Basically, you set a series of goals in the categories of spiritual, physical, intellectual, service, and character. Then you work towards achieving those goals (by following a carefully-developed plan and/or having conversations with Priesthood leaders or Visiting Teachers). The ultimate goal is to help participants develop a Christ-like life of love and service. I'm so excited to set my goals this week.
The first two pages of the booklet give an introduction of the program. Here are some snippets:
"Nothing is more invigorating than working hard to fulfill a noble and worthwhile purpose...to gain and strengthen a personal conviction of the reality of God the Father, his Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; to live with compassion and integrity with our fellowmen; to be honest in every relationship; to learn new skills; to stretch our minds; to read the inspired words of men touched with the Spirit of God; to search for good and uplifting thoughts and deeds of mankind; and to realize the importance of a physical body and the necessity of giving it proper care."
"To the person who becomes absorbed in achieving eternal goals, life becomes more abundant."
"Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love, every brave suffering for the right; every surrender of self to something higher than self; every loyalty to an ideal; every unselfish devotion to principle...every act of self-control...that is spirituality."
"Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite." (These last two quotations are from David O. McKay)
Several key scriptures are also featured in this introduction:
D&C 130:18-19--the level of intelligence we attain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.
D&C 88:67--eye single to the glory of God
Mosiah 4:27--do not run faster than you have strength
D&C 128:21--line upon line, precept upon precept
I also studied the Topical Guide scripture list for "Abundant Life," and I felt so much love from the Lord as I did so.
In John 10:10, it reads, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and destroy: I a come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
The Lord wants us to have full, happy lives. He wants us to be smart, to be well-compensated for our work, to have everything we need, and to use those blessings in service. As we believe in Him, keep the commandments, and continually strive to improve through the power of His grace, we will have truly abundant lives.
Alma 37:37 is another beautiful scripture that directs us to counsel with the Lord in all our doings, and He will direct us for good. We need to pray each morning and night for His guidance, and He will always give it to us.
Eric spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday about this Pursuit of Excellence program and about creating an Abundant Life (he's the one that challenged all of us to study the TG topic...thanks, honey!).
In his talk, he shared many inspiring thoughts and quotations. A favorite is from one of President Gordon B. Hinckley's final addresses at General Conference. He challenged us to "be a little better...stand a little taller." I am not going to reach all of my goals at once, and I'll never do everything perfectly, but I CAN do a little better each day.
Yesterday I decided not to eat all the junk food that was spread before me at our family party. This morning, I decided to get up and study the scriptures instead of going back to bed like I wanted to :). These are just little things, but over the course of my lifetime, these little decisions will add up.
I want to live abundantly--not because I want a lot of "stuff," but because I want life to be exciting. I want to be full of energy and enthusiasm and goals and the desire to love and serve the Lord and His children. I want to wake up excited to meet each day and feel satisfied with my efforts as I get tucked into bed each night. What an exciting life this is!
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