4.07.2008

Doing Better

"The tragedy of life and of the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that, knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way." ~William Barclay

After such a wonderful and fulfilling General Conference weekend, now I feel the need to really find a place in my life for the good intentions I am filled with. I want to be more prayerful and more open to revelation. I want to be a better mother, wife and grandma. I want to be better about scripture study and I am overflowing with the desire to measure up to what Pres. Monson says I can be.

I know I can. I have had answers to prayers and personal revelations. I have learned to know our Heavenly Father and feel His spirit as I pray. I have had some wonderful experiences in my life as a wife, a mom and a grandma. I just want to be better.

I need to learn to subject my will to His, to bend to His desire to lead me where He knows I should go. I need the faith to understand that He may take me on unfamiliar paths but they are the right ones for me.

Sometimes that's hard. But it can be done. I don't want to be someone who knows God but insists on walking another path. I want to be someone who is recognizable as a follower of Christ because I am like Him.

That's my goal: that His love is so evident in me that it will be obvious we are family.

17 comments:

Jori said...

What a lovely post Jan! I couldn't agree more. I don't know how people get through life without a relationship with Christ. It's TOO bloomin' hard! We need His love and support. I want to do better too, Conference is always just what I need.

Emily said...

You say it so well... almost like you've read my mind! Conference always leaves me so full, but then I never improve like I say I want to. It's about time I just buck up and do it!!

Christina said...

Beautiful post. I'm especially loving the last line. This will be one I'll refer back to, Jan. Thanks for your thoughts!

Unknown said...

great goals, mama!!! conference inspires the best in all of us.

Ashley said...

Thanks for the uplifting post. If everyone had the same desires as you, what a different world this would be!

Chris and Tara Mason said...

Great thoughts and great aspirations! I think that I may adopt those myself! Even though subjecting myself to His will makes me uncomfortable sometimes, I always end up coming out a better person if I do. Not only that, I never regret doing what the Lord wants me to do, but I always regret going against His will (and I hate feeling any inkling of regret).

Anonymous said...

You always know just how to word things. That's exactly how I'm feeling. I love conference and I think Sunday's afternoon session was especially uplifting. I learned so much from being with you in Primary, you have no idea. You have instilled in me a desire to learn and know the scriptures and to teach my own children at an early age. Thanks for your example. I miss you!

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

jan, you are such a great example to me. i love your post. thanks. BTW, i think that you are closer than you think...

Kristi said...

Jan, Jan, Jan--you said EXACTLY how I feel in your first sentence, woman! That is right on the money.I feel so enriched after Conference, I am ready to put my good intentions into action...I loved your post. You are inspiring to me. :)

Mia said...

Jan, I always love and appreciate your sweet thoughts. You really are a great example to all of us and your encouragement is always so appreciated.

Natalie Scott said...

I am totally guilty of "going my own way" sometimes and I hate it! Thanks for the wonderful post and reminder, Jan. You are an inspiring example in many lives...especially mine!

Sandy said...

I love your dedication to your faith and improving yourself. I could learn so much from following your lead!

Heather said...

I know, to all of it. I came away from Conference wanting to be a better person too. I wish I had my DVR so I could rewatch some of the goodies. At least I can read them.

Hacking it up said...

You are such a great example and inspiration! I need to do so many things better, it's overwhelming, But with the Savior, it's just possible.
Thanks for the wonderful post!

hoLLy said...

conference always make me want to be better. but i've got to do more than "want" to be better-i need to actually BE better!

thanks for your wonderful inspiring post. i love to read your thoughts!

tiburon said...

Super fantastic thoughts - as always :)

Melissa said...

You are such a sweet person Jan, and continually inspiring me and others!!