Wk 11: Measuring the Cost

 

President Monson shares his council in "Formula for Success" in his First Presidency message from March of 1996.  He explains that, as the chosen generation, we have a responsibility "to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well." I think of the saying, where much is given, much is expected.  I remember discussing this with friends many years ago. Our children were still young while theirs were starting to leave the home. My friend was discussing some disappointment in one of their kids who was making poor choices. She explained that his leg up in life (his understanding of the gospel, the opportunity for higher education, and his parents as a safety net) should have allowed him to be further ahead rather than falling behind. I think what President Monson is saying is similar. I have the knowledge of the gospel, a testimony of truth, a chance at higher education, and the support of a strong family. All of these things are blessings that add to my own obligations within God's kingdom. The prophet shares "a formula that in my judgment will help you and help me to journey well through mortality and to that great reward of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father." 

1. Fill our mind with truth - study the scriptures, learn of Christ, gain all the education I can, read from good books, have good discussions with knowledgeable people.

2. Fill our life with service - serve in His kingdom, serve my family and neighbors, think of others' needs before my own, act quickly when prompted to serve, teach my children to live a life of service.

3. Fill our heart with love - gain a personal relationship with my Savior, rely on His guidance, live in gratitude, surround myself with those who build me up and challenge me to be better, see the best in others, give them the benefit of the doubt, always try to love as Christ loves.

I was impressed with a thought from "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" from Acton as well. 

"Our impulses and appetites keep distracting us from the truth."

The truth is that we are meant to be happy and are wired for a certain level of satisfaction by birth. We need to search out the difference between happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. As I contemplate where I am at today, I am happy. I am satisfied. I still have things happening that cause me concern or even anxiety but they are not diminishing the positive for the long term. It must be the fulfillment that will bring about the greatest joy and sense of accomplishment. That can only happen when I decide what my earthly mission is and what the Lord is preparing me to do. Life has taught me that God gives us a task, prepares us for it, helps us succeed, and then gives us the next. I am not certain what lies ahead but I know that I have already felt success. These experiences strengthen my faith in God's plan for me. 

My main mission? To be a mother. I have been blessed with 5 beautiful, amazing children who have given me eternal purpose. Being a mother to them has been the most challenging task I will ever take on and continues to bring me the utmost joy. I believe that I will have secondary missions. I look forward to exploring and learning and growing into the person who the Lord knows I can be. 


  • What is your attitude toward money?
I have a great appreciation for money. I respect all that it allows my family to have and do. I didn't grow up with much of it, my Mom always struggled to provide our needs. She taught me that it is important to prioritize wants and needs and then be willing to work your tail off to provide. My attitude toward money is that there is never enough for all that I want to do but there is more than enough for everything we need. 

  • How can your view of money affect the way you live?
Because of my attitude toward money, I push myself pretty hard to contribute financially to our home. I am blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom but I am continuously trying my hand at bringing home a paycheck. In fact, I feel like I am a semi-failure if I don't. Unfortunately, this has made me be not-so-pleasant at times. I can be easily frustrated with laziness and extra hard on my kids, too. This is all stuff I am working on. I can definitely see the effect my money concerns have had on my life. We do well, my husband is a fantastic provider. He didn't grow up wanting for anything. I guess I am always saving for the rainy day and need reminders to enjoy life.

  • What rules are recommended for prospering?

From Stephen W. Gibson's article, "Attitude on Money".

So if you want to prosper: 

Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him 

Rule 2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.

 Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant. 

Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity. 

Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated. 

Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive




Monson, Thomas S. "Formula for Success. March 1996. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1996/03/formula-for-success?lang=eng

"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Cautionary Tale." 2008. Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence. file:///C:/Users/lcprs/Downloads/bus110_document_lifeLibertyAndThePursuitOfHappiness%20(1).pdf

Gibson, Stephen W. "Attitude on Money" Jan  2017. file:///C:/Users/lcprs/Downloads/bus110_document_attitudeOnMoney%20(1).pdf

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