Never Be Complacent And Try Hard

Did something in particular really stand out that you would like to remember?

There are a number of things this week that stood out to me, one was James E. Faust’s ‘Nine Suggestions to Qualify More Fully to Receive Blessings of the Holy Ghost.”  Three of these really affected me strongly.  His suggestion to “never be complacent and try hard” is something I have started to adapt straightaway.  I printed it up and put it on my mirror.  It has become my new mantra.  Just six words but I really felt the impact of them.  The reason I have returned back to University is I was feeling stagnant and I wanted to be challenged.  This really epitomizes my current drive to never settle in a mindless routine.  I want to continue to push myself and create resistance in my daily life.  I don’t like the idea of being in a rut. 

The other suggestion that stood out is to beware of pride and flattery.  After watching the video on Tom Monaghan I see the pitfalls and harm of pride.  It was inspiring to see him change his life around and become selfless and help others.  That is where true happiness is found and as I follow President Faust’s council I will be able to avoid the snares of only worrying about you.  Keeping your priorities focused and drawn on the eternal will allow me to not be ensnared.   

The final suggestion I would like to mention, in line with the previous one, is to always try to promote that which is good for others.  I have experienced the rewards and blessings I have received by building up and helping others.  I will make this a priority in my life, that as I learn new information and develop skills I will help those wherever I can.  In doing these suggestions I will become more successful in my secular and spiritual life. 

Finally like to mention the $100.00 challenge.  I presented my 5 ideas to the discussion board this week and their consensus aligned with mine to follow through with the wooden sculpture proposal.  Tomorrow I will collect some more driftwood and begin making the product this weekend.  Looking forward to seeing how this materializes and how I can get the most out of it.  I am going to try my hardest to succeed, in line with James E. Faust’s suggestion.