I had a lovely blessing given to me that I treasure and read freguently. There are two sentences that I often ponder upon. One is to be optimistic and cheerful. The other is to accept gladly church assignments and responsibilities. Because of the second one I have yet to turn down a calling or assignment in my church. I must add here that I have been deeply blessed by all of these opportunities to serve. You know the thought that when you write about something it may be for your benefit more than for others.This may be true for me today.
OK, I am not always optimistic and cheerful; although I try to be. Today I was helping a dear sister who has been trying to get her Social Security Card replaced. I took her to the Social Security office for the third time. She finally had her birth certificate of which she thought was the only item she needed. We were informed that she had an expired Driver's License so it would not count as an Valid ID and she would need to bring another document in to prove her identiy. We tried last week to get her a Valid ID at the Driver's License office but they needed a copy of her Social Security card. I don't think this is a win win situation. I also took her to another government office to take in the last paper she thought was needed for her file.We have been to this office 5 times. Again, this was not the last trip there. She now had to apply for a hearing and would need other documentation. After today's events I am not feeling very optimistic or cheerful about the outcome of all of this. It has been a long day.
However, when I get in these moods I know that if I will pray and read my scriptures, Ensign article, a good book or do a blog post; I will feel much better. Sometimes, vigorous exercise helps; but I am way too tired for that. However many times I just enjoy wallering in my moment of depression.
I have been reading a new book entitled: "65 Signs Of The Times" by David J. Ridges. David Ridges said the following of our past Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Pres. Hinckley was a wonderful prophet to follow. He exuded optimism and had a delightful sense of humor. At a multi-stake regional conference some years ago that I attended, during the Saturday priesthood leadership session, President Hinckley kept the priesthood brethren laughing for a solid 45 minutes".
President Hinckley spoke at my Father in law, LaMar Williams's funeral and said the following. "As I have been attending the funerals of my associates I feel like I am the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing." He lived until he was 97 years old. Yes, he was a wonderful optimistic and cheerful prophet.
President Thomas S. Monson
Our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson also teaches on this subject of being optimistic. Here are some some thoughts from him given on April 5, 2009 Sunday Morning Session of General Conference. The message was entitled: "Be Of Good Cheer."It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future -or even fearful of what might come- if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I'd like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges--and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 1:25). How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you." (D&C 68:6)
He concluded this message by declaring the following:
I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storms clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us."
President Gordon B. Hinckley
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
By President Gordon B. Hinckley
Now I feel better!
Now I feel better!
12. We believe in being asubject to bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the dlaw.
We believes that no matter where you live in the world you should obey, honor and sustain the law of that country.This means we should not drive faster than the speed limit! This means that we pay our taxes and obey many other laws that are given. We believe that the Constitution of the United States and Declaration of Independance were inspired. We believe that when we are voting on a measure, amendment or other issues we should be informed and vote according to our own individual conscience. In this political year we are encouraged to read and participate in choosing men or women that represent our values. We are again encouraged to learn about the canidates and then vote according to our own inspiration.
10 comments:
I agree. We should all "be of good cheer," remembering that we have a loving Father in Heaven who is watching over us in good times and bad.
=)
"Be of good cheer." It seems so simple, but in reality it can be a daunting goal sometimes. However when we do do what we must to turn a depressing day into one of delight, it ALWAYS worth it in the end.
The first thing you have taught me is to be very careful with birth certificates and social security cards.
And I am very grateful for the second part. I have been doing some research and writing for UFI and have had a hard time with a positive attitude about things. Thanks for the reminder.
I have wanted to quit the political stuff because it is hard to know about so much evil. But I know I should be doing it. It is good to let other people know what is happening out there, and I can still be positive about the future. The prophet reminds us that every general conference.
You are awesome by the way. I hope you can rest well tonight.
What a conundrum to figure out! Government can be such a problem to deal with. I've found that with a live-in disabled adult I take care of. Good luck with that.
I loved that talk. I struggle with this from time to time too. President Ballard was in our stake conference a little over a week ago and made the comment, "Do you ever wonder why you shouted for joy for the opportunity to come here?" It was funny but really summed up some feelings on certain days. I love that even when things are going wrong, if we look deep enough we can find many things to cheer about. Thanks for the post! What a great reminder.
I do try so hard to be optomistic. I loved reading this blog because it brought back so many things that I know I need to do. I promise to work on some of them better.
Funny that you should post this ever so close to my thoughts today as I had decided that I may have to live with this dizziness for the rest of my life. It wasn't as daunting as I thought it would be. Certainly the alternative isn't nearly as attractive as I am just not ready to leave this life just yet. So I had decided totally on my own to "Be of good cheer" It will be a lot easier on Dick too if I just forget about complaining. I promise you, I will not even mention dizziness on my blog unless by some miracle it goes away and then I will let EVERYONE know because I have complained so much about it that I have way too many people feeling sorry for me. I really don't want that!! Thanks again for another great post. I'm not sure how you seem to post the ones I really need to read, but I'm glad you do.
It can sometimes be really hard to find our light in a day that seems dark and dismal, but it is there. We just have to persevere. I loved President Hinckley and I love President Monson. I never tire of their words or wisdom. Great sources of inspiration and great examples of faith. You are also a great source of inspiration and faith for me. I love you to bits.xxoo
So encouraging.
Thank you so much LeAnn! I really needed to read this. I think it is easy to become discouraged and it is always good to read our dear prophets' words of optimism!! You have cheered up the sad, and made someone feel glad:) Melody
Great post! I loved President Hinckley's positive attitude and Pres. Monson is always so encouraging. Be positive and optimistic surely helps one get through the day.
Also, you are the winner of my giveaway. Please send me your mailing address. Thanks, Nola
wonderful post! I sometimes get so bogged down with worrying about the future, but President Monson's advice that the reason we feel frightened is because we are focusing on the wrong thing really struck a chord. I had forgotten that advice. Just proves that you should never file a prophet's words away. Or if you do, keep them where you can easily find them again! Thank you for sharing on NOBH!
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