ABC's

PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

I've been thinking a lot lately about what a prophet chooses to tell us today.  A prophet teaches the gospel, directs the Lord's church, and leads us into happier, more peaceful lives.  What, then, has our living prophet taught us lately about finding greater happiness and peace?  In January, the kids and I were talking about this very thing.  When we paused to review the words of our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, we didn't find counsel on living the commandments more completely, or being better at doing everything we feel we are supposed to do-- though those would be other good things to focus on.  What our prophet taught us today, to find peace and happines, were three simple ABC's.

Have a Positive Attitude

A in my ABCs refers to attitude. William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”¹

 Believe in Yourself

B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

Face Challenges with Courage

C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.

When President Monson led his people by his words at the beginning of the year, he did so in positive paths of belief and courage.  When I feel the need for more peace and happiness in my life, I am going to trust our prophet.