As a Man Thinketh...

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"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." 

 -Proverbs 23:7 

This week, President Trayner shared with the missionaries this message from President Monson's "ABC's" of obtaining an abundant life:

A= Attitude 

"...So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.

Charles Swindoll—author, educator, and Christian pastor—said:

'Attitude, to me, is more important than … the past, … than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.'

We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

B= Believe
"...in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father... Thomas Fuller, an English churchman and historian who lived in the 17th century, penned this truth:

 'He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.'

Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can."

C= 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.  Said the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: 

'Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.'

There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win!

Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve." 

   Missionaries who learn to cultivate a positive attitude, believe that they can achieve their goals and resolutions, and have the courage to face whatever challenges may come their way enjoy not only an abundant mission, but an abundant life in their future.


Here are pictures of the latest LARGE group of incoming missionaries, May transfer day, and missionaries on their way home: 

All four- Assistants to the President