Well, that’s it – I’m going to make a consistent effort starting tonight to write in my "online journal" – this blog, every day for the next 30 days.
There’s a quote that states:
Now if you actually complete a 30-day trial, what’s going to happen? First, you’ll go far enough to establish it as a habit, and it will be easier to maintain than it was to begin it. Secondly, you’ll break the addiction of your old habit during this time. Thirdly, you’ll have 30 days of success behind you, which will give you greater confidence that you can continue. And fourthly, you’ll gain 30 days worth of results, which will give you practical feedback on what you can expect if you continue, putting you in a better place to make informed long-term decisions. (30 Days to Success )
So, here it goes…
Day 1 – 4.12.09 – 11:30 p.m.
Today was a great day except that Caleb bonked his head pretty good while running around the house. Josh came yesterday to stay with us for a week, which we’re all excited about. Caleb was running from his room to Madi’s and tripped, hitting his head on the door or wall. Within a few seconds there was a hugh goose-egg (or Easter Egg since today is that day).
I put some ice on it and held him while we watched a DVR recording of Yellowstone. I think he’s ok now.
Church was great. The best thing I came away with today was an idea that came as a result of Brother Whiteheads lesson about loving one another.
I’d decided to bring the boys a treat for Easter. All I could find at home were Oreo cookies so I tried to find a correlation between Oreo’s and what the lesson was on. As I searched for scriptures about love, I found this one:
Moroni 7:47-48:
47 But a charity is the pure b love of Christ, and it endureth c forever ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, a 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 b followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall c be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be d purified even as he is pure. Amen.
As Becky and I talked about this a bit tonight, it’s all about WHY we do what we do. I read the article by Elder Dallin H. Oaks from this last conference titled "Unselfish Service". It’s all about this too. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
…days should include “the matter of spiritual preparation,” including service to others. “An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master,” President Monson said. “He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ In reality,” President Monson concluded, “you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.
Our willingness to sacrifice and our skills in cooperative efforts come from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, from the inspired teachings of our leaders, and from the commitments and covenants we knowingly make.
C. S. Lewis explained this teaching of the Savior: “The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first—wanting to be the centre—wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race. Some people think the fall of man had something to do with sex, but that is a mistake. . . . What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God . And out of that hopeless attempt has come . . . the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”
“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, . . . to volunteer for an assignment. . . .
“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.”
I’m grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for my wife and wonderful children. I love the Atonement and need to apply the things I’ve learned by reading tonight.
I look forward to this 30 Day Challenge and know that "Small Success leads to Big Success!" in every aspect of my life.
Nate
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