July 2020 – Principles Never Fail

I cannot succeed with sporadic little flashes of effort.

Constant and valiant living is necessary. . .

Remember, faith is not a magical formula. It requires that I make a deliberate decision to do good and then carry out my decision. Do it. Simply do it, and do it long enough that I can experience success, no matter how hard it may seem. My victory over self brings communion with God and results in happiness-lasting and eternal happiness. JACK H. GOASLIND (adapted)

Not shrinking is much more important than surviving!

As we confront our own lesser trials and tribulations, we too can plead with the Father, just as Jesus did, that we “might not … shrink”—meaning to retreat or to recoil (D&C 19:18). Not shrinking is much more important than surviving! Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell
October 1997 General Conference

Life is tasteless without progress. 🌎John A. Widtsoe

Progress is active and increasing.

Our actual achievements count for little compared with the efforts for progress we put forth. 🏆John A. Widtsoe

Progress is measured by milestones.

What many good people lack are markers that might tell them how they are actually doing. Goals can become a ritual or a fetish, but in the right measure they can give us some much needed reference points. No wonder some seem discouraged! Minus such milestones, we often feel “minus” in our lives.