Setting Goals in Life! How Will it Help You?

So today at lunch with Sister Valentine, Sister McCall, Elder Adams, Elder Mauigoa, we were talking about goals. Mostly goals for the future. We talked about setting goals now than later so we are more prepared. This is such a good thing to do.


Some people think why would you plan for the future now? What will that benefit you? I like to think of it as well at least you have a goal to work towards. Someday you might have to make a decision that will take away from your goal. Maybe it could be good or bad. But when you come to a time of making a decision on something you may not need, you can look and say this is what my goal is, is this gonna help me? For some decisions it will for some it will not but you have to make that judgement call.


Here is an example of one that we talked about. At the previous two General Conferences for THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS the prophets and apostles have been talking about senior missionary couples. They are encouraging those seniors who can to go on missions. We were talking amongst ourselves about this. A senior missionary from our mission currently had said, "Make the decision now to go on a senior mission. It is much easier than having to make that decision down the road. Stick to that goal! Prepare for it and plan for it." Such great words of advice. If we say now that we are well then what is going to hold us back from such a worthy goal. Of course there will be things that come up but we already have our minds set upon it. For me, I am definitely going on a senior mission. A mission where I get to pick my companion. HAHA! For real though these missions are so beneficial for all of us. They not only benefit us but others who have not yet heard the great message of "The Coming of Our Lord." They teach us things we would never learn anywhere else. This is such a sacred opportunity and blessing to fulfill.

I heard this wise guy once say, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

That is one example of a goal. Others would be education, marriage, career, family, vacation, etc.. What kind of an education are you going to or would you like to get? Are you going to get married? Do you want a job that you thouroughly enjoy or one that you just go to work and go home? Are you going to start planning and saving now for your future or your kids future? I know in these times finances are tough but when we prayerfully plan and follow those plans, after all we need to do God will help us to complete this goal. As long as it is directed by the Spirit. I am not saying that you plan and do nothing else but just keep goals in your mind of things you would like to accomplish. How do you think doing this would benefit you? Think about that and how this guidance could change generations.


We are here 19, 20, 21, etc.. years old but we are preparing for the future. We want to be ready when we have to make difficult decisions. These decisions may possibly affect future generations. Are you going to let them suffer because of your negligance to planning? I sure hope not. In Preach My Gospel it states about goal setting,


What do we want to accomplish in life? What are we going to do to accomplish these goals? There are many other things which you can do to help you prepare for the future. Always remember your goals in mind though of what you would like and plan to achieve. This will benefit you soo much in your journey and will help you to give direction to your life. I have tried it both ways by not setting goals and setting goals. It is way easier to plan ahead than to have to make a difficult decision in short amounts of time when the time comes. I would like to invite all to try this activity and see if it helps out. I know it has for me and will for you.

"A goal is a standard, a skill, an ideal, or a destination that is to be achieved. We set a goal when we decide to accomplish a particular thing. Some goals, such as cleaning a room or reading a book, may take a short time to accomplish. Other goals, such as saving money to buy a new home or doing things to improve the love and peace within the family, may take months or years. Goals that will help us become worthy to dwell eternally with our Heavenly Father may take an entire lifetime. Some goals may not even be attained during a lifetime on earth, but may require additional effort in the hereafter.

It has been said that “if you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter which road you take”

Some people often waste days, months, and even years of their lives going down paths that lead them to no worthwhile achievements. Other people set goals and progress steadily along paths that lead them to achieve much.

Every successful vacation is largely the result of goals. For example, after we decide where we are going on a trip, we select goals to help us know where we are now, where we are going, and how we are going to get there from where we are to where we want to be. Goals give purpose and direction to our actions. They help us improve our lives and achieve heights we did not think possible. President Spencer W. Kimball made the following statement about missionary goals:

“Our goal is to achieve eternal life. That is the greatest goal in the world. We are not opposed to goals. We do not want stake and full-time mission presidents to establish quotas for the missionaries. Rather, we expect them to inspire missionaries to set their own goals, and make them high enough to challenge their very best efforts, and work to achieve them. We expect you brethren to convey this message to them. We look to you to teach these principles and follow up. …

“Stimulate and encourage them to make and reach goals for themselves. … Success should not necessarily be gauged by always reaching the goal set, but by progress and attainment."

The previous quote has been taken from the following website:

(http://lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-b/lesson-32-setting-personal-and-family-goals?lang=eng&query=goals)

There is a quote from Preach My Gospel which says,

"Goals reflect the desires of our hearts and our vision of what we can accomplish. Through goals and plans, our hopes are transformed into action. Goal setting and planning are acts of faith. Prayerfully set goals that are in harmony with the Savior’s command...Do everything within your power to achieve your goals."

I like this quote,

“I am so thoroughly convinced

that if we don’t set goals in our

life and learn how to master the

techniques of living to reach our

goals, we can reach a ripe old age

and look back on our life only to

see that we reached but a small

part of our full potential. When

one learns to master the

principles of setting a goal, he

will then be able to make a great

difference in the results he

attains in this life.”

– ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD
I invite all to try this activity as I know it works. I have tried it myself and it is much easier to make decisions when you have plans and goals in mind. I know it will help you in your life also. Think about the future generations who are going to rely upon your decisions now. They are going to lean on you for help. They are going to face the consequences if you make poor decisions. So always plan ahead as it will help not only yourself but many more and your decision can also inspire others to become better and learn and grow from you. Always remember you are making decisions for yourself not others.

A Boys Dream

As kids we all have dreams. Some are way out there and some are very reasonable. Do these dreams ever become a reality? For some they do when they work hard enough to accomplish them. For others they don't pursue their dreams. I once read this quote that says,

"The Future Belongs to the People Who Believe in the Beauty of their Dreams."

Take a bite out of that for a second. I love that quote. That really makes me ponder about the meaning. What does it mean to you. Please comment as I would like to know. 

As a young boy I have always dreamed of being a rich man. Who hasn't? As a career I have always dreamed of being either a FBI Agent or a Secret Service Agent. That is honestly my dream. I know I am weird. I love going and helping and protecting people. I hear sirens and oh my I feel so much like helping out. As you can ask the missionaries that have served around me I get REALLY excited when I hear sirens. I am ready to be carrying a firearm and going and getting bad people. From different doctor visits I was told I should switch my career choice and doing something a little calmer. I was heart broken to hear that. I received comfort from my Heavenly Father though. He made sure I know He is there. For a long time I have not accepted that advice. I know for my physical sake maybe I should listen to it but I just don't want to. I don't want someone to tell me I can't do something. It hurts to be honest, especially when it is your dream. Now of course over the past year I have accepted and put my trust in God. I know He is there. I know my Savior atoned for my pains and afflictions so that one day I will not have to whether in this life or the next I do not know.

With time going by I have gained a greater idea on my dream. I can still work for the FBI or Secret Service but I can be on a Anti-Cyber Terrorism Unit. That would be so cool. It would still be helping people from the back lines. There is always a plan in place. I pray I can make the right decisions in life to follow this [perfect] plan which is put in place. I pray all of us will be in tune with the Spirit so we to can know where we need to be and what we need to be doing. If nothing else in life we NEED to be sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

President George Albert Smith (1945–1951), THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, said,
“That is your mission, my brethren and sisters of the Church, that is your responsibility. Freely you have received and our Heavenly Father will expect you freely to share with His
other sons and daughters these glorious truths” (Sharing the Gospel with Others, sel. Preston Nibley [1948], 213). 

“We will attain our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom only on the condition that we share with our Father’s other children the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and observe the
commandments that will enrich our lives here and hereafter.”

With that said I pray each of us will share with others the joy we have in our lives. True happiness will only come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Importance of Learning as a Child

In life we go through so many trials. We have to make so many huge decisions in life. Wouldn't it be nice to know what the answers already are? What would you do to know you can receive spiritual guidance by living the principles of the Gospel? Growing up in a family of 8 children was amazing. Some may ponder how did my parents do it. Well I just wonder how they dealt with me. HAHA! Well there is one major part that helped them to raise all of us kids. Teaching in the home was a huge part of our growing up life. The teaching that went on was a righteous teaching. They were teaching proper conduct according to the words of our modern day prophet. Don't get me wrong we are FAR from perfect but my parents did what they could to teach us right. In this teaching we saw their example, we saw that they loved us. We saw the joy and happiness that comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to talk about a few of things that I learned in the home and some examples of others. 

In my parents home as a family we went to church every week. We were fortunate enough to live not very far from the church. It was across town which averages about 4 minutes if you ran. From a child I learned of Jesus Christ and the things which He has done for us. We were taught about prophets and how God can still speak to us today. My mother and father showed me examples of how righteous people should live. They taught me how to work and provide for myself. They taught me the importance of having a relationship with my Heavenly Father. When I was a young boy I remember my mom teaching us kids in the home about church, about life, about families and the importance of them and they taught us to not sin. We were taught righteously in the home that is the big part. This learning in the home was very important to me. I cherish the things I learned at home from my parents. One of the most important things my parents taught us was to recognize the Spirit. It is so hard to figure it out. It is truly a life saving lesson. The Spirit or Holy Ghost is there as a Comforter as Jesus spoke about in John 14:26. He can teach us all things. He is there to manifest to us truths and to testify of God the Father and and His Son Jesus Christ.

In the book "Jesus the Christ" on page 111 it states, "In such simplicity is the normal, natural development of the boy Jesus made clear. He came among men to experience all the natural conditions of mortality; He was born as truly a dependent, helpless babe as is any other child; His infancy was in all common features as the infancy of others; His boyhood was actual boyhood. His development was as necessary and as real as that of all children. Over His mind had fallen the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth." The Apostle, James E. Talmage wrote this book. He talks about the birth of the Savior. Jesus was born as any other child. It later talks about Jesus learned about His Heavenly Father at His mothers knees. His mother taught Him perfectly. That is the importance of parents teaching the Gospel to their children. Does this help you understand more the importance of teaching your children? I sure hope so, it put a huge change of thinking about learning. Education is important as I will talk about later.

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “It is the duty of parents to teach their children these saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that they will know why they are to be baptized and that they may be impressed in their hearts with a desire to continue to keep the commandments of God after they are baptized, that they may come back into his presence. Do you, my good brethren and sisters, want your families, your children; do you want to be sealed to your fathers and your mothers before you … ? If so, then you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept”(Elder L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twleve Apostles)

Finding Peace in Troubled Times!

Today is a day where freedom and peace are hard to find. We are in an ever busy world where things whether good or bad are always happening around us. Some are running to avoid the tendencies of the world. Some are just so consumed in the day to day life that hold them bound. In all of this confusion how can we find peace? Is there a place to go to get away from the evils of the world? These are all questions I have pondered and I have been asked. These questions truly make you think. There are basic answers but we got to think deeper. That is what I have been doing.

Is there a place to go where we can get away from the evils of the world? Lets start by answering this question. I think there definitely is a place where we can get away from the evils of the world. Where we can block all of the things out of our minds. First of all I believe the home can be a place of safety and refuge from the world. You can make your home a sacred place. You do not have to let the evils of the world into your home. You can close the door if you so desire. What are some of these evils? These evils can include pornography, immorality, filthy language and thoughts, unrighteous dominion, selfishness, and the list goes on. I do not know about you but I sure do not want this in my home. I want my home to be a place of peace. A place of where the Spirit of God can dwell in abundance. I want my home to be one that stands out. Here is what Christ said about the foundation of the home, “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)

"Where could any of us locate a more suitable blueprint whereby he could wisely and properly build? Such a house would meet the building code outlined in Matthew, even a house built “upon a rock” (Matt. 7:24, 25; see also Luke 6:48; 3 Ne. 14:24, 25), a house capable of withstanding the rains of adversity, the floods of opposition, and the winds of doubt everywhere present in our changing and challenging world." (President Thomas S. Monson) Here is a recipe of building a home where the spirit can dwell, where it can truly be a place of safety from the world. Another place where we can be away from the dangers of the world is at the Church. When you go to church do you go in a sense of spiritual learning or do you go in a sense of wordly pleasure? Meaning do you go wanting to set your life a side for the things of a better or do you go putting your life first? God counsels us, "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better." (Doctrine and Covenants 25:10) So we NEED to build Christ as the foundation of our homes. President Thomas S. Monson said,

"A home is much more than a house built of lumber, brick, or stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. We are responsible for the homes we build. We must build wisely, for eternity is not a short voyage. There will be calm and wind, sunlight and shadows, joy and sorrow. But if we really try, our home can be a bit of heaven here on earth. The thoughts we think, the deeds we do, the lives we live not only influence the success of our earthly journey, they also mark the way to our eternal goals. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions."

Our homes can be that place of safety that we are all looking for in this troubled world. In all of this confusion how can we find peace? Well when we build our homes around Christ His Spirit will dwell there and the promise He gave, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:26-27) He promises us the spirit to bring peace unto us. He promises that the Spirit will teach us ALL things. This is why you need the Spirit in your home. You need this peace He promises. In your home you teach your children and when truths are taught by the Spirit, your kids will remember them much better. This is one of the greatest gifts our Heavenly Father can give us. A gift that we should not take for granted. When we receive this gift we will desire to share it with others because of the joy and happiness it brings. Another principle we need to know is LOVE! YES LOVE in the home is so important. LOVE is what Christ has shown to us. LOVE is how our families can become more united. LOVE also needs to be shown in the home with meaning. Do you just tell your family you LOVE them or do you truly deep in your heart LOVE them? I know the LOVE of God, for I have felt it. I know you too can feel that LOVE in your life and in your homes. Your homes will be strengthened against the powers of the Adversary if you follow the counsel given. We can find peace today if we slow down and take a breath and as God said, "For all flesh is in mine hands, be still and know that I am God." (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16)

Are we doing what God wants us to?

Today I thought to write a few words about my mission. I am so very grateful for this opportunity which I have to serve the Lord. It has helped me more than anything I can even imagine prepare for the rest of my life and eternity. Well it all started when I voluntarily decided to fulfill a church mission. After lots of trials and opposition here I am. I am currently serving in the TENNESSEE NASHVILLE MISSION, for THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. I entered the MISSIONARY TRAINING CENTER (MTC) on March 31, 2010. I was there until April 19, 2010 at which point I jumped on an airplane and flew to Nashville. I have been in the surrounding areas ever since. I have served in Fairview, TN Branch, Fulton KY Ward, Mayfield KY Branch and am now serving in the Clarksville TN 1st Ward. While being at these different areas I have been able to render service and testimony to those who were willing to accept it. I have seen homes ruined spiritually and physically through different storms. I have seen faith strengthened and testimonies built because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have been able to be a tool in the Lord's hand to fulfill His purposes. "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."(Moses 1:39) This has been most rewarding above anything I have ever done in my life. This has brought me more joy than any human being could ever imagine. Don't get me wrong though because it is hard knowing what you have and people not accepting it. Being persecuted by those who the scriptures talk about hard hearted people. But the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are so comforting, "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Mark 13:13) The cause of me coming on my mission is to strengthen the Faith of other in the Lord Jesus Christ and to help them make and keep covenants with Him who suffered for all our sins. My whole purpose is to stand as a Representative and Ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ and to, "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in

Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and

enduring to the end." This is such a great cause and work for all of us to be engaged in.  

Recently I received a phone call about the end of my mission. I was informed I will be going home 6 weeks earlier than expected. I will be returning on February 22, 2012. Until this date I am an ordained and set apart ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am on His time. I am fulfilling His purpose. But let us not forget that whether we are full-time missionaries or member missionaries we all have the calling of, "And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:40-41) Lets remember the commandment which has been given to us as members of His church, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Let us be faithful to the covenants which we made at baptism and ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM, TAKE HIS NAME UPON US, AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. We renew this covenant every week at the sacrament table. As President Hutchings says, "Are we covenant keeping people or do we just not break our covenants because there is a difference. Covenant keeping people will be on the right hand of God and people who don't break their covenants will be on the left hand of God." We are here on this earth at this time for a specific reason. We need to figure out what that reason is and get to work. God has many blessings in store but unless we do what we need to we will not receive those blessings. We must always remember that. He always promises us blessings without reservation but we are holding ourselves back from receiving these blessings. Why do we hold ourselves back from these blessings?

I know every worthy young man should serve a mission a mission. I so look forward to the day when I get to serve a mission as a senior. At which point I will have chosen my companion. But until then my missionary service is not done. Not until I leave the spirit world will my missionary work be done.

President Thomas S. Monson (THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS) says,

"First, to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are becoming elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught—that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook Preach My Gospel.

A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.

And now to you mature brothers and sisters: we need many, many more senior couples. To the faithful couples now serving or who have served in the past, we thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good.

To those of you who are not yet to the season of life when you might serve a couples mission, I urge you to prepare now for the day when you and your spouse might do so. As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, make yourselves available to leave home and give full-time missionary service. There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master."

 Jesus Christ has set the perfect example here as you can see in this picture.
Lets listen to the words of our prophet who lives today and get to work! In order to get this work done we have to WORK!

The Love of God

Today is such a wonderful day. It is nice and warm out. Well maybe a little to warm but that is alright with me. But why complain about the weather when God gives us so many blessings. What has God blessed you with?

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that obedience to the commandments leads to blessings from God. He said: “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” (D&C 130:20-21). King Benjamin also taught this principle. “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God,” he counseled. “For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it” (Mosiah 2:41).

Our obedience to the commandments is an expression of our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He later declared: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).

When we receive blessings it is because we have worked to obtain those blessings. Do you know how many blessings your Heavenly Father is waiting to give you? Infinite! He is willing to give us anything that we righteously desire.  The reason we do not obtain all of these blessings is because we hold ourselves back by doing disobedient things. With disobedience comes the consequences for our actions. These consequences include giving up the blessings we could have received. Let us remember that there is a way out of sin and suffering. How is it? It is the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Love of God.

 I love this video. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf says it perfectly. THE LOVE OF GOD! HIS PERFECT AND INFINITE LOVE! He loves you and I. Our Heavenly Father is always listening. Whether we are praying or not He is listening to us. Jesus Christ is waiting for us to come unto Him so He can forgive us of our sins and wrong doings. 

Pray to feel of God's Love. I promise you the Spirit will come and testify to you that no matter what we have done there is forgiveness. The Spirit will manifest God's Love for you. This I testify of in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.