ColletteFiles

Having a testimony can bless your life!

2011-01-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

Science tells us that our bodies are constantly changing.
Not just growing up and getting older
The cells in our bodies are constantly dying and breaking down & regrowing.
An obvious example... Our skin flakes off and new skin takes it's place.
Our hair falls out and sometimes I'm told it grow back.
What's taking place on the outside of our bodies is also happening inside.
Cells are constantly growing and replacing old cells, organs, and tissues.
Some scientist say that every cell in our body is completely different every 7 years.
Meaning that every cell in my body is completely different than the ones I had seven years ago.
So we're always changing!

Why's this important?
Central to my testimony is this idea that we can change!
That we can become better.
Now I not talking on a physical sense I'm talking in a spiritual sense.
This idea that I can be BETTER tomorrow than I ever will be today!!!
That I can change.
Unlike my physical body that is susceptible to disease and age
My spirit can be more in tune, stronger, more powerful, fresher, and more beautiful TOMORROW than today.
My weak things can be made strong
That I can rebuild myself better...
Better said... that through the atonement. GOD can rebuild me better.
And I can be changed

My topic is "How having a testimony can bless your life"
In all honestly I was taken back
Can a testimony Bless my life???
There was a time when having a testimony meant
I had a list of things I couldn't and shouldn't do
It meant preparing and going on a mission when everyone else had no worries.
Having a testimony doesn't mean we will be excluded from hard stages in life.
It just means that a testimony can help us get through the hard times
We're all in a stage of life.
Maybe you're trying to find your testimony and who you really are.
Maybe you just got kicked out of a singles ward
And you've found yourself at a married ward try to figure out what you have in common with others.
Maybe you are married and that's hard
Or maybe you're married and you haven't been able to have kids... I can't imagine how tough that must be
Or maybe you have kids... and that's tough
Or you're trying to get on your feet for the first, second, or third time.
This whole economy has thrown a wrench in your plans.
Maybe it's your health or sickness
or coping with the loss of a loved one.
There are many tough stages in life and they're not easy

I want to share my testimony
It's simple, it has 2 parts
1) God loves us, he guides and leads through inspired leaders
2) The gift of the Holy Ghost is real. We can all feel it! and it's truly a gift!!

I've done some stupid things in life.
But one thing I've always done well was read the BofM
Ever since I can remember I've read at least a verse nearly every day.
When I was about 16 This idea came to my mind that it really didn't matter what I did.
That somewhere there was a book that said if I failed or succeeding life
and God already knew what was going tot happen to me so it didn't matter what I did.
I was in my room alone and I was reading
I read a scripture
and felt I should read it again.
I reread it 5-6 times not really knowing what it was saying.
But I knew it was talking to me
2 Nephi 10:23
23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are
free to act for yourselves--to choose the way of everlasting
death or the way of eternal life.
This scripture told me that I had the choice!
That I could choose!
And more importantly.
Craig... cheer up your heart!!
God loves you
He and knows you!
and my choices DO matter

I've got 3 short stories to help illustrate my testimony

1)
I went on my mission to help people!
To help them change their lives!
Not just get baptized, hit a wall, and leave the church.
I was hoping for generations to be changed and blessed.
These people feel the spirit and work sooo hard to change their lives and be baptized.
They get baptized... and then what???
That what is the Temple.
You always hear about people that sell everything they've got, go to the temple, and they're blessed.
Well, most people in Paraguay could have sold everything they had and still not have had enough to get to a Temple.
It broke my heart!
I wanted to help them soo bad.
I didn't know what to do
I'll never forget President Hinckley talking about looking at a blueprints of Temple and having a clear impression how they could be modified
Made smaller, easier to build, and maintain
and therefore make more all around the world
I will never forget the feeling of being in a little old stake center in Paraguay when a temple there was announced!!
Everyone was hugging each other, laughing, and crying.
I remember feeling this overwhelming peace.
It was so strong I could feel it around me
I knew that God knew these people!
He knew how poor they were
He knew their struggles
He knew their prayers
And he knew that the opportunity would not be there unless it was brought to them
he had an answer.
It taught me a huge lesson.
I'm grateful for the spirit I felt
But more importantly
I'm grateful for an inspired leader that was prompted and listened
and touched the lives of millions.

2)
Arlindo Alvarez was an incredible newly returned missionary
he was the missionary we all hoped to be
He wanted to come over and work with us every day!
He had the fire of an amazing missionary!!
He had the spirit and would help us teach anyone we could find.
I quickly became aware of 2 things.
1) He was the type of missionary we all wanted to be and we all hope each other are! he had the spirit with him
2) He came home to nothing
Unlike most of us who come home to proud parents, friends and family. Lots of support, jobs, and school
He had nothing waiting for him
In fact, his father was mad he had left and NOT gotten a deadend job working in the fields.
His jr high level education wasn't going to get him a job.
I love this guy!
He was a huge blessing to our area!
I quickly saw this road block he was at
Unfortunately, I got transferred and I saw him about a year later.
When I did I could see life had beaten the missionary out of him.
He hadn't been able to find decent work
He met the wrong crowds
and was struggling to get on his feet.
I remember my heart being broken
The poor kid didn't have a chance!
I'll never forget a priesthood session a year later where our inspired leader President Hinckley talked about the Perpetual Educational fund
and how it could bless the lives of people like Arlindo
My testimony was strengthened
I felt the spirit tell me that God knew Arlindo
He loved him and wanted to bless him!
God know us!
He knows the struggles we're going through
And if we listen to the spirit there will be an answer
Maybe the answer doesn't exist yet but the answer will come

3)
A personal note

I grew up with the best family!
I had parents that loved and supported me in everything I did
My mother is a saint and with 6 kids never missing anything
My dad taught church institute and I think that's part of the reason why growing up he was the happiest person I've ever met
He never walked in the door without putting his hands high above his head and saying
Yay, look who's hear!
I said I said Yay look who's here?
and he'd keep saying it till we noticed him and said hi dad.
Sometimes he'd come home late and we'd all be in bed... trying so hard to sleep
and we'd hear him come in and do his yay.
for some reason being in bed motivated us a little more and we'd yell yay daddy's here.
We'd hear mom say something like don't wake them up I just put them down.
but dad would have to open our doors and peak in.
He'd play a game like take our picture
he'd say 1, 2, 3 smile
and flick the light on and off like a flash take our picture
and tell us how we looked.
nothing was better than his tucking us in
he'd rip your blanket off throw it in the air and say
hi'a hi'a hi'a
A day doesn't go by without my mom fixing food for others.

I was in a fast and testimony meeting in Rexburg Idaho
My Tender sweet little potato farmer bishop Swendamen was at the stand.
He said he felt strongly to share some special stories of his parents
He told us how much he loved them
and then invited us all to go home and tell our parents how much we love them
I felt the spirit so strong!
I was touched by his message
So when I got home I called my parents and told them I loved them like I did every week
how much I loved them
but then I told them how grateful I was for all they had done for me
It was different, tender and more sweet than I every had done before
especially with my dad
That was the last time I got to speak with my dad.
He passed a away a couple days later
I'm so grateful for an inspired leader that listened
I'm so grateful for the spirit I felt
It told me that God knew me
He knew I had a tough road ahead
He knew I needed to talk with my Dad one last time

I shared these special stories with you as part of my testimony.
Knowing that some might just look at them as nothing more than stories
Nothing more that coincidences in life.
I look at them more as blessing
and as some of the tender mercies from God.
If I had not been in tune, If I had not listened, If I had not tried...
they may not be anything more than stories.
And so it is with blessings

Brothers and Sisters
The Gospel can change us
It can make us better!
He truly can turn a
MESS into a MESSAGE, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, and a VICTim into a VICTory.
I'm grateful for inspired leaders
I'm grateful for the spirit in my life that can guide me
We truly can prosper in the land!
We can and are blessed!

I pray that we can be all get our lives in order
I pray that we can get better in tune with the spirit
That we can go to the Temple often
That we can live this year in a way in which we can al be blessed and prosper in the land.

Eternal Life (Exaltation)

2010-12-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

What is life?

Dictionaries typically define "life" as: A living being, existing, and experiencing. There are many definitions though most are closely related to this idea of existing and experiencing.

My father was a man who loved to sit around and debate ideas. In his writings I've found a couple interesting thoughts and ideas related to Life. One of my favorite comments of his is how that definition of life is wrong.
His comment is "Life is not synonymous with existence! The adversary Exists but has NO life!"
It's a simple comment that makes a lot of sense to me. But reiterates the question What truly is Life then?

To help define the true meaning of Life I would like to suggest a couple things that Life IS

From the scriptures we also learn that
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16-17)

A couple thoughts
God so loved us... that he gave his son Christ... and Whoever believes on God should not perish but have everlasting life. The Atonement and ability to have everlasting life are gifts.

One of my favorites is:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24)

I love how Christ says that he that heareth his words and "Believe" in the Father shall have everlasting life and pass from death unto "LIFE"... "Passed from death unto life" suggesting that "life" can continue after death for those that Believe and heareth.

Another favorite:
And this is Life Eternal, that they might Know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast Sent. John 17:3

Suggesting that Part of the goal of Eternal Life is to Know our Father in Heaven.

A couple bullet points:

-Life can continue after death

-Life allows growth and progression.

-Life is directly connected with Light. Everyone alive today has received the Light of Christ. This Light is essential to life. It is available to us all and most people notice it at times where they've received direction or promptings to do things. But it's much more alive than that. It is this light that allows us to learn everything. Allows our minds to think, our hearts to beat, and our souls to feel.
God breathed into him the breath of life, Genesis 2:7

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst (John 6:35). Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life (John 6:47).

Another favorite:
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep(John 10:11). My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one (John 10:27-30).

I believe our true goal is to receive Eternal Life. To be back in the presence of our father and family and to continue to learn, progress and grow.
side note: Great Talk Salvation and Exaltation RUSSELL M. NELSON

"Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is [spoken] by the Spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that [speaketh] and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:21-24).

I believe that the light that allows us learn and grow can grow brighter and brighter opening out understanding until ultimately we can comprehend all things.

God did not put us her to fail

2010-06-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite talk right now:
Jon M. Huntsman
"God did not put us here to fail"

It's about finding your personal dream and going after it with all you've got.

Shortly after my dad died I started looking for men to look up too. Not to replace my dad but to help fill a missing void. I put together a list of some of the most successful men I know. In doing so I learned a hard lesson! Not all successful men are Good men!! My father who made an average living was one of the best, wisest, and most caring men I've ever met.

It reminded me how shallow I can be. I was measuring success strictly on finances... When my missing dad was one of the most average financially men I know... and yet he lived one of the most successful lives I've seen. He did more with his means than most!!

There's a song right now by Miranda Lambert that has the line "I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am" I think it's a perfect description of me lately. I have dreams and passions that I've let slide recently for no good reason. I've had goals and boundaries that I've put aside or forgotten about.

This talk reminded me of those dreams. Most importantly it helped give me the desire to go back out there and work hard for my dreams! Ironically, it's by one of the richest men I've ever heard of... so maybe, I'm wrong again about wealthy successful people.

Hopefully, you'll love it!

9 years ago today 11-8-2009

2009-11-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

It was nine years ago today that my father died! One of the greatest men to ever have lived. I ran into a girl that grew up in the walnut creek stake today at church. We talked about how we had never known each other growing up. Then she stopped and said that she had heard my father speak once at a youth conference or something. She talked about how amazing he was. I loved hearing it! and really didn't want her to stop... for the simple reason that I want so badly to remember.

I also think it was interesting that it happened today of all days. Just a simple quick little reminder of my great day 9 years to the day... and maybe another tender mercy that there's more to this life than we often give credit and remember.

He really was great!

I've thought a lot about relationships lately and "what makes a great relationship"... with anyone? I'm not sure there's anything new or earthshaking in the qualities necessary to make things great. They are qualities that maybe we should all have. Simple things like being kind and a good listener. Actually caring about the person you're listening too and remembering the conversations we have. Helping them achieve their goals and the things they really want to do. Being there when we need them. Maybe willing to help occasionally... simple things right? Things all good people should just do... but for some reason not always common qualities. And even more rare to find people that keep these qualities with everyone. Not just the good looking interesting people with lots of money.

My dad was one of those people! One of those people that was honestly caring about everyone he met. really wanting to do whatever he could to bless others, even people he didn't know well. He'd give them a car or anything else he had if there was a chance it could better someone... even if there with 5 drivers in his own family and only 2 cars.

I'm not saying this to brag! Honestly I guess the whole purpose of me writing this is just to relive and maybe better understand. Understand who he really was and how he touched so many peoples lives. Maybe just to better remember and get acquainted with a great man... my dad.

So today, nine years later and in his memory, I vow to be a better listener to everyone. Spending a little more time to really get to know everyone that crosses my path. Thinking how I can help others, and then be there ready when they might need me.

I love dad! still

Confidence

2009-08-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Confidence can come and go!

Do I control it? Inspire it, Exude it, or hide it?

Can I grow it, or harbor it?

Do others give it?

Confidence can make all the difference!
It can create!
It can make one attractive, build strength, cause success, and inspire genius!
There is power in Confidence!

It overcomes, its determined, and it enjoys!

Don't forget God

2008-11-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!"

Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day

Washington, D.C.
March 30, 1863
Abraham Lincoln

To "Know" Christ

2007-02-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

Perhaps central to all Christianity is an ideal or goal of one day knowing Jesus Christ. Our quest really takes form when we realize that our goal of knowing Christ must begin here on this earth. How can we know what we cannot see? Perhaps first we must ask, what does the word "know" mean?

In most latin languages the word "know" can be translated into two different words depending on the usage. In spanish these words are "Saber" and "Conocer." Both mean "know" but in very distinct ways. Saber is to have a knowlegde of something... to know how something works or is defined. The word "Conocer" means to know sombody or place. You have actually met them and are familiar or associated with them. You cannot conocer a place you have not been to.

With this exploration I think it helps better understand our goal and quest to "know" Christ or rather "conocer" Christ. Know him like you would a good friend.

Too often we think we need to saber Christ. Or rather in order to know Christ we must read and study all facts, ideas, and history. And although these are very important and necessary we can do them without ever really knowing Christ. It's an interesting idea. We can all read the bio of Albert Einstein and know a lot about him, but never know him. As Christians we believe that we can all actually grow to know Christ here on this earth. Know him in the same way you know a good friend. In other words, know that he lives and loves us today and tomorrow. Know that he'll be there for you, and know that through him we can all be cleansed from even our worst mistakes. Ultimately, we grow to know him in a way were we know how he'll respond to our choices, we know what we wants for us, and from us.

So how can we better know Christ? There are many ideas. Prayer, Meditation, keeping out thoughts in harmony, etc etc etc. and yet it's like any good relationship. They are great ideas to build your foundations, and yet, not a perfect or exact formula. Your relationship of knowing Christ is very personal and slightly different for each of us. Perhaps for you knowing Christ is achieved by service. By really going out of your way to make someone's entire life better. By doing so you better understand what the Savior himself went through and grow closer to him. Perhaps, it's church where get to feel of him quietly whisper to you. Or maybe diligent scripture study, regular home teaching, or loving and spending time with you family. I have found personally that my relationship with the Savior and desire to "know" him better, grows best for me through regular temple attendance and fervent prayer.

I bare my testimony that he cares! That he's been near me in the middle of my prayers. That he's hurt and suffered for me. I have felt his presence. I bare witness that we can all "know" him. He is our best friend and he's just there itching to get to know you better. Make an effort for him in your life. I invite you to do all in your power for 3 weeks to better get to know him and you life will be full and rich!

Atonement

2007-01-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

There are many principles that improve the quality of our lives. All of these Principles are connected in one way of another the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement is an essential part of this life. Without it we would all waste away into nothing.

I have always loved the way my dad explained the bicycle story- many people misunderstand the story. we don’t show up at the end of our lives with just a few cents and Christ makes all the difference. The atonement is an active part of our life. we practise it everyday and through it we are able to become great... Through the atonement we are able to become Gods.

Motivation

2007-01-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

The question came up this week about what motivates you.

Success is an interesting term! It has so many different meaning for different people. Many great athletes are very success in their field, and yet complete failures as mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. Many would argue that if this the case they are not successful. Many fathers look for financial success at the cost of their families. I'm sure that when they started out their family was number one. My father could be another example: A brilliant man who passed up money to teach. Success can be found on many different levels and yet to understand what motivates us you must understand your personal definition for success.

My personal definition of success for myself or mission statement is something to the following: Always have the time and resources to help others!

I'm convinced that a successful life is being close to lots of people. Life's joy is when we are surrounded by all we love and they are happy, and healthy. Perhaps we need each other to all be happy!

1) I'm motivated by my family heritage. I came from a history of loyalty, love, respect and hard work. A heritage full of successful and great lives all sharing similar principles. Principles that are the essence of this entire blog and my personal search for happiness.

2) My present family- We share a level of morals or ethics. I'm motivated by keeping in good standing with these morals and ethics. Creating a family name that stands for something. And keeping those with whom I share this family name proud that I'm a part of it.

3) My future family- Career, hard work, striving to be obedient to personal standards and moral, saving money, schooling etc are all in in my mind designed to provide the best situation for my posterity. I think at this moment in life I would be happier on a beach in some unknown island surfing and exploring than I am right now working hard, living at my moms house, saving money and driving an old rundown car. And yet I'm motivated to stay in my situation with the hope that 20 from now my situation will be better and allow a better life and situation for my future family...

My personal happiness comes from the word Family. All three dimensions of the "family" bring me joy and motivate me to be better. I am convinced we are all somehow connected!!! Perhaps in some sort of human or spiritual family. Therefore, for me to be truly happy, I need you to be happy. I think I can be a better neighbor, friend, citizen, and person. I can better help and serve my fellowman. The weird part is I know in my heart that even when I help others I too am helped.

Obedience

2006-12-26T00:04:00.000-08:00

OBEDIENCE: November 25, 2006

We have all been obedient at times in our lives. We have also all been disobedient at times in our lives. Obedience to principles that we know and/or believe to be true is a necessary part of anyones spiritual health. Obedience can make or break relationships, sport games, and even our own lives.

The importance of obedience in sports and even relationships is often more obvious than in general life. Whole outcomes are decided in just hours and minutes instead of life times. Misconduct on a football feild may cost you valuable yardage, or a foul shot in basketball. And cheating on a spouse may quickly disolve a possible beautiful relationship. Obedience in general life isn't usually as obvious since outcomes often take lifetimes. There are areas of our lives where we can "cheat" and nobody but ourselves will know. Our lives could be related closer to a game of golf which we play by ourselves. We can cheat and move the ball around the tree, or kick it out of the sand. Nobody is watching and we are keeping our own score.

The question is do even these areas effect us? When we cheat, steal, or lie and nobody but us knows does it effect us? and maybe more importantly does our disobedience effect others?

(I think the answer is obvious when we look at obedience and disobedience as a matter, substance, or energy. When we attract light into our lives we are full of it and therefore radiate light. When we attract evil with just the smallest lies and cheats, we too attract it and it does affect us and as those around us. ____this whole paragraph needs help)

POINT #1 There is a power in obedience!

Every prophet, apostle and perhaps every good person to have lived has had to go through some sort of obedience. From Adam (I know not save the Lord commanded) to Nephi (I will go and do) and Joseph Smith (when the Lord commands. do it!) One of my favorite examples of obedience is the story of Abraham being asked to sacrafice Iassc. I like the story because it's a quick example that this commandment to sacrifice hi son was for Abraham to learn a huge blessing about Abraham. The rest of Abraham's life he had this great power within knowing that when the Lord commands I DO IT.... EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Just a quick example. But the more you read about any prophet you will see that they were in turn and when the Lord commanded... THEY DID every time not knowing before hand what was to happen.

On another Level you have to look at Christ himself. He being "perfect" and the only perfect one to ever live. The only having the power to overcome death. Would he still have had that power if he had sinned just once? There is a power in obedience. from the small things to the large. Be obedient and ye shall be blessed and you will see a glimpse of this power in your own life.

What is the reward for obedience? All blessings come through our obedience

(D&C 130:20–21) "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated"

A couple important points:

1) The principle of obedience is something that was established even before the foundations of the world. In construction, the stage before digging and pouring the foundations would be planning and approvals.

2) All blessings from God come through the principle of obedience to the law upon which it was predicated. This line can be tricky to interpret. Often times it leads us to believe that all people that are honest, good, helpful, loving people are all more successful, smarter, and better looking then those that cheat, lie and steal. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. There are many rich cheaters, many beautiful liers, and many smart robbers. The important point to remember and understand is that these people are not exceptions to the rule! The promise that we will be blessed through our obedience remains true so do not let these people and situations distract you. You must be able to see that things would have worked out better for all these people had they not lied, cheated, or stolen. They would be happier, more fun to be around and full of love and joy in their lives.

The other truth is that it's not always a blessing to be rich, smart and good looking. Our definitions of blessings and success may be different. Sometimes the blessings of obedience come in ways we don't anticapate. It's the final outcome that's important. In the grand scheme of things altitude means nothing, but rather direction. It's what way are you facing today not how high you were yesturday that's important.

(Have I been sufficiently obedient? I look at the scriptures and read of the Anti-Nephit's and how they would rather put down their swords and worship the Lord instead of take another's life. The Lamanites where killing their entire families... and yet they had made a covenant with the Lord they would not kill again. ___rework)

The gifts of obedience often bless the lives of those around us. I have found that obedience often radiates in the lives of those around us. When we are obedient, honest and good, they know, recongize and appreciate it.

There is a bit of magic within the Atonement. It's through the Atonement that I have learned to put up with myself and even learn to love myself. Life has also taught me that when I love myself I am capable to truly love others. Obedience = love ourselves = which helps us love others.

Things will always be better for us and our loved ones when we are obedient.

What are we to be obedient to?

(Abraham 3:24–25) "We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them"

I am convinced that there is a misconception about the principle of obedience. We often believe that the words obedience and perfection go together. Although it is true for someone to be perfect he must be obedient I have found that one can obedient and not perfect but rather worthy. obedience is a stepping stone for perfection. Obedience for you and me should go hand in hand with the principle of repentance.

Commandments- There are laws in the game of life set by God himself. We call them the 10 commandments."If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32) Keep in mind that our goal is to be better than we came.

The higher level of this would be to live a life so in tune with the spirit that hear small promptings (or perhaps commandments) for you to follow. When you hear this still small voice... in the phase of Spencer W Kimball "do it"...

Pray to know God's will for you, his gospel, teachings, and ordinances. Receive your answer and be true to it. Then later look over your life and evaulate the fruits of your labors. Have you helped and blessed others?