Persective

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth." -- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life", Ensign May 1996

I love the idea of taking a step back during times of stress, economic or otherwise, to truly see the big picture. It's hard to remember sometimes that truly turning our lives over to the Lord is really the only important thing. We think that work or money or entertainment is more important than our relationship with God.

But I believe the stresses remind us - to depend on God and He will help us. Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Just my thoughts over the past few weeks... and I thought I'd share.

Becoming Successful

"If you want to be successful, be excellent. If you want the best the world has to offer, offer the world your best." -- Oprah

Welcome 2008!

Thought for Today

"We actually are living longer, and the time to start taking care of ourselves is right this minute." -- Oprah

Remember that setting goals for the new year is something that should be exciting -- not stressful and overwhelming. Don't overdo it -- make goals you can achieve -- and simplify! Then every day just take small steps towards your goals -- you will reach your ultimate destination -- and you will have fun doing it!

Quote: Success

"The world is so fast that there are days when the person who says it can't be done is interrupted by the person doing it." -- Unknown

Quote: Attitude

"Remember, a good attitude produces good results, a fair attitude fair results, a poor attitude poor results. We each shape our own life, and the shape of it is determined largely by our attitude."

(M. Russell Ballard, “Providing for Our Needs,” Ensign, May 1981, 85)

Quote: Progress

"Progress always involves risk. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first." -- Bob Proctor, Radio and TV personality, success trainer

Mother's Tribute from Oprah

"I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is." -- Oprah

Quote: Goals

"A person who aims at nothing is sure to hit it." -- Unknown

I've been thinking a lot lately about the direction life takes us. I know many people who just "go with the flow" -- whatever fits their whim, but never really getting anywhere. I've been guilty of that myself.

What I've come to discover is that it is vital to set goals for yourself -- whether it be financial, physical, or even spiritual goals -- otherwise, we certainly will not attain the heights which are possible, nor live the life of our dreams.

Quote: Achieving Perfection

"Perfection is our ultimate destination. Righteousness, or goodness, is the chariot to carry us there." -- Michaelene P. Grassli (Ensign, November 1988, p. 92.)

Direction for Life

"It matters very little what we are engaged in, it is impossible for us to do right without the guidance of the Almighty." -- John Taylor (JD, 13:221.)

Quote: Measure of a Man

"The measure of a man is not necessarily his title or his position, but rather how he treats others." -- Victor L. Brown (Ensign, November 1989, p. 76.)

Quote: Thoughts

"Your outer circumstances are but reflections of your inner thoughts." -- Various authors

Quote: Patience

"We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times." -- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Patience, a Key to Happiness", Ensign, May 1987, 30

Quote by Robert F. Kennedy

"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not." -- Robert F. Kennedy

Love of Money

"The love of money is the root of many evils because it often involves selfishness. On the other hand, the wise use of money involves principles of righteousness. It involves sacrifice and discipline. It is the acid test of our faith." -- James E. Faust