizing and planning is to help us reach goals, our eternal goals,
the things that really matter.
When it’s done right, goal-setting provides direction and purpose. Goals help us see
where we’re going and how we can get there.
Lewis Carrol’s wonderful book Alice in Wonderland offers some pertinent lessons.
You may recall the exchange between Alice and the Cheshire Cat about the importance
of setting goals. Consider this passage in which Alice asks the Cheshire Cat for advice on
which direction to go.
“Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to go,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where—” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
It takes no effort to get somewhere. Just do nothing and you’re there. If you want to
get somewheremeaningful, however, you must know where you want to go. Then you
need to make plans on how to get there.

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 If you use a planned, goal-focused approach, your chances of real success are greatly
enhanced.
Following are some reasons for establishing goals whenever you want to accomplish
something significant in life.
Goals Provide Direction and Traction
To get something meaningful done, we must have a definite road map—a target to aim
for that will guide our efforts. With a plan in place, we can translate our vision
into goals that take us where we want to go.Without goals we are sure to spin our wheels,
going nowhere. With goals we can focus energy and effort on the activities that provide
the best traction for forward momentum.
Goals Help Make Our Overall Vision Attainable
Most objectives cannot be reached in one giant leap. We need many smaller steps to
get there. Many intermediate goals must be accomplished before the overall vision can
be attained. Goals enable us to achieve our overall vision. How? We divide our efforts
into smaller tasks or milestones that, when accomplished one by one, add up to big
results. Goals provide measures for success. Goals provide milestones along the road to
accomplishing your vision.
Goals Clarify
Effective goal setting helps us avoid duplication of effort and helps us integrate and
coordinate the use of our resources—our time resources and our budget resources.
Effective goals include a designation of who, what, when, where, and often how
something can be done. They bring clarity to our expectations.
Goals give people something to stretch for. When we are properly motivated, goals
give us a sense of direction and purpose. And goals that require us to stretch tend to bring
out our best performance. Remember President Kimball’s call to “lengthen your stride”?
How can we know what kind of goals to set? The whole point of setting goals, of course,
is to achieve them. The best goals are smart goals. Actually, S-M-A-R-T is more
accurate, as it stands for the five characteristics of well-designed goals.
Specific: Goals must be clear and unambiguous. Vague ambitions and platitudes
have no place in goal setting. When goals are specific, we know precisely what is
expected, when, and how much. Only with specific goals are we able to measure progress.
Measurable: What good is a goal if we can’t measure progress? If goals are not
measurable, we never know how or when or even if we’re making progress toward their
completion. Not only that, but it’s difficult for us to stay motivated to complete our goals
in the absence of milestones that indicate progress.
Attainable: Goals must be realistic and attainable. As indicated earlier, goals should
give us something to stretch for, but they should not be out of reach. Neither, of course,
should goals be too easy. Goals that are set too high or too low become meaningless, and
people tend to ignore them.
Relevant: Goals must be an important element in the overall plan of achieving our
mission and attaining our vision. It’s estimated that 80 percent of people’s productivity
often comes from 20 percent of their activities. You can guess where the remaining 80
percent of effort ends up. Relevant goals address the 20 percent of the effort that has the
greatest impact on performance.
Time-bound: Effective goals have starting points, ending points, and fixed
durations. We are better able to focus our efforts on goal attainment when we are
committed to deadlines. Goals without schedules or deadlines tend to get lost in the rush
of day-to-day life.

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 Is the message clear? SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and
time-bound—have punch and power. A broad-brush, not-so-smart goal like “I will do
better or work harder” is nebulous, vague, and fraught with flaws that are difficult to
overcome. With a little bit of effort, our goals can be transformed into a series of SMART
goals that actually contribute to the saving of souls.
Remember, we can’t do everything at once. Focus on just two or three goals. A handful
of goals is the most we should attempt to address at any one time. Each major goal can
(and should), of course, have a number of intermediate or subgoals; nevertheless, our
number of major goals should be limited.
Select goals with the greatest relevance. Just as there is an aristocracy among true
principles, there is an aristocracy among goals. Some goals are simply more relevant than
others. Some goals are more critical in taking us further down the road in attaining our
vision. Because our time and other resources are limited, it makes sense to concentrate
our efforts on those goals with the greatest payoff. Some examples might be: prepare to
serve a mission, prepare for advanced education following high school, prepare for
temple marriage. Each of these goals requires subordinate goals and the elements of
SMART goals.
We should also periodically revisit our goals and update as necessary. Situations
change. Resources change. Needs change. People change. As we work toward our goals,
we gain fresh information and new insights. We should regularly assess our goals to
ensure that they are still relevant to our vision. When necessary, we should revise our
goals and the schedules for attaining them. Consider the following instructions given in
a leadership-training meeting on setting your goals:
1. Goals should be prayerfully set with guidance from the Spirit.
2. Goals should be specific rather than general.
3. Goals should be written down.
4. Goals should be stated in terms of a specific time period.
5. Goals should be set by those responsible for their attainment.
6. Goals should be realistic and attainable but should also challenge us to lengthen our
stride.
7. Goals should be reviewed frequently, and the results reported periodically.
8. Goals should be directed toward helping and serving other people as well as toward
self-improvement. (Elder Marvin K. Gardner, personal notes)
Heavenly Father and our Savior have specific goals and plans in mind in everything
They do. They follow the plan of exaltation. (This section on goals was adapted
from Leadership for Saints, Duncan and Pinegar, Covenant Communications, 2002.)
With well-fixed goals and with a plan for their accomplishment, we are ready to, as
President Kimball would say, “Do it.” It is wise to continually reevaluate our goals and
plans and to keep focused on what matters most.
When we make plans and set goals, we create a map, a course, a set of directions, a list
of things that need to be done. And we wisely prioritize our list by organizing it so that
our goals can be achieved. We set it in order, write it down, and work our plan. Imagine
the following scenario: Suppose you are living in Salt Lake City and want to visit relatives
in Dallas, Texas. Would you jump in the car and take the first freeway on-ramp you
encounter? You might drive one hundred miles an hour for three or four days, but if
you’re on the wrong freeway, you could end up in Chicago or Portland. No matter how
fast you drive or how desperately you want to be in Dallas, your trip will be in vain.

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 Hurrying along in the wrong direction won’t help us if we have no map, the wrong
map, or the wrong plan for reaching our goal. We have to make sure our map is clear and
that our course is properly set. Then, when our goals are written down and we have set
dates to achieve them, we’ll be surprised at how successful we will be. If we don’t have a
plan for family home evening, if we just sit down and say, “Well, what should we talk
about tonight?” our family home evening may turn out to be an argument that begins
and ends with prayer. At least it may not accomplish anything positive toward our
family’s eternal welfare. We must be diligent in setting goals and making plans.
Whenever I did not set goals and make plans for home evening (or for almost anything
else in my life), the results were always less than they could have been. The Lord said,
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house
of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a
house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119).
Remember, Heavenly Father has created a perfect plan that we might enjoy
immortality and eternal life. Regardless of our situation—our trials and tribulations,
heartaches and heartbreaks—we can do better and be better as we are nurtured by the
infinite Atonement of the Lord: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and
temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will
take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him
death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon
him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh,
that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their
infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12). As we reach out to Him in faith, He will help us to have a
clear vision, to keep our desires strong, and to prepare every needful thing.

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 CHAPTER 4

WORK WITH ALL DILIGENCE

DILIGENCE IS THE PRICE OF success and is essential in the building of character. In the
scriptures, diligence is often coupled with faith as exemplified in the Book of Mormon by
Lehi and his family as they were guided by the Liahona: “I, Nephi, beheld the pointers
which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed
which we did give unto them” (1 Nephi 16:28). Nephi exhorted his brothers, “I, Nephi,
did strive to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to
faithfulness and diligence” (1 Nephi 17:15). Alma, when teaching the process of nurturing
the word, added another virtue—patience—which is vital in our becoming disciples of
Christ, for without it we sometimes become exasperated and frustrated. “And because of
your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it
may take root in you . . . Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and
yourdiligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit
unto you” (Alma 32:42–43; emphasis added). Diligence coupled with faith and patience
empowers our work and ensures our success.
Work protects us from the consequences of idleness; work is the key that helps us rise
to excellence in any field of endeavor. It seems that too many want the easy road, the
instant, the now. Successful people and super performers all possess a common mind-
set that reflects a unique quality—the ability to work hard and work smart. In the gospel
setting, we can achieve according to our faith, diligence, and patience (see Alma 32:40–
43; 37:41–43) by the power of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Nephi 32:5; D&C 11:12–13) as we
work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength (see D&C 4:2).
Ponder the following:
How do I learn good work habits?
Where can I practice good work habits?
How can I learn to work hard and smart?
Do I find joy in giving my best effort?
Do I enjoy my work?
If we do not work diligently, all our preparation will be futile; we will not achieve our
goals. Success cannot happen without work. True victory will be realized only when we
have an insatiable drive and desire to overcome, to act with faith, and to be diligent,
devoted, dedicated, persevering, disciplined, and patient. We need all of these attributes
within our work ethic in order to be steadfast and endure to the end.
I am so grateful for my father’s legacy of hard work. I was twelve years old when my
daddy died on Mother’s Day, 1947, and all I can remember about my dad is work. We
were raised on a farm, and we all worked. If I ever stopped to play, my dad would look at
me and say, “Go pull weeds; go pull burdock.” I would sometimes hide from my dad so I
wouldn’t have to pull burdock (a particularly prickly and obnoxious weed). We had so
much burdock on our farm I could pull burdock 365 days of the year, during snowstorms,
rain or shine, and still never pull all of it. And I knew that, but my dad said, “Work,” and
so I did. I can remember getting up early and cracking the ice out of the pig troughs and
slopping the pigs and going down through the orchard and lidding hundreds of bushel
baskets of apples. All I can remember is working (remember, a child’s memory is short
and forgetful), and then we were blessed (at least to my way of thinking). We sold the
farm and moved to the city! I still worked periodically in the summers on the farm, but I

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didn’t like farming, not at all. I decided then that I would never be a farmer. Well, I was
fifty-one years of age before I realized what a blessing my father had given me. I
remember one day in the mission field in England when the missionaries were doing so
well because they were working so hard. The missionaries in the England London South
Mission were the hardest workers I’ve ever seen in my life. They could do anything and
they would never stop working, and they inspired me to work hard too. That was when I
said, “Heavenly Father, please thank my dad for me. Tell him thanks for helping me learn
to work, because it’s one of the greatest blessings of my life.” I thank my Heavenly Father
to this day for my dad, who taught me twogreat principles: obedience and work.
Before my angel mother passed away several years ago, I would visit her regularly.
Toward the end of her life she couldn’t see or hear very well. One day she lost her walker.
When I went to visit her, she said, “Ed, I can’t find my walker.” She couldn’t remember
where she had left it. So I found her walker for her and I asked, “How have you been
today, Mom?” She said, “Ed, I’ve broken the tape recorder; you need to fix the tape in it
for me. It’s such a boring life. I can’t see, I can barely hear people, my tape recorder
doesn’t play my tapes, and it’s too hard for me to work it. It’s just been a lousy day. If I
could just work again, Ed, I’d be so happy. If I could just feel useful again, I’d be so happy.
Ed, be grateful you can work.” Now that’s some kind of advice coming from a ninety-one-
and-a-half-year-old angel mother who raised five children alone.
I’m here to tell you, be grateful for work. Be grateful for the opportunity of toiling and
struggling and overcoming and doing, and make sure you’re as busy as a bee. Idleness is
a killer in many ways. We’ll never be successful on this earth if we do not make work an
important priority in our life, and in the lives of our children.
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is the work of your salvation. Heavenly Father said,
“This is my work and my glory” (Moses 1:39). Work is what we do. God the Father told
Adam, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Genesis 3:19). We need to work to
make our plan work. We need to teach our children to work. Remember that
improvement, growth, and change require not only commitment but also effort to stay
the course. Staying the course is likened unto the fifth principle of the gospel—enduring
to the end. Enduring to the end is the total manifestation of being diligent in all things.

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 CHAPTER 5

KEEP YOUR COMMITMENTS

COVENANTS ARE BINDING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN God and His children. God gives us
ordinances and covenants to bless our life. Using our moral agency, we agree to and enter
into these covenants if we are worthy. In the Church we are blessed to receive many
covenants and ordinances. The lifesaving covenants and ordinances are baptism,
bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost, priesthood ordination and covenants, and temple
ordinances and covenants. These lifesaving and exalting covenants and ordinances
provide the means whereby, if they are honored faithfully, we can receive the blessings
of exaltation from our Heavenly Father.
Ponder the following:
What covenants have I committed to keep?
What am I presently doing to keep my covenants?
What can I do better to keep my covenants?
What commitments have I made?
What am I presently doing to keep my commitments?
What can I do better to keep my commitments?
Covenants and commitments go together, and we need to understand that keeping
commitments is the way we honor our covenants. How does Heavenly Father commit to
us? He commits to us through covenants. We make covenants with the Lord to receive
His ordinances and to keep the commandments He has given us. Sometimes we need to
make commitments with another person—a spouse, a son or daughter, or a friend—to
help keep us on the straight and narrow path.
In Doctrine and Covenants 43:8–9 we find the perfect covenant-making process,
which is exemplified in the temple and in sacrament meeting as we partake of the
sacrament. The Lord commanded: “And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment,
that when ye are assembled together [assembled together in family home evenings,
family scripture time, family prayer, family council, in our priesthood interviews with
our children, in sacrament meeting, in the temple, or whenever we are assembled
together, having a spiritual experience] ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may
know how to act [because you need to know what do. You need to be instructed and
edified in regard to what your commitments are] and direct my church [or my family],
how to act upon the points of my law and commandments [and the covenants you have
entered into], which I have given. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my
church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall [here’s the key
word now] bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me.”
Keeping covenants and commitments is the process or method through which we bind
ourselves to Him. When we hold a family council, we can make promises to each other
and agree upon the values that can bring unity, peace, and happiness to our family. There
is peace in righteous doing, as the Nephite history teaches over and over. Keeping our
covenants empowers a righteous life.
Doctrine and Covenants section 43:10 offers further insight regarding covenants and
commitments: “That inasmuch as you do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which
ye have received. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which ye have
received.” In other words, if we don’t internalize our covenants and then teach our

21
families about making covenants and keeping commitments, we will fail to achieve some
of the greatest work we could ever do on this earth.
When I was teaching Gospel Principles and Practices at Brigham Young University,
there was a section on social interaction with the opposite sex. It dealt with how to keep
yourself morally clean and how to keep your commitments. I said to the students, “Here’s
one thing that will really help you on your dates. Before you go out on your date, you go
and offer a little prayer: ‘Heavenly Father, as thou knowest, I’m going on a date in a few
minutes, and I’ll be home in about three or four hours, and when I come back, I’ll give an
accounting of the commitment and covenant I’m making to Thee now regarding my
behavior.’” Often these young people would come back to me and say, “Brother Ed, it’s
the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It is so much easier to go out on a date and
return home safely because I’ve made the commitment to my Heavenly Father and then
I follow up on myself by coming back and reporting on my actions.” I would smile and
remind them of how good they were.
It is important that we follow up on ourselves in keeping our commitments. We will
find that follow-up can make a difference for our families as well. When we follow up
with our children, they will realize how important it is to keep the commitments they
have made. Sometimes when we use follow-up with commitment, people may take the
world’s attitude and say, “You don’t trust me; you don’t give me any latitude in my work.”
Such a point of view sets aside the great principle of accountability. Commitment isn’t
really commitment, and covenants aren’t really covenants unless there is a required
accounting for one’s performance—a “return and report.” Now, if you don’t believe that,
the next time you go to the temple, listen carefully after each creative period and you will
see who always returns and reports. Follow-up is a vital part of keeping our commitments
and covenants.
On one occasion, noted and brilliant marriage and family counselor Brent Barlow
spoke to our ward in a combined priesthood and Relief Society meeting. I had been
Brent’s bishop many years before when he was a young student at BYU. We had become
good friends, and I was excited to be taught by him. He posed an interesting question,
surely to gain our attention and to teach a provocative truth. “What is the most important
law, principle, or doctrine that can keep a marriage strong, happy, and successful?” I was
sitting at the back of the room believing he would say love. To my surprise, he said,
“Commitment.”
I learned that day that love is a strong emotion, and sometimes due to the frailties of
mortals, the strength of that emotion may wane. During those fragile times, commitment
to our covenants will keep us strong. Once I understood what he was teaching, I saw why
commitment through covenants was so important. Years passed and we met again. I told
him I finally understood why commitment is so important, and, to my surprise, he said
that he now saw love as the most important principle. We were both right. True love and
commitment through covenants are inseparable. They are both imperative in keeping a
marriage strong. Is that not exactly what our Heavenly Father has done in giving us the
new and everlasting covenant of marriage? If we love God, we will keep His
commandments (see John 14:15). Likewise, if we love our eternal companion, we will
keep our covenants. Our commitments to our covenants are a reflection of our love of
God. The Lord has said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments . . . He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall
be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:15,
21).

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 The Lord taught a supernal truth when He said, “Verily I say, men should be anxiously
engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass
much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.
And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth
not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart,
and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned” (D&C 58:27–29). Sometimes we
do not always stay anxiously engaged. Let me give you an example. It was Christmas
time. We were getting ready for vacation, and I said to my dental staff, “We won’t work
from December 23 to January 1. I’ll come to the office on the twenty-sixth for
emergencies and just personally take care of those emergencies. We’re just going to take
it easy.” I went home and said to my wife, “Sweetheart, we do not have to get up early
during Christmas vacation. I’m canceling”—Can you imagine? Don’t hold it against me;
I’ve repented—“I’m canceling scripture time. We’ve all worked really hard, we deserve to
rest. So everyone can sleep in during the holiday. No one will have to get up early. And,
sweetheart, don’t wake me up. I just want to lie in bed like a big potato and sleep in. And
when I feel like getting up, I will get up, and then I’ll cook myself some eggs over easy
with toast and bacon and a few other cholesterol goodies and just munch away and have
a relaxing, enjoyable, nonworking vacation.” I did that for seven days. On the eighth day
I didn’t feel good. I was mentally distraught. I felt lousy and couldn’t figure it out. The
next day I thought, I am sicker than a dog. When I took stock of myself, I realized what
I had done. I had failed to work, I had failed to achieve, I had failed to bless someone,
and I was only thinking of me, Ed Jolley Pinegar, and I was being selfish. I had failed to
keep my commitments in many, many areas of my life. Be grateful for the covenants and
commitments you have made and are keeping, for they will always be a blessing.
Sarah Westerberg, former associate dean of students at Brigham Young University
related the following example in a message at a BYU devotional in 2008: “My mother
was committed to raising her children in the gospel. Just one example of her
commitment to this ideal was an activity that happened every morning in our family. In
the Ingram family we called it “morning service,” and it involved a hymn, a family prayer,
and scripture reading at 7:30 a.m. each day. Regardless of what else might be going on
that day, we always had morning service—every single day. I am ever grateful to my
mother for her tenacity in keeping her commitment to raise up a righteous posterity even
when her children were not always terribly congenial or happy about having to get out of
bed for scripture study every morning. Her commitment has made a difference in my
life—not least because I know the scriptures better because of morning service. Those
blessings extend through future generations and continue to bless my family as I teach
my children the gospel by reading the scriptures with them.”
Sister Westerberg commented further: “When we keep our commitments, we draw
closer to the Lord and come closer to becoming the person we need to be to endure
through eternity. What may initially appear to be temporal is, in actuality, a training
ground for things eternal. The companion of commitment keeping is enduring to the end.
Because we are children of God, our commitments are lifelong commitments that stretch
throughout eternity.”
Sister Westerberg then cited other powerful examples of commitment:
The scriptures are replete with examples of ancient prophets and leaders who
kept their commitments in the face of great adversity and trials. Nephi built a
ship without any prior shipbuilding experience because he had committed to
do whatever the Lord asked of him. The Anti-Nephi-Lehis, parents of the

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 2,000 stripling warriors, kept their commitments although it meant sending
their sons to battle. Joshua declared that he and his family were committed
to serving the Lord in spite of what others thought. The sons of Mosiah were
committed to preaching the gospel to the Lamanites even though it was
dangerous work. Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife and kept
himself morally clean even though it meant being thrown into prison.
(“Pastry, Chalk Circles, and Other Words to Live By: A Guide to Keeping
Commitments,” BYU Speeches of the Year,Dec. 2, 2008)
We can never quit, we can never give up, we can never give in, and we can never give
out. Keeping our commitments is another form of enduring to the end. To be a successful
son or daughter of God, we need the vision, we need to keep our desire and motivation
strong, we need goals, we need to work diligently, and we need to keep our commitments.

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 CHAPTER 6

FOLLOW UP, EVALUATE, BEGIN AGAIN

FOLLOW-UP IS VITAL FOR SUCCESS. As leaders we always need to have a return and report
for those we’ve delegated an assignment to. It is an eternal principle of leadership, and
so it must be with us as we evaluate our efforts and start again each day to be a better
follower of Christ. This exercise is not beyond our reach, nor is it meant to be
overwhelming and discouraging. Rather, each day is filled with hope for the best day we
can have. Sometimes we simply offer our best effort and lean on the Lord for help.
The Lord will bless us for wanting to improve. Remember that the Lord and the Holy
Spirit will be there strengthening us as we go forward each day. Remember that the Spirit
will lead us “to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this
is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall
enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; And then shall ye know, or by
this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto
things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive” (D&C 11:12–14;
emphasis added). The Lord will help us be better each day. Knowing that our Heavenly
Father and our Savior seek our immortality and eternal life, can you imagine how pleased
They are with our efforts to become obedient children as we pursue exactly what the Lord
has asked us to do—keep His commandments?
Heavenly Father and the Savior love us with a perfect and constant love, and we love
Them, so it behooves us to be faithful, diligent, and patient—line upon line, precept upon
precept, a day at a time, a week at a time. We can begin today to become a better son or
daughter of God, seeking to do His will and keep His commandments.
Chapter 7 reviews the six principles of success—“The Six-Step Growth Cycle.”
Following that review, we’ll be ready to talk about the daily topics for becoming a better
disciple of Christ.

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 CHAPTER 7

SUMMARY OF THE SIX-STEP GROWTH CYCLE

THE “SIX-STEP GROWTH CYCLE” INCLUDES the six principles of success.

Gain Your Vision—Gain the vision to do the will of God to become like Him through
faithful pondering and prayer, scripture study, and righteous living. We must visualize
what we want to accomplish.
Gain Your Desire—Keep your desire strong by remembering the goodness of God and
the infinite atoning sacrifice of your beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Our aspirations to
improve will be strong because our heart is set upon the things of God. We will joyfully
yield our heart to God and always desire to do His will.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans—Make specific goals that are aligned
with your purposes and values in life. Review these goals frequently. Share them with
loved ones and associates—those in a position to support your progress and participate
with you in the successes you will achieve. Make a plan to achieve your goals. Organize
and prepare carefully—think about the whats, hows, and whens. Set target dates for
periodic checks of your progress toward your ultimate goal. Identify the specific
measurable actions that will propel you most surely and rapidly toward your desired
outcome. Perform some of those actions each day. Even modest positive steps forward
on a regular basis will help you start to form good habits and add to your momentum.
Keep track of your progress. Celebrate the milestones.
Work with All Diligence—Faith, diligence, patience, and working by the Spirit with all
your heart, might, mind, and strength are vital to staying the course of becoming a better
disciple. The Lord has counseled us to exercise faith in all things and be patient in the
process of becoming. We must seek diligently to know and obey the laws pertaining to
the blessings we desire. Then we must be diligently faithful to those laws. “There is a law,
irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all
blessings are predicated—And when you obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience
to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21).
Keep Your Commitments—With dedication and devotion to your covenants and
promises, you will keep your commitments. Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone counseled us
regarding our commitments: “Commitment and self-control are as inseparable as loving
brothers. The man or woman who would keep commitments must not be deterred,
redirected, or distracted, or become wishy-washy or weak-kneed. Self-control is a great
quality that keeps our eyes single to our goals” (Commitment [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1982], 64).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again—At the day’s end, write in your gratitude journal
something like, “Learnings for the Day” or “The Joy of Becoming,” then write about how
you felt and what you did, ponder your feelings, evaluate your day, and recommit for
another wonderful day tomorrow. Pray for strength in the Lord to do and to be your very
best. Make progress, change, and improvement a priority in life rather than simply
coasting along and waiting to see what happens. Every day is another day to prepare to
meet God. It is not a day to give in, give up, or give out. Remember, you are a divine being
having a mortal learning experience to prove yourself worthy, by the grace of God,
after all you can do (see 2 Nephi 25:23).

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 With the growth cycle firmly in place, we can move forward in becoming a better
disciple every day. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith has said regarding the process of
perfection:
I believe the Lord meant just what He said, that we should be perfect, as our
Father in heaven is perfect. That will not come all at once, but line upon line
and precept upon precept, example upon example, and even then not as long
as we live in this mortal life, for we will have to go even beyond the grave
before we reach that perfection and shall be like God.
But here we lay the foundation. Here is where we are taught these simple
truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in this probationary state, to prepare us
for that perfection. It is my duty, it is yours, to be better today than I was
yesterday, and for you to be better today than you were yesterday, and
better tomorrow than you were today. Why? Because we are on that road, if
we are keeping the commandments of the Lord, we are on that road to
perfection, and that can only come through obedience and the desire in our
hearts to overcome the world. That is all. (Conference Report, Oct. 1941, 95;
emphasis added)
People often become overwhelmed by thinking they are to become perfect here and
now. We cannot make ourselves perfect. Only the Savior can (see Moroni 10:32–33). We
cannot exalt ourselves through our so-called perfect behavior. We are exalted only when
Heavenly Father gives us all that He has (see D&C 84:38) and by qualifying for our
Savior’s grace after all we can do (see 2 Nephi 25:23). Mortality is about becoming more
like our Savior through His grace and the enabling power of His infinite Atonement. We
should remember our nothingness compared to God. Our humility will help us realize
the great truth Moses learned on the mount when he said, “Now, for this cause I know
that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed” (Moses 1:10). Moses became
meek and humble (see Numbers 12:3) and thus grew spiritually.
Remember to look at what truly matters most—our own well-being and that of our
family and the things that have lasting value, such as happiness and eternal life—and
then seek after those things. It would be well to evaluate our goals and objectives in all
facets of life, then align our plans with eternal principles and values.
President David O. McKay has reminded us, “No person, no group, no nation can
achieve true success without following him who said: ‘I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life’ (John 8:12)”
(Gospel Ideals: Selections from the Discourses of David O. McKay [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1953], 4).
Remember, you can choose any of the following principles in any order. You may even
select some that are not in this list. With better understanding and appreciation of any
doctrine or principle, our feelings of gratitude will increase, thus causing a change in our
attitude and behavior. It will be an exciting, stimulating, even breathtaking experience
as we “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope,
and a love of God and of all men” (2 Nephi 31:20). There is joy in righteous doing.

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 DAY 1

STRIVE FOR HUMILITY—THE BEGINNING VIRTUE OF ALL SPIRITUAL GROWTH

HUMILITY IS CRITICAL TO SPIRITUAL growth and learning. When we understand and

acknowledge our relationship to and dependence upon God, we begin to be humble. In
a state of humility, we become submissive, easily entreated, teachable, ready to receive
the blessings of peace, inspiration, hope, and the guidance of the Lord. Humility involves
having a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and it causes us to relate to God in gratitude
and love.
President Ezra Taft Benson has taught, “‘And no one can assist in this work unless he
shall be humble and full of love’ (D&C 12:8). I hope we carry that spirit of humility and
love with us. . . . Humility, of course, is not a sign of weakness. Humility does not mean
timidity. A person can be humble, powerful, and courageous. The Prophet Joseph is a
good example. Humility is an acknowledged recognition of our dependence on a higher
power. In this work, we will never be successful unless we have that spirit of humility”
(The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 369–70).
President Benson continued,
One of Satan’s greatest tools is pride: to cause a man or a woman to center so
much attention on self that he or she becomes insensitive to his Creator or
fellow beings. . . .
In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride. It is always
considered as a sin. . . . Essentially, pride is a “my will” rather than “thy will”
approach to life. . . .
Pride does not look up to God and care about what is right. It looks
sideways to man and argues who is right. Pride is manifest in the spirit of
contention. . . .
Pride is characterized by “What do I want out of life?” rather than by “What
would God have me do with my life?” It is self-will as opposed to God’s will. .
..
Humility responds to God’s will—to the fear of His judgments and to the
needs of those around us. To the proud, the applause of the world rings in
their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts.” (The
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 435–36)
Gain Your Vision
Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance, blessing, and power of humility in your
life. We need to remember our own nothingness without the strength of the Lord in our
lives. The following scriptures emphasize this point:
For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to
a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state. (Mosiah 4:5)
And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge
of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and
have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your
souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the
greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering
towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,

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calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which
is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel. (Mosiah 4:11)
O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the
dust of the earth. (Helaman 12:7)
And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that his glory was not upon Moses;
and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth.
And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive
his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know
that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed. (Moses 1:9–10)
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all
ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your
might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be
perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny
the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not
his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of
the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins,
that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni 10:32–33)
Without humility we can never change or become all that we were meant to be.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to be humble? The blessings of humility are amazing and
empowering, for humility is the seedbed and beginning to becoming a better you.
Humility is the antidote for pride. Pride is the cause of almost all sin, while humility is
the precursor to submitting to the will of God, which brings forth all the blessings
associated with obedience. Note the blessings of humility described in the following
scriptures:
Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee
answer to thy prayers. (D&C 112:10)
The humble will “be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge.”
(D&C 1:28)
The Lord is “merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts.” (D&C
61:2)
Humility can turn away God’s anger. (see Helaman 11:11)
The fruits of humility continue to bless us in every facet of our life, while pride and its
vexing power of destruction is just the opposite—it puts us in opposition to God by
seeking our will instead of His. Pride is manifested in self-glorification, haughtiness,
boastfulness, arrogance, smugness, pretentiousness, self-importance. Indeed, all the
selfish qualities that reside within pride lead to wickedness and eventual destruction of
the soul.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
It is wise to set some goals and make some plans to become humble as we to seek to
know God (see D&C 67:10; John 17:3). There is peace in turning our will over to the Lord,
and He, by the power of the Holy Ghost, will show us all things we need to do (see 2
Nephi 32:5). Remember, though, as President Henry B. Eyring warned, “You see, it’s

29
hard to feel that you are sufficiently humble. If you did, you might not be” (“Come Unto
Christ,” BYU Speeches, Oct. 29, 1989).
These are some steps we might take in becoming more humble:
Acknowledge our unworthiness before the Lord (see Alma 38:14).
Strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father and the Savior.
Recognize our dependence upon Heavenly Father and the Savior.
Remember that the Lord’s ways are higher than ours (see Isaiah 55:8–9).
Work with All Diligence
Work with your all your heart, might, mind, and strength. However, in humility we
must give credit to God for all things. We must acknowledge our unworthiness before
Him and our utter dependence upon Him for all our blessings. As we exercise our faith
and seek to comprehend and understand the power and goodness of humility and the
destructive power of pride, we will forever be motivated to seek humility in all things, for
it empowers our spirit to govern our flesh. It brings us closer to God, deepens our
relationship with Him, and reminds us of our dependence upon Him. Indeed, we can
“fast and pray oft, and . . . wax stronger and stronger in [our] humility, and firmer and
firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling [of our] souls with joy and consolation, yea,
even to the purifying and the sanctification of [our] hearts, which sanctification cometh
because of [our] yielding [our] hearts unto God” (Helaman 3:35). We should diligently
work with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength to yield our heart to God.
The following story, related by Eldred G. Smith, former Church patriarch,
demonstrates that the greatest lessons we learn in life are studies in humbling ourselves
before the Lord.
He Had Quit Several Times
All the requirements of living the gospel become easier through humility.
A young man told me his experience in becoming a member of the Church,
which is typical of many in their activities of investigating the Church. He said
the missionaries came to the lesson on the Word of Wisdom. He and his wife
were both users of tobacco. After the meeting was over and the missionaries
had left, they talked it over with each other and decided among themselves,
“Well, if that is what the Lord wants and if this is the Lord’s Church, we will
try it.” He said that he was not particularly concerned about himself, he
thought he could do it easily; he was worried about his wife; she had never
tried to quit before. On the other hand, he had quit several times. After
proving to himself that he could quit, of course, he went back to the use of
cigarettes again. But he said in this case, it was just the reverse. His wife quit
without any apparent difficulty, but he had tremendous difficulty. He became
nervous and irritable. He could not rest. He was cranky among his fellow
workers. He could not sleep at night. But inasmuch as his wife had quit, he
was not going to be outdone by her. So, one night, he became so restless, so
disturbed that he could not sleep, and his wife suggested to him that he pray
about it. He thought that was a good joke. He ridiculed the idea of prayer; he
said, “This is something I have to do. Nobody can help me with this. I can do
this.” But as the night passed, and he had done everything he could to
stimulate sleep and rest without any success, finally in despair, he humbled
himself enough to kneel at the side of the bed and pray vocally. According to
his own testimony, he said that he got up from his prayer, got into bed, went
to sleep, and has never been tempted by cigarettes since. He has absolutely

30
 lost his taste for tobacco. He said, “The Word of Wisdom was not a health
program for me. It was a lesson of humility.” He said, “I had to learn
humility.” That is what it meant to him. As it is with many of the requirements
of the Church, we have to demonstrate humble obedience. (Conference
Report, Apr. 1955, 42)
Pride is the universal sin and the downfall of the Nephites and Jaredites. Its antidote
is humility, which yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.
Keep Your Commitments
We can make the commitment today to seek humility by understanding our
relationship to God and our total dependence on Him. As we do so, we will be blessed
with spiritual growth.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day as to your level of pride and humility. Record in your
journal your feelings about humility and your desire to humble yourself continually
before the Lord. Every day we can be better. The joy of becoming more like Christ should
fill our soul with gratitude and humility. As we remember all the associated blessings
that come from humility, they will help to qualify us for other blessings and opportunities
to serve in the kingdom of God.

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 DAY 2

BE PRAYERFUL

PRAYER IS TRULY THE YEARNING of the soul to commune with God. Sincere prayer reaches
to the heavens and is a two-way communication between Heavenly Father and us. A
passage from the Bible Dictionary explains prayer as follows: “As soon as we learn the
true relationship in which we stand toward God . . . then at once prayer becomes natural
and instinctive on [our] part (Matthew 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about
prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the
Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The
object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others
blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking
for them. . . . Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the
highest of all blessings” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752–53).
We are strengthened by prayer, we worship through prayer, and we receive
instructions from our Fatherthrough prayer. Alfred Lord Tennyson observed: “More
things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” President Gordon B. Hinckley
has stated, “Heavenly Father . . . has invited [all] to come unto Him in prayer, to speak
with Him, with the promised assurance that He will hear and respond” (Teachings of
Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 238).
To make our prayers more efficacious, we must pray often and regularly, with real
intent and with faith, and always be willing to accept the Lord’s will and to do our
part. Once a man was asked derisively, “What did you gain by regularly praying to God?”
The man replied, “Perhaps I gain nothing . . . but let me tell you what I lose: anger, ego,
greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is
not gaining but losing; which ultimately is the gain.”
Gain Your Vision
Can we visualize the magnitude and power of prayer? We can come to know Heavenly
Father when we truly seek Him with all our heart (see Jeremiah 29:13). Mighty prayer
and fasting is required for great blessings and power (see Mark 9:29; Helaman 3:35; 3
Nephi 18:18; Moroni 7:48; D&C 19:38). We can receive as we ask, seek, and knock
(see John 16:23; D&C 88:64; 4:7). The prayers of the righteous bring forth the blessings
of God (see James 5:16; 2 Nephi 26:15; Mosiah 27:14). The vision of the power of prayer
will surely motivate us to pray; and the prophets will help us have the vision of the
importance of prayer.
President Hinckley reminds us,
Be prayerful. You can’t do it alone. You know that. You cannot make it alone
and do your best. You need the help of the Lord . . . and the marvelous thing
is that you have the opportunity to pray, with the expectation that your
prayers will be heard and answered. . . . The marvelous thing about prayer is
that it is personal, it’s individual, it’s something that no one else gets into, in
terms of your speaking with your Father in Heaven in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Be prayerful. Ask the Lord to forgive your sins. Ask the Lord for
help. Ask the Lord to bless you. Ask the Lord to help you realize your righteous
ambitions. . . . Ask the Lord for all of the important things that mean so much
to you in your lives. He stands ready to help. Don’t ever forget it. (Teachings
of Gordon B. Hinckley, 468)

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 President Kimball emphasized the importance of combining fasting with prayer.
Fasting is a commandment. Likewise, failing to fast is a sin. In the fifty-eighth
chapter of Isaiah, rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and
assist the needy. Freedom from frustrations, freedom from thralldom
[bondage], and the blessing of peace are promised. Inspiration and spiritual
guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father.
To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings.
...
The law of the fast is another test. If we merely go without food to supply
welfare funds, it is much of the letter, but in real fasting, for spiritual
blessings, come self-mastery and increased spirituality. . . .
Fast with purpose. We must ever remind ourselves and all members of the
Church to keep the law of the fast. We often have our individual reasons for
fasting. But I hope members won’t hesitate to fast to help us lengthen our
stride in our missionary effort, to open the way for the gospel to go to the
nations where it is not now permitted. It’s good for us to fast as well as to pray
over specific things and over specific objectives. . . .
This principle of promise, when lived in the spirit thereof, greatly blesses
both giver and receiver. Upon practicing the law of the fast, one finds a
personal wellspring of power to overcome self-indulgence and selfishness. . .
.
If we give a generous fast offering, we shall increase our own prosperity
both spiritually and temporally. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed.
Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 144–45)
Pray and fast often. It is interesting to note that what we study inspires us to action.
One weekend I rode to the airport with my dear friend Robert Matthews on our way to
speak at a Know Your Religion lecture. I asked Bob how things were going and what he
was doing. He mentioned he was working on the cross references and the topical guide
for the scriptures. I inquired as to that week’s efforts, and he said, “I have read every
reference relating to prayer in all the standard works.” “What was the result?” I asked.
He smiled and said, “I have an overwhelming desire to pray.” A lesson learned.
President Hinckley taught an important principle regarding the power of prayer:
Believe in prayer and the power of prayer. Pray to the Lord with the
expectation of answers. I suppose there is not a man or woman in this entire
congregation today who doesn’t pray. I hope that is so. The trouble with most
of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and
ordering groceries—we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate,
contemplate, think of what we are praying about and for and then speak to
the Lord as one man speaketh to another. “Come now, and let us reason
together, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 1:18). That is the invitation. Believe in the
power of prayer—it is real, it is wonderful, it is tremendous. (Teachings of
Gordon B. Hinckley, 469).
My little six-year-old Kristi was fearful and unhappy as she tried to adjust to attending
first grade and Primary, which in those days was held during the week. She came into the
house crying after attending both. She pled with me to ask Heavenly Father to help her
so she wouldn’t be so afraid and cry so much. We knelt down and prayed for help. She

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was consoled, and the week went by. The next week, she came running into the house
yelling, “Daddy, Daddy, Heavenly Father loves me.” She then explained how she had
been brave and how Heavenly Father had helped her so she didn’t even cry once. Oh, the
faith of a child! It is a miracle demonstrating the goodness and power of God, even in the
case of a simple request from one of His little children. And He will help each of us in our
hour of need, at age six or 106. The strength of the Lord is manifested through our
pleading prayers. With this vision clearly in mind, our desire to pray increases
exponentially.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need for prayer in our life? Do we yearn to express gratitude and love
to our Heavenly Father? Do we need help in our life? Each of these questions should
heighten our desire to pray. We worship God the Father through prayer (see Alma 33:3)
as we humble ourselves before Him.
Think of the blessings of prayer and fasting. We can increase in faith, humility, and
the sanctification of our soul (see Helaman 3:35). We can come to know the truth
(see Alma 5:46). We can have the spirit of prophecy and revelation (see Alma 17:3). We
can have a portion of the Spirit to go with us (see Alma 17:9). We can worship God
through fasting (see Alma 45:1). We can bless and strengthen others (see Mosiah 27:23).
We can seek blessings for all those who know not God (see Alma 6:6). Fasting and prayer
become offerings to the Lord that in turn assist us in gaining salvation as we seek to
endure to the end (see Omni 1:26). Prayer blesses our life with the power to overcome
temptation (see Alma 13:28; 3 Nephi 18:18), and through prayer we may be filled with
charity (see Moroni 7:48). The Lord will answer our prayers, but we must ask (see James
1:5–6; D&C 4:7). We can come to know the things of God (see Alma 5:47), receive counsel
from the Lord (see Alma 37:37), know the truth of all things by the power of the Holy
Ghost (seeMoroni 10:5), receive strength (see Moses 1:20; Alma 26:11–12; Ether 12:27),
and receive forgiveness of sins (see Enos 1:4–8; Joseph Smith—History 1:29–32).
Knowing these things should increase our devotion and desire to go in mighty prayer
unto our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What specific things do we have to do to pray with faith and real intent so our prayers
will be efficacious in our life? Set some goals and make some plans to pray with real focus
and resolve. Seek to earnestly communicate with Heavenly Father. Set a time and a place
to call upon Him. Always go forward with a prayer in your heart (see 3 Nephi 20:1). Here
are a few things we could consider in setting our goals to pray with all our heart:
Pray daily—individually and as a family.
Pray with a pleading heart, with faith and real intent.
Pray with a specific purpose.
Always express gratitude.
Make it a habit to listen for His replies. Prayer should be a dialogue, not a monologue.
Sometimes it was easy for me to forget to pray in the morning because I was so anxious
to jump out of bed and begin a project. Shame on me! Lamenting the fact that I wasn’t
being diligent in my prayers, I asked myself, “How can I remember to say my morning
prayers?” It was as simple as setting my alarm on my computer or phone to ring at 8:00
a.m. every day and making my screen saver read, “Pray with a grateful heart.” Problem
solved!
A good friend challenged me not to “say my prayers” but “to pray.” It may be just a
case of semantics, but when I pray rather than “say my prayers,” I feel a deeper and more

34
personal and intimate communication with my Heavenly Father. It changes my attitude
about prayer. One of my friend’s former bishops made quite a point of teaching her that
we should “pray” in the name of Jesus Christ,” not just say “in the name of Jesus Christ”
as we conclude our prayers in His name.
Work with All Diligence
How much effort do we put into our prayers? Is prayer a major priority at the
beginning of each day? Are our prayers persistent and consistent? Do we pray with all
our heart, might, mind, and strength? We cannot know and do all our tasks and duties
in life without the strength of the Lord. Remember, mighty prayer is more than a casual
asking; rather, it is an earnest pleading and beseeching Heavenly Father with all our
heart.
Abraham Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the
overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all
about me, seemed insufficient for the day” (conversation with journalist and friend Noah
Brooks). We will find the greater our need and desperation, the greater the pleading of
our prayers. Remember, the Lord “worketh by power, according to the faith of the
children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever” (Moroni 10:7; emphasis
added).
There will always be opposition, temptation, and choices to make. Brigham Young
counseled:
It matters not whether you or I feel like praying, when the time comes to pray,
pray. If we do not feel like it, we should pray till we do. . . .
Some of the brethren come to me and say, “Brother Brigham, is it my duty
to pray when I have not one particle of the spirit of prayer in me?” True, at
times, men are perplexed and full of care and trouble . . . yet our judgment
teaches us that it is our duty to pray, whether we are particularly in the spirit
of praying or not. My doctrine is, it is your duty to pray. . . .
If the Devil says you cannot pray when you are angry, tell him it is none of
his business, and pray until that species of insanity is dispelled and serenity
is restored to the mind. (Discourses of Brigham Young [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1954], 44–45)
The Lord counsels us, “Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray
always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you
as wheat” (3 Nephi 18:18).
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to prayer? Are we truly dedicated to praying with
thanksgiving daily? Do we feel responsible and accountable to pray? Today we can make
a commitment to pray always with faith and real concentration. If we forget to pray even
once, the devil will try to tell us we are hopeless, worthless, and that we will never be able
to keep our commitment to pray. We can prove him wrong! Remember the words of
Nephi: “And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and
it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the
Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit
teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold, I say
unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing
unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ,

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that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the
welfare of thy soul” (2 Nephi 32:8–9).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Did we seek to truly commune with Heavenly Father today? We might record in our
journal our feelings concerning our prayers. We must make every effort to be diligent in
our prayers every day. Think of the blessing of a loving Heavenly Father who pleads with
us to call upon Him in mighty prayer. We must persistently ask, seek, and knock that we
might come unto Him, receive of His goodness, and know all the things we need to do.
We must not give up because the day may not have been perfect. We can choose to start
fresh each day and make it the best day ever in our prayers.

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 DAY 3

FEAST UPON THE SCRIPTURES—ESPECIALLY THE BOOK OF MORMON

THE LORD AND HIS PROPHETS have counseled us to feast upon the word of God (see 2
Nephi 32:3; 31:20) and to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of
God (see D&C 84:43–46). President Ezra Taft Benson has said,
Studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon Saints by the
Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity. Note what the Lord Himself
has said about the benefits of studying His word. To the great prophet-leader
Joshua, He said: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). The Lord
was not promising Joshua material wealth and fame, but that his life would
prosper in righteousness and that he would have success in that which
matters most in life, namely the quest to find true joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25).
(“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986)
Nephi used an interesting verb when he described studying and searching the
scriptures: “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the
words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold,
the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3; emphasis
added). Feasting connotes taking the words into our very being and making them part of
our life. Feasting also includes all things within the gospel, with emphasis on receiving
the power and direction of the Holy Ghost. I think this is why the Lord gave the following
instruction regarding the oath and covenant of the priesthood: “And I now give unto you
a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of
eternal life. For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light
is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that
cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that
hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the
Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father” (D&C 84:43–47).
The vision is clear! We are to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth
of God.
Gain Your Vision
Do we feel the importance and power of searching, feasting, and pondering upon the
word of God? Nephi made likening the scriptures to our lives a vital part of our feasting
upon the word: “I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of
Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer
I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all
scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).
We must ponder, pray, and meditate on the meaning and application of the scriptures
and make them part of our life. Remember, the power of the word has the power to
change lives: “And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the
people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds
of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—

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therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of
God” (Alma 31:5). The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of
Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and
a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book”
(Introduction to the Book of Mormon).
Gain Your Desire
Are we eager to search the scriptures? Do we feel the need for help in our lives? Do we
feel the need to search and feast on the scriptures daily for answers as well as for
inspiration? The scriptures have the answers and will inspire us to do good and “will tell
[us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). The scriptures can be delicious to
our soul: “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed
may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast
it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to
swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say
within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for
it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it
beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28). The iron rod—the word of God—will lead
us to the tree of life that we might partake of the love of God through the Lord Jesus
Christ’s atoning sacrifice (see 1 Nephi 8:19, 20, 24, 30; 11:25; 15:23–24). The scriptures
testify of Christ and of His goodness (see John 5:39). We can come to the knowledge of
our God as we search the scriptures (see Alma 23:6; 37:8). The Bible and Book of
Mormon contain the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 42:12). Knowing all
these things can fill our soul with gratitude for the word of God, and our desire, appetite,
and passion to read, hear, and hearken to the word of God will increase.
Remember the words of President Ezra Taft Benson: “Do we, as Saints of the Most
High God, treasure the word He has preserved for us at so great a cost? Are we using
these scriptures of latter-day revelation to bless our lives and resist the powers of the evil
one? This is the purpose for which they were given. How can we not stand condemned
before the Lord if we treat them lightly by letting them do no more than gather dust on
our shelves? (see D&C 84:54). I bear my solemn witness that these books contain the
mind and the will of the Lord for us in these days of trial and tribulation. They stand with
the Bible to give witness of the Lord and His work. These books contain the voice of the
Lord to us in these latter days. May we turn to them with full purpose of heart and use
them in the way the Lord wishes them to be used” (“The Gift of Modern
Revelation,” Ensign, Nov. 1986).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Set some goals and make some plans to feast upon the word. Set a goal with a time, a
place, and a method: search by topic, read a certain number of pages or chapter, or read
for a certain length of time. You can do it. “Getting through” scripture time is not the
object, but gaining understanding and being edified is!
Work with All Diligence
How much effort do we put into our scripture study? Is scripture study a major priority
each day? Do we seek to understand and appreciate the words of God and His holy
prophets and apply them to our life? Ponder the scriptures. Discuss the scriptures with
your sweetheart and family when you are together. Mark and annotate them. Take
notes—whatever it takes to have them become part of your life. Reading the scriptures to
just get through them does not work. This should be a serious and contemplative
experience, thus making them a part of our very being. The word of God will come to our

38
mind and remind us of the things we need to do and be. Our actions will become a
reflection of the word of God in our lives.
Diligence in feasting upon the word of God implies that we will exercise faith and act
upon the word of God by applying the scriptures to our lives. I had the blessing of visiting
with Elder Bruce R. McConkie when I was a young man. I asked him why he said that the
fullness of the gospel was not in the Book of Mormon. He said to me, “Ed, my brother,
you don’t understand. You see the fullness of the gospel is in the lives of the people as
they live the teachings from the Book of Mormon, or the word of God.” That was the day
I began to understand that we must receive the word of God into our very souls. It must
become part of our very being. We will then take them personally and apply them to our
life. The word of God is for us to live by daily. The fullness of the gospel will be in our life
as we live the word of God.
A method for applying the word of God might be simply stated in the following steps:
Search the scriptures carefully (feast upon them).
Ponder them as they relate to your life.
Write down a scripture reference and the main idea it teaches.
Write a personal statement on how you are going to live this scripture.
“I will,” “I must,” “I shall,” “I can”—these first-person commitment statements will
make the scriptures come alive for us.
An example: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do
the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they
may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Nephi 3:7).
Application—I will keep the commandments because the Lord will help me by
preparing a way. Other ways you might apply that scripture: “I will pray today,” or “I will
keep the law of the fast on fast Sunday.” These simple statements lead us to apply
scriptures directly to our life. This becomes the paramount key for our profit and
learning.
Another example: “And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things
which I should do” (1 Nephi 4:6).
Application—I will live to be worthy of the Holy Spirit so I can receive direction in my
life. This is such a simple statement, yet it can have such a powerful effect upon our life.
Think about how the Prophet Joseph Smith applied James 1:5–6: “If any of you lack
wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
Regarding that scripture, the prophet Joseph Smith said: “Never did any passage of
scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It
seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and
again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did
not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for
the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture
so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the
Bible” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12).
Joseph applied the scripture by going to the Sacred Grove in humble prayer, where he
received the vision of the Father and the Son, and where he received answers to his
questions.

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 Applying the scriptures is a simple yet powerful principle. We become empowered by
Christ and His word as we live the word. When we internalize the word in our hearts, it
becomes part of our character and makes us who we are. The word heart in Hebrew
refers to the mind of man, the soul of man, the decision-making center of a man’s being,
the source of our affection and motives—the will. When the word is in our heart and we
apply it, we live it. We become not only hearers of the word but doers also (see James
1:22). When we understand the word and appreciate the doctrine, our behavior reflects
our gratitude; it is a natural consequence of the word living within our very soul. The
word of God literally empowers our life.
I gave a talk in Fairbanks, Alaska, many years ago. Following my message, a young
mother with three young sons came up to see me. Her voice quivered, and her eyes
glistened as she expressed to her sons that I had been her Book of Mormon teacher at
Brigham Young University. Then she explained how she had taught them to keep a
written record of applying the scriptures to their lives—something she had learned in
class. It was clear this scriptural exercise had been meaningful for her. Gratitude filled
my heart for the word of God and for this magnificent mother who had made a difference
in her young sons’ lives by helping them apply the scriptures to their lives.
Writing our scriptural applications in first-person form, with a commitment to do
something, becomes a magnificent key—a key of power and key to making the word of
God live within us. We literally receive it into our soul, and it becomes part of us, and we
begin to recognize the change in our thoughts and actions.
Pondering in our heart upon the word of God will bring revelation to our soul.
Memorize a scripture; take it into your heart and ponder it throughout the day. Think of
its meaning and application in your life. It will become part of you. You will literally live
the word of God, which will tell you all things which you should do (see 2 Nephi 32:3).
There will be opposition, temptation, and you will have the choice to make your
scripture time edifying. The devil, that great deceiver, might say, “There is not enough
time today.” “The scriptures are too hard to understand, and, besides, they don’t apply
to me.” “My homework has to be done.” We rationalize and make excuses for not feasting
upon the word of God, and in this we err. Our spirit goes unfed, and we are left alone
without the strength of the Lord in our life. Without holding to the iron rod (the word of
God), the mists of darkness (the temptations of the devil) will send “the fiery darts of the
adversary [that will] overpower [us] unto blindness, to lead [us] away to destruction” (1
Nephi 15:24). When we “lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, [it]
shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead
the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery
which is prepared to engulf the wicked” (Helaman 3:29).
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to feast upon the scriptures? Are we truly dedicated
to feasting upon the scriptures daily? Do we feel responsible and accountable to know
and live our life according to the word of God? Today we can make a commitment to feast
upon the scriptures and apply them to our life.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review your scripture study for the day and what you have learned. Seek for ways to
improve your scripture study time. Record in your journal your feelings as you feast upon
the word of God. Write down some specific things you will do as a result of your scriptural
feasting. Make every effort to be diligent in your scripture study tomorrow. Choose to
start fresh each day and make it the best day ever in your scripture study. Every day is an

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exciting day to feast upon the scriptures. Think of the power and direction you’ll receive
as the scriptures become your Liahona for life (see Alma 37:37–47).

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 DAY 4

CULTIVATE GRATITUDE

CICERO (106–43 BC) CALLED GRATITUDE the “parent of all virtues.” Indeed, of all the
virtues, gratitude is perhaps one of the most important—but it is, ironically, the most
often forgotten. Many of us often forget to practice basic gratitude, for possessing a deep
sense of gratitude requires real effort.
If we are willing to work at gratitude, the power it unlocks in our life will be amazing.
A whole range of temporal and spiritual blessings is accessed through expressing sincere
appreciation. Gratitude invigorates the soul. It helps us overcome fear, envy, and
resentfulness. It frees the heart to love and be concerned with others more than with self.
It fills the heart with joy for the successes of others. The deeper our gratitude, the
stronger our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Gratitude is an empowering virtue. The Lord has commanded us to live in
thanksgiving daily. Amulek taught, “Humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship
God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and . . . live in thanksgiving
daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you” (Alma
34:38). Just as with all things the Lord asks us to do, there are countless blessings
promised in keeping every commandment.
Elder James E. Talmage once observed that “God requires thanksgiving, praise and
worship, not for His gratification as the recipient of adulation, but for the good of His
children” (Sunday Night Talks by Radio, 2nd ed. [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1931], 486). The good we receive by developing a thankful
heart is immeasurable. It cultivates feelings of reverence for God and thereby opens our
soul to the influence of the Holy Spirit. It allows us to find joy in the here and now. A
thankful heart allows us to face trials, firm in the knowledge of our Heavenly Father’s
love for us. I like the words of Carolyn Wright concerning the power of gratitude: “The
grateful heart,” she said, “sits at a continual feast” (“The Thankful Heart,” Ensign, March
1994).
Remember that Moroni’s exhortation is not just one of learning of the truthfulness of
the Book of Mormon but one of gratitude; he exhorted us to ponder on the mercy and
goodness of the Lord—that is, to be grateful: “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye
shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would
remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation
of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your
hearts” (Moroni 10:3). Moroni wanted us to understand and appreciate the goodness and
mercy of the Lord so that our hearts would be full of gratitude. Through this
thankfulness, we are drawn to Him and accept His love by receiving His infinite
Atonement into our life. Thus, a righteous life begins first and foremost with a grateful
heart. We are admonished to “thank the Lord thy God in all things” (D&C 59:7) and to
remember that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled,
save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments”
(D&C 59:21).
Gratitude and thanksgiving are cardinal virtues. We should seek to possess them and
express them as often as possible as they bring joy to the souls of both the giver and the
receiver. Gratitude is the catalyst for change. It is the empowering link between
understanding and action. Remember, when we are humble andunderstand and

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appreciate the word of God with all its doctrines, principles, commandments, covenants,
and ordinances, we will be filled with gratitude and we can receive the love of God into
our hearts. Our love of God will increase, which will result in an overwhelming desire
to do good, and we will be changed.
Gratitude becomes the incentive and impetus of change because of the enabling power
of the love for God in our hearts. Pure motivation is always centered in love.
Gain Your Vision
Do we acknowledge and appreciate the importance, blessings, and power of gratitude?
We need eyes to see, ears that hear, a heart that feels, and a humble soul in order to
possess the great virtue of gratitude. As we ponder upon the mercy and goodness of the
Lord, we develop a grateful heart. It is empowering. The goodness and mercy of God are
noted repeatedly in the Book of Mormon. As we study and ponder the following powerful
verses, our heart will swell with gratitude.
Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to
come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest.
(Jacob 1:7)
For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to
a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—I say unto you, if ye
have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his
wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also,
the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby
salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent
in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I
mean the life of the mortal body—I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation,
through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all
mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even
unto the end of the world. (Mosiah 4:5–7)
The promised blessings of gratitude are amazing: “And he who receiveth all things
with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto
him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19). It is interesting that the sacrifice
offered to God from the time of Adam to the coming of Christ and His Atonement was
tied to the principle of gratitude in their daily offerings; special sacrifices were made in
gratitude and thanksgiving on feast days. As the angel explained to Adam, this expression
of gratitude was in similitude of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior: “And after many
days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices
unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. And
then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only
Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth” (Moses 5:6–7).
In Moses 5:10–12, Adam and Eve expressed thanksgiving for the sacrifice of the
Savior. Their gratitude was integral to their daily lives in keeping them focused on their
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everything about the law of Moses pointed to the Savior.
This is what gratitude can do for us. It points us to God and to our Savior. It literally
connects us to Them. It is a bridge that enables us to receive the love of God. The
expression of gratitude indicates our love for God and our Savior. Hence, the Lord has
decreed, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save
those who confess not his hand in all things” (D&C 59:21).

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 If we fail to express gratitude and thanksgiving to God, we may be guilty of one of the
greatest sins—the sin of ingratitude. President Henry B. Eyring reminded us, “You could
follow the command, ‘Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.’ (D&C 59:7).” He
then quoted President Benson, saying, “The Prophet Joseph said at one time that one of
the greatest sins of which the Latter-day Saints would be guilty is the sin of ingratitude.
I presume most of us have not thought of that as a great sin. There is a great tendency for
us in our prayers and in our pleadings with the Lord to ask for additional blessings. But
sometimes I feel we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and
thanksgiving for blessings already received. We enjoy so much” (“Remembrance and
Gratitude,” Ensign, Oct. 1989). Gratitude is empowering to both the giver and receiver.
A grateful heart enables us to come unto Christ.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need for gratitude in our life? Do we yearn to express our gratitude and
love to our Heavenly Father? Do we look for the tender mercies and goodness of God in
our life? We can have a grateful heart as we understand and appreciate our blessings. Do
we see why gratitude and thanksgiving are so enabling in everything we do? Why do so
many people express gratitude over so many things? Because they are more attuned to
the precious goodness and mercy of God in their lives. This is why the poet George
Herbert said, “Thou that hast giv’n so much to me, Give one thing more, a grateful heart.”
Desire for gratitude and a grateful disposition come from having a broken heart and
contrite spirit.
Look for the blessings of gratitude:
When we show gratitude to others, their hearts are touched. They in turn have a desire
to express gratitude.
Gratitude brings joy to both the giver and receiver.
When we help others see their blessings, they will have a greater desire to do good.
Gratitude disarms envy, shames selfishness, and renders jealousy ineffectual.
Gratitude enhances stature because it shows that we have greater capacity to
appreciate the good. Our character is strengthened, and our inner goodness radiates to
those around us.
The blessings of gratitude increase our desire to have a grateful heart. Gratitude can
sustain us, especiallywhen we feel we have the least to be grateful for. In his message
“Grateful in Any Circumstances,” in the April 2014 general conference, President Dieter
F. Uchtdorf taught:
This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It
surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as
beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of
summer. When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can
experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up
our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold
of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s
embrace.
We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems
are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss
by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain? Being
grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our
circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our
present-day challenges.

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 This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals
the heart and expands the mind. (Ensign, May 2014)
We can choose to start fresh each day and make it the best day ever in our expressions
of gratitude. We can start where we stand and never mind the past. Every day can be the
best day we have ever had. We can choose to be grateful.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What specific things do we need to do to develop a grateful heart? Set some goals and
make some plans to live in thanksgiving daily (see Alma 34:38).
Remember, gratitude can spread under its own power. Gratitude brings its own
rewards. Gratitude starts with the little things. The Lord expects us to express gratitude,
for it is a commandment. Remember to thank God always, and in all things
(see Ephesians 5:20).
When we fail to acknowledge God in all things, we offend Him (see Mosiah
26:39; D&C 59:21).
When we receive all things—every experience and opportunity—with thanksgiving to
our God, we are exceedingly blessed (see Mosiah 2:19–21; D&C 78:19).
Do all things with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving (see D&C 59:15–16).
Gratitude and thanksgiving should be our walk and talk in our daily life (see Alma
34:38).
We can rejoice in gratitude at the end of each day as we thank the Lord for all our
blessings (see 2 Nephi 9:52).
It is the will of God to express thanksgiving (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to have a grateful heart and to
express thanks. How much effort do we put into expressing gratitude every day? Is
feeling and expressing gratitude a major priority for us each day? Is there sincerity in our
expressions of gratitude? Are we exercising our faith to move us to action and good works
(see James 2:18–26)? When expressing thanksgiving becomes a daily practice, we will
live a different kind of life. Keeping a gratitude journal can make the difference in our
life, and when we reread it, we will feel joy and gratitude all over again.
Keep Your Commitments
How committed are we to looking at life with a grateful heart? Do we express gratitude
to our Heavenly Father in our daily prayers? Do we feel responsible and accountable to
express gratitude? Do we pray with all our heart, might, mind, and strength that we might
have a grateful heart? Do we keep a gratitude journal? Today can be the beginning of
cultivating a grateful heart.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review your day as to your expressions of thanksgiving and gratitude. Did you seek to
increase your expressions of gratitude? Record in your gratitude journal your feelings
and the things for which you are grateful. The process of following up will help you keep
on track so that you are living a better life each day. Make every effort to be diligent in
your expressions of gratitude tomorrow. Don’t become overwhelmed as you start the
joyful task of becoming a better and more grateful disciple. If you did better today in just
one thing, that is simply terrific. You are amazing!

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 DAY 5

SEEK TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE ATONEMENT

“TO ATONE” MEANS TO COMPENSATE, redress, expiate, to suffer and sacrifice, to make
amends for another person. In the case of the Savior’s Atonement, He suffered for our
fallen state and for our sins. Through His suffering, He would know how to nurture us.
The Atonement makes restitution for us and reconciles us to God. It expiates or
compensates us for everything within our own life that is not right with Heavenly Father.
It removes the effects of the Fall and provides a way for us to repent of our sins, including
having our guilt swept away through our faith in Jesus Christ. He expressed His love for
us through His Atonement. “He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;
for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men
unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation”
(2 Nephi 26:24). Remember, “Jesus saith unto [them], I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
To better understand the Atonement, we will define the word carefully. The
word Atonement—or at-one-ment—means “to return to the presence of” or “be at one
with.” At—the place or condition of. One—being united with. Ment—the act of. Thus, the
Atonement is literally the act of being restored to our previous place or condition—the
presence of our Heavenly Father. This oneness with the Father and the Son is the
ultimate purpose of Christ’s infinite Atonement. Our Savior’s great Intercessory Prayer
(see John 17) takes on greater significance when we understand that the Atonement is
the enabling power that brings us together with the Father and the Son.
The Atonement embraces us. Our Heavenly Father and our Savior embrace us in the
arms of Their love: “Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and
I will encircle thee in the arms of my love” (D&C 6:20). Lehi described this great embrace:
“But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I
am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15). Repeatedly the Lord
speaks of this intimate relationship of being within His arms (see Alma 5:33;
34:16;Mormon 5:11; 6:17). This great expression of love was captured in a most thrilling
manifestation of the Lord to Elder Melvin J. Ballard. He recounted:
As I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious
Being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the
eternal worlds. As I approached to be introduced, he arose and stepped
towards me with extended arms, and he smiled as he softly spoke my name.
If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took
me into his arms and kissed me, pressed me to his bosom, and blessed me,
until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When he had finished, I fell at
his feet, and, as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of
the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that I had in the
presence of him who hath all things in his hands, to have his love, his
affection, and his blessing was such that if I ever can receive that of which I
had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel
what I then felt!” (Sermons and Missionary Service of Melvin J. Ballard,
comp. Bryant S. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1949], 156)
And that is just how personal the Atonement can be for each one of us. Through the
love of our Savior we can and will be embraced by Him and our Heavenly Father.

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 The Atonement makes reconciliation possible for us. Our very life depends upon the
infinite Atonement of the Savior. The Lord’s Atonement includes His suffering in the
Garden of Gethsemane, the shedding of His blood by sacrificing His life on Golgotha’s
hill, and His subsequent Resurrection from the grave (see Isaiah 53:3–12; Mosiah 3:5–
11; Alma 7:10–13). The Greek word for atonement refers to “reconciliation.” We are
indeed reconciled to God through Christ the Lord. The scriptures testify that if Christ had
not atoned for our sins, nothing could satisfy the demands of justice, and man could
never regain God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 2; 9). The Atonement makes repentance and
the forgiveness of sins possible, and thus we can become reconciled to God through our
repentance and our Savior’s mercy; He and He alone can make us clean, holy, and pure
so that we are able to return to the presence of the Father. We are justified and sanctified
through the Atonement and the power of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 27:20).
The Atonement is infinite. The word infinite means to exceed all, greater than all, and
more, so large that there can be no assigned value for it. It exceeds all limits, for it is
unlimited in its coverage of all mankind,past, present, and future, as well as all of
mankind’s trials, tribulations, afflictions, and sins, including our fallen state.
Furthermore, because the Lord completed the infinite Atonement, He is able to succor
us in all of our trials, tribulations, temptations, and afflictions. Yes, the Atonement is
infinite as it covers and encompasses everything (see 2 Nephi 9:7; 25:16; Alma 34:12). If
we have eyes to see and hearts to feel, we will recognize the infinite power of the
Atonement in every aspect of our life. We will be drawn to our Savior with overwhelming
gratitude. We will see the Lord in all of His goodness and mercy. We will begin to
recognize that everything is the personification of Christ. He is indeed the light and life
of the world. He is the light of truth, the light of the sun and the power thereof, and the
light of the moon and the stars and the earth; He is the light that enlightens our eyes and
quickens our understanding. He is the light that proceeds forth from the presence of God,
which is in all things and gives life to all things (see D&C 88:3–13). Incredibly amazing!
The infinite Atonement includes the infinite suffering of Christ as He took upon
Himself the sins of the world, not as human suffering but the suffering only a God could
endure for the sins of His brothers and sisters, His covenant children. Only the infinite
and eternal Son of God could suffer enough to pay the debt for all the sins of all mankind:
“He suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men,
women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam” (2 Nephi 9:21). He vicariously
stood in for you and me to pay our debt. We cannot pay for our sins. Only the Son, as the
Savior of the world, could make that great atoning sacrifice. Should we choose not to
repent and accept His selfless and infinite Atonement, we must suffer for our sins, even
as the Savior suffered (see D&C 19:15–19). However, no amount of suffering on our part
will make full payment. Happily, Christ has made full payment for us; what we must do
in return is gratefully accept His Atonement through repentance. He has paid for our sins
with this ultimate sacrifice through His atoning blood—the blood of the sinless, perfect
Son of Almighty God.
This precious statement by President John Taylor affords us a greater understanding
of the Atonement:
In the scriptures it becomes evident that through the great atonement, the
expiratory sacrifice of the Son of God, it is made possible that man can be
redeemed, restored, resurrected, and exalted to the elevated position
designed for him in the creation as a Son of God. . . .

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 The Savior thus becomes master of the situation—the debt is paid, the
redemption made, the covenant fulfilled, justice satisfied, the will of God
done, and all power is now given into the hands of the Son of God—the power
of the resurrection, the power of the redemption, the power of salvation, the
power to enact laws for the carrying out and accomplishment of this design.
Hence life and immortality are brought to light, the gospel is introduced, and
he becomes the author of eternal life and exaltation. He is the Redeemer, the
Resurrector, the Savior of man and the world; and he has appointed the law
of the gospel as the medium which must be complied with in this world or the
next, as he complied with his Father’s law; hence “He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark
16:16; The Gospel Kingdom: Selections from the Writings and Discourses of
John Taylor, comp. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1943],
114).
Remember these supernal words from the Great Deliverer, the Redeemer, the
Anointed One, the Advocate, the suffering and sacrificing Christ: “Listen to him who is
the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father,
behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased;
behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that
thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on
my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life” (D&C 45:3–5) This is
the great blessing of the infinite Atonement.
Gain Your Vision
Do we begin to see the magnitude and power of the Atonement in our life? Ponder,
pray, and meditate on the importance and power of the Atonement as discussed in the
previous section of this chapter. When we understand and appreciate the Atonement,
our gratitude will overflow with the realization of our indebtedness, and we will begin to
comprehend the magnitude of the infinite Atonement. We will recognize the great need
to receive the ordinances and covenants of the gospel—especially our temple covenants.
When we receive the ordinances and covenants of the gospel, we are receiving Christ the
Lord, His infinite Atonement, and the love of God into our very souls.
Gain Your Desire
Are we eager to understand and appreciate the Atonement? Do we yearn to express
gratitude and love to our Heavenly Father and Savior? Do we feel the need for the
Atonement in our life? As we seek to understand and appreciate the Atonement, we will
be filled with gratitude for the Savior’s suffering and atoning sacrifice. We can make the
Atonement efficacious in our life as we accept Christ as our personal Savior, partake of
lifesaving ordinances, and endure to the end. Recognize and contemplate the plight of
mankind had there been no Atonement:
There would be no redemption (see Ephesians 1:7; 2 Nephi 1:15).
There would be no repentance for sin (see Mosiah 3:16).
There would be no resurrection (see 2 Nephi 9:6).
Corruption could not put on incorruption (see 2 Nephi 9:7).
We would be subject to the devil (see 2 Nephi 9:9).
We would become like him, angels to the devil and miserable (see 2 Nephi 9:8–9).
The demands of justice would not have been satisfied (see 2 Nephi 9:26).
We would be unable to be sanctified, saved, perfected, and exalted (see Helaman
5:9; Moroni 10:32–33).

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 Yes, every blessing in life comes through the grace of God the Father and through the
atoning sacrifice of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Our need for the Atonement is clear!
You and I are totally dependent upon the goodness and mercy of God and the infinite
and eternal Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts should be full of gratitude as
we are drawn to our Savior and His goodness. Our aspirations should be to repent and
keep the commandments. Our desire should be to follow and serve the Lord.
Every day we should follow the counsel of King Benjamin: “And again I say unto you
as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye
have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of
your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye
should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your
own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures,
and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord
daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by
the mouth of the angel” (Mosiah 4:11).
Every day is a day to thank God our Father for the blessings of His love as expressed
through the Atonement of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What specific things do we have to do to make the Atonement efficacious in our life?
We must make the understanding and appreciation of the Atonement a priority in our
life as we honor and keep our sacred covenants. This will be a lifelong pursuit. Searching
the scriptures on the Atonement of Christ using the Topical Guide and
reviewing Ensign articles and other good books will help us have a greater
comprehension of and appreciation for the Atonement. We can act upon the knowledge
we gain by entering into all of the ordinances and covenants of the gospel, including the
temple ordinances and covenants. Preparing for and partaking of the sacrament each
Sabbath day will help us stay focused on the Lord’s infinite Atonement. Then we must go
forward in faithful obedience, keeping our covenants and enduring to the end. This is the
way to receive the Savior Jesus Christ into our life.
Work with All Diligence
What else will we do to make the Atonement of Jesus Christ work in our lives? We
need to work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to make the Atonement the
enabling power in our life. This is what eternal life is all about. Earth life is not a game of
pleasure but rather a test to prove our worthiness (seeAbraham 3:25). It is a learning
experience. The nurturing power of our Savior through His infinite Atonement is our
source of strength to do all things (see Alma 7:11–12). Ammon reminds us, “I know that
I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will
boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:12). Nothing is more
vital to gaining eternal life than truly humbling yourself before God and submitting to
His will in all things through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to Christ for His Atonement? Do we express
gratitude to Jesus Christ and to God the Father for Their grace in providing the infinite
Atonement? Do we feel responsible and accountable to repent and come unto Christ,
thus applying the Atonement to our life? Remember that regularly partaking of the
sacrament will help us keep our baptismal, priesthood, and temple covenants so that we
can enjoy the blessings of the Lord by always having His Spirit to be with us. Today we

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can truly receive the Lord’s infinite Atonement in our life as we repent and honor our
sacred covenants.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Do we remember Christ and His Atonement throughout the day and in our prayers?
Record in your journal your feelings concerning your blessings from the Savior’s infinite
Atonement and your plans to keep Christ and His sacrifice uppermost in your heart and
mind. You will then begin to emulate Him in all you do. Every day is a day to be grateful
to Christ and our Heavenly Father for the wonderful plan of redemption
expressed through the infinite and eternal Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
As we do this, we will notice the empowering nature of the Atonement helping us to
go about doing good. It is miraculous.

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 DAY 6

DEVELOP TRUST AND STRENGTH IN THE LORD

“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). The
doctrine is clear. If we trust in the Lord, He will direct us according to His will. Remember
that He will not forsake us and that all things we suffer and experience are for our good
(see D&C 122:7). In His strength we can do all things (see Alma 26:11–12).
The Prophet Joseph testified that the Lord will give us power to do all things. “It was
clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and
strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required”
(History of the Church, 1:176).
Trusting in the Lord empowers us to live righteously. We gain strength knowing that
the Lord is there and that He knows all things, has all power, and will help us at all times
(see 1 Nephi 3:7; D&C 84:88). When we rely on Him, He will lead us to do good, to do
His will, and our trust in Him will dispel fear (see Isaiah 12:2). We must not assume that
our current understanding is adequate; rather, we should be willing to receive counsel
from the Lord (see 2 Nephi 9:28–29; Jacob 4:10). We can always rely on the Lord, for
He will bless us in our trials and our afflictions (see Alma 7:11–12), and He will lift us up
at the last day (see Mosiah 23:22). It is by the grace of God that we can do all things:
“Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his
grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do
these things” (Jacob 4:7). When we trust in the Lord, we will listen to His words, follow
His prophets, and keep His commandments. The Lord reminds us: “For my thoughts are
not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are
higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9). “But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him
who knoweth all things” (2 Nephi 2:24). “O how great the holiness of our God! For he
knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it” (2 Nephi 9:20). We can
trust the Lord!
Gain Your Vision
Do we see why we can trust the Lord? Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance
and power of trusting in the Lord and receiving His strength in all that we do. Remember
that God our Father and our Savior are perfect, exalted beings we can trust. We can
exercise faith in God and in our Savior because of their omniscience, omnipotence, and
omnipresence, and especially because of Their perfectness in character and in all things,
including Their love and mercy.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to trust in the Lord? Do we realize that we are weak as to ourselves
and need the strength of the Lord so we can do all things (see Ether 12:27)? There is no
hope or strength save we trust in the Lord. Ammon described it perfectly: “I do not boast
in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is
brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my
strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in
his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in
this land, for which we will praise his name forever” (Alma 26:11–12).

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 As finite, mortal beings we depend on a higher power, even the Lord, to do all things,
for He does and will provide a way (see 1 Nephi 3:7). Humility, an exalting virtue, is so
important that we are given weaknesses, as Moroni explains: “And if men come unto me
I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be
humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if
they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things
become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). There are numerous scriptures that extol the
virtue of the strength of the Lord (see Topical Guide, “Strength”).
The words of Isaiah will increase our desire to trust in the Lord: “Behold, God [is] my
salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah [is] my strength and [my]
song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the
wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name,
declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto
the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth. Cry out and
shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee”
(Isaiah 12:2–6).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What do we need to do to develop trust in the Lord so we can receive His strength to
do all things? Increase our faith (see Ether 12:29). Cheerfully do all that lies within our
power, and then the arm of the Lord will be revealed (see D&C 123:17). Pray for strength
(see 1 Nephi 7:17; Alma 14:26; 31:30). As we carefully read and ponder the Psalm of
Nephi in 2 Nephi 4:17–35, we will better understand the process of trusting in the Lord.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength—President Ezra Taft Benson has
taught: “In short, pray as though everything depended upon God and work as though
everything depends upon you” (So Shall Ye Reap, comp. Reed A. Benson [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1960], 165).
Remember, all that we have comes from the Lord, and as we work, we tap into His
mighty power within us, for He gives us all things, even our very breath (see Mosiah
2:21).
Ammon trusted (see Alma 26:11–12). Nephi trusted (see 2 Nephi 4:19, 34–35).
Solomon trusted (seeProverbs 3:5–6). The Psalmist trusted (see Psalm 2:12). Paul
trusted (see 1 Timothy 4:10). King Benjamin trusted (see Mosiah 4:6). Alma trusted
(see Alma 5:13). And so should we.
As a young parent, I was trying to help my sons Brett and Cory learn about trusting
God and His power. I said, “Trust the power of God; these little seeds are going to become
pumpkins. We are going to have jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.” They looked at me with
doubt, for they had never seen a pumpkin seed before, and not having been raised on a
farm, they couldn’t imagine that something as big as a pumpkin could come from these
little seeds. I told them that there would be many pumpkins from each plant. I even
showed them the package of seeds with the picture. They thought about it, then verified
once more, “You mean, Dad, that these little seeds will actually become pumpkins?” I
replied, “Yep, they sure will. Trust the power of God, for His power is in all things.”
I then explained how we had to plant the seeds, then water, fertilize, and weed the
area so that the plants would grow. It would take work, and the hard thing was that it
would take a long time. It would take patience. So together we planted the seeds. The
boys checked every day to see how the seeds were doing. Nothing was happening. I
reminded them it would take two to three months for the pumpkins to grow but that

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pretty soon a little green sprout would come out of the ground. I assured them that the
Lord had created all things with the power within them to grow.
The day finally came when the little green sprout started to come from all the
“mounds” where we had planted the seeds. The boys were excited, and so was I. The
summer passed, and the pumpkins grew. The boys said, “We can’t believe it. Those little
seeds made these great big pumpkins.”
It was a visible and valuable lesson in witnessing the power of God. We cannot always
see the outcome of what the Lord commands; we sometimes cannot even imagine how
what He tells us will work. But if we act with faith and “trust in the Lord,” we too will see
miracles occur.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to trust in the Lord and to receive strength from
Him? Today we can trust in the Lord and pray for His strength to cheerfully do all that is
required of us.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day, as you have trusted in the Lord. Record in your journal
the feelings you had as you recognized that when you trusted in the Lord, He
strengthened and succored you according to your needs (see Alma 7:11–12). What
comfort and peace can come when we know the Lord is waiting to assist and bless us
according to our needs! There will be times when trials and tribulations seem unbearable
and insurmountable. We must never forget that all things will be for our good if we
endure them well, trusting in the Lord and receiving strength from Him (see D&C 121:7–
8; 122:7).

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 DAY 7

FIND FAITH AND HOPE IN CHRIST

FAITH IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We learn that it is impossible
to please God without faith (see Hebrews 11:6). Faith, then, becomes that which we must
possess in order not only to do the will of God but also to gain eternal life. In Hebrews
chapter 11 and Alma chapter 32 we learn that faith is a hope for something that we do
not see but which is true. This is the beginning stage of faith. The Prophet Joseph Smith,
in Lectures on Faith, described the three degrees, or levels, of faith. The first level is the
substance of things hoped for (see 1:7–8). Of the second level, the Prophet Joseph said,
“Faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns” (1:12). The third level of
faith is the principle and source of power (see 1:15). When all three levels are applied,
faith is exercised to its fullest. The Prophet went on to teach that “Faith, then, is the first
great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things; by
it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed or by it they remain, agreeable
to the will of God” (1:24).
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught:
If a man have faith [in Christ and His Atonement] he must needs [as a
consequence] have hope [in the promise of the Resurrection, because the two
are inextricably linked]; for without faith [in Christ’s Atonement] there
cannot be any hope [in the Resurrection]. (Moroni 7:42) Faith in Christ and
hope in His promises of resurrected, eternal life can come only to the meek
and lowly in heart. Such promises, in turn, reinforce meekness and lowliness
of heart in that believer. Only thorough disciples of Christ, living as meekly as
he lived and humbling themselves as he humbled himself, can declare
uncompromised faith in Christ and have genuine hope in the Resurrection.
These then, and only these, come to understand true charity—the pure love of
Christ. (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book
of Mormon [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 334–35)
Anticipation and expectation for things to be better in life is called hope. True hope is
based upon the Lord Jesus Christ and upon the goal of eternal life, which God promised
to the faithful before the world began (seeTitus 1:2). Hope provides us with a sense of
confidence as we look forward in righteousness. When we lose hope, life becomes
difficult in every sense. We then fail to enjoy life or to do anything to build a better future.
A life without hope is empty, but a life filled with hope is overflowing with light and
meaning. We can start with faith in Jesus Christ and with confidence in the plan of
redemption. We can cultivate an attitude of optimism and use practical wisdom to
develop a lifestyle based on the uplifting power of hope.
Gain Your Vision
Do we understand and appreciate the importance and power of faith and hope? Faith
is the power by which the earth was created (see Hebrews 11:3). Faith is the foundation
of all righteousness (see Lectures on Faith 1:10). Faith is the principle of power by which
all things are done (see 1:16–19). The powers of the priesthood are inseparably connected
with the powers of heaven, and can be exercised only through the principles of
righteousness (see D&C 121:36). Faith is an attribute of God and dwells independently in

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Him (see Lectures on Faith 2:2). The Apostles of old sought that their faith might be
increased (see Luke 17:5), and the list goes on and on.
Faith, hope, and charity are inseparably connected: “Wherefore, if a man have faith
he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. And again, behold
I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of
heart. If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek
and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power
of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not
charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity” (Moroni 7:42–44).
The fabric of a saintly life is woven from the threads of faith, hope, meekness, and
charity. These qualities combine to form the essence of discipleship. They are the
indispensable qualities upon which an individual can build a lifetime of valor and
obedience and good works (see Alma 7:24).
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel a need for faith and hope in the Lord? We must seek to increase our faith,
plead for help (seeLuke 17:5), and live with hope through Christ the Lord. President
Howard W. Hunter has taught:
Disciples of Christ in every generation are invited, indeed commanded, to be
filled with a perfect brightness of hope. (See 2 Nephi 31:20.)
This faith and hope of which I speak is not a Pollyanna-like approach to
significant personal and public problems. I don’t believe you can wake up in
the morning and simply by drawing a big “happy face” on the chalkboard
believe that is going to take care of the world’s difficulties. But if our faith and
hope are anchored in Christ, in his teachings, commandments, and promises,
then we are able to count on something truly remarkable, genuinely
miraculous.” (That We Might Have Joy[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994],
95)
“Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea,
even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to
the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good
works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What do we have to do to increase our faith and develop a vibrant hope for life? We
must fast and pray (seeHelaman 3:35), search the scriptures (see John 5:39), hear the
word of God (see Romans 10:17), and then we can increase our faith, even as the Apostles
of old. Apply the enabling power of the Atonement to your life and hope will flourish,
knowing that your hope is in Christ and His infinite Atonement.
In the following story, told by President Hugh B. Brown, we see the courage and
steadfastness of a woman who had unshakeable faith. This woman’s testimony and
eternal perspective lifted her in her time of need.
Are You in Trouble?
I should like to introduce a story coming out of the First World War. I had a
companion, a fellow officer, who was a very rich man, highly educated. He
was a lawyer, had great power, was self-sufficient, and he said to me as we
often talked of religion (because he knew who I was), “There is nothing in life
that I would like to have that I cannot buy with my money.”

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 Shortly thereafter he and I with two other officers were assigned to go to
the city of Arras, France, which was under siege. It had been evacuated, and
upon arrival there we thought there was no one in the city. We noted that the
fire of the enemy was concentrated on the cathedral. We made our way to that
cathedral and went in. There we found a little woman kneeling at an altar. We
paused, respecting her devotion. Then shortly she arose, wrapped her little
shawl around her frail shoulders, and came tottering down the aisle. The man
among us who could speak better French said, “Are you in trouble?”
She straightened her shoulders, pulled in her chin, and said, “No, I’m not
in trouble. I was in trouble when I came here, but I’ve left it there at the altar.”
“And what was your trouble?”
She said, “I received word this morning that my fifth son has given his life
for France. Their father went first, and then one by one all of them have gone.
But,” straightening again, “I have no trouble; I’ve left it there because I believe
in the immortality of the soul. I believe that men will live after death. I know
that I shall meet my loved ones again.”
When the little soul went out, there were tears in the eyes of the men who
were there, and the one who had said to me that he could purchase anything
with money turned to me and said.— “You and I have seen men in battle
display courage and valor that is admirable, but in all my life I have never
seen anything to compare with the faith, the fortitude and the courage of that
little woman.”
Then he said, “I would give all the money I have if I could have something
of what she has.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1969, 106–7)
Work with All Diligence
We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to exercise and increase
our faith. We must exert all our mental faculties, for faith is an exercise of mental exertion
(see Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985], 7:3).
We need to look forward to the blessings of Christ in our life, thus bringing hope into
our very being. Hope gives us power to deal with life. With hope we can be positive; we
can know that sooner or later things will be better. When we build our life upon our
Savior Jesus Christ, we can have a perfect brightness of hope. It fills us with light. We
can do better because we have hope. We can make hope our attitude that gives us power
and motivation to go forward (see 2 Nephi 31:20).
This earthly test is about trying our faith (see 3 Nephi 16:9,11) and to prove whether
we will obey the commandments of God (see Abraham 3:25). We know that the law of
opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11) and temptation (see D&C 29:39) are always working, as is
the law of agency (see 2 Nephi 2:27). Agency is supreme! We have the power within us to
make good choices because we know good from evil (see Moroni 7:15–17). Doubts may
come, but we need to cleave to our faith. In every instance of temptation, we need to pray
(see 3 Nephi 18:18) and hold to the iron rod (see 1 Nephi 15:24; Helaman 3:29). And that
is why we continually hear the admonition to pray and search the scriptures.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to increase our faith and to be filled with hope?
Today we can increase in our faith through mighty prayer and diligently feasting upon
the scriptures. We can take the time necessary and make it part of our daily plan. We can
choose to be full of hope, recognizing the goodness and mercy of God and His promises
made to us if we are obedient.

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Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day as to your faith and hope. Record in your journal your
feelings and future plans to be firm in your faith and filled with hope. Every day we can
start anew and be better than the day before. We can and will increase in our faith and
hope in Christ the Lord. Life is about new beginnings and building upon the foundation
of the gospel of Jesus Christ one day at a time.

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 DAY 8

REPENT

THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST makes possible the miracle of repentance and
forgiveness. Repentance is the process of becoming clean from sin and is necessary to
our salvation (see D&C 20:29). Through repentance and faith on Jesus Christ, we can be
forgiven, and our guilt can be swept away (see Enos 1:6–8). Therefore, throughout the
scriptures, the prophets continually preach the vital principle of faith unto repentance
(see Mosiah 18:20; Alma 34:15–17).
President Harold B. Lee has stated:
Repentance involves doing all we can to make things right. Now, some of you
have made mistakes and have no doubt sinned. Satan, that master of lies,
would try to make you believe that because you have made a mistake, all is
lost. He will try to persuade you to continue to live the life of sin. This is a
great falsehood. All sins, except the unpardonable sin, which is the sin against
the Holy Ghost, can be repented of, and through the power of redemption and
the gospel of Jesus Christ, all sins may be remitted, but they cannot be
remitted until we who have sinned, as the prophets have taught, have done
all we can to make right that which we have done which was wrong in the
sight of God. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 115)
There is no principle preached or expounded upon more in all the scriptures or by all
the prophets than repentance. It is the desire and hope of our Heavenly Father and Savior
Jesus Christ that all will repent, come unto Christ through baptism, and be saved (see 3
Nephi 11:33). We exercise faith to accept the word of God, and we exercise faith unto
repentance to change and live the word of God. This simple process occurs every time we
listen to someone teaching and preaching the word of God.
There is no greater need for our eternal soul than repentance. The blessings are many.
Repentance qualifies us for baptism (see D&C 20:37). Repentance brings joy to our Lord
(see D&C 18:13). It is the gateway to the kingdom of God and a prerequisite for entrance
into the celestial kingdom (see D&C 20:71). All must repent, for all have sinned (see 1
John 1:8). If we do not repent, we must suffer for our own sins (seeD&C 19:15–19).
Remember the supernal blessing as described in the Doctrine and Covenants: “Behold,
he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them
no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess
them and forsake them” (D&C 58:42–43).
Gain Your Vision
Do we see the importance and power of repentance in our life? Elder Dallin H. Oaks
has taught, “The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change. ‘Repent’ is its most
frequent message, and repenting means giving up all of our practices—personal, family,
ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God. The purpose of the
gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change”
(“Repentance and Change,” Ensign, Nov. 2003). Ponder, pray, and meditate on the
importance, blessing, and power of repentance in your life. Have we made the mighty
change? Do we come forward with a broken heart and contrite spirit prepared to partake

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of the sacrament? We renew our covenants—all of them—when we partake of the
sacrament.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to repent? Understanding the scriptures cited at the beginning of
this section, and knowing the desire of our Heavenly Father and our Savior for your
eternal welfare, the need to repent is clear. Repentance is a process we all need in order
to be made clean and pure. There is true joy in forgiveness through repentance by the
power of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord expresses it as follows, “And
how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth” (D&C 18:13).
Remember the words of Alma:
And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was
harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to
have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one
Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart:
O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness,
and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no
more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was
filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and
so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the
other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. (Alma
36:17–21)
There is joy in heaven (see D&C 18:13) as well as within our own soul when we repent.
Everyone is in the process of changing and becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ. Be
of good cheer; everyone can experience the joy of repenting.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Take inventory of your life. Review Alma chapter 5 and his fifty questions. What
changes do we need to make? What sins are hard to give up? Make plans to repent of all
sins, both of omission and commission. Remember, it is a process and not an event. The
Savior invites us to come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit and to diligently
begin the repentance process as noted in the following section.
Work with All Diligence
We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to humbly recognize our
sins and feel godly sorrow. Forsake the sin. Confess the sin. Make restitution for the sin.
Forgive others. Make a commitment not to sin again. The work of repentance is the work
of a lifetime. Yes, we need closure regarding past sins. We can move on, accepting the
gift and power of the Atonement in our life, but repentance requires not only time for
healing but also time for restitution, as explained in Helaman 12:23–24: “Therefore,
blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for
these are they that shall be saved. And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men
might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto
grace for grace, according to their works.” The doctrines of good works and grace go hand
in hand, as Nephi explained, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children,
and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that

59
it is by grace that we are saved, after [notwithstanding, in spite of] all we can do” (2 Nephi
25:23). Yes, the process of becoming justified and sanctified through Jesus Christ and by
the power of the Holy Ghost takes time. The process is glorious and exciting, and thus
we see that our life should be spent in the process of repentance, the process of change,
the act of coming fully back to the Lord Jesus Christ in all things, the act of gratefully
receiving His grace. The refining of our character is an ongoing process of change
throughout mortality.
Here are some steps to follow in the repentance process:
1. Recognize sin. We must become aware of our transgression to the point that we
realize our need for repentance. We might even ask the Lord to help us recognize our
sins.
2. Feel godly sorrow for sin. Godly sorrow entails having a broken heart and a contrite
spirit, which “worketh repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow is motivated by
love of the Lord and not by social pressures. A broken heart and a contrite spirit, or in
other words, a sorrowful heart and a humbled spirit, are the offering we give the Lord as
a sacrifice (see 3 Nephi 9:20).
3. Forsake sin. We must stop committing sin (see D&C 58:42–43) and turn away from
it, even to the point of having no desire to sin but to do good continually (see Mosiah
5:2). George Q. Cannon confirmed: “All are sinners and need repentance. We cannot
commit sin and retain His Spirit” (Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President
George Q. Cannon, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1987], 126).
4. Confess sin. We must confess our sins to Heavenly Father and, when necessary, to
our bishop (see D&C 64:7). “Without sincere confession of sin repentance is impossible,”
(James E. Talmage, The Vitality of Mormonism [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1919],
83).
5. Make restitution for sin. We must attempt to restore where possible that which was
taken or destroyed. We often cannot make full restitution due to the nature of the sin,
but the power of the Atonement makes it possible to overcome our inadequacies through
our Savior Jesus Christ (see Alma 7:11–12). Remember, in the case of many sins there is
a time required for healing, which is part of the process of full repentance.
6. Forgive others. We must forgive everyone, especially those involved in any sin
committed against us (seeMatthew 6:14–15). Though it is a difficult and often lengthy
process, it is as necessary for our repentance and salvation as it is for the one who sinned
against us (see D&C 64:9–10). Only as we forgive others do we show the Lord that our
heart is right and that we merit His forgiveness.
7. Make a commitment not to sin again. We must make a commitment—or a covenant
in the case of baptism and partaking of the sacrament—to be obedient to all the
commandments and endure to the end in righteousness (see 2 Nephi 31:19–21).
In the Book of Mormon we read that Alma ordained priests to teach the people, and
“even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and
faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people” (Mosiah 18:20). Amulek taught that
same principle with power when he said,
And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name;
this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy,
which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they
may have faith unto repentance.
And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in
the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed

60
 to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has
faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of
redemption. Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may
begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his
holy name, that he would have mercy upon you. (Alma 34:15–17; emphasis
added)
The Lord instituted the sacrament so we would come with a broken heart and contrite
spirit as a sacrificial offering as we repent and renew our covenants every Sabbath day.
In becoming a better disciple, repentance is imperative. The devil will “rage in the hearts
of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good” (2 Nephi
28:20), and others will say, “Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will
justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his
words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for
tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes,
and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 28:8). The devil seeks to
cheat our souls and to do anything in his power to see that we don’t repent. The Lord
reminds us, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come
unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the
Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20).
Keep Your Commitments
Today I will repent. I will change. I will do better. I can do it because the Lord will
provide a way for me to keep His commandments (see 1 Nephi 3:7).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day. Record in your journal your feelings of gratitude to the
Lord for making possible the principle and power of repentance. Our plan to regularly
evaluate our life and make things right with the Lord and our fellow men is vital in the
process of repentance.
Every day is a day to change, repent, and become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.
Through the grace of God and the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent. We
can be forgiven and the Lord will remember our sins no more (see D&C 58:42–43). What
joy! What happiness! What elation to know that we can be forgiven and our guilt be swept
away and that we can move forward in our life! Start where you stand and move forward
through the enabling power of the Atonement. I testify that there is great joy to the soul
as we take daily steps toward becoming a better disciple of Christ.

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 DAY 9

KEEP YOUR COVENANTS

ETERNAL COVENANTS ARE BINDING AGREEMENTS between God and His children. God
provides us with the opportunity to receive His ordinances and covenants through His
holy priesthood. Employing our moral agency, we can agree to receive and enter into
these covenants if we are worthy. The essential and exalting covenants and ordinances
are baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands, receiving the
priesthood, and temple covenants and ordinances, which include temple sealings. The
receipt of these eternal covenants is the means whereby we can receive the blessings of
exaltation from Heavenly Father through our faithfulness and the enabling power of our
Savior’s infinite Atonement.
President Joseph F. Smith encourages us: “It is for us to remain true and faithful and
keep our covenants, and to train our children up in the paths of holiness, virtue and truth,
in the principles of the gospel, that we may with them be prepared to enjoy the perfect
and eternal day” (Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph
F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 447).
Gain Your Vision
Do we understand and appreciate the empowering nature of our covenants? The Lord
has said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by
me” (John 14:6). The Savior is the only way back to the Father. President James E. Faust
has said, “If you keep the covenants and commandments of God, you will have the joy
promised by the Savior when he walked upon the earth. You will have ‘peace in this
world, and eternal life in the world to come’” (Reach Up for the Light [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1990], 69; D&C 59:23). Ponder, pray, and meditate on the blessing and
power of receiving and keeping your covenants.
Gain Your Desire
All blessings are conditional upon receiving and keeping the covenants and
commandments of the Lord. Eternal life and enjoying the blessings of exaltation
(see D&C 14:7; 132:19, 20, 22, 23), the opportunity to have eternal increase (see D&C
131:1–4), the knowledge that we can receive all that the Father has (see D&C 84:38)
should fuel our desire to keep our covenants. Our passion in life should be honoring and
keeping our covenants. We are part of a covenant people with a great responsibility as
the seed of Abraham to bless the entire earth, “In thy [Abraham’s] seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed” (1 Nephi 22:9).
President Harold B. Lee explained: “Marriages can be eternal only when couples keep
their covenants. Your marriages shall be eternal and shall be perpetuated through
eternity only so long as you keep the covenants that you have made. The Spirit of Promise
is the Spirit which searches the hearts of men, and only when His sealing approval is
given—only then will your blessings become eternal” (The Teachings of Harold B.
Lee, 246).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What goals will help us keep our covenants? How will we remember our covenants
and do specific things to honor and keep those covenants we have made? How will we
live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost? How will we remember in gratitude
the goodness and mercy of God in providing the covenants and ordinances of everlasting

62
life? Just as our Heavenly Father made a plan, so must we set our goals and make our
plans to honor and keep our covenants.
Study them carefully and diligently.
Pray for understanding and appreciation.
Partake of the sacrament and remember our Savior.
Pray for strength to keep our covenants.
Remember who protects us, and “put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11).
Work with All Diligence
Work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength—seek knowledge and
understanding and appreciation of our covenants through the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit. He can reveal to us eternal truths that bring a comprehension of those things we
seek to know and understand. We can know the truth of and receive the benefit of living
the doctrines and keeping the covenants and commandments of God (see John 7:17).
Sometimes we need to pray to accept truths on faith, and in time we will receive a witness
of their veracity (see Ether 12:6). The more we exercise our faith, the greater the power
we will have to keep our covenants. The more we return to the temple, the more our
understanding of the doctrines of the temple are deepened. Revelation regarding many
truths can come as we seek enlightenment within the walls of the house of the Lord
(see D&C 97:13–16). We can express by word and deed those things that reflect the
covenants we have made with God by serving God and our fellow men.
The devil is working overtime to destroy every individual and the family unit. He has
turned the world upside down and perverted the values that matter most. The Lord,
knowing the ways of the evil one, gave us the word of God (see 1 Nephi 15:24), the
blessing and power of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 32:5; D&C 11:12–13), the principle
and power of prayer (see 3 Nephi 18:18), and sacred ordinances and covenants to help
us resist and overcome Satan. In the strength of the Lord we can keep our covenants
(see Alma 26:11–12; Ether 12:27).
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to keeping our covenants? Receiving and keeping
our covenants with the Lord is a prerequisite to exaltation (see 2 Nephi 25:23; D&C
84:35–38; 130:20–21).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Today, review your promises made at baptism (see D&C 20:37; Mosiah 18:8–
9; Moroni 6:1–4) and the promises we make when partaking of the sacrament (see D&C
20:77, 79), which includes all the covenants and commandments. We need to review the
blessings of the oath and covenant of the priesthood (see D&C 84:33–42). Schedule a
regular time to attend the temple and do vicarious service for the dead so that you can
refresh your mind with the covenants you have made in the temple.
Record in your journal your feelings and plans to keep your covenants with the Lord.
Remember, start where you stand and let the past be a counseling spirit to your glorious
future as you keep your covenants. Oh, the goodness of our Heavenly Father and His
magnificent plan of happiness, which showers down upon us the blessings of heaven as
we diligently keep our covenants! There is joy in knowing that we are pleasing Heavenly
Father and keeping our covenants.

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 DAY 10

LIVE BY THE SPIRIT

THE HOLY GHOST IS A personage of Spirit and is the third member of the Godhead. His
influence and power can be felt throughout the earth. He has different functions and
powers, including the bestowal of many gifts (see Moroni 10:4–19; D&C 46:10–33). He
is the Spirit of Truth and the Holy Spirit of Promise. He comforts, testifies, sanctifies,
and acts as the constant companion of those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost
and who live worthy of it. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we receive from
our Heavenly Father to help us in our sojourn here upon the earth. The Holy Ghost will
show us all things we should do (see 2 Nephi 32:5). To live worthy of this blessing, we
must repent and be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and then
keep the commandments (see D&C 20:77, 79).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin has taught,
By choosing the light of the Lord, knowledge and truth, and the light of love
in our lives, we will be qualified to live by the light of the Spirit. If we cultivate
a heart that is constantly in tune with the Spirit of the Lord, our lives will be
enriched. We will be able to make good decisions, and we will be comforted
in times of trial and adversity.
You could compare learning to live by the Spirit with the way a pianist
prepares for a concert. A pianist cannot cram his knowledge of music and his
playing skill into one week or even one month of solid practice to prepare for
a concert. But he prepares himself through consistent, diligent practice, day
by day over a long period of time. Our spiritual preparation requires the same
kind of effort, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a
little” (2 Nephi 28:30.)
As we choose to live by the light of the Spirit, the greatest example on how
to prepare ourselves spiritually is the pattern set forth by our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. (Finding Peace in Our Lives[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book,
1995], 75)
Once the gift of the Holy Ghost has been bestowed upon us, we must exercise our faith
and do our part to “receive” it. “[Lehi] spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power
he received by faith on the Son of God” (1 Nephi 10:17). Remember that the things of God
can only be understood “by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those
who love him, and purify themselves before him” (D&C 76:116). It is essential to keep the
commandments, “which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be
with [us]” (D&C 20:77). Exercising faith, loving God, and being obedient are the
prerequisites to the privilege of having the companionship and power of the Holy Ghost
in our life.
The following statement by President Wilford Woodruff makes clear the value of the
Holy Ghost: “You may have the administration of angels, you may see many miracles;
you may see many wonders in the earth; but I claim that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the
greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff,
ed. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946], 5).
President Brigham Young emphasized the blessing of the fullness of the Holy Ghost
when he said, “If the Latter-day Saints will walk up to their privileges and exercise faith

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in the name of Jesus Christ and live in the enjoyment of the fulness of the Holy Ghost
constantly day by day, there is nothing on the face of the earth that they could ask for,
that would not be given to them. The Lord is waiting to be very gracious unto this people
and to pour out upon them riches, honor, glory and power, even that they may possess
all things according to the promises he has made through his Apostles and Prophets”
(Discourses of Brigham Young, 156).
How I yearn for the Holy Ghost in my life! When I feel it, I am literally transformed. I
have a desire to go about doing good because doing so leads me to do even more good.
When I think of others, I seem to have a greater abundance of the Spirit. When I think
only of myself, I don’t feel as much of that sweet Spirit.
Gain Your Vision
Do we understand and appreciate the blessing and power of having the Holy Ghost as
our constant companion? “Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to
do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say
unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which
shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:12–13). Ponder, pray, and meditate on the
importance, blessing and power of living by the Spirit.
Gain Your Desire
Do we yearn for the Holy Ghost in our life? Do we earnestly long to enjoy the fruits of
the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and
temperance (see Galatians 5:22–23)? We must desire the Spirit, even as the Nephites of
old: “And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy
Ghost should be given unto them” (3 Nephi 19:9). The gifts, blessings, and power of the
Spirit are almost without number. We are admonished to seek the best gifts (see Moroni
10:4–25; D&C 46:7–33).
The Spirit will comfort us, teach us all things, and bring all things to our remembrance
(see John 14:26). We are sanctified by the Holy Ghost (see Romans 15:16; 3 Nephi
27:20). We can speak and teach by the Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:21; D&C 42:14; 68:3–7). We
can be shown all things to do (see 2 Nephi 32:5) and be led not knowing beforehand the
things we should do (see 1 Nephi 4:6). Let us remember Moroni’s powerful promise that
the Holy Ghost will show us the truth of all things (see Moroni 10:5). Remember Paul’s
advice to Timothy: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of
God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6), and that great gift
of which Paul speaks is the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie has stated,
The quality of our worship—the very quality of our lives—depends on our
ability to receive and respond to the promptings and whisperings of the Holy
Ghost. Indeed, faith itself is a gift which comes from and is nourished by the
Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:9); similarly, repentance is a gift of the Holy Ghost, no
baptism is acceptable to God unless sealed and accepted by the Holy Ghost,
and the divine command, in effect, is to live by the power of the Holy Ghost,
which is the power of revelation, and of testimony, and is the ability to live
not “by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
God” (Matt. 4:4). To walk “in holiness before the Lord” (D&C 20:69) is to live
by the spirit of inspiration; it is to receive revelation. (Sermons and Writings
of Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989], 93)

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 The Holy Ghost blessed the Lord Jesus Christ with His power—even the fullness of the
Holy Ghost—when His Father anointed him. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were
oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What can we do on a daily basis to receive the great blessings of the Holy Ghost in our
life? We can follow the counsel of the scriptures, increase in our faith, purify ourselves,
love God, and always keep His commandments. We can choose the way of eternal life as
we wax strong in gospel principles. We can watch for and follow the directions that come
from the Holy Ghost. We can live worthily so the gift of the Holy Ghost can be operative
in our life. We can exercise faith and offer prayers from the heart. We can strive with
increased diligence to keep the commandments of God. As we do these things, the Holy
Ghost “will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:5).
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, putting forth the effort to be
worthy of reception of the Spirit on a daily basis. We have been given the gift of the Holy
Ghost. The question is, do we live worthy to have the Spirit as our constant companion?
When the Spirit is upon us, we cannot sin. Without the Spirit we are left to the
temptations of the adversary and the pleasures of the world. We must remember to never
do anything that would deprive us of the blessing of the Spirit in our life. How do we work
with all our heart, might, mind, and strength in order to live by the Spirit? Our priorities
must be reinforced so as to not forget. Our daily plan must include reminders and
activities that bring us closer to the Lord and His Spirit each day, whether it be the ring
of the phone, a door opening and closing, a stoplight, and the list goes on. Remember! It
is in the forgetting that we lose sight of the things of the Lord and turn away from that
which is good (seeHelaman 12:2–3). We must remember and listen to the promptings of
the Holy Ghost.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie described how he was saved from serious injury, even death,
when his father listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Hearkening to the Voice
I was once saved from death or serious accident because my father hearkened
to the voice of the Spirit. If he had not responded instantly to the whisperings
of the still small voice, my life might have ended then or had its course totally
changed.
One of my earliest childhood recollections is of riding a horse through an
apple orchard. The horse was tame and well broken, and I felt at home in the
saddle.
But one day something frightened my mount, and he bolted through the
orchard. I was swept from the saddle by the overhanging limbs, and one leg
slipped down through the stirrup. I desperately hung on to an almost broken
leather strap that a cowboy uses to tie a lariat to his saddle. My weight should
have broken the strap, but somehow it held for the moment. Another lunge
or two of the stampeding horse would have broken the strap or wrenched it
from my hands and left me to be dragged to injury or death with my foot
entangled in the stirrup.
Suddenly the horse stopped, and I became aware that someone was
holding the bridle tightly and attempting to calm the quivering animal.
Almost immediately I was snatched up into the arms of my father.

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 What had happened? What had brought my father to my rescue in the split
second before I slipped beneath the hoofs of my panic-driven horse?
My father had been sitting in the house reading the newspaper when the
Spirit whispered to him, “Run out into the orchard!”
Without a moment’s hesitation, not waiting to learn why or for what
reason, my father ran. Finding himself in the orchard without knowing why
he was there, he saw the galloping horse and thought, I must stop this horse.
He did so and found me. And that is how I was saved from serious injury
or possible death. (“Friend to Friend: Hearken to the Spirit,” Friend, Sept.
1972)
Elder McConkie also told of several additional instances where other righteous
individuals listened to the voice of the Spirit:
The Spirit told Wilford Woodruff to move his team away from the tree where
he had tied them. He did so, and almost immediately the tree was uprooted
and destroyed by a whirlwind.
The Spirit told President Joseph F. Smith to leave the platform on the rear
of a train and to go inside and sit down. He did so, and almost immediately
the train was involved in an accident.
I know an army pilot who was flying a military plane through a dense cloud
over Vietnam when the Spirit told him to turn right. The pilot made an instant
turn and another plane flashed by. He missed a head-on collision by inches.
When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the
right to the constant companionship of this member of the Godhead based on
faithfulness. This is the greatest gift possible to receive in mortality.
There is nothing any of us need as much as the guiding and preserving care
of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit that is given by the prayer of faith to those who
love and serve the Lord.
I testify that if we love the Lord, keep His commandments, and seek His
Spirit, we shall be blessed beyond our fondest hopes. (“Friend to Friend:
Hearken to the Spirit,” Friend, Sept. 1972)
King Benjamin was aware of the great battle between the Holy Ghost and the devil.
He taught, “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam,
and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and
putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the
Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to
submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth
submit to his Father” (Mosiah 3:19). The Holy Ghost will be our guide and comforter
through our tests and trials here upon the earth—a great blessing indeed. As we pray
earnestly for His companionship, He will lead us to do that which is good (see D&C 11:12–
13).
Keep Your Commitments
Today, make the commitment to live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost
in your life. Seek to have a witness regarding the truth of all things. Increase in faith (see 1
Nephi 10:17). Love God and purify your heart (see D&C 76:116). Keep the
commandments (see D&C 20:77, 79).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again

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 Review and evaluate your day as you have sought to live by the Holy Spirit. Record in
your journal your feelings about your desire and effort to have the influence of the Holy
Spirit upon you. Once we have tasted of the sweetness of the Spirit, we will want those
blessings constantly in our life. Indeed, we will yield to the enticings of the Spirit
forevermore, thus overcoming the natural man (see Mosiah 3:19).

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 DAY 11

REMEMBER YOUR COVENANTS

THE WORD REMEMBER OR VARIOUS forms of the word occur frequently throughout the
scriptures—hundreds of times in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants
alone. As we make covenants with our Heavenly Father, it is clear that the power to do
good and be good is tied to our ability to remember our covenants. The ability to keep
sacred things in our mind is also a part of our covenants—remembering, recalling,
retaining, and thinking back upon these things—that we might remember the goodness
of God and keep His commandments. Remembering is more than just recollecting a
thought periodically. It means always having the principle, doctrine, and covenant
constantly in our mind. This is a key point in living the gospel: “For as he thinketh in his
heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Remember with gratitude the tender mercies of the Lord.
Ronald D. Anderson has noted:
Stressing the importance of remembering, President Spencer W. Kimball,
while speaking to a group of seminary and institute personnel in 1968, stated:
When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you
know what it is? It could be “remember.” Because all of you have made
covenants, you know what to do and you know how to do it—Our
greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament
meeting every Sabbath day—to take the sacrament and listen to the
priests pray that they . . . may remember him and keep his
commandments. . . . Nobody should ever forget to go to sacrament
meeting. “Remember” is the word.
The root-word remember appears over 240 times in the Book of Mormon
including expressions such as remembrance and forget not. That is almost
once every other page. Viewing it as a Leitwort, remember could very well be
the word that identifies and summarizes the vital message of the Book of
Mormon” (in Helaman through 3 Nephi 8: According to Thy Word, ed.
Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr. [Provo, UT: Provo Religious Studies
Center, Brigham Young University, 1992], 243)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has stated,
Remembering and counting our many blessings can humble us by reminding
us of all the reasons we have to be thankful to God—not just today’s reasons,
but those relating to all our yesterdays. Each week a sincere partaking of the
sacrament can become part of this very process. We partake “in
remembrance,” so that we may “always remember” what Jesus has done for
us (3 Nephi 18:11; Moroni 4, 5).
If we fail to stir remembrance of blessings received, the human tendency is
to say, in effect, whether to one’s God or to one’s fellows, “What have you done
for me lately?” Indeed, prophets of the Lord have asked directly whether their
people had “sufficiently retained in remembrance” His deliverances and
blessings (Alma 5:6–7). It is best to cultivate our “remembering” capacity now
and to be guided accordingly, since at judgment day we will have “perfect
remembrance” (Alma 5:18). The important theme of remembrance occurs in
one form or another in the Old Testament well over two hundred times. It

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 appears in the Book of Mormon dozens of times, too. This parallelism is to be
expected, since the Israelites in Palestine observed the law of Moses and the
Nephites kept it “strictly” for many years (see Mosiah 13:30; Alma 30:3).
Wherever the gospel is, there too is the call to remembrance. (A Wonderful
Flood of Light [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 51)
Gain Your Vision
Do we value the importance and power of remembering the goodness of God and His
many mercies bestowed upon us? Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance,
blessing, and power of remembering the goodness and mercy of God in all areas of your
life (see Moroni 10:3).
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to remember the Lord? One important lesson made clear in the
Book of Mormon is that when the people forgot their God, they always fell away;
therefore, as we remember Him, we are able to stay on the straight and narrow path. We
have made covenants with our Heavenly Father and Savior. It seems as though the power
to do good and be good is tied to our ability to remember our Savior and His suffering
and sacrificing to complete the infinite Atonement. The Lord instituted the sacrament
for this very purpose, that we might remember Him and keep His commandments so we
can always have His Spirit to be with us.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Ways to help us remember:
Signs—Place signs around the house and workplace (posters, cards, photos, sticky
notes).
External sounds or sights—Assign something ordinary and everyday to be a trigger
for remembering. Examples include hearing the sound of a bell (telephone, doorbell, cell
phone), hearing an automobile horn honking, or seeing a light or stop sign at an
intersection—anything to remind us of our commitments and covenant promises. Make
a list of sounds or sights that work well for you.
The creations of God—Notice animals, plants, rivers and streams, mountains and
valleys, the stars in the heavens. All of these can serve as reminders of the magnificent
gift of the Creation and the power and glory of God. As Alma says, “All things denote
there is a God” (Alma 30:44), and point us to Him.
All things—View the things the Lord has inspired others to invent or build as gifts
from God. These may include cars, planes, boats, farm equipment, medical devices,
technology, etc.
Our goal is simple. Remember!
Work with All Diligence
We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to remember the suffering
and sacrifice of the Lord (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2). We must think of our covenants when we
pray and prepare for the day. “Remembering” is a dynamic spiritual process of bringing
key things to mind on a continual basis in order to cultivate “a godly walk and
conversation” (D&C 20:69). To “remember” is to align ourselves with the will of God in
order to become, on a daily basis, more and more like Him. Our thoughts lead to action;
thus, “remembering” in a faithful and obedient way leads to living a righteous life. We
will remember to think and dwell upon those things that will keep us “walking uprightly
before [the Lord], considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and
thanksgiving” (D&C 46:7). We would do well to remember the following list created by
my friend Richard Allen:

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 Remember your Heavenly Father—Pray to Him always with thanksgiving, humbly
recognizing His goodness and blessings.
Remember your Savior Jesus Christ—Honor and accept His atoning sacrifice and
always retain His name written in our hearts.
Remember the word of God—Feast upon the scriptures continually for wisdom and
understanding and remember to heed the voice of the living prophets.
Remember the principles, doctrines and commandments—Be obedient to gospel
principles on a daily basis, being valiant and Christlike in your way of life.
Remember the ordinances and Covenants—Keep the promises you have made to the
Lord, especially those made in His Holy House, and thus faithfully endure to the end.
Remember your family and fellow men—Be charitable and kind to family, friends,
converts, and remember all those in need.
Remember to be clean and pure before the Lord—Stay clean before the Lord and look
forward to coming into His presence (see Moroni 7:48).
“Remembering” is the master key to doing better each and every day. We will
remember who we are—“begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:24)—and we
will remember to become even as He is (see 3 Nephi 27:27).
The following personal story from Richard Allen reveals that our hands can be a
constant reminder of our duties and obligations in the Lord’s Church.
The Lesson of the Hands
The Lord’s special memory device for bringing to our minds the promises of
obedience we make to Him under the covenant is the sacrament of the Lord’s
supper. To partake of the sacrament, we must, of course, use our hands.
Should we not also think of our hands as a constant, ever-present lesson in
remembering who we are and how we should behave? I recall many years ago
being assigned as a priesthood leader to visit the Hampstead Branch of the
Baltimore Stake. Seated on the stand during sacrament meeting, I had a clear
view of the deacons along the front row waiting to pass the emblems to the
congregation. That day the sacrament hymn was the beautiful and tender
song that begins “While of these emblems we partake, in Jesus’ name and for
his sake.” As we continued with the words—“Let us remember and be sure our
hearts and hands are clean and pure”—I happened at just that moment to be
looking down at one of the young deacons. There he was, holding both of his
open hands out in front of him, palms upward. He was gazing upon them
intently as if to find reassurance that he was, indeed, a worthy servant of the
Lord about to participate in a sacred ordinance. I shall never forget that image
of the young man and his extended hands. Our hands are, indeed, a constant
reminder that we should be continually engaged in the Lord’s errand, ever
intent on keeping His commandments, ever vigilant that our hearts and
hands remain unsullied by the world’s ungodly practices, ever committed to
that which is ennobling and edifying. The Lord counseled: “Be ye clean, that
bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11).
Satan will seek to have us forget, just as the Lord implores us to remember Him and
keep His commandments. To help us remember, the Lord has commanded us to offer
prayers and to go with a prayer in our hearts (see Alma 34:17–28; 3 Nephi 20:1); He has
instituted the sacrament (see John 6:53–58; D&C 20:77, 79); through the greater
priesthood He has endowed us with power from on high (D&C 84:19–22); and He has

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exhorted us to ponder on His tender mercies from the beginning of time to this very day
(Moroni 10:3).
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to remember? Today, make a firm commitment to
remember and seek to live by the Spirit, and you will do the things that matter most. You
might create a list of what matters most so you will be reminded often.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day and how you remembered what you should do. Record
in your journal the ways you remembered the Savior, His Atonement, and your
covenants. Never forget the many covenants and blessings you have made and received
from the Lord. Every day brings a new opportunity for remembering. Remembering is
key to keeping the commandments.

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 DAY 12

DESIRE DISCIPLESHIP

DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOLLOW Him, serve Him, keep His commandments, and seek
to become “even as he is” (3 Nephi 27:27). We seek to have a pure heart, magnify our
callings, and go about doing good (see D&C 6:8; Acts 10:38). We seek to increase our
faith in Jesus Christ. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have hope in the
promise of eternal life. We seek to possess charity from the Father because we are true
followers of Christ (see Moroni 7:48) and live with an eye single to the glory of God
(see D&C 88:67). Indeed, we will “let [our] light so shine before this people, that they
may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father who is in heaven” (3 Nephi 12:16). And
we will have joy as we seek to become a disciple of Christ (seeAlma 29:9–10; 3 Nephi
5:13).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who certainly speaks with the meekness of a true disciple, has
stated, “Disciples, like diamonds, are developed in a process of time and heavy pressures,
and both the disciple and the diamond reflect and magnify the light that comes through
them. . . . What finally matters, brothers and sisters, is what we have become. There will
be no puffed vitas circulating in the next world. They stay here—in the files. What we will
take with us—to the degree we have developed them—will be the cardinal qualities that
Jesus has perfected; these are eternal and portable” (The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book,
ed. Cory Maxwell [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 86–87).
Elder Maxwell also observed: “We usually think of balancing our discipleship in words
and deeds by stressing more doing and less talking. We are to be “doers of the word,”
lest we be hypocrites. Spiritual symmetry requires, however, that “doers” also be willing
to be declarative, as was valiant Stephen [Acts 6and 7]. . . . Discipleship is not simply
surviving and enduring; discipleship is a pressing forward, a creative
Christianity. Discipleship does not wait to be acted upon, but instead acts upon men and
circumstances to make things better (Ibid., 90–91).
Disciples “serve him with all [their] heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4:2). “And
faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify [them] for the
work” (D&C 4:5). “The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34). Then
we can become true disciples of Christ. Perhaps the Lord states it beautifully and best:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John
13: 35).
Gain Your Vision
Do we comprehend the importance of preparing to become worthy disciples of the
Lord so we can serve Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength? Ponder, pray,
and meditate on the significance, blessing, and power of being a true disciple of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to be a true disciple of Christ? When our love for the Lord and His
infinite goodness is rooted in our heart, we will have an overwhelming desire to not only
follow Him but also seek to be like Him. The Lord has said, “He that receiveth my law
and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not,
the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you” (D&C 41:5).
When we begin to aspire to do these things, we will become a true disciple of Jesus
Christ. As Elder Maxwell put it so eloquently, “Each day we decide the degree of our

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discipleship. Each day we answer the question, ‘Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?’” (“My
Servant Joseph,” Ensign, May 1992).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
We must make goals and plans to emulate the Savior in word and deed and to say the
things He would say and do the things He would do. Then we will be His disciples. Elder
Bruce R. McConkie described true discipleship in this way:
Scriptural tests establishing true discipleship include:
1. Believing the true doctrines of Christ (Ether 4:10–12);
2. Obeying the principles of the gospel (John 8:31);
3. Having “love one to another” (John 13:35);
4. Accepting the message and aiding the work of the missionaries (D&C 84:87–91);
5. Bringing forth works of righteousness (John 15:4–8).
(Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 198)
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength at becoming the Lord’s disciple.
You will love others as the Lord clearly explained, “A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall
all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34).
How can we show that love? We can express love in pure and meaningful ways to all
those we encounter, demonstrating an ultimate concern that brings about righteous
service. We must set a good example, share the gospel, live the gospel, search the
scriptures, fast and pray that we might do the will of the Father, magnify our callings,
yield to the enticings of the Spirit (see Mosiah 3:19), and yield our hearts to God
(see Helaman 3:35). We must also endure to the end, persevere, never give up, and
dedicate and devote everything we have to the Lord. As you are faced with long to-do lists
that seem daunting, fear not and remember Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, “I can do all
things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). This is our life’s work,
one day at a time.
Are we working to become disciples of Christ? Remember the lesson Yoda taught Luke
Skywalker while trying to help him raise his spacecraft out of the swamp?
Luke laments, “We’ll never get out.”
Yoda responds, “So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you
nothing that I say?
“Master, moving stones around is one thing, but this is totally different,” Luke says.
“No! No different; only different in your mind,” Yoda says. “You must unlearn what
you have learned.”
Luke replies, “All right, I’ll give it a try.”
To which Yoda says, “No, try not. Do. Do or do not. There is no try.”
“I can’t. It’s too big,” Luke says.
A wise Yoda assures Luke, “Size matters not. Look at me—judge me by my size, do
you? For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow, its
energy surrounds us, and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You
must feel the Force around you, between you, me, the tree, the rock—everywhere. Even
between the land and the ship.”
Luke says, “You want the impossible. I don’t believe it.”
“That is why you fail. Concentrate; feel the force. Control, control—you must learn
control!
Luke pleads, “I’ve got to go help them!”

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 Yoda urges Luke, “Decide you must! How to serve them best? If you leave now, help
them you could, but you will destroy all for which they have fought and suffered. You
must complete your training. Only a fully-trained Jedi knight with the Force as an ally
will conquer Vader and his emperor. If you end your training now, if you choose the quick
and easy path as Vader did, you will become an agent of evil. Mind what you have learned;
save you it can.” (My adaptation)
As disciples, we need to remember that we can do all things with faith in Jesus Christ
(see Moroni 10:23). The Lord will provide a way for me to keep the commandments (see 1
Nephi 3:7). Even though I am weak, the Lord will make weak things strong (see Ether
12:27). I will trust in the Lord and lean not to my own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5–
6). I am a work in progress. I am becoming what the Lord wants me to be. I am a disciple,
for I follow my Savior and do as He did when He went about doing good, “for God was
with him” (Acts 10:38). I will be like Ammon, who said, “I know that I am nothing; as to
my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for
in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought
in this land, for which we will praise his name forever” (Alma 26:12; emphasis added). I
love this verse as it helps me whenever I get tired and haven’t achieved all I’ve hoped to
achieve.
Keep Your Commitments
Make a commitment to become a pure disciple of Christ: “Today I can be a better
disciple of the Savior Jesus Christ!” Take it one day at a time.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day as a disciple of Christ. Record in your journal your
feelings as you have served and blessed others as a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The joy
of helping and blessing others is indescribably delicious. The feeling of helping others is
transcendent in its nature and continually empowers the spirit within us to continue our
service as disciples of Jesus Christ.

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 DAY 13

UNDERSTAND THE LAWS OF OPPOSITION, TEMPTATION, AND AGENCY

THE LAW OF OPPOSITION IS a necessary component of mortality. It is always present, and

we need to come to terms with it in order to learn to navigate the mortal pathways leading
to a higher quality of life. Life’s challenges can come from disease, accident, physical or
emotional injuries, natural disasters, wars, ignorance, willful disobedience, or a special
trial the Lord gives us for our tutoring and growth (see 2 Nephi 2:11; Mosiah 3:19).
Sometimes trials come as afflictions upon innocent victims (see Helaman 3:34).
Frequently, adversity is not manifested in just the situation itself but in our attitude
toward the situation and the events and relationships around us. The way we view the
situation is key in dealing with adversity. Perceiving things from a higher perspective
invariably leads to greater understanding and, frequently, to the discovery of ultimate
solutions. Remember that opposition in all things is essential for our growth. Without
opposition, we could not understand or appreciate joy in contrast to sorrow or
righteousness in contrast to wickedness. Lehi taught the law of opposition in all things:
“For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in
the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither
holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a
compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead,
having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery,
neither sense nor insensibility” (2 Nephi 2:11; see also verses 12–25).
Temptations are necessary tests for this life: “And it must needs be that the devil
should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they
never should have bitter they could not know the sweet” (D&C 29:39). You must be
enticed by both good and evil in order have the opportunity to choose.
President Harold B. Lee has taught, “To have strength to overcome temptation is God-
like. The strong, the virtuous and the true of every generation have lived pure, clean lives,
not because their emotions were less impelling nor because their temptations were fewer
but because their will to do was greater and their faith in divine guidance won them
strength through prayer that proved their kinship with the great Exemplar who gave us
the pattern for the perfect life” (Decisions for Successful Living [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book, 1973], 43).
Agency is supreme. We are to act and not to be acted upon. We are free to choose, and
we are responsible and accountable for our choices: “Wherefore, men are free according
to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are
free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose
captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that
all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). We determine our destiny
by the choices we make. The Lord reminds us “that every man may act in doctrine and
principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto
him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment” (D&C
101:78). “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s
transgression” (Articles of Faith 1:2). Remember that we will be saved by grace and
judged by our works and the desires of our heart.
Gain Your Vision

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 Do we comprehend the importance of the laws of opposition, temptation, and agency
in regard to the plan of redemption? Ponder, pray, and meditate on their importance and
purpose. When we understand and appreciate them, we will be able to deal with adversity
and temptation and will be empowered to use our agency wisely in making good choices.
Gain Your Desire
Do we meet opposition with faith, so that it will bring us closer to Heavenly Father
and our Savior? Do we have a plan to overcome and avoid temptation? Do we have values
and standards firmly rooted in our minds and hearts? Do we make our decisions based
on our values and standards? These questions will help us realize the importance of
opposition, temptation, and agency, the three great laws and principles vital to our
progression in mortality. They are all part of the test: “We will prove them herewith, to
see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them”
(Abraham 3:25). We can please Heavenly Father and our Savior through our expressions
of love by keeping the commandments. The following well-known statement provides
many examples of those who overcame great adversity to become some of the most
accomplished human beings in modern history.
Portraits in Overcoming Adversity
Cripple him, and you have a Sir Walter Scott. Lock him in a prison cell, and
you have a John Bunyan. Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge, and you have
a George Washington. Land him in poverty, and you have an Abraham
Lincoln. Subject him to bitter religious strife, and you have a Disraeli. Strike
him with infantile paralysis, and you have a Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only
president of the United States to be elected to four terms of office. Burn him
so severely in a schoolhouse fire that the doctors say he will never walk, and
you have a Glenn Cunningham, who set a world record in 1934 for running
the mile in 4 minutes, 6.7 seconds.
Deafen a genius composer who continues to compose some of the world’s
most beautiful music, and you have a Beethoven. Drag him more dead than
alive out of a rice paddy in Vietnam, and you have a Rocky Blaier, that
beautiful running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Have him or her born
black in a society filled with racial discrimination, and you have a Booker T.
Washington, Harriet Tubman, or Martin Luther King Jr. Have him born of
parents who survived a Nazi concentration camp, paralyze him from the waist
down at the age of four, and you have an Itzhak Perlman, the incomparable
violinist. Call him “retarded” and write him off as “uneducatable,” and you
have an Albert Einstein.
After losing both his legs in an airplane crash, let an RAF fighter pilot fly,
and you have World War II ace, Douglas Bader, who was captured by the
Germans three times and escaped three times on two artificial limbs. Label
him too stupid to learn, and you have a Thomas Edison. Label him a hopeless
alcoholic, and you have a Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Tell her she is too old to start painting at 80, and you have a Grandma
Moses. Blind him at age 44, and you have a John Milton, who, 10 years later,
wrote Paradise Lost. Call him dull and hopeless and flunk him in the 6th
grade, and you have a Winston Churchill.
Tell a young boy who loved to draw and sketch that he had no talent, and
you have a Walt Disney. Rate him mediocre in chemistry, and you have a
Louis Pasteur. Take a crippled child whose only home was an orphanage, and

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 you have a Louis E. West, the first chief executive of the Boy Scouts of
America. Spit on him, humiliate him, betray his trust, say one thing and do
another. Mistrust those whom he loves. Mock him. Make him carry a heavy
wooden cross, and then crucify him—and he forgives you and calls you a
friend. (Anonymous)
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Set some goals and make some plans to understand and appreciate the laws of
opposition, temptation, and agency and how they interrelate and are necessary to the test
of mortality. Put on the armor of God (seeEphesians 6:11–17; D&C 27:15–18). Hold to
the iron rod (see 1 Nephi 15:24). Pray with all your heart (see 3 Nephi 18:18) and you will
overcome opposition and temptation and stay on the straight and narrow path by making
good choices.
Work with All Diligence
We will need to work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to face the
challenges of mortality. If we don’t take the test seriously, we will succumb to the trials
of life. We must give our very best effort, otherwise the devil will lead us carefully down
to hell. “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the
day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32). In all the
difficulties of life, we must never lose sight of our purpose.
We are here to become like our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. We
agreed to the test of mortality in the premortal life. We need this experience in order to
grow. In our trials, we learn how to help others by applying the lessons we learn, even as
Christ did in suffering the ultimate sacrifice (see Alma 7:11–12). Every trial we pass
through gives us experience, as the Lord told Joseph: “And if thou shouldst be cast into
the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if
thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds
become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to
hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide
after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall
be for thy good” (D&C 122:7).
Remember that the laws of opposition, temptation, and agency are part of the perfect
plan of our Heavenly Father. When we understand and appreciate them, we will be better
able to exercise our faith to face opposition, resist temptation, make good choices, and
pass the test of mortality.
Keep Your Commitments
Today, we can keep our commitments, with the strength of the Lord, as we put
ourselves in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing and fortifying our soul
against temptation by making good choices.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your understanding of the doctrine of opposition in all things and
how you are dealing with it. Record in your journal your preparations to use opposition
as a stepping-stone to growth and to avoid and overcome temptation by making good
choices. Remember, every day is a new test, but we can make one decision that can last
a lifetime, and if we make it a habit, we will become spiritually strong.

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 DAY 14

FOLLOW THE PROPHET

AS MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH, we show our devotion to God by sustaining the prophets
and leaders He has called. When we receive His servants the prophets, we receive the
Savior Jesus Christ: “For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me” (D&C 84:36). We
do this by sustaining them in their actions and requests and by hearkening to their words.
The words they speak as our leaders are the words of the Lord (see D&C 1:38; 21:4–6),
and we should heed them lest we bring ourselves under condemnation (see 3 Nephi
28:34–35). On the other hand, we are greatly blessed and purified by believing on their
words (see 3 Nephi 19:28). If we fail to receive the Lord’s servants, we fail to receive the
Lord and eventually God the Father, and our blessings are withheld (see D&C 84:35–
39). If we give our Church leaders our sustaining vote by participating in the law of
common consent, we bind ourselves through that action to sustain them.
Elder L. Tom Perry has taught: “The members of this church are blessed to have a
prophet, the Lord’s mouthpiece, at its head. We can trust the prophet never to lead the
members of the Church astray. We should listen, consider, and follow his counsel to us.
As President J. Reuben Clark observed, ‘We do not lack a prophet; what we lack is a
listening ear by the people and a determination to live as God has commanded.’ I pray
that all the members of the Church will recognize that there is safety when we follow the
prophet and strictly heed his voice” (Living with Enthusiasm [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book, 1996], 124).
President Howard W. Hunter has admonished us: “As I have pondered the messages
of the conference, I have asked myself this question: How can I help others partake of
the goodness and blessings of our Heavenly Father? The answer lies in following the
direction received from those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators, and others of
the General Authorities. Let us study their words, spoken under the spirit of inspiration,
and refer to them often. The Lord has revealed his will to the Saints in this conference”
(The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book, 1997], 213).
Gain Your Vision
Do we value the words of our prophets and leaders? They are the ones who, by the
power of the holy priesthood, can lead us to Christ and salvation. They are the
messengers of the Lord. Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance, blessing, and
power of following and sustaining the prophets.
President Marion G. Romney tells of this incident that happened to him: “I remember
years ago when I was a bishop I had President [Heber J.] Grant talk to our ward. After
the meeting I drove him home. . . . Standing by me, he put his arm over my shoulder and
said, ‘My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever
tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it.’ Then
with a twinkle in his eye, he said, ‘But you don’t need to worry. The Lord will never let
his mouthpiece lead the people astray’” (Conference Report, Oct. 1960, 78).
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need and desire to follow the prophets? The prophet speaks for the Lord
(see Amos 3:7). The Lord’s word is the same whether by His mouth or the mouth of His
servants (see D&C 1:38). The Lord has declared the consequences of failing to hearken
to the words of the prophets: “And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words

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of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso
receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not
him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day; And it would be better for
them if they had not been born. For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an
offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation
might come” (3 Nephi 28:34–35)? If we never forget these words from the Lord,we will
never stray from our prophet leaders.
Elder L. Tom Perry told of his father’s interaction with the prophet Joseph F. Smith
while living in his home, then used one of his father’s experiences to emphasize the
importance of following and sustaining the prophet.
While my father attended L.D.S. High School, he worked and lived in the
home of President Joseph F. Smith. He wrote in his life history about
President Smith:
“Most great men that I have known have been deflated by intimate contact.
Not so with the prophet Joseph F. Smith. Each common everyday act added
inches to his greatness. To me he was a prophet even while washing his hands
or untying his shoes.”
My father tells of one experience in which the prophet taught him a
practical lesson late one night as he entered the Beehive House. Again quoting
from my father’s life history:
I walked with guarded steps through the office, then into the private
study to the door at the foot of the steps that led to my bedroom. But the
door would not open. I pushed and I pushed to no avail. Finally I gave
up and went back to a rug that I had noticed in the hall with the
intention of sleeping there until morning.
In the darkness I bumped against another partially opened door and
the collision awakened the prophet. He turned on the light and, seeing
who it was, came down the stairway and inquired concerning my
difficulty.
“The door is locked that leads to my room,” I explained. He went to
the door and pulled instead of pushed, and the door opened. Had he
been disturbed by my foolish blunder I would not have been surprised,
for I had robbed him of a precious night’s sleep by a thoughtless act. He
only smiled and stopped to inquire of a strange stable boy what I had
stumbled into. I pointed to the half open door at the other end of the
hall.
“Let me show you something.” He took time at midnight to explain,
“When in the dark, never go groping with hands parted and
outstretched; that permits doors to get by your guard and hit you. Keep
your arms in front, but hands together; then you will feel with your
hands and not your head.” I thanked him and moved to my quarters. He
waited until I reached the rear stairway and then he retired.
Isn’t a prophet someone who teaches us to open doors we could not open
ourselves—doors to greater light and truth? Isn’t a prophet like a pair of hands
clasped together in front of the body of the Church, helping members navigate
through the dark corridors of the world? Isn’t a prophet someone who
watches and waits for us patiently while we get to where we need to be?

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 Never has there been a time when the written and spoken word can descend
upon us from so many different sources. Through the media we find analysts
analyzing the analysts, almost overwhelming us with opinions and different
views.
What a comfort it is to know that the Lord keeps a channel of communication
open to His children through the prophet. What a blessing it is to know we
have a voice we can trust to declare the will of the Lord. As the prophet Amos
taught, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto
his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). (“Heed the Prophet’s Voice,” Ensign,
Nov. 1994)
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Set a goal to hearken to the words of the prophets. Put into practice their words. Pray
with faith to support and sustain them in all that they do. Study carefully each of the
current conference messages and plan for specific ways to carry out the counsel given.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength with faith to sustain and follow
the prophets. Remember that following the prophets involves hearkening to their words.
This is not a casual experience of light reading or listening; rather, it is seeking to know
and understand the words of the prophets so as to make life changes in our attitude and
behavior. When we follow their counsel without murmuring, we are favored of the Lord
(see 1 Nephi 3:6).
A dear friend shared this story with me:
I have a friend in Provo who, with her husband, carefully listed each piece of
counsel from general conference. Then for the next six months they referred
to that list as they planned their FHEs, taking care to help their family to
follow the prophets one step and one family home evening at a time. Another
friend who runs a sheep ranch in Nevada told us of the blessings that literally
rained down on them when they obeyed the prophet’s plea to double their fast
offerings. There had been a severe drought in their area for many months.
The ranchers were becoming very anxious about the prospect of losing their
herds and their ranches because of the lack of water for the animals and for
raising food to feed them. Upon hearing the prophet’s counsel, this couple
doubled their fast offerings and the following month doubled them again—
also doubling their pleading prayers. Soon after, a small, grey cloud appeared
on the horizon. Their ranch, and only their ranch, received a powerful, saving
rain, while the surrounding ranches remained dry!
Following and hearkening to the prophets will keep us on the straight and narrow
path, which leads to eternal life. From the beginning of time, people have stoned the
prophets, burned them at the stake, ridiculed them, and put them in prison, causing them
to endure all manner of vile treatments. If we fail to hearken to the prophets and receive
them, we in essence have devised our own methods of “stoning” them; we fail to receive
Christ and thus we will be cut off from the presence of God and be unable to receive all
that the Father has.
Keep Your Commitments
Do we pick and choose the counsel given by the prophets, or do we feast on their words
in general conference? We can reread and study the words of the prophets from

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the Ensign, from their printed words, and from the holy scriptures. As we hearken to
their teachings, we will be strengthened in keeping the commandments.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate how well you follow the prophet. Make some commitments and
record in your journal your feelings and your plan of action for following and sustaining
the prophets. The Lord will put into the hearts of our prophets the words that He wants
us to hear. This should bring excitement and joy as we contemplate reading their word.
It is a great blessing to know that Heavenly Father cares so much about us that He has
sent His words to us through His anointed servants.

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 DAY 15

RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

WE ARE CHILDREN OF OUR Heavenly Father. All of us are the literal spirit children of God.
All of His work and His perfect plan is for our eternal benefit. His work and glory is all
about our immortality and eternal life. His family is what matters most, and you and I
and our families are part of His!
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have proclaimed,
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential
to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of
matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital
vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be
achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on
principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion,
work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to
preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to
provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are
primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred
responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as
equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate
individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
(“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102)
President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated,
We are a church which bears testimony of the importance of the family—the
father, the mother, the children—and of the fact that we are all children of
God our Eternal Father. Parents who bring children into the world have a
responsibility to love those children, to nurture them and care for them, to
teach them those values which would bless their lives so that they will grow
to become good citizens. If there is less trouble in the homes, there will be less
trouble in the nations. I want to emphasize that which is already familiar to
you, and that is the importance of binding our families together with love and
kindness, with appreciation and respect, and with teaching the ways of the
Lord so that your children will grow in righteousness and avoid the tragedies
which are overcoming so many families across the world. (Teachings of
Gordon B. Hinckley, 208)
Gain Your Vision
Do we recognize the importance and preeminence of the family? The following well-
known scripture confirms the high priority the family holds in our Heavenly Father’s
perfect plan: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality
and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Ponder, pray, and meditate on the priority of your
family in your life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about the eternal family of God.
Gain Your Desire
As we examine our level of desire to serve our family, consider the following quotes
from our dear prophets.

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 President Harold B. Lee has said, “Now, you husbands, remember that the most
important of the Lord’s work that you will ever do will be the work you do within the
walls of your own home” (Decisions for Successful Living [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book,
1973], 248–49).
President David O. McKay reminded us, “No other success can compensate for failure
in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater
value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work
miracles and will work miracles” (quoted from J. E. McCullough, Home: The Savior of
Civilization [1924], 42; in Conference Report, April 1935, 116).
President Ezra Taft Benson has stated, “The family is the most effective place to instill
lasting values in its members. Where family life is strong and based on principles and
practices of the gospel of Jesus Christ, problems do not as readily appear” (The
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 491).
President Benson has also taught, “Remember, the family is one of God’s greatest
fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy
of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength, which
will bless your lives forever” (Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book, 1990], 2).
President Spencer W. Kimball affirmed, “Other institutions in society may falter and
even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and
only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife” (The Teachings of
Spencer W. Kimball, 326).
During the April 2014 general conference, Elder L. Tom Perry stated, “Fatherhood is
leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so; it always will
be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal
companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy
or best qualified, but it is a matter of [divine] appointment” (“Fatherhood, An Eternal
Calling,” Ensign, May 2014).
With these statements ringing in our ears, surely our priority and our desire is to our
family. We must do all in our power to love and strengthen each member of our family,
especially spending time with them. Remember, families are forever.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What specific things do we need to do to make our family our highest priority? Set
some goals and make some plans to serve each member of your family as a father or
mother, husband or wife, son or daughter, or brother or sister. Seek ways to earnestly
bless their lives. Set a time and place to do these things. Make sure you do something to
show your love and to strengthen each member of your family.
The Prophet Joseph likewise taught, “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity,
and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with
the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the
whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, 174). Possessed of this love, we will go about doing good (see Acts 10:38) and
being even as our Savior is (see 3 Nephi 27:27). Remember that everyone is our brother
or sister and a member of Heavenly Father’s family.
Work with All Diligence
We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength as members of our
families and extended families. This is not your average assignment . . . this is about

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eternal families; therefore, we must exercise our faith with every fiber of our being to do
all that we possibly can to bless our family in all of our various roles.
“Things” get in the way of family. However, there is no possession, position, station,
title, fame, or fortune that can compensate for our family. Family matters most, just like
we matter most to Heavenly Father and our Savior. Don’t be tempted to rob your family
of your precious time with them. Don’t be seduced by the world and all of its mammon,
for it has no exalting power.
Remember, the admonition of the Lord, “And again, inasmuch as parents have
children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to
understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of
baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years
old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. . . . And they shall also teach their children
to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:25, 28).
Keep Your Commitments
What is your level of commitment to each member of your family? Do something for
a member of your family to lift and strengthen them today.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your relationship with each member of your family and record in
your journal your feelings as you have sought to bless and strengthen them. We can do
something every day to strengthen family members—a telephone call filled with love and
concern, a little note of encouragement or praise, a short visit, a simple text message, a
helping hand, or a simple, sincere prayer. We will feel so good as we bless and serve
others.

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 DAY 16

BECOME TEMPLE WORTHY AND ENGAGE IN TEMPLE WORSHIP

THE TEMPLE IS THE HOUSE of the Lord, erected and dedicated as a sacred place where we
can worship God, receive the ordinances of exaltation, and assist in redeeming the dead.
Temple worthiness is a barometer of our righteousness. It is the oil in our lamp that
testifies of our righteousness. President Howard W. Hunter, in his short tenure as the
prophet and President of the Church, emphasized the importance of temple worship:
The temple should be our ultimate earthly goal. Let us truly be a temple-
attending and a temple-loving people. We should hasten to the temple as
frequently, yet prudently, as our personal circumstances allow. We should go
not only for our kindred dead but also for the personal blessing of temple
worship, for the sanctity and safety that are within those hallowed and
consecrated walls. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply
the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple
covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme
mortal experience. . . .
The Lord desires that his people be a temple-motivated people. It would be
the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple
worthy. I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and
carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not
allow immediate or frequent use of it. . . .
May I encourage the adults who have current temple recommends to
attend the temple on a regular basis. Make sure in your planning that you
include a visit to the temple as often as personal circumstances will allow. I
promise you that your personal spirituality, relationship with your husband
or wife, and family relationships will be blessed and strengthened as you
regularly attend the temple. (The Teachings of the Howard W. Hunter, 236,
239, 241)
Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated:
The interview for a temple recommend is conducted privately between the
bishop and the Church member concerned. Here the member is asked
searching questions about his personal conduct and worthiness and about his
loyalty to the Church and its officers. The person must certify that he is
morally clean and is keeping the Word of Wisdom, paying a full tithing, living
in harmony with the teachings of the Church, and not maintaining any
affiliation or sympathy with apostate groups. The bishop is instructed that
confidentiality in handling these matters with each interviewee is of the
utmost importance. Acceptable answers to the bishop’s questions will
ordinarily establish the worthiness of an individual to receive a temple
recommend. (The Holy Temple [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], 53)
President Gordon B. Hinckley has reminded us: “The Lord has made it possible for us
in these holy houses to receive our own [ordinances]. Then we have the opportunity and
responsibility of extending these same blessings to those who have passed on without the

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privilege. But in the very process there comes into our own lives a refinement of
character, together with increased spirituality. It is interesting to reflect on the fact that
although many on the other side may not receive the ordinances done for them here,
those who perform these ordinances will be blessed in the very process of doing
so” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 622–23).
The Lord, in His infinite goodness, has continually sought to gather His people, that
they might build a house of God where the Father and the Son can come and dwell, that
the Saints may feel the glory and presence of God and there be endowed with power from
on high. Only in temples can we receive needed life-exalting ordinances, covenants, and
blessings through our faithfulness: “I must gather together my people . . . that the wheat
may be secured in the garners [the temples] to possess eternal life, and be crowned with
celestial glory” (D&C 101:65). The mountain of the Lord is indeed the house of the Lord,
where we gather to be taught in His ways and “walk in his paths” (Isaiah 2:3). The power
of godliness is manifest in every ordinance, covenant, principle, and law that
is administered or taught in the temple.
When we call upon the name of the Lord, we accept His invitation to come to His holy
house, where we make sacred covenants and receive sacred ordinances. It is in the
presence of God in His holy house where we are endowed with power and a fullness of
the Holy Spirit, being “prepared to obtain every needful thing” (D&C 109:15).
The full mercy of the Atonement is expressed in the covenants and ordinances of the
temple. It is in the temple where we are cleansed and anointed to become like Christ,
endowed with power from on high, and sealed for time and eternity with the promised
blessing of eternal lives.
Gain Your Vision
Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance of receiving and honoring temple
ordinances and covenants. We have a work to do in redeeming the dead. Without the
restoration of the priesthood keys and the turning of our hearts to our fathers, the whole
earth would be cursed (see D&C 128:17–18) and utterly wasted (see D&C 138:48).
Gain Your Desire
Our personal and family exaltation is dependent upon receiving the exalting
ordinances and covenants of the temple (see D&C 84:19–22, 35–40) and by keeping and
honoring them. In addition, we need to bless our kindred dead, as they are unable to
progress without the ordinances of the temple (see D&C 128:15). We are literally saviors
on Mount Zion as we perform the sacred ordinances for our kindred dead and all of God’s
children. Our personal exaltation is dependent not only upon receiving our own
endowment and sealing but also upon our making available the temple ordinances for
those who have passed on. We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants, “And now, my
dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation
to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our
salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says
concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we
without our dead be made perfect” (D&C 128:15). Understanding and appreciating the
doctrine of perfection in the life to come certainly helps stimulate our desire to redeem
the dead.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Review carefully the temple recommend questions in your mind. Visit lds.org and read
“Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple” and then search “Temple Worship” on lds.org for
a list of helpful articles that will prepare you for temple work. With that information and

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with the knowledge of the gravity of redeeming the dead in mind, make your temple goals
and plans.
Work with All Diligence
We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to honor the ordinances
and covenants we’ve received in the temple. President Ezra Taft Benson observed and
warned, “We have an obligation to do temple work for our kindred dead. This means that
we must do the necessary research in order for their names to be sent to the temples. We
cannot be exalted without being eternally linked to our ancestors” (Come unto
Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983], 105).
The ordinances and covenants we receive in the house of the Lord have to do with our
exaltation and eternal lives. The devil will gladly put things in our way to keep us from
the temple. First he will work on our worthiness, and then, if we are found worthy, he
will create all manner of reasons why we are too busy to worship in the temple. The devil
never sleeps and never stops raging in the hearts of the children of men. If we remember
our promised blessings through our faithfulness, we will be strengthened every time we
go to the temple.
Keep Your Commitments
Today we can make our commitments a reality in regard to our family history, temple
worship, and temple service. Make a time, a place, and a way to do it.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your temple and family history work and record in your journal
your commitment and feelings about your temple worship and service. Just a little time
each day or week can make a difference in so many lives as we serve in this great
redemptive work for the dead. Truly, we become saviors on mount Zion. And it feels so
good.

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 DAY 17

BE OBEDIENT

LEARNING TO OBEY IS THE principal test of life: “And we will prove them herewith, to see
if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham
3:25). This scripture has been repeated several times so this doctrine will be understood
and we will not forget its significance in our lives! Through obedience, we become true
disciples of Christ. In this regard, it has been said: “The price of discipleship is love and
obedience.” We obey because we love God (see John 15:14, 21). Obedience, in fact, is the
first law of heaven, and all blessings are predicated on this law (see D&C 130:20–21). We
covenant that we will “always remember him and keep his commandments which he has
given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77). On the
other hand, when we disobey, we lose the blessing of the Spirit in our life (see Mormon
1:13–14).
President Brigham Young has taught, “When the Lord commands the people, let them
obey. Every son and daughter of God is expected to obey with a willing heart every word
which the Lord has spoken, and which he will in the future speak to us. It is expected that
we hearken to the revelations of his will, and adhere to them, cleave to them with all our
might; for this is salvation, and any thing short of this clips the salvation and the glory of
the Saints” (Discourses of Brigham Young, 220).
President Joseph F. Smith explained,
We have entered into the bond of that new and everlasting covenant agreeing
that we would obey the commandments of God in all things whatsoever he
shall command us. This is an everlasting covenant even unto the end of our
days. And when is the end of our days? We may think it has reference to the
end of our mortal lives; that a time will come after we have finished this
probation when we can live without obedience to the commandments of God.
This is a great error. We shall never see the day in time nor in eternity, when
it will not be obligatory, and when it will not be a pleasure as well as a duty
for us, as his children, to obey all the commandments of the Lord throughout
the endless ages of eternity. It is upon this principle that we keep in touch
with God, and remain in harmony with his purposes. It is only in this way that
we can consummate our mission, and obtain our crown and the gift of eternal
lives, which is the greatest gift of God. (Gospel Doctrine, 210)
Remember, the commandments of God are given to us because He loves us. We show
our love for God by keeping His commandments (see John 14:15).
Gain Your Vision
Do we recognize the prominence and power of being obedient? Ponder, pray, and
meditate on the importance, blessing, and power of obedience in your life. If obedience
is not our quest, then obedience will always be a burden rather than a joy.
Gain Your Desire
Our love for Heavenly Father and our Savior is reflected in our obedience to Their
commandments. When the vision of the preeminence of obedience is clear in our mind
and heart, we will have an overwhelming desire to be obedient. The scriptures provide
abundant evidence of the power that comes through obedience. The stripling sons of
Helaman, for example, were full of faith and were exactly obedient—and this became a

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protection and a shield to them. Sometimes we are not at our best; we fall short of exact,
immediate, and courageous obedience. It is then that we are reminded of our duty to
God. The children of Adam and Eve were taught the plan of redemption, and then Satan
came among them, commanding them to believe it not—and some of them believed it
not, and because of their willful disobedience loved Satan more than God. The result was
that they became carnal, sensual, and devilish (see Moses 5:11–13), and they suffered the
consequences. Obedience is directly proportional to our level of love for God. The
question arises: Do we love Him constantly and completely? We cannot love both God
and mammon and be obedient to the laws of God. The blessing of obedience is
righteousness, which leads us to a state of never-ending happiness—the ultimate desire
of our hearts (see Mosiah 2:41). Remember, obedience is the key to all of the Lord’s
promised blessings.
Cooked Spinach, Cabbage, and Cauliflower
We lived on a farm during World War II. While we had plenty of food, we still had to
go to the store for additional items. During the war, everyone had a little ration book.
The ration book allowed each family to purchase a certain amount of food for each
member of the family. I can still remember going to the store and helping my mother.
We could buy only the amount of food we had coupons for, because there was a limited
amount of food for every family. So food was important. That’s where the story begins.
You see, my father was a big man—six foot three and 250 pounds—and when he spoke,
we obeyed. When he said eat, we ate. I remember my parents liked to eat cooked
cauliflower, cooked spinach, and cooked cabbage—and I couldn’t stand any of them. I
learned something as an eight-year-old boy. I could chew these offensive items while
holding my breath and taking a big drink of milk—and I wouldn’t even taste them. I was
able to cope with all this horrible food my parents were eating. My angel mother always
gave me just a small portion, for she knew of my great dislike. Yet we had to eat what was
rationed to us, and we had to obey.
Years went by, and I married my sweetheart, Pat. She asked me if I would go to the
store and buy the groceries. She gave me the list, and I was off. On the list was “cooking
vegetables.” I could choose anything I wanted—corn, peas, artichokes, squash. Consider
this—I was the big man in the market. I could buy what I wanted. I was alone with the
list and the money. As I walked through the produce section, I noticed a beautiful head
of cabbage, which I put in the shopping cart. Next, I chose a beautiful bag of spinach and
a large, white head of cauliflower. I stopped in amazement. I couldn’t believe it. I was
buying the very food I thought I hated. I learned to love these foods through obedience.
Even to this day, when I think of spinach, steamed and served hot with a little butter, a
twist of lemon, and sprinkles of pepper, I feel like Pavlov’s dog. I love cooked spinach,
cabbage, and cauliflower, and I learned to love them as a child would through obedience.
I would hate to think of never being able to enjoy these foods. Certainly, obedience to any
rule or law always has a blessing.
We grow through things we endure obediently and later realize the magnificent
blessings attached to our obedience.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
As we make obedience our pursuit in life, we will please Heavenly Father and blessings
will flow. Obedience is a reflection of our faith and love. If we increase our faith in and
deepen our love for God, our level of obedience will increase. Remember, obedience to
the laws of God is liberating to our soul and empowering to a righteous life.
Work with All Diligence

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 We must work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to obey the
commandments. When we are obedient, we surely please the Lord and learn that
obedience is the supreme law. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). In the Lord’s great sacrifice and suffering, He
continually expressed, “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I
drink it,thy will be done” (Matthew 26:42; emphasis added). The Son of God was always
anxious to do the will of the Father and to please Him.
As an obedient child in the Father’s kingdom, we do not pick and choose which
commandments to keep or select those sacrifices we want to make. As we increase in
faith, we will strive with all our heart to keep all of the commandments and sacrifice all
things as commanded by the Lord. Through obedience, we learn the truth of the
doctrines of Christ and receive the blessings associated with each doctrine or principle.
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And
being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him” (Hebrews 5:8–9). Obedience is the price—exact, immediate, and courageous
obedience.
Obedience is really the essence of the test in mortality. Joshua expressed it correctly:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The devil will take our
every misdeed and blow it out of proportion and send us on guilt trips for not being
perfect. If there are misdeeds in our life, we can renew our covenants as we repent and
partake of the sacrament. This doesn’t mean we can willfully sin and make light of our
covenants, but, rather, we do our very, very best.
There are things we can do to demonstrate our obedience. We can commit to pay our
tithes and offerings. We can keep the Word of Wisdom. We can have scripture study time
individually and as a family. We can have individual and family prayer. We can choose
to be kind, and if there are times when we are not at our best, we can repent and be better
next time. We can choose to be obedient.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to obey the commandments and keep our covenants?
Remember, the gospel is to help imperfect people become better each and every day.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your level of obedience and record in your journal your feelings
about the blessings you have received as a result of that obedience. When obedience
becomes an exciting quest rather than a “have to do” task or duty, our joy will increase
as we obey and feel the sweetness of the Spirit.

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 DAY 18

DEVELOP SELF-CONTROL AND SELF-MASTERY

LEARNING TO CONTROL ONE’S EMOTIONS and actions is most difficult. Everyone, no matter
how old, must fight the ongoing struggle to cultivate and maintain self-control. One of
the greatest trials and tests in life is making the body subject to the spirit and following
the principles of the gospel rather than responding only to appetite and emotion. Self-
control is a vital part of self-mastery. We must discipline ourselves and teach discipline
and temperance to our children. Parenting is much more than just providing a home; it
requires loving instruction that helps children grow and mature into responsible and
contributing adults. Many of society’s difficulties arise because so many people have
never learned discipline. Benjamin Franklin got it right: “Would you live with ease, do
what you ought, and not what you please.” In the spiritual realm, James E. Faust made
clear our responsibility as a disciple of the Savior: “Self-discipline and self-control are
consistent and permanent characteristics of the followers of Jesus” (To Reach Even unto
You [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], 114).
President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us,
Eternal vigilance is the price of victory. Eternal vigilance is required in the
subduing of enemies and in becoming master of oneself. It cannot be
accomplished in little spurts and disconnected efforts. There must be
constant and valiant, purposeful living—righteous living. The glory of the
Lord can be had only through correct and worthy marriage and living a clean,
worthy life.
There are those today who say that man is the result of his environment
and cannot rise above it. Those who justify mediocrity, failure, and even
weakness and criminality are certainly misguided. Surely the environmental
conditions found in childhood and youth are an influence of power. But the
fact remains that every normal soul has its free agency and the power to row
against the current and to lift himself to new planes of activity and thought
and development. Man can transform himself. Man must transform himself.
...
Self-mastery, then, is the key, and every person should study his own life,
his own desires and wants and cravings, and bring them under control. (The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 169)
President Ezra Taft Benson has stated:
A purpose of this probationary state is that man learns to control all of his
bodily appetites, desires, and passions. For as the Apostle Paul instructed the
members of the Church at Corinth: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple
of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). The phrase “temple of God” refers, of course, to
man’s mortal body. Our aim should be to become fully masters of our bodies.
...
There is something higher than intellect. There is something higher than
excellence. It is dedication to principle. It is self-mastery, self-control. It is

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 living what one really believes in his heart. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft
Benson, 445)
Gain Your Vision
We can choose! We can gain self-control and self-mastery. “Because that [we] are
redeemed from the fall [we] have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for
[ourselves] and not to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:26). Ponder, pray, and meditate on the
importance and power of self-control and gaining self-mastery in your life.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to have greater self-control? To lose self-control is literally to give
power to the adversary. We become subject to him and the temptations of the flesh—to
our habits and addictions. We are responsible and accountable; hence we have the power
to act for ourselves. Preparation for any activity is always enhanced as we exercise self-
control. Self-control and discipline are the teammates of success, along with devotion
and perseverance. These attributes of character will not only bring success but a sense of
joy in knowing that we are in control of our destiny. Make a commitment today, saying,
“I have the power to discipline my life and gain self-control.” Self-control is liberating.
Seneca confirmed this when he taught: “No man is free who cannot command himself.”
This understanding should create an overwhelming penchant to be in control of
ourselves and not subject to the passions and pressures of the day.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Take control of your life by organizing every needful thing and put a plan in place to
combat those things that seem to tempt and try your resolve. Remember, we have the
power to choose. Consider the consequences of your actions if you lose self-control. Make
a list of places and times when you are tempted to lose self-control and then make a plan
for each of those situations. Keep a prayer in your heart to maintain self-control.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to control your emotions and
actions. It can be difficult. Remember, with faith, nothing is impossible—and that
includes gaining self-control. Everyone, no matter how old, must fight the ongoing
struggle to cultivate and maintain self-control. The trial and test of life lies in making the
body subject to the spirit and in following the principles of the gospel rather than
responding only to appetite and emotion. Self-control is a vital part of self-mastery.
There is nothing more valuable in life that will protect us and give us the freedom we so
eagerly seek than learning to control our emotions and actions. Self-control and
discipline come from yielding our heart to the Spirit so that we become Spirit-directed in
all we do.
I’d like to share an example from my own life that shows how this can happen. I played
ball all my life. I loved athletics. I enjoyed the thrill of the contest. My Brigham Young
University years under the tutelage of the legendary basketball coach Stan Watts were
thrilling for a young boy who loved to play ball. There was just one problem: the men in
the striped shirts—the referees. They were the judges, the jury, and often the ones who
ultimately decided the outcome of the game. We, as players and spectators, are the ones
who yell and scream for our team—and at the men with the whistles. After my playing
days, I became a true “fan”—you know, protecting the home team by yelling at the
referees.
As my children grew up, they too became athletes, competing in state championships,
with all of the accompanying excitement—and I was their personal protector, so I
continued to scream at the referees. It often embarrassed the children. I would be quiet

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for a while, and then I would get upset and lose my self-control—not really bad, never
shouting obscenities, mind you, just “riding” the referees and telling them to do better.
It showed a lack of dignity, manners, true compassion, and love for my fellow man. I was
wrong. I needed to change. I needed to gain self-control. I needed to truly love all of my
brothers, even the ones in the striped shirts!
I needed to gain self-mastery and not yell at the athletic officials. So I made a
commitment. I set a goal—I would display good sportsmanship and compassion for all,
especially the referees. My desire was strong. My plan was to pray before each game to
be a good sport and dignified at all times—even to be a holy man. After all, I was fifty-
three years old.
Well, it worked! My wife and my children couldn’t believe the change. I became a true
gentleman. I gained self-control. I was so pleased. There is joy in confession and change!
One day I attended a basketball game in which our youngest daughter, Tricia, was
playing. I was doing just fine until the referee made a horrible mistake—at least in my
eyes—and I yelled out, “Come on, ref!” My older daughter, Traci, looked at me and said,
“Dad, did you forget to pray?” I dropped my head, realizing that Ihad forgotten. I left the
game, found a quiet place outside, and offered a heartfelt prayer. I returned to the game—
and, sure enough, I behaved like a true gentleman again, dignified in every way in the
strength of the Lord. Surely the scripture I had taught for many years came to strengthen
me in my hour of need: “Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray
always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you
as wheat” (3 Nephi 18:18). When we choose to pray with real intent and then act in faith,
believing—we will conquer.
So here’s what we have to do to gain self-mastery: set a goal, make a plan, get the
support of family and friends, and pray with all our heart. Then we can repent. Trust me,
confession is good for the soul. The weaknesses and setbacks that impede the process are
many; some are small, and some are massive. Regardless, the Lord will help us overcome
them all as we trust in His strength.
The devil will use every means possible to destroy our soul. We must not let self-
aggrandizement be our master or we will succumb to pornography, alcohol, drugs,
gambling, and every other vice known to man. In the strength of the Lord we can gain
self-control and self-mastery. Pray for strength. The enabling power of the infinite
Atonement has greater power than the devil and all his minions.
Keep Your Commitments
Keep your commitment to maintain self-control, and gain self-mastery by carefully
following your plan for success.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your progress in gaining self-control. Record in your journal the
results of the day and then make plans to be even better tomorrow. You are becoming
better each day. Remember that a little improvement is all you seek. Do not get
overwhelmed or upset if you were not ideal today; instead, resolve to do even better
tomorrow. You can do it! You can gain self-control.

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 DAY 19

BE HONEST

DEFINED AS “FAIRNESS AND STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS of conduct” (Merriam-Webster’s

11th Collegiate Dictionary), honesty is the expression of one’s true character. It “implies
a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way” (ibid.), and is the core of integrity. This
character trait is of utmost importance in our relationships. When based on honesty and
truthfulness, our communications can be trusted. Thus in the family, school, and
workplace—in all of life—honesty becomes a principle that governs, a principle of trust.
This is why we must be honest with ourselves, with others, and with our Heavenly Father.
With trust, all relationships can deepen and flourish.
President Ezra Taft Benson has taught us:
“Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16). When we speak of
morality, we imply that a man is true to his word—true to his signature on a
contract. The violations of God’s laws are evidence that lying and
misrepresentation are not absent from us. . . .
Have you ever asked yourself why one person is honorable and another
dishonorable; why one is honest, another dishonest; why one is moral,
another immoral? Most individuals do not intend to be dishonest,
dishonorable, or immoral. They seem to allow their characters to erode by a
series of rationalizations, lies, and compromises. Then when grave
temptation presents itself, they haven’t the strength of character to do what
they know to be right.” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 367)
President Gordon B. Hinckley has encouraged us:
Be strong . . . with the strength of simple honesty. How easy it is to “lie a little,
take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor” (2
Nephi 28:8). Nephi so describes the people of his day, as he also describes so
many of our day. How easy it is for us to say, “We believe in being honest,
true, chaste, benevolent” (A of F 1:13). But how difficult for so many to resist
the temptation to lie a little, cheat a little, steal a little, bear false witness in
speaking gossipy words about others. Rise above it, brethren. Be strong in the
simple virtue of honesty. . . . Simple honesty is so remarkable a quality. It is
of the very essence of integrity. It demands that we be straightforward,
unequivocal, in walking the straight and narrow line of what is right and true.
It is so easy to cheat. At times it is so enticing to do so. Better a poor grade
than a dishonest act. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 269)
Gain Your Vision
Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance, blessing, and power of being honest in
your life. Visualize telling the truth in all situations.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to be honest in all things and at all times? Do we realize that
honesty is a requirement for being able to enter the Lord’s holy house? Do we
comprehend that honesty is at the center of every covenant, every commandment, every
relationship with others, and that honesty is an expression of one’s true character? This
character trait is without equal in building and maintaining relationships. The honest

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person has nothing to fear from the light of truth. Dishonesty enslaves. A dishonest act
can lead to other dishonest acts that attempt to cover the first. The doctrine is clear
concerning the liar: “Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell” (2 Nephi 9:34).
That punishment seems so harsh! Yet it is impossible to lie our way into God’s kingdom,
so the only question is, “Am I honest in all my dealings with Heavenly Father and my
fellow men?” Those who can truthfully answer “yes” to that question are in a state of
righteousness and are keeping God’s commandments. Total honesty allows our
conscience to be at peace (see 1 Timothy 2:2).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Make honesty and integrity in all things an absolute in your life. Promise yourself and
Heavenly Father that you will always be a person of integrity and honesty. Honesty
should be the basis of all our communications. Honesty is part of the golden rule.
Honesty is part of every covenant, commandment, and ordinance of the gospel.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to be trusted. This requires total
honesty. We cannot expect honesty in others if we ourselves are not totally honest. If we
lack honesty, we will also be unable to trust others, because we will question their
honesty. That is not a desirable circle of consequences.
We must be passionate about honesty, not even a little twist or turn in the wrong way.
We should be honest in all things, not just in those things viewed by others. Never
compromise. Be righteous even in the dark. Consider your driving and your obedience to
the speed limit. Oh, the peace of not exceeding the speed limit. There is peace in righteous
doing, especially in being honest (see Alma 27:27; D&C 51:9).
In the following excerpt from Hartman Rector Jr., we learn that seemingly
insignificant choices regarding honesty can set a pattern for life and that honesty is
always the right choice.
He Really Passed the Test
I had a friend, one time, who went to take a test in school, a test for which he
had not studied. Of course he had prayed pretty hard about it. He had asked
the Lord to help him remember something he had not bothered to learn.
There are some things the Lord cannot do. Other things he can, but he will
not. And praying will not work in these cases. I know; I have tried it. But as
this friend went in to take this test, he found he was sitting right next to the
smartest girl in the class. He said, “Well, this must be the answer to my prayer.
Here she is. The Lord provided her, right here.” But he was a returned
missionary. He had been preaching honesty for two years. It is very difficult
to go against that which you have been preaching and for which you have had
a witness of the Spirit. While he was arguing with himself about what he was
going to do on this test, he flunked the test. But as a matter of fact he really
passed.
You see, he had passed the Lord’s test, and that is the test that we have to
pass here upon this earth. Tests are all around us. Fifty years from the day
that he took the test he would not remember what his grade was, and it really
would not make any difference so long as it was honest. But if he cheated on
the test, he would remember that, for it makes an indelible imprint on the
spirit. It also makes it easier the next time we are faced with a temptation
where our honesty is in question to go down that “broad road.” Lucifer would
not dare tempt you with a sin as grievous as robbing a bank with your first

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 experience with dishonesty. That would turn you off. You would not dare do
that. So he will start with something small, something little, something that
seems insignificant. If you flunk that one, he will see to it that you get a larger
one and then a larger one, until it reaches the point where some people can
sit down and methodically work out a plan to rob a bank. Oh, they will
rationalize some justification for it, such as, “It is insured by the government
so nobody is losing anything.” Or, “Well, I really have it coming to me; I have
not had the breaks that other people have.” This is called rationalization,
which is a form of lying to yourself. But it is lying, nevertheless. As Nephi said:
“And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully
down to hell” (2 Ne. 28:21). (“Get Up and Glow,” Speeches of the Year, Jan.
5, 1971, 7)
Honesty and integrity can be a onetime decision if we are true to ourselves. Choose to
not exaggerate. Choose not to embellish. Choose to tell the truth! The devil would make
you believe that a little discrepancy is okay. Not the case. Every broken marriage begins
with a little lie. Every jail sentence begins with a lie. The devil is the father of lies (see 2
Nephi 9:9). He is a master of deceit. He is the consummate liar and desires us to be
miserable like him. There is protection and freedom in living a life of integrity.
Keep Your Commitments
Today we can make a commitment to be a person of integrity—absolutely honest in all
our thoughts, words, and actions.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your day as to your absolute honesty and record in your journal
the joy of being honest and doing what’s right. Every day is a fresh and new day in which
to be perfectly honest. It is invigorating to just try to be better, and the joy is so fulfilling.

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 DAY 20

BE DISCERNING IN JUDGMENT, UNDERSTANDING, AND TOLERANCE

THE LORD SAID IT PERFECTLY: “And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
words he turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again, saying:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment
ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again” (3 Nephi 14:1–2).
Elder Mark E. Peterson has taught: “It is the simple Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ,
which teaches mankind to be true brethren and sisters, to love our neighbors as
ourselves, to go the extra mile, to turn the other cheek, to forgive—even seventy times
seven—to do unto others as we would be done by, to seek reconciliation wherein we have
offended others, to avoid judging others, that we ourselves may not be judged; to be kind,
patient, long-suffering, charitable, temperate, humble and God-like” (The Way to
Peace[Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 24).
To understand and be understood is the essence of effective communication. When
we come to understand something, we gain an appreciation for the underlying causes,
logic, and operations pertaining to it. As we begin to understand the things of God, our
attitude and behavior change, and we cultivate a sense of gratitude to our Heavenly
Father. Understanding is the companion to faith, the mentor of hope, and the protector
of covenant values. To understand something or someone requires effort, ability,
perception, and a host of other intellectual and empathetic capacities. The ability to
understand is of major importance in our lives. Our aim should be to understand
universal concerns related to life, relationships, family values and roles, life after death,
and many more important and meaningful things.
President Howard W. Hunter has taught:
An understanding heart is a power that could cure the ills of the world. If the
Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him [an
understanding heart; see 1 Kings 3:6–13] surely he would be pleased with
each of us if we had the desire to acquire an understanding heart. This must
come from conscious effort coupled with faith and firm determination. An
understanding heart results from the experiences we have in life if we keep
the commandments of God.
The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease
and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world
because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless
mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by
understanding hearts.
We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in
business and in industry, between management and labor, between
government and the governed. We need understanding in that most
important of all social units, the family; understanding between children and
parents and between husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and
divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears
down but understanding builds up.
Our prayer could well be as was Solomon’s, “Lord, give me an
understanding heart.” (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 255–56)

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 Righteous behavior includes tolerance, which is a form of love; it implies being
considerate of others, including their feelings and behavior, even if we do not necessarily
agree with or approve of them. When we exhibit tolerance, we recognize the rights of
others, and we allow them their beliefs without taking action against them. As we strive
to be tolerant, we become free of bigotry. We come to understand the goodness in others
and recognize they have a great deal to contribute to our world.
However, we must be cautious in what we tolerate. Much in the world is unworthy and
immoral, and condoning lewdness and irreverence can lead to acceptance of it in our own
life. We must beware of this danger when it comes to our values and principles, or the
world and its morals will seduce us. Tolerance for others should not involve accepting a
violation of the law or accepting behavior that negatively affects the well-being of society,
especially the family. To tolerate crime, drugs, illicit sex, and all manner of pernicious
behavior that currently afflicts society would make us a party to the problem. We must
stand for truth and virtue. Tolerance is neither permissiveness nor apathy; rather,
tolerance involves understanding. Tolerance does not override righteous, responsive
action regarding abusive conduct or other behavior that might make one a victim of
someone else’s behavior.
President Gordon B. Hinckley has admonished us:
Let us as Latter-day Saints cultivate a spirit of brotherhood in all of our
associations. Let us be more charitable in our judgments, more sympathetic
and understanding of those who err, more willing to forgive those who
trespass against us. Let us not add to the measure of hatred that periodically
sweeps across the world. Let us reach out in kindness to all men, even toward
those who speak evil of us and who would, if they could, harm us.
In a word, let us more nearly live the gospel of the Master, whose name we
have taken upon us. Let us move this work forward; let our lives be such as to
be worthy of emulation. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 661)
Gain Your Vision
Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance, blessing, and power of withholding
judgment, seeking understanding, and being tolerant of others.
Gain Your Desire
The blessings of forgiveness and mercy are forgiveness and mercy. The blessing of
understanding is empathy and charity. The blessing of tolerance and a compassionate
heart is peace with our neighbors. As we come to realize the critical nature of judging, we
will understand the care we must give to this important aspect of our life. Caution and
care should be our watchwords. People can make mistakes. They can make bad
judgments that result in misbehavior or trying situations. Remember, though, that
people can change—and the ultimate judge is God. We must always keep in our heart the
divine dictum: “I, the Lord, will forgivewhom I will forgive, but of you it is required
to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10).
The capacity to understand should become a major goal in our life, for understanding
is part of gaining knowledge of the truth. We should seek to be men and women “of a
sound understanding” (Alma 17:2), with all of its attendant blessings.
A story by President Thomas S. Monson demonstrates that the understanding of even
a small child can lead to great understanding in others.
A Five-Year-Old Missionary

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 Our daughter, Ann, turned five shortly after we arrived in Canada, where I
served as mission president. She saw the missionaries going about their work
and she too wanted to be a missionary. My wife demonstrated understanding
by permitting Ann to take to class a few copies of the Children’s Friend. That
wasn’t sufficient for Ann. She wanted to take a copy of the Book of Mormon,
and she talked to her teacher, Miss Pepper, about the Church.
I thought it rather thrilling that long years after our return from Toronto,
we came home from a vacation and found in our mailbox a note from Miss
Pepper that read:
Dear Ann,
Think back many years ago. I was your school teacher in Toronto,
Canada. I was impressed by the copies of the Children’s Friend which you
brought to school. I was impressed by your dedication to a book called the
Book of Mormon.
I made a commitment that one day I would come to Salt Lake City and
see why you talked as you did and why you believed in the manner you
believed. Today I had the privilege of going through your visitors’ center on
Temple Square. Thanks to a five-year-old girl who had an understanding of
that which she believed, I now have a better understanding of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Miss Pepper died not too long after that visit. How happy our daughter Ann
was when she attended the Jordan River Temple and performed the temple
work for her beloved teacher whom she had friendshipped long ago.
(Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of
Thomas S. Monson [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], 151–52)
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Set a goal never to judge another person. Seek to understand. Be tolerant at all times
but not necessarily permissive.
President N. Eldon Tanner gives us important counsel regarding unrighteous
judgment, something we must all guard against.
Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged
Let me give you one or two examples of unjust criticism and judging without
the facts.
There is a little story about Sister McKay, the wife of President David O.
McKay, when she began teaching school. As the principal introduced her to
the class, he pointed to a certain boy and said he was a troublemaker. She
sensed the boy’s embarrassment and feared he would live up to his
reputation, so she wrote a note and slipped it to him as she passed his desk.
It said, “Earl, I think the principal was mistaken about your being a bad boy.
I trust you, and know that you are going to help me make this room the best
in the school.” Earl not only became a paragon of scholastic virtue but also
one of the town’s most important people.
I should like to give you another example. One of our most respected
community-minded citizens began to act as though his feelings had been hurt
and to stay away from socials where, in the past, he had gone and taken a most
active part. People started accusing him of being a sorehead, a poor sport,
antisocial, etc., and even evaded him whenever possible. Later, a medical

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 diagnosis showed he was suffering from a brain tumor, which had been the
cause of his lack of interest in activities that he had previously attended and
even sponsored.
Let me give you another example or two of what I would call unrighteous
judgment. First, a bishop who needs additional officers sees a member of his
ward who, though not active, seems to have ability, but he says to himself,
“Oh, he wouldn’t be interested. He wouldn’t want to accept a position.” So he
does not approach him, and the man remains inactive for years.
A new bishop is called to the ward, asks the man if he would be willing to
accept a position, and finds that he is really ready and anxious to work.
Don’t prejudge, but give the person an opportunity. Let him decide for
himself to accept or decline.
On the other hand, we hear a man say to his family and to others, “I don’t
see why the bishop does this or that. You would think he would know better.”
Here he is judging the bishop without the facts, which, if known to him, would
be full justification for the action taken. The man’s judgment was not only
unrighteous, but it had probably prejudiced his children and caused them to
lose respect for the bishop and had weakened their faith.
These examples show how important it is that we do not judge, but
encourage rather than denounce. (“Judge Not, That Ye Be Not
Judged,” Ensign, July 1972)
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to never judge, find fault, or
condemn. Remember, as you judge, so shall you be judged.
Understanding—the key to tolerance—takes time, initiative, and effort. It is not a
passive skill. Time is our ally in coming to understand anything. Listening requires
patience, resisting the urge to step in with judgment or a recommendation until we have
a grasp of the situation. When we come to an understanding of anything or anyone, we
come to appreciate the value of that thing or person. A sense of gratitude is usually the
result. This has the effect of changing our attitude as well as our behavior. Our
relationships in life are based upon understanding and trust. Without them it would be
difficult to have any lasting relationships.
True tolerance leads to magnanimity as we rise above the pettiness of intolerance and
prejudice. The world today needs the rekindling of this virtue. We need to be tolerant of
others, but at the same time we must be champions of peace and righteousness.
Tolerance begets tolerance.
The following story illustrates how sometimes a little tolerance can make all the
difference in our lives.
A Hard Lesson to Learn
A friend of mine related a story about a man who seemed like he had it all but simply
couldn’t be happy and enjoy life. He had a wonderful family, a thriving business, a loving
wife, and all the amenities that go along with financial success. Yet Tom (we will call him
Tom) was always upset or disturbed about something. He was never satisfied with his
children’s grades or with their friends. If someone disagreed with him, he took it
personally and usually ended up calling the person an “idiot” or some other unfavorable
title. He always compared others with himself and criticized those who didn’t agree with
him.

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 Everyone seemed to bother Tom—whether it was a coworker who approached
problems differently, the bagboy at the grocery store putting bread in with the canned
goods, or the way the next-door neighbors always seemed so happy, like life was simply
the greatest. Other drivers on the road were jerks, and his children were constantly
needing help—from getting dressed to not getting their duties and homework done fast
enough. No one was fast enough, smart enough, or good enough for Tom. Tom was
dissatisfied with life, and yet he seemed to have it all. He thought, “Why is everybody so
irritating?”
As my friend told me this story, he mentioned how one day a friend of Tom’s pulled
him aside and complimented him on his success and his wonderful family. Tom was
taken aback and thought, “I really am blessed. Why was I so disgruntled? Why am I
always upset? Why am I angry with others when they haven’t really done anything to
me?” Tom took a step back and started to think:
My children are great—not perfect, but great. I love them. They are just learning to
become adults. Their friends are nice—just because one’s hair is a little long, the funny
girlfriend with that horrible foreign accent is hard to understand, or one boy is always
blowing his nose—why should these things bother me? My friend at work really wants
the company to succeed. Just because his ideas are different than mine doesn’t mean
he’s wrong. When I changed lanes the other day without signaling and someone honked
at me, maybe I was the jerk. When my neighbor came out smiling and mentioned how
great everything was, I could have thought, “What a great attitude.”
As Tom changed his way of looking at things, life started to become better. Tom
became satisfied with his children—even praising them and their friends. He even
mentioned to his co-worker how he had been thinking about his idea and appreciated his
unique way of looking at the problem. Tom was no longer dissatisfied, upset, or
unhappy—he had learned tolerance.
Being tolerant and understanding will free us from judging others. The devil would
have us be bigoted, inconsiderate, and judgmental, each of which qualities leads us down
the pathway of sin. The devil is full of hate and envy: “And because he had fallen from
heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind” (2
Nephi 2:18).
Until we realize there is a war going on for our souls, we will never rise to our full
potential as children of God. It is all about love—even the pure love of Christ. This is why
love is the great commandment; it has the power to become the very essence of our
character, leaving no room for intolerant or judgmental behavior.
Keep Your Commitments
Are we too casual about trying to be better? Do we simply “go with the flow” instead
of following Nephi’s admonition: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness
in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the
end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20). Notice the
descriptive words Nephi used—pressing forward with steadfastness in Christ. We
cannot be casual about our commitments! We must have a plan! Press forward, feasting
upon the word of God and enduring to the end. This is a focused approach that speaks
of commitment. Make a commitment to never judge but seek to be understanding and
tolerant of others.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again

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 When we review and evaluate our day, will we find that we are anxiously engaged in
trying to do good and be good? When anxiously engaged, we will bring about much
righteousness (see D&C 58:27). Record in your journal your feelings and actions about
judging, understanding and tolerance. Every day can and will be a great day when we
make the effort to understand and be tolerant of others, always looking for that which is
good and positive.

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 DAY 21

AVOID ENVY AND JEALOUSY

ENVY IS ONE OF THE most devastating feelings one can have. When we are discontented
or feel ill will concerning another’s prosperity or success, we suffer from envy, which
often leads to unrighteous actions and should be avoided at all costs. Envious activities
literally take captive those who participate in them, and the envious become prisoners of
themselves—never free, for they are chained by their discontent—never happy with what
they have and desiring what others possess. The envious are consumed by always
wanting more material goods, power, or status. Envy destroys the mind and heart, and
when allowed to fester and grow, it destroys the freedom of the individual because it can
lead to serious transgression and sin. When envy moves its captive to jealous actions, it
creates an unrighteous desire or ambition for things one does not possess.
It is ironic that as we seek for happiness, it is possible to become jealous of another’s
prosperity and happiness. Happiness is from within, yet envy and jealousy seek it from
without—externally—and that is a mistake. Jealousy is so intractably hard to cure
because it is typically embedded deep within the carnal heart. For many individuals, it is
most difficult to learn that having the “things” of the world or the gifts, talents, and
possessions of another does not inherently lead to joy or happiness; for even if the
envious person were to possess these things, there would always be others who had more.
Envy and finding “fault” in others are often simply masks of a hidden jealousy within.
Envy and jealousy separate us from Deity. They create negative feelings and are truly
debilitating when we succumb to those feelings. We can displace envy and jealousy by
fostering both a spirit of gratitude for our blessings and gifts as well as a willingness to
rejoice with others in the blessings and gifts that are theirs. Indeed, it is charity and love
that swallow up envy and jealousy. True love cheers for the success of others and their
well-being, just as Alma rejoiced in the success of the sons of Mosiah: “But I do not joy
in my own success, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren” (Alma
29:14).
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, “There cannot be jealousy. There cannot be
meanness. There cannot be any of those things. We must stand a little taller, a little
higher, and walk in the direction that He has pointed. ‘Be ye therefore perfect,’ said He,
‘even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48)” (Teachings of Gordon
B. Hinckley, 243).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated: “It should not surprise us if some questions are repeated
from dispensation to dispensation: ‘Behold, are ye stripped of pride?’ ‘Behold, I say, is
there one among you who is not stripped of envy?’ (Alma 5:28, 29). And in 1831 the Lord
said, ‘Strip yourselves from jealousies . . . and humble yourselves before me, for ye are
not sufficiently humble’ (D&C 67:10)” (Men and Women of Christ [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1991], 121).
Gain Your Vision
We imprison ourselves when we succumb to envy and jealousy. We literally put the
chains of the devil upon ourselves because both of these qualities are filled with
contention, and contention is of the devil (see 3 Nephi 11:29). Ponder, pray, and meditate
on the importance and blessing of overcoming envy and jealousy. We can be free! Enough
is enough! Competition for things, possessions, positions, stations, and fame are not of

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God but rather reek of the natural man as we allow ourselves to become “carnal, sensual,
and devilish” (Moses 5:13) because we love Satan more than God.
Gain Your Desire
Envy is truly the cancer of the soul. It can destroy our very being. Just as a grateful
heart can bring joy, envy and jealousy can bring sorrow because they are relentless
companions of the vain ambitions of the world. Seek the blessings of the gospel, for
therein lies the pathway to the abundant life filled with joy and happiness. Jealousy is a
prideful and debilitating state of being; if one is possessed with this nature it is
impossible for him or her truly to know God. It is like a dam that blocks the spiritual
growth of the soul. The Lord counsels us to strip ourselves of jealousy—rid ourselves
completely of this destructive feeling that prevents the Spirit from abounding in our life:
“And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you
that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from
jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble,
the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither
natural mind, but with the spiritual” (D&C 67:10).
Love is the motive and quality that overpowers jealousy. We can see clearly the
devastating effect of envy and jealousy. Seeing the results of this debilitating attitude and
behavior would be reason alone to be full of love and praise for others, rather than choose
the insidious attitude of envy and jealousy. Surely this knowledge will foster in us a
greater desire to be free from envy and jealousy.
The quintessential case study in envy and jealousy is Lucifer, who was obsessed with
obtaining the glory and majesty of our Heavenly Father through vile subversion of the
principle of agency. Lucifer was and still is driven by envy, whereas God and His Only
Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, operate on the principle of love. We are well advised to take
note of the contrast. Once we learn to love others—truly love them with an ultimate
charitable concern that brings about righteous service—we will overcome all envy and
jealousy. Choose the way of happiness and make a plan to overcome all envy and jealousy.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Make a conscious plan to avoid envy and jealousy as if they were a plague. Seek to
praise and find joy in the successes of others. Envy precedes discontent, binds our level
of happiness, and leads to resentment and even anger. It wastes valuable energy in
negative thoughts that can lead to poor behavior. To overcome this negative feeling, look
for the good, never comparing yourself to others; set a higher value standard, express
gratitude often, and revel in the successes of others.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to rid your life of envy and
jealousy. We have seen the effects of sadness within the souls of others when they
succumb to these vices. Keeping up with the “Joneses” is simply not a worthy goal. Envy
often creates a sense of greed, which has caused endless problems in society. Envy and
jealousy imitate the ways of the devil, and they are not innocuous in their effects upon
us. They lead to destruction. If we allow envy and jealousy to be part of our attitude and
behavior, we will not have the strength or courage to pray for charity. Envy is the cause
of so many of the problems in society and in the heart. This is why we seek to root out
jealousy from our very being.
Here is wise advice concerning envy:

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 Envy is a weed that grows in all soils and climates, and is no less luxuriant in the
country than in the court; is not confined to any rank of men or extent of fortune, but
rages in the breasts of all degrees. (Lord Clarendon)
Envy comes from people’s ignorance of, or lack of belief in, their own gifts. (Jean
Vanier)
Envy not those who do better than you do; do not pursue them with malice, but try to
shape and frame your life by theirs. (Discourses of Brigham Young, 272).
The devil is full of envy and jealousy. He wanted all the glory. That is why he is so
miserable. Envy and jealousy destroy the soul, allowing competition and greed to become
our master. That is why the devil uses these two hellish and damning attributes to
attempt to make our life miserable. A happy life is impossible when envy and jealousy
get ahold of one’s soul, because they lead to a plethora of sins. Cheer for others and their
success. Pray for others and their happiness. There is enough love and happiness for
everyone. One-upmanship is not success! Success is helping others and rejoicing in their
well-being.
Keep Your Commitments
Today we can be full of joy for others and not envy them. We can praise others for
their efforts and accomplishments rather than feel jealous of their success. We will find
peace when we are grateful for what we have and rejoice with others in their abundance
and blessings.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Record in your journal your feelings about being loving and kind rather than envious
or jealous. There is so much happiness to share with others for their good works and
success that we really have no time for the evil that can come from envy and jealousy.
Remember, it is fun to praise and compliment others.

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 DAY 22

CULTIVATE FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

THE CAPACITY TO FORGIVE IS one of the most divine attributes we can possess. It is a
commandment of God to forgive others (see Matthew 6:15). Forgiveness brings peace to
the forgiver as well as to those forgiven. Without a doubt, true forgiveness is one of the
most difficult aspects of human behavior to improve. It is an expression of godliness; as
God is forgiving and merciful, so we too ought to seek this empowering virtue.
President Spencer W. Kimball warns us: “He who will not forgive others breaks down
the bridge over which he himself must travel. This is a truth taught by the Lord in the
parable of the unmerciful servant who demanded to be forgiven but was merciless to one
who asked forgiveness of him (see Matt. 18:23–35)” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 269).
In another message President Kimball asked,
Do we follow that command [to be reconciled with our brother] or do we sulk
in our bitterness, waiting for our offender to learn of it and to kneel to us in
remorse?
And this reconciliation suggests also forgetting. Unless you forget, have
you forgiven? A person in a branch in the mission field where there had been
friction finally capitulated and said, “Yes, I will forgive the others, but I have
an eternal memory.” Certainly they had not fulfilled the law of forgiving. She
was meeting the letter but not the spirit. Frequently we say we forgive, then
permit the grievance to continue to poison and embitter us.
The Lord forgets when he has forgiven, and certainly must we. The Lord
inspired Isaiah to say: “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25).
No bitterness of past frictions can be held in memory if we forgive with all
our hearts. So long as we are bitter, hold grudges, and are unrepentant
ourselves and unforgiving to others, how can we partake of the sacrament?
(Faith Precedes the Miracle [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972], 195)
The Prophet Joseph reminds us: “Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be
ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking
forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent
or ask forgiveness, our Heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us” (History
of the Church 3:383).
Gain Your Vision
We can gain freedom from the bondage of our sins as we practice the mercy of
forgiveness, thus ensuring that our reward will be merciful. The act of forgiving carries
with it many Christlike virtues. Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance and
blessings of being full of forgiveness and mercy in your life.
Gain Your Desire
The forgiveness and mercy we receive from the Lord is connected not only to the
Atonement but also to our attitude and behavior toward others as we extend forgiveness
and mercy. We will have more inner peace if we forgive. Someone has said, “Forgiveness
holds the promise that we will find the peace that we all seek. It promises your release
from the hold that another’s attitudes and actions can have over us.” Forgiveness frees

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us of hurt, anger, and the desire for vengeance and retaliation. Forgiveness increases our
ability to be creative and productive. A grudge saps our creativity and productivity and
causes us to be trapped in a downward spiral, while forgiveness and mercy energize and
lift us, both emotionally and spiritually. We will develop a deep yearning to forgive and
to show mercy in order to obtain the same blessings from the Lord.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Understand the power of forgiveness and mercy from the Lord and then seek to
exhibit that quality to those around you, including yourself! Forgiveness enlivens the soul
as we cease to carry the baggage of the sins of others as well as our own. A forgiving
nature brings freedom from guilt and is a healing power in relationships. As we make our
plans, remember that forgiveness is a commandment from God, not just a good idea or
casual suggestion. Heavenly Father’s plan always has promised blessings for every
commandment we keep.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. The injunction to repent and
forgive should be taken seriously and specifically as we seek to receive forgiveness for
our own sins. We fail to take full advantage of the wonderful gift of the Atonement when
we are not forgiving and merciful. As is often said, the test of life and all the ramifications
relating to our growth and becoming like Christ is being able to repent and forgive.
Remember, there will be moments that trigger memories of the past and bring sorrow
to our heart. When they come, plead with the Lord for strength to overcome those
moments and carry on. When a loved one has sinned against you, it takes time to rebuild
trust and love, which are the bastions of your relationship. Never give in, for the Lord
and His Atonement will build back all that was lost and restore it a hundredfold. There
is nothing too hard for the Lord if we are willing to make the effort in faith.
My dear friend Richard Allen gave me this example from the Prophet Joseph Smith’s
life that explains the nature of true forgiveness:
Many have experienced the feeling of being condemned by others unjustly or accused
of unkind motives that they have never harbored. The Prophet Joseph Smith was
repeatedly subjected to the most vile derision and persecution without cause or
provocation. His response was consistent. He forgave. He fought for the right and
defended the Church and its doctrines indefatigably in the face of the most outrageous
lies and malicious attacks. He fought valiantly and forcefully, but he forgave nonetheless.
Consider his behavior toward those who inflicted serious bodily harm upon him on
Saturday, March 24, 1832. At that time, he and his family were staying at the home of
John Johnson in Hiram, Ohio. Suddenly, a mob of some two dozen drunken men tore
Joseph from the side of his ailing son, eleven-month-old Joseph Murdock Smith (one of
two adopted twins), dragged him from the house, stripped him of his clothes, beat him
brutally, and tarred and feathered him. All during that night friends and family removed
the skin-searing tar from his body, taking up large areas of skin in the process. Sidney
Rigdon had been dragged feet-first from his home, sustaining a concussion as his head
thumped down the steps and along the frozen ground. He was beaten and left comatose
in the snow. Young Joseph Murdock, already suffering with measles, contracted
pneumonia from the exposure that night, and died a few days later. On the morning of
Sunday, March 25, the day after the brutal attack, Joseph delivered a sermon before the
gathering of Saints. What was his theme? Forgiveness. A number of individuals were
baptized that afternoon. Three of the mobsters present at the Prophet’s sermon on
forgiveness were converted and joined the Church (see History of the Church, 1:261–65).

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 It was a remarkable instance of unconditional forgiveness and a lasting memorial to
the Prophet’s understanding and embracing of the Lord’s injunction to cultivate a
forgiving heart and practice forgiveness every day: “Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:43–45). To be born again as children of God (see Mosiah
5:7; 27:25), we truly live this higher law of forgiving one another.
Forgiveness and mercy are some of the highest qualities of Christlike behavior. Pride
often thwarts forgiveness and mercy. The devil uses pride constantly as his weapon of
choice because it is so universal and powerful. Whenever we feel forgiveness and mercy,
we know we are feeling the Holy Spirit. Whenever we don’t feel those desires, we know
that the devil is trying to entice us to do evil by doing nothing.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to be forgiving? Are there any people whom we need
to forgive? Today we can be forgiving and merciful.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your feelings about being forgiving and merciful. Record in your
journal your feelings and reactions as you seek to show forgiveness and mercy. The joy
of exercising the kindness of being merciful and forgiving is one of the most exhilarating
feelings of the Holy Spirit we can experience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is
no law” (Galatians 5:22–23) and life will be sweet and fulfilling.

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 DAY 23

BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE

PRIOR TO THE SAVIOR’S ATONEMENT, the children of God offered blood sacrifices
(see Moses 5:5–7). Such sacrifices served as both a similitude of the Savior’s Atonement
and an offering of thanksgiving. Today, following the new commandment from the
Savior, we offer a different kind of sacrifice: a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3
Nephi 9:20). To offer a broken heart (to be humbled and feel extreme sorrow, a godly
sorrow) and a contrite spirit (a penitent and remorseful attitude—being humble and
submissive) is to offer one’s very self, giving one’s will and one’s decisions to the will of
God.
Through the spirit of sacrifice, we experience a condition of profound change: we are
in a state of humility, we depend upon God, we are easily entreated, we have no pride or
ego to uphold, and we are willing to learn and to change. In short, we fully accept the
Lord’s magnificent, infinite, and eternal Atonement. The law of sacrifice requires that
we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, give all that we have—our time, our talents, and all that
we possess in order to build up the kingdom of God and to gain exaltation (see D&C
98:13–15).
Joseph Smith taught at the School of the Prophets:
Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all
things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and
salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the
enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice
of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has
ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of
the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing
the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered
in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life,
and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice
because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does
and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek
his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith
necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. (Lectures on Faith 6:7)
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught,
Sacrifice is the very essence of religion; it is the keystone of happy home life,
the basis of true friendship, the foundation of peaceful community living, of
sound relations among people and nations. . . . Without sacrifice there is no
true worship of God. I become increasingly convinced of that every day. “The
Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life,” and we do not worship unless
we give—give of our substance, give of our time, give of our strength, give of
our talent, give of our faith, give of our testimonies.
A religion which requires devotion, which asks for sacrifice, which
demands discipline, also enjoys the loyalty of its membership and the interest
and respect of others. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 565)
Gain Your Vision

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 Sacrifice is built on the love of God. Without love and selflessness, there can be no
willing and genuine sacrifice. We can be deprived of possessions, life, limb, and liberty;
but only when we willingly give up these things for a cause can we be said to have
“sacrificed.” Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance, blessings, and power of
sacrifice in your life.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to offer a broken heart and contrite spirit as a sacrifice in order to
accept the Lord’s infinite Atonement? Since the beginning of mortality, the Lord has
required sacrifice that we might be continually reminded of His goodness and mercy. His
infinite atoning sacrifice and all things from the beginning are the typifying of the Lord
(see 2 Nephi 11:4). Likewise, today we are asked to sacrifice that we might remember the
Lord’s sacrifice as well as partake of the blessings of the Atonement. We are asked to
make an offering unto the Lord: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart
and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite
spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 9:20). A broken
heart and contrite spirit are essential to the process of repentance and forgiveness. It is
part of the qualification for baptism (see D&C 20:37). Hence, possessing a broken heart
and a contrite spirit is imperative to our quest for exaltation. This is the very thing we
offer when we partake of the sacrament.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Understand what is entailed in offering a broken heart and contrite spirit as a sacrifice
to the Lord. Seek to sacrifice all that is required in order that the kingdom of God can be
built up and Zion be established. An honorable sacrifice is based upon the love of God
and is a symbol of our commitment to God. A broken heart and contrite spirit are part of
the preparation for receiving the sacrament and become an essential part of our worship
on the Sabbath day—and every day.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. If we are to participate in
authentic sacrifice, we will build upon the principles of faith, love, and selflessness.
Without love, there can be no willing and genuine sacrifice. Forgiveness of sins requires
sacrifice. The greatest joy comes in sacrificing for others. As we mature spiritually, we
learn to sacrifice the pleasures of “now” for the lasting and eternal benefits promised by
Heavenly Father and the Savior. Sacrifice truly is a demonstration of our conversion and
commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. He requires us to yield our heart to Him and to
the enticings of the Holy Spirit (seeHelaman 3:35; Mosiah 3:19).
The sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit is indicative of our desire to repent
and humble ourselves before God. The natural man as defined by King Benjamin is
unrepentant and is an enemy to God (see Mosiah 2:38; 3:19). The natural man yields to
the enticings of the devil. When we lack the feelings of a broken heart and a contrite
spirit, we know that we are starting to yield to the enticings of the devil. Instead, we must,
“[yield] to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and [put] off the natural man and [become] a
saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord, and [become] as a child, submissive,
meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth
fit to inflict upon [us] even as a child doth submit to his Father” (Mosiah 3:19). This is
the solution to overcoming the influence of the evil one.
Keep Your Commitments
Today we can offer a pure sacrifice as we submit our will to the will of God, even as
Christ submitted His will to the Father. This means offering our broken heart and

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contrite spirit. This is what Paul was teaching when he said, “I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is
that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1–2).
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your practice of offering a true sacrifice and record in your
journal your feelings concerning a broken heart and contrite spirit. Remember, the
blessings are enumerable as we sacrifice and seek to have a broken heart and contrite
spirit. We can be accepted of the Lord (see D&C 52:15) and “the Lord is nigh unto them
that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Life’s
joys surely are dependent upon our submitting to the will of God. We are empowered
and blessed when we willingly offer our broken heart and contrite spirit.

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 DAY 24

ENGAGE IN FAMILY HISTORY AND TEMPLE WORK

ONE OF OUR GREATEST RESPONSIBILITIES in this dispensation is to redeem the dead by

serving as saviors on Mount Zion. The Prophet Joseph reminds us: “The greatest
responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead. The
Apostle [Paul] says, ‘They without us cannot be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40) for it is
necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead
for the fulness of the dispensation of times—a dispensation to meet the promises made
by Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for the salvation of man” (Teachings
of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 356).
President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated:
There is nothing else to compare with this treasury of family history. . . . I feel
the Lord has designed that it should be so. This is His church which carries
His name, and one of its purposes is to make available to the millions beyond
the veil of death the full blessings that lead to eternal life. . . . I am confident
that the Lord will permit us and direct us to go on building these sacred
structures [the temples] as we become worthy of them. One important test of
that worthiness will lie in doing the research that becomes the foundation for
the major work to be carried on in them. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley,
211)
President Spencer W. Kimball has said,
Genealogical research is an “offering in righteousness.” We have asked the
members of the Church to further the work of turning the hearts of the
children to the fathers by getting their sacred family records in order. These
records, including especially the “book containing the records of our dead”
(D&C 128:24), are a portion of the “offering in righteousness” referred to by
Malachi (3:3), which we are to present in His holy temple, and without which
we shall not abide the day of His coming.
Now, my brothers and sisters, I rejoice with you in our temple-building
activities and in the far-reaching program to glean the records and vital
statistics from the world and bring them into our libraries where they are
available to us. But we must never become complacent and satisfied with
merely providing these beautiful edifices and wonderfully abundant research
facilities. Full satisfaction can come only in their use to the utmost capacity
for the searching after and redemption of our kindred dead. It is a
responsibility which we cannot shirk, and we lie in jeopardy every hour that
we leave this work and let it run. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 543)
President Ezra Taft Benson has stated: “Our responsibility to keep a journal and to
write our own personal histories and those of our ancestors, particularly those who
belong to the first four generations of our pedigree, has not changed. . . . When I think of
genealogy, I see people—people I love who are waiting for our family, their posterity, to
help them gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft
Benson,162, 164).
Our devotion toward our kindred dead will keep us diligent in doing this sacred work.

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 As we carefully reread Doctrine and Covenants section 138, it is easy to catch the
glorious vision of the importance of the work for the dead if we follow the same process
as did President Joseph F. Smith, who received this magnificent revelation. We must
study the Atonement, search the scriptures, and prayerfully ponder that we might come
to know and understand the doctrine of the redemption of the dead. There will follow a
vision of its scope; our eyes and our hearts will be opened, and our attitudes and
behaviors will change.
Nearly seven years before the Church was organized, Moroni came to the boy Joseph
Smith three times during the same night, and once again the next day, each time
rehearsing the same message. Among other things, Moroni related the great prophecy of
Malachi (see Malachi 4:5‒6) regarding Elijah’s coming to “plant in the hearts of the
children the promises made to the fathers” (Joseph Smith—History 1:39). Moroni also
described the consequences of our not responding to Elijah’s mission: “If it were not so
[if Elijah did not come], the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his [Christ’s] coming”
(Joseph Smith—History 1:39). And again in the vision of President Joseph F. Smith, “The
Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their
fathers, Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the
dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of
the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly
wasted at his coming” (D&C 138:47–48). And again, “Behold, I will reveal unto you the
Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful
day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the
fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the
whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming” (D&C 2:1–3). We know without any
doubt that seeking after our dead and doing their vicarious work is imperative in order
for us to be saved. “And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you
that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly
passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential
to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be
made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect” (D&C 128:15). That
perfected state comes in the hereafter.
Gain Your Vision
The vision and responsibility of redeeming our dead is clear. Ponder, pray, and
meditate on the importance and blessing of participating in family history and temple
work in your life.
Gain Your Desire
Do you feel the need to diligently work on seeking after your kindred dead? If so, your
family history consultant is merely a telephone call away or you can call the family history
help line twenty-four seven at 866.406.1830.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
We should not overwhelm ourselves with too many goals or extravagant plans, but we
must set some goals and make a realistic plan to achieve those goals. What specific
things do you need to do to make temple worship and seeking after your dead a priority
in your life? Plan to do family history work on a regular basis (set up a time). Regularly
attend and worship in the temple (set a date).
Some things to consider:
Read your available family histories (they will inspire you).

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 Start a journal and record in it regularly (if you miss a day, the world will not end . . .
weekly works great for many).
Take a beginning family history class at your local family history center or in your local
ward and then start on some simple projects, one at a time. My granddaughter Emily has
shown me some easy ways to have immediate success. You can have some success in
many of your family lines.
Begin or add to your own personal history.
Research and then write the history of one or more of your ancestors.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Work within your time
constraints. You must pace yourself and be pleased with even the smallest
accomplishments or else you may become overwhelmed and stop doing the work. A little
at a time . . . line upon line . . . name upon name . . . ordinance by ordinance.
Yes, it is hard to keep up with the changes in family history research. However, we will
not let Lucifer win this battle because this is our generation’s greatest responsibility. On
a personal note, I simply plug along, doing a little each week, and now hundreds of my
kindred dead have had their work completed and they can progress in the spirit world.
We cannot let the devil win this battle. Every time we go to the temple we are becoming
a savior on Mount Zion and the devil shudders because we are doing the Lord’s work.
Keep Your Commitments
Today we can write down our plan with a time, a place, and a way to accomplish our
goals in family history and temple work. We can become faithful in family history work.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your effort and record in your journal your feelings about your
ancestors and your own family. Remember to review your goals and plans so you don’t
get sidetracked. The joy of remembering those from the past will fill your soul with
gratitude and inspire you to greater service in the kingdom of God. Being a savior on
Mount Zion is an act of vicarious service. All the work we do will bless someone.

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 DAY 25

BE CHEERFUL AND POSITIVE

IT ALL BEGAN AS THE two men got into the cab. Traffic was horrible. Everyone was in a
hurry as they moved along. Another cab cut in, and the cabby had to brake quickly. The
businessmen were upset, and yet the cabby seemed quite cheerful about the day, and he
knew he could get his “fares” to their destination on time. So why get upset about a little
traffic problem? The businessmen became quite intrigued about the attitude and outlook
of the cab driver. One asked, “How can you be so cheerful when everything is so crazy
out there?” The cab driver then shared his story about when he was always angry, always
upset, and always yelling at his kids because everything wasn’t just right. Then he realized
that he could not always control everything, but he could control the way he responded.
He didn’t have to be upset all the time. It was then he decided that he could be cheerful,
upbeat, and positive in his responses, regardless of the situation. He could choose to be
cheerful. By being cheerful he could help not only his family, but also all of his
passengers. He could make a difference with everyone he came into contact with every
day. He went on to say to his passengers, “If you are more cheerful the rest of the day,
you will affect all the people with whom you interact too.” It’s surprising how good you
can feel each day. You know, you really can make a difference in this world, one person
at a time, just by being cheerful.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught:
Why was Joseph [the Prophet] able to be cheerful, hopeful, and pleasant, and
engage in fun-filled activities? He wrote: “Now, what do we hear in the gospel
which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven;
and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of
gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. . . .
“Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not
backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts
rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.” (Finding Peace in Our Lives [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1995], 106)
President Ezra Taft Benson has advised: “Be cheerful in all that you do. Live joyfully.
Live happily. Live enthusiastically, knowing that God does not dwell in gloom and
melancholy, but in light and love” (God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties, 4).
Gain Your Vision
Cheerfulness is one of the most uplifting and contagious attributes we can possess. It
brightens both the giver and those who choose to receive it. It gives hope for the day
ahead and even enhances physiological and emotional health. Everyone can learn to be
cheerful. Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance of being cheerful and positive in
your life.
Gain Your Desire
Do we actually feel a need and a passion to be cheerful? Do we yearn to be cheerful?
Make a point of being cheerful. Why are some people so spontaneously cheerful? Because
they choose to be! Mark Twain had it right: “The best way to cheer up yourself is to cheer
up everybody else.” Wouldn’t you like to be full of good cheer and have a happy
countenance? You can make it happen.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans

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 What do we have to do to be more cheerful and radiate an uplifting attitude in our life?
Make a list of some things to do to be cheerful and positive rather than downhearted and
negative. We can choose to make cheerfulness a part of every day. It can become our way
of life. Look on the bright side. Have a little reminder in your car, around the house, and
in your pocket to help you remember to be cheerful.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. People love to be around others
who are upbeat and positive. A cheerful person can influence others for good. Help cheer
others up at every opportunity. Remember to smile and lift others even when your day
might be gloomy and difficult. You can make a difference as you change your own
attitude.
I must tell you a story about Mrs. Stress. You can become positive and cheerful in a
stress-filled life.
Life is Beautiful
Mrs. Stress was at her wits’ end. Life, marriage, family, and part-time work had taken
their toll. Mortgages, car payments, credit cards, book clubs, a country club, a fitness
center, car repairs, gymnastics classes for the children, overdue library books, undone
homework—they were all taking their toll. The dog needed a rabies shot, the car battery
was dead, the power went off, the meat went bad in the freezer, and the day had just
begun. Mrs. Stress had had it. She couldn’t cope anymore—and a cold sore had just
formed on her lip, and it hurt. Mr. Stress was late for work and said, after a peck on Mrs.
Stress’s cheek, “Sorry to leave you in a bind, but have a nice day. I love you.”
She sat down and cried. “Why me? And why now? I can’t handle this any longer.”
So many of us can relate to Mr. and Mrs. Stress—but there is a good ending to the
story.
As she sat weeping and feeling overwhelmed, someone on the kitchen TV said,
“Feeling stress?” She cried more. The speaker said, “You can learn to deal with and
overcome stress—the stress that brings you down.”
Her ears perked up. Maybe there was hope. Maybe there was a light at the end of the
tunnel. Maybe tonight would come and she would still be alive—and maybe even feel a
little better. She grabbed her pencil and paper and began taking notes. The kids were still
glued to the family room TV, and Barney was doing his part.
The woman on the TV related how her life had been in shambles and how she had
taken control. She listed resolutions:
Make goals and plans.
Identify what you value.
Understand situations.
Accept the environment.
Seek balance.
Get support and help from others.
Choose specific things to do.
Prioritize projects.
Organize tasks and make them bite-sized.
As Mrs. Stress wrote these resolutions down, she almost became discouraged to the
point of depression.
Then the TV personality said, “Now, don’t get overwhelmed. Stop right this minute,
and break up your day into parts. Select two or three things to do in each time block, then

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balance it with a reward for your effort—a treat, a nap, or just a few minutes to read your
favorite novel.”
Mrs. Stress began to feel like she could take control of her life. She lived that day just
the way the TV personality had advised. By the time her husband got home, she had put
the house in order. The children had finished their homework and had received their
reward. Life was great.
She had even stopped at the bank and worked out a plan with the credit counselor that
would not only make their debt manageable but also enable them to save. She was on top
of the world.
Her husband came into the house, which sparkled, and said, “Honey, you are the
greatest.”
She hugged and kissed him and told him about her day. Life was manageable; life was
beautiful. (source unknown)
We can see many of the elements of a cheerful and positive attitude in this story. We
too can make life more livable by simply doing our best. We have the ability to take
control and to be cheerful and positive.
Keep Your Commitments
Why are some people so spontaneously cheerful? Because they choose to be! And so
can you. Make the decision to be cheerful. Make it a point to be cheerful.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Reflect on your attitude about life and choose to be cheerful. Record in your journal
what cheerful and positive things you did today. Each and every day, choose to be
cheerful and positive. You will bless so many lives, and people love to be around those
who are uplifting, cheerful, and positive.

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 DAY 26

ENGAGE IN MISSIONARY WORK—EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY

OUR BELOVED PROPHET PRESIDENT MONSON has said, “To their words [the words of the
Quorum of the Twelve] I add my own. Now is the time for members and missionaries to
come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him.
He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will
assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work” (“Faith in the Work of
Salvation,” Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast, Hastening the Work of Salvation,
June 23, 2013).
In the dispensation of the fulness of times, we have a duty to proclaim the gospel of
Jesus Christ and the truth of His kingdom restored to every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people (see Mormon 9:22). Every member of the Church is personally responsible to
assist in the gathering of the Lord’s elect, for they will hear His voice (see D&C 29:7). The
Prophet Joseph reminds us, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important
duty is to preach the Gospel” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 113). This is the
mission of the Church—to invite all to come unto Christ, whether it be through
missionary work, family history and temple work, or rescuing the less active and the
struggling Saint.
Why so much emphasis on missionary work? Why do we spend so much money as a
Church and as individuals to do missionary work? The answer is simple: souls are
precious.
Gain Your Vision
Ponder, pray, and meditate upon how the gospel has blessed your life and upon the
blessings and power that can come to you as you share it with others.
Gain Your Desire
When we realize the value of the souls of mankind, we will have an overwhelming
desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sharing the gospel and bringing souls unto
Christ can be the one thing that is of most worth to each one of us and to Heavenly Father
(see D&C 15:6). The Savior rejoices over the soul that repents (see D&C 18:13). When we
are truly converted, we will more readily relate to the sons of Mosiah and their desire for
the welfare of the souls of the Lamanites: “Now they were desirous that salvation should
be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish;
yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them
to quake and tremble” (Mosiah 28:3). Alma likewise had this desire: “I know that which
the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in
that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may
be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my
joy. And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord
their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for
me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm
which he extended towards me” (Alma 29:9–10). Remember the words of the Savior to
Peter: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). The deeper our conversion, the greater will be
our power to strengthen others.
Remember, everyone in the Church can trace their heritage and membership in the
Church to some missionary somewhere who shared the gospel with them or with their

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ancestors. This revelatory fact can change our attitude and behavior toward our
missionary efforts.
Here are some real-life experiences that demonstrate how anyone can have member
missionary experiences. The Lord will help us at the moment we need help.
As a practicing dentist working in Provo, I treated a great many students from
Brigham Young University. An unwritten, cardinal rule in the health profession is that
one must never put patients ill at ease by talking about religion or politics. One busy
morning I met with a new patient named Rod. He seemed a little downcast, so I asked
how things were going at school.
He responded, “Lousy.”
I was taken aback. “I’m sorry,” I said and began to visit with him about school and his
classes. Knowing he was a freshman, I asked him about his Book of Mormon class.
“Dr. Ed,” he said, “I’m not even a Mormon.”
I looked into his eyes as I had never looked into the eyes of any of my patients. The
Holy Spirit took over, and with great love, I said, “You know, Rod, a guy like you just
ought to be.”
Silence and the Spirit came together. I had never uttered words like that before in my
life. The Spirit was there in abundance. We talked quietly for a few moments, and he
made his return appointment.
A few weeks later, Rod called the office and related this story: “Dr. Ed, when you
looked at me and said those words, something happened inside my soul like I’d never felt
before. I went home and called the bishop and arranged to meet with the missionaries. I
wanted to thank you because I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church last
week.” My heart leapt within my soul. Heavenly Father had provided me a way to help;
the Spirit had put the words in my mouth. Now the credit belongs to God and to Rod’s
wonderful friends who had helped him prepare. Each of us has a part to play in bringing
souls unto Christ. We can be directed in ways to help that happen; we just need to be
willing. Then we will find joy in sharing the gospel, and we will accept this responsibility
with gladness, going forward with faith.
Elder David F. Evans of the Seventy counsels us to pay strict heed to the Holy Spirit
and His promptings: “My counsel is the same that President Monson has given so many
times . . . . Never delay a prompting. As you act on the prompting and do it with love,
watch as our Heavenly Father uses your willingness to act to bring about a miracle in
your life and in the life of the person you care about” (“Was it Worth It?” Ensign, May
2012). That miracle happened to my friend Rod. Following the Spirit is always
appropriate, and I am grateful.
We can even have missionary moments in very unusual circumstances. Just be
prepared. Make a little missionary kit with copies of the Book of Mormon, pass-along
cards, Ensigns, DVDs, and pamphlets to keep in your car so you are always prepared.
Keep them stocked, and you’ll always be ready.
My sweetheart, Pat, was serving as the general president of the Primary, and we were
on our way to the Philmont Scout Ranch, where she was to speak to stake presidents on
the topic of Scouting in the Church. I was driving merrily along, not paying much
attention as the road seemed endless before me and after me. As I was speeding along,
out of nowhere it seemed, flashing lights of red, white, and blue began pulsing behind
me with an ever increasing siren blaring in the quiet desert of New Mexico. I looked
down, and, sure enough, I was speeding. I’d probably exceeded the speed limit by ten
miles an hour. I pulled over quickly to the side of the road and rolled down my window.

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The highway patrolman walked up to my side of the car and asked for the usual
documentation of license and registration. I provided it and expressed my sorrow
for going too fast. He acknowledged that I indeed had broken the law and said he would
need to give me a ticket. Then, out of the blue, I said, “Since you are giving me something,
the least I can do is give you a present.” I opened the door and reached into the backseat
to get one of the copies of the Book of Mormon. (Remember, this was back in the days
when such an action on the part of a stopped motorist could happen without unhappy
legal repercussions.) Then I said something like, “I am giving you a most priceless gift
that will bring you closer to Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I want you to
know that I love this book and testify that it is true.”
As I looked into his eyes as I was presenting him the book, it was as if the world
stopped for a few precious moments. There was a hush over the desert, and the Spirit
was there. He looked at me and said, “Thank you. Could I have the ticket back, please?”
Then he wrote on it in big letters: WARNING. I smiled and thanked him, and he smiled
and thanked me, and I solemnly got back into the car and prayed that he would know
that the Book of Mormon was true and that it was the word of God. Now please
understand that I was given a missionary moment on an isolated road in the desert of
New Mexico—not because of, but in spite of, my failure to obey the speed limit. I thanked
the Lord for His tender mercy, and we proceeded on our way. Keep your mind focused
on missionary opportunities, for they are waiting everywhere you turn, and sometimes
in the most unexpected or unlikely circumstances. Just be ready.
Never give up! Everyone has first-time fears, but they will go away as we simply open
our mouth and trust in the Lord. President Kimball shared several examples of members
having “sharing the gospel” experiences such as the one that follows here:
A beauty operator, a member, asked her new client if she would like to read a
Church tract while waiting and placed it in her client’s hand. The answer was
“No.” Then she offered a copy of the Book of Mormon and again the answer
was “No.” Not giving up, the member picked up a Church magazine from
another table as though it were a commercial magazine and gave that to her
client to read. Quickly thumbing through the pages the client readily realized
it was also Church material, but as she moved to lay it down, she noticed an
article entitled, “Love at Home.” Having some serious troubles with her
husband, she decided to read the article. Then during the rest of the visit a
lengthy conversation developed around Mormon home life. The result was a
visit arranged immediately with the missionaries. The husband wasn’t
present at the first visit, but the wife gave him an ultimatum: “Listen to these
missionaries or the children and I may leave.” He listened. They were
baptized as a family. He is a high councilor today. (“It Becometh Every
Man,” Ensign, Oct. 1977)
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
Make a list of some things you can do to share the gospel. You could consider some of
the following: Donate to the missionary fund. Pray for all those who do not know God
(see Alma 6:6). Place a copy of the Book of Mormon. Hand out pass-along cards. Set a
date to find someone ready to hear the gospel. Visit the less active and friends of other
faiths in your own neighborhood. Serve and fellowship a new convert. Accompany the
full-time missionaries on their discussion appointments. Put in your missionary papers
and go on a full-time or Church-service mission—and the list goes on. Go online and

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share the gospel. If you are not sure how to do it, go to memembermissionaries.org, and
the instructions are there.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength and exercise your faith to have
missionary opportunities in your life. Pray for a missionary opportunity every day, and
then make it happen. This can become part of your everyday life as you catch the vision
of missionary work.
Here is a story told in a recent stake conference by Brother Lindsey, who is a counselor
in the Utah Orem Mission presidency. Brother Lindsey asked the Saints to remember
just five words from his message:
Divine Rendezvous and My Nose Hurts. He explained that the Divine Rendezvous
occurs when God puts people in our paths or puts us in the paths of others to give us
opportunities to share the gospel. He told about being on a cruise ship. Early one
morning, he found himself on deck with only one other person—the bartender, who was
just setting up his bar. Brother Lindsey struck up a conversation, not worrying about
“what would others think of him, a Latter-day Saint, standing at the bar.” He learned that
the man was from Cebu in the Philippines. He asked if the man had seen the LDS temple
there—he hadn’t. He asked how long he would be away from his family and learned that
he would be away for nine months, and then would go home for three months. They
talked about families and about being together as families forever. He asked if the bar-
tender would be interested in hearing about how families can be together forever, gave
him a pass-along card, got his contact information, and sent the referral to the Cebu
mission. It was a divine rendezvous!
Brother Lindsey then related the story of when his young son stood to give his first
talk in Primary. He got to the pulpit and froze. He just couldn’t open his mouth. Dad
knelt beside him to help him and, whispering in his ear, said, “Why don’t you give your
talk, David? It starts with . . .” With tears in his eyes, David turned to his dad and
answered, “I can’t, Dad. My nose hurts!” Since then, whenever Brother Lindsey has been
hesitant to open his mouth to share the gospel, the Spirit would remind him with the
question, “Does your nose hurt?”
Keep Your Commitments
Pray for a missionary opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. You can make a
commitment to become a better member missionary.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate your missionary efforts and record in your journal your feelings
about missionary work and your efforts for the day. Every day can be a “sharing the
gospel” day. You will begin to feel like Alma: “Yea, and from that time even until now, I
have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might
bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born
of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” (Alma 36:24). That’s why missionaries of every
kind say, “It was the best two years of my life!” or “It was the happiest time of my life.”

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 DAY 27

HONOR THE SABBATH DAY

HEAVENLY FATHER HAS COMMANDED US to keep the Sabbath day holy. Why? As Elder
James E. Talmage once observed, “God requires thanksgiving, praise and worship, not
for His gratification as the recipient of adulation, but for the good of His children”
(Sunday Night Talks by Radio, 2nd ed. [Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints], 1931, 486). The Sabbath is the Lord’s day, but He made it for us.
The purpose of the Sabbath is to worship God, rest from our daily labors, renew our
covenants by partaking of the sacrament, pray together with other Church members,
receive instruction and edification through the word of God, and become pure and clean
before the Lord. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is not only one of the Ten
Commandments, but it signifies our covenant with and dependence on God: “Verily my
sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations;
that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13).
President Spencer W. Kimball has taught: “The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do
worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important but
insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely
lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be
on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill
and distressed, sleeping, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of
that day to which he is expected. To fail to do these proper things is a transgression on
the omission side” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 96–97).
Elder L. Whitney Clayton inspired me to be more observant of the Sabbath day when
he wrote these admonishing and inspiring words:
For that reason, there are some things we should always take with us when
we go to church. Foremost among these are a broken heart and a contrite
spirit. We should go eager to seek and feel the blessings of the Savior’s
Atonement. Similarly, we should always leave some things at home. Thoughts
of sports, work, entertainment, and shopping ought to be left locked in a
closet inside our homes to be opened on any day other than the Sabbath day.
Genuine worship promotes real conversion. It helps us send the roots of our
faith down deep, where we find a spiritual reservoir, which “shall be in [us] a
well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). (“Rooted in
Christ” Ensign, Aug. 2016, emphasis added)
The Lord has said, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath” (Mark 2:27; emphasis added). The Sabbath is a gift from God. It is a day of rest
from our daily pursuits. The Sabbath day is to be kept holy, hallowed, and consecrated
to our Heavenly Father. It is a reminder of the goodness of the Lord in delivering His
people out of bondage; it is a reminder of our deliverance from spiritual bondage. Its
purpose is to sanctify His people.
Gain Your Vision
Elder Russell M. Nelson helped us gain a clear vision of what to do on the Sabbath day
when he said,
How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the
work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on

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 the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my
conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and
my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos
and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was
appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to
give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal
clear. (“The Sabbath Is a Delight” Ensign, Apr. 2015)
Do we recognize the importance and power of keeping the Sabbath day holy? Do we
have the vision of what we should be doing? Ponder, pray, and meditate on the
importance and blessings of the Sabbath day in your life. One question we can use to
measure a Sabbath activity is, “Am I going about doing good?” This was the very question
the Lord asked: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil” (Mark 3:4)?
This question makes our decisions easier.
Gain Your Desire
Do we feel the need to keep the Sabbath day holy? Do we realize that we have made a
covenant to do so? Do we feel the need to go about doing good on the Sabbath? Do we
yearn to express gratitude and love to Heavenly Father on the Sabbath day? Each of these
questions should heighten our desire to keep the Sabbath day holy. We reverence our
Heavenly Father as we keep the Sabbath day holy. Through renewing our covenants and
being edified, we are strengthened so as to keep ourselves free from temptation and sin
(unspotted from the world). We pay our tithes and offerings (oblations). We bind
ourselves to the Lord by renewing our covenants as we partake of the sacrament.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
The Sabbath day is the day to do good—and what is good? To do good is to bless and
serve your fellow men (see Matthew 25:40). It is to strengthen those around us (see D&C
108:7). It is to practice pure religion (seeJames 1:27). It is to pray for those who know
not God (see Alma 6:6). The Sabbath day is a day of joy, a day of love and service, and
this includes helping the ox out of the mire whenever necessary (see Luke 14:5). Our
focus should be on what we can do to keep the Sabbath holy, not just what
we can’t or shouldn’t do.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Make the Sabbath day a
wonderful and positive day of worship—a day of delight. Too many times the Sabbath is
a day of “Don’t to this” and “Don’t do that.” This is sad. Don’t make the Sabbath day a
day of negatives. Focus on the privileges of the Sabbath. It is a day we are privileged
to worship and pay homage to our Heavenly Father and Savior. We are privileged to rest
from our daily labors, we are privileged to bless our brothers and sisters, and we are
privileged to be with family and make the Sabbath a joyous and happy day. The Sabbath
is a wonderful day to give a little bit more to the Lord.
The devil works hard to help us break our Sabbath-day covenant with the Lord. He
uses every device imaginable. “This one time won’t matter.” “Three hours is enough.
Relax and watch a little movie on TV.” “Family togetherness is what matters, so go to the
ballgame and plan a fishing trip on stake conference weekend.” The devil is the great
rationalizer, so beware! The Lord wants the Sabbath day to be a delight through
worshipping God and going about doing good.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to keeping the Sabbath day holy? Are we truly
dedicated to Christ and the love of God, which was expressed through the Atonement?

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Today we can keep the Sabbath day holy. We can keep our covenants and go about doing
good. Don’t become discouraged because you aren’t doing all that you can. Each Sabbath
day is a day to recommit to righteousness.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Review and evaluate the way you are keeping the Sabbath day holy and record in your
journal the wonderful feelings and events of the Sabbath day. Every week we can renew
our covenants, worship Heavenly Father, show gratitude for our Savior Jesus Christ, and
live by the Spirit to bless and serve our fellow men. What a glorious day—and you can
make it that kind of day every week.

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 DAY 28

PAY YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

THERE IS GREAT JOY IN paying our tithing when we remember all that Heavenly Father
and our Savior have done for us. It is a sign of our gratitude and love. Surely Heavenly
Father and our Savior are pleased with our efforts. The Lord reminds us, “Bring ye all the
tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now
herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour
you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). The
Lord always has promised blessings in store for us as we keep the commandments.
Tithing is used to build up the kingdom of God, which is part of our covenant as
members of the Church. Just think, our tithes and offerings build chapels and temples
and other Church buildings, help the missionary effort go forth throughout the earth,
provide a budget for all the activities of the wards and stakes, help expand the family
history effort, and the list goes on. Tithing is used to bless lives, just as our fast offerings
are used to help the poor and needy. Everything in the Church is about helping people
come unto Christ and enjoy the blessings of the gospel here upon the earth.
President Joseph F. Smith has taught:
By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put
to the test. By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God
and who is against it. By this principle it shall be seen whose hearts are set on
doing the will of God and keeping his commandments, thereby sanctifying
the land of Zion unto God, and who are opposed to this principle and have cut
themselves off from the blessings of Zion. There is a great deal of importance
connected with this principle, for by it shall be known whether we are faithful
or unfaithful. In this respect it is as essential as faith in God, as repentance of
sin, as baptism for the remission of sin, or as the laying on of hands for the
gift of the Holy Ghost. For if a man keep all the law save one point, and he
offend in that, he is a transgressor of the law, and he is not entitled to the
fulness of the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But when a man keeps
all the law that is revealed, according to his strength, his substance, and his
ability, though what he does may be little, it is just as acceptable in the sight
of God as if he were able to do a thousand times more.” (Gospel Doctrine,
225)
President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: “The law of tithing is a law designed to bless
us. It does not take from us, it adds to us. It is not so much a matter of money as it is a
matter of faith, and great are the promises of the Lord to those who live honestly with
Him in the payment of their tithes and their offerings” (Teachings of Gordon B.
Hinckley, 405).
Gain Your Vision
Do we recognize the importance and power of paying our tithes and offerings? Ponder,
pray, and meditate on the joy and blessing of paying our tithes and offerings to the Lord.
We are literally giving back one tenth of what the Lord has given us.
Gain Your Desire
Do you feel the need to show gratitude to Heavenly Father through paying your tithes
and offerings? Heavenly Father has given us everything. He asks for so little in return.

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We are indebted to Him for all things, including our life (see Mosiah 2: 20–21). We
should have a strong desire to be an honest tithe payer and generous in our donations.
Paying an honest tithe is a requirement for entering the Lord’s holy house.Remember
Malachi’s words: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have
we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8). After all our Heavenly Father and
Savior have done for us, it seems the very least we can do.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
The law of tithing is simple. We should make plans to give one tenth of our increase
on a regular basis. It is not a complicated mathematical process. Rather, it is a symbol of
our discipleship and love of God.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to become a faithful tithe payer.
When we understand the law of tithing and the use of tithes and offerings, we should
come to realize that it is a privilege the Lord gives us to help build up the kingdom of God
here upon the earth, whether it is building chapels and temples or caring for the poor.
We should find great joy in living the law, which is part of our temple covenants.
We might think, Things are tight. There is not enough money for my needs. The Lord
will take care of His children as we honor His commandment of paying our tithes and
offerings.
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to pay tithes and offerings? Today we can commit to
being a full tithe payer and make generous donations to the fast offering and to the other
needs of the Church.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Reflect on your debt of gratitude to the Lord and record your feelings in your journal.
Paying an honest tithe demonstrates love for Heavenly Father and the Savior. The joy of
being a kingdom builder by paying tithes and offerings brings fulfillment to the soul—a
satisfaction of knowing we are obeying the Lord and blessing our brothers and sisters.

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 DAY 29

STRIVE FOR VIRTUE AND PURITY

“WE BELIEVE IN BEING HONEST, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to
all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things,
we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all
things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek
after these things” (A of F 1:13).
The dictionary definition of the term virtue entails high moral standards,
while purity implies being free from moral or physical defilement, being chaste, free
from pollution, being absolute, clean, blameless—even sinless. This seems a bit daunting
and overwhelming. How can we be completely pure and virtuous when we are still mortal
and subject to sin? We can aspire to absolute purity in the strength of the Lord and
through the help of the Holy Spirit, which can sanctify us (see 3 Nephi 27:20). We can
become clean through the Lord Jesus Christ as we repent and apply the enabling power
of the infinite Atonement.
President Howard W. Hunter exhorted us to be pure:
We must strive to be pure in thought and action.
It is impressive to me that the primary requirement of the Lord for the
work of his ministry is personal purity. To the first elders of the Church, the
Lord said:
“Sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and
your feet before me, that I may make you clean” (D&C 88:74).
This implies more than just a chaste life. To those ordained to the ministry,
the Lord said, “Strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble
yourselves before me” (D&C 67:10). We are further told that we cannot be
pure in heart until we have acquired the pure love of Christ, which is charity,
“that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48).
Purity of thought and action therefore requires you to take on the mind of
Christ! As we ponder on the meaning of this thought, it is evident that
spiritual promptings do not come to one who is covetous in heart, nor will
they come to one who has an irritable disposition, one who is jealous, one who
doubts, or one who constantly worries. (The Teachings of Howard W.
Hunter, 75)
President Ezra Taft Benson reminds us: “We covenant to live the law of chastity. The
law of chastity is virtue and sexual purity. This law places us under covenant to live this
commandment strictly” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 278). Remember, it is the
Lord who makes us pure as we give ourselves to Him and practice repentance.
When we repent, we receive the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and we become clean and
pure. We become sanctified, holy, and without spot through Christ the Lord as we are
perfected in Him (see Moroni 10:32–33).
Gain Your Vision
Virtue is liberating, while immorality is enslaving. If freedom is a principle by which
we live, then virtue is its gateway, for virtue leads to purity, harmony, peace, balance, and
power. If we yield to momentary pleasures and titillations and choose to ignore the
alienation that comes from that kind of behavior, then misery and sorrow become the

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results. The repentance process is vital in being pure and virtuous. Ponder, pray, and
meditate on the importance and blessing of virtue and purity in your life.
Purity of heart is reflected in our behavior, our thoughts, our intentions, and through
our affections toward God. When we experience a change of heart and follow through
with a change in the way we comport ourselves—cultivating a “godly walk and
conversation” (D&C 20:69)—we become pure and receive the blessings of the Spirit,
being worthy to be in the presence of God.
Gain Your Desire
Do we realize that by ourselves we are weak and need the strength of the Lord in order
to become virtuous, pure, and righteous? Do we yearn to be clean and pure? Each of these
questions should heighten our desire to be pure and virtuous. Entrance into the Lord’s
holy house requires that we are pursuing a pure and virtuous life.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
What specific things do we need to do to be pure and virtuous so these attributes will
be efficacious in our lives? The Lord gives us a glorious promise regarding the power of
virtue in our lives: “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the
household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy
confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall
distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant
companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy
dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow
unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45–46).
Set some goals and make some plans to “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”
Living a virtuous and pure life puts us on the pathway to eternal life.
Work with All Diligence
Work with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, and the Lord will bless you and
make you clean. Virtue is strong, while immorality is weak. It takes strength of character
to lead a life of virtue and integrity, while a life of lax morals and pandering to the
appetites of passion is shallow and weak. Our environment can make a big difference.
We can put ourselves in uplifting and virtuous situations. We can control the unfolding
of our life. We can read uplifting books, watch ennobling television shows and movies,
use the Internet to expand our mind rather than debase it, and speak in positive and
honorable terms with others. Cultivate the fruit of virtue with care and patience. Virtue
should become a top priority in our life.
We become pure and sanctified by the Spirit as we yield our hearts to God
(see Helaman 3:35). As we do this, we will choose to be obedient and show love to one
another because a pure heart is always full of love.
The devil is working to destroy the virtue and purity of every living person on this
earth. He whispers, “If you love each other, it’s okay.” “Consenting adults makes
everything right.” Self-aggrandizement and sexual promiscuity are wrong under any
circumstances, and the commandments of God still reign supreme. Set your standard to
meet the Lord’s expectations. Honor your temple covenants.
We should continually strive to attain a state of purity in our lives. In the strength of
the Lord, we can become persons of noble character, exemplary behavior, integrity, and
moral goodness. May you make a commitment to stand for virtue and to make a
difference in the world by promoting a moral environment in your community. Consider
the magnificent blessings that flow to the pure in heart: “But behold, I, Jacob, would
speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray

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unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions . . . O all ye that
are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon
his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever” (Jacob 3:1–2).
Keep Your Commitments
What is our level of commitment to live a virtuous life? Today we can live a life of
virtue and purity. Virtue does not just happen. It takes effort, and we can be a virtuous
person in the strength of the Lord.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Reflect upon your life and record in your journal your feelings and plans concerning
virtue and purity. Every day you can do and be better. If we have made mistakes, the Lord
will understand if we plead for His help to become virtuous and pure in all things. Never
forget that the Savior’s Atonement can make all things right through repentance:
“Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember
them no more” (D&C 58:42).

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 DAY 30

BECOME SELF-RELIANT—TEMPORALLY AND SPIRITUALLY

WHEN WE EXHIBIT A POSITIVE attitude, a trust within, a certainty of our abilities, with a
hope and assurance that we can perform well, we indeed have self-confidence and the
capacity for self-reliance. We can be depended upon to do what is expected of us. This
can range from providing for our families to fulfilling our callings. People who have this
quality, though they may not have achieved mastery in all aspects of their lives, have the
ability to succeed in difficult situations. When we truly believe in ourselves, we will
always do better because we know in whom we trust and wherein lies our strength: “Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6; emphasis added;
see also Alma 26:11–12). One of the great things we can do for others, especially our
children, is to help them grow up with self-confidence. This will contribute, in turn, to
their resourcefulness and self-reliance—especially if they are trained to depend on the
Lord and follow the promptings of His Spirit.
Elder L. Tom Perry has taught, “The Lord does help when we go to him in times of
need, especially when we are committed to his work and responding to his will. But the
Lord only helps those who are willing to help themselves. He expects his children to be
self-reliant to the degree they can be.”
As President Heber J. Grant declared, “Nothing destroys the individuality of a man, a
woman, or a child as much as the failure to be self-reliant” (Living with Enthusiasm, 96).
President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
We feel the need to emphasize with greater clarity the obligation for members
of the Church to become more independent and self-reliant, to increase
personal and family responsibility, to cultivate spiritual growth, and to be
more fully involved in Christian service. . . .
We teach self-reliance as a principle of life, that we ought to provide for
ourselves and take care of our own needs. . . .The individual, as we teach,
ought to do for himself all that he can do for himself.” (Teachings of Gordon
B. Hinckley, 584–86)
When we place our confidence and trust in the Lord and pursue our life’s goal in
righteousness and obedience, we can know that He will prosper our paths in ways that
will ensure us and our families the greatest spiritual benefit. We must remember that
self-reliance—whether temporal or spiritual—must be firmly rooted in reliance on our
Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Leaning on the Lord in humility and faith
protects us from prideful self-sufficiency and arrogance and opens the way for
achievements that will bring the greatest eternal blessings into our life. It is interesting
to note that it is only when we rely on the Lord that we can truly rely on ourselves.
Gain Your Vision
Do we understand and appreciate the importance and power of the Holy Ghost in our
life, the power that enables us to be self-reliant? “And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee,
put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly,
to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto
you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; And
then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me,

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which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall
receive” (D&C 11:12–14).
“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the
Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5).
Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance and blessing of self-reliance with the
power of the Holy Ghost in your life.
Gain Your Desire
When we recognize our dependence on the Lord, we can become totally independent
of the world. As we rely on the Lord, He will provide a way (see 1 Nephi 3:7) when we do
our part. The Lord expects us to do our part (see D&C 9:5–7) in regard to our temporal
and spiritual needs. We must pray, search the scriptures, and seek to live by the Spirit,
yielding our heart to God and yielding to the enticings of the Holy Spirit. President
Gordon B. Hinckley noted,
I once clipped an interesting ad from one of our magazines. It reads as
follows:
I want my boy to have all the advantages I can give him—
Such as having to earn his own allowance by running errands, cutting
lawns.
Such as getting good grades in school—getting them because he
wants to, and because he knows what it would do to me if he didn’t.
Such as being proud to be clean and neat and decent.
Such as standing up and standing proud when his country’s flag goes
by.
Such as having to earn his own way in the world and knowing he has
to prepare for it by hard work, hard study, and sacrificing some of the
pleasures and ease his friends may get from too-indulgent parents.
These are the advantages I want my son to have, because these are
the things which will make him self-respecting and self-reliant and
successful. And that is the happiness I want him to have.” (Be Thou an
Example [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1981], 18)
Becoming self-reliant requires us to learn to do hard things. Without learning to do
hard things, we will often suffer anxiety when placed in a difficult or new situation.
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
The Lord expects us to “do many good things of our own free will. . . . For the power
(the inspiration of the Spirit) is in [us]” (D&C 58:27–28). This is the essence of self-
reliance.
Put in place a plan to live by the Holy Spirit so that you can and will ensure your
temporal and your spiritual well-being. Always counsel with the Lord (see Jacob 4:10).
Organize every needful thing. Make it happen. Self-reliance—in the strength of the
Lord—is empowering to the soul.
Work with All Diligence
The Lord has counseled us about our work ethic. We must be diligent (work with all
our heart, might, mind, and strength) in all things. There can never and will never be a
substitute for work. Our blessings and final judgment will depend upon our good works
(see 2 Nephi 28:23; D&C 137:9).
Self-reliance is dependent upon being directed by the Holy Spirit and not yielding to
the enticings of the devil. Self-doubt can come when we see our own frailties, but the

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Lord makes all the difference through the enabling power of the infinite Atonement.
Remember, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians.
4:13). When in doubt, remember the Psalm of Nephi:
Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me
his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I
am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because
of mine iniquities.
I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which
do so easily beset me.
And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins;
nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in
the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake
before me.
Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by
visions in the night-time.
And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice
have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me. (2
Nephi 4:17–24)
Like Nephi, we too can become self-reliant because we have become spiritually strong
through the Lord.
Keep Your Commitments
Today you can commit to do some things to become Spirit-directed and self-reliant in
all things.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Reflect on your life and how you follow the promptings of Holy Ghost and record in
your journal your plan to be spirit-directed and self-reliant; follow up on it weekly. There
is a confidence that comes from knowing we have done our best to make things happen.
Surely the Lord is pleased as we put forth our very best effort and express gratitude to
Him for all things.

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 DAY 31

SEEK TO DEVELOP CHARITY

PERHAPS OUR MOST IMPORTANT AND vital objective as a disciple of Christ is acquiring the
attribute of charity. We should seek to be filled with charity, which is the pure love of
Christ: “And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up,
seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity
but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are
nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of
all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever;
and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Moroni 7:45–
47). Charity is the ultimate attribute of Christ’s divine nature. It is obtained through faith,
virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, and godliness, with all
humility and diligence (see D&C 4:6; see also 2 Peter 1:5–8), and Heavenly Father
bestows charity “upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48).
The pure love of Christ is total, complete, enduring, and Godlike.
President Ezra Taft Benson has said, “The final and crowning virtue of the divine
character is charity, or the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47). If you would truly seek
to be more like our Savior and Master, then learning to love as He loves should be our
highest goal. Mormon called charity ‘the greatest of all’ (Moroni 7:46). Charity never
seeks selfish gratification. The pure love of Christ seeks only the eternal growth and joy
of others (“Godly Characteristics of the Master,” Ensign, Nov. 1986). President Benson
further states: “The Lord Jesus Christ liberated man from the world by the pure gospel
of love. He demonstrated that man, through the love of God and through kindness and
charity to His fellows, could achieve His highest potential. He lived the plain and sure
doctrine of service, of doing good to all men—friends and enemies alike (The Teachings
of Ezra Taft Benson, 275).
From the Prophet Joseph we learn: “Until we have perfect love we are liable to fall;
and when we have a testimony that our names are sealed in the Lamb’s book of life, we
have perfect love, and then it is impossible for false Christs to deceive us” (Encyclopedia
of Joseph Smith’s Teachings, ed. Donald Q. Cannon, Larry E. Dahl [Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1997], 1).
Gain Your Vision
Do we recognize the importance and power of possessing the pure love of Christ in our
life? Ponder, pray, and meditate on the importance and blessing of charity in your life.
Charity can never fail. This is what Peter was encouraging us to do with all diligence in
order that we might make our calling and election sure:
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to
patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath
forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

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 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5–11)
Gain Your Desire
Mormon has stated, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all
the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all
who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that
when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have
this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen” (Moroni 7:48).
When we possess the pure love of Christ, our desires will be like those of the Savior—
to please God (seeJohn 8:28–29) and to go about doing good (see Acts 10:38).
Prepare—Set Your Goals and Make Your Plans
It is vital to have a time, a place, and a way to pray and feast upon the word of God so
we can be true followers of our Savior Jesus Christ. By holding to the iron rod, we can
partake of the fruit of the tree, even the love of God, and be happy (see 1 Nephi 8:10; 4
Nephi 1:15–16). When we pray with all the energy of our heart, we can receive the
blessing of charity in our life so that when the Lord appears we can be like Him
(seeMoroni 7:48). Mormon identified thirteen qualities within charity that we can
regularly review: “And charitysuffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not
puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth
not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things,believeth all things, hopeth
all things, endureth all things” (Moroni 7:45; emphasis added). All of these become
reminders of our goals and plans to possess charity.
Work with All Diligence
As we work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to possess charity, we will
see the integral connection between faith, hope, and charity: “Wherefore, there must be
faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there
must also be charity” (Moroni 10:20). They are inseparable and work in harmony. “And
see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works”
(Alma 7:24). “Faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify
him for the work” (D&C 4:5). Charity never fails. Christ did not fail His Father, nor did
He fail us; His pure love motivated His great sacrifice (see 2 Nephi 26:24)—the eternal,
infinite, vicarious Atonement. When we seek to possess that love, we will act according
to the principles of the Atonement. When we possess charity—the pure love of Christ, a
love for all men, the desire to bless and serve—we will not fail in the strength of the Lord,
for in the strength of the Lord we can do all things (see Alma 26:12).
Keep Your Commitments
Make a commitment. Today you can seek to possess charity and live a life that reflects
the pure love of Christ in all things. This is the culmination and essence of becoming a
better you—a better disciple of Jesus Christ. And you can do it because Heavenly Father
will bestow this magnificent blessing upon you for your best efforts at becoming a true
follower of His beloved Son.
Follow Up, Evaluate, Begin Again
Reflect upon your life and your desire to possess charity, and record in your journal
your feelings about charity and your quest to take upon yourself the divine nature of
Christ. Every day is a day to emulate the Savior by expressing the pure love of Christ in
all that you do—and the joy and blessings are always apparent, for charity never fai

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 CONCLUSION

REMEMBER, IN YOUR QUEST TO become a better disciple of the Savior Jesus Christ, it is
important to balance your life in all things 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). Don’t live in the
tomorrows. Make today special and enjoyable. Change your perspective so you won’t
continually be bombarded with unrealized expectations. Let gratitude flow from your
heart and mind continually so you can see your blessings and appreciate life. Let the great
moments of life be enjoyed today and forever. Remember the past, enjoy the work of
today, and hope for a better tomorrow, and sooner or later things willbe better.
Remember the happy moments with gratitude, appreciate the challenges with gratitude,
and live with Amulek’s advice ringing in your ears and pounding in your hearts: “That ye
live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon
you” (Alma 34:38).
In this quest to become like the Lord Jesus Christ, you will find yourself drawing
nearer and nearer to Him. You will become more and more like Him and enjoy the
companionship of the Holy Spirit in all that you do. You will please your Heavenly Father
even as the Savior pleased Him. Life will be full of the sweet blessings of peace as you
have followed your Savior. He said, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the
meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23). You will have
endured to the end and hear the sweet voice of your Heavenly Father saying, “Ye shall
have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).
With love and gratitude,
Ed J. Pinegar

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ED J. PINEGAR IS THE author of more than sixty nonfiction books, audio books, and talks.
He is also the author of a tender Christmas story titled The Christmas Code, which will
be released this year.
He has had the opportunity to teach at Brigham Young University, the Orem Institute of
Religion, the Provo MTC, various seminaries, and BYU Education Week. He has been
blessed with the opportunity to serve in many positions of leadership within The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, most recently serving as the Manti Temple president.
He and his wife, Pat, are the parents of eight, grandparents of thirty-eight, and great-
grandparents of twenty-four. Ed and his wife live in Orem, Utah.

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