President Monson suggested a formula for success that will be impactful to all areas of our lives:
"First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love"
This formula is made more meaningful because it epitomizes President Monson's life. He has lived a life of service and love, and his decisions have been guided by truth. What an incredible example for us to follow.
I have found it to be relatively easy to follow these guidelines in a "church" environment", however, to be truly successful - we need to be able to apply this in all facets of our lives.
We looked at case studies this week. They were situations of conflict between work and family, in both cases someone needed to make a choice. I know how I was supposed to address the cases, but in reality, I am not convinced I would have made the right choice, in either of the situations. I have never had to choose between family and work, as a single person for most of my adult life, it was easy to choose work. There were no conflicts. I am not sure how well I would have done if I had a family. I may never know.
"First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love"
This formula is made more meaningful because it epitomizes President Monson's life. He has lived a life of service and love, and his decisions have been guided by truth. What an incredible example for us to follow.
I have found it to be relatively easy to follow these guidelines in a "church" environment", however, to be truly successful - we need to be able to apply this in all facets of our lives.
We looked at case studies this week. They were situations of conflict between work and family, in both cases someone needed to make a choice. I know how I was supposed to address the cases, but in reality, I am not convinced I would have made the right choice, in either of the situations. I have never had to choose between family and work, as a single person for most of my adult life, it was easy to choose work. There were no conflicts. I am not sure how well I would have done if I had a family. I may never know.
This week we have also studied a talk entitled "Attitude on Money" by Stephen W Gibson.
I have never been very good with money. That is not because of a shortage of money, on the contrary, I have been well paid, and the companies that I have worked for have also provided well for my retirement. It is interesting now that I find myself unemployed, I realize if I had been smarter with my money, I would be considering retiring and serving a mission, but I anticipate I will have to work another 10 years before I retire.
I have never been very good with money. That is not because of a shortage of money, on the contrary, I have been well paid, and the companies that I have worked for have also provided well for my retirement. It is interesting now that I find myself unemployed, I realize if I had been smarter with my money, I would be considering retiring and serving a mission, but I anticipate I will have to work another 10 years before I retire.
My attitude with money has a huge impact on the way I live. My frivolous approach has delayed my plans to serve a mission; I will be a lot older that I would like, and that will impact the number and nature of missions.
On the other hand, my poor attitude towards money has enabled me to live a "nicer" life than I probably should. If I were more frugal, I would likely travel less, have a smaller home, more inexpensive car etc. My income has afforded me a nice lifestyle that I have grown accustomed to.
On the plus side, I find great joy in using my money to help others. I love to pay for meals for strangers in restaurants, I love to help others that have little, and I enjoy doing it anonymously.
We learned of 6 key rules for propsering:
1. Seek the Lord and have hope in Him
2. Keep the commandments
3. Think about money and plan how you can become self reliant
4. Take advantage of chances for learning
5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated
6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.
Can money buy happiness? No, but it can buy ice cream, and that's practically the same thing :)
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