99- 12-30-24

 Hello Family,


Happy New Year! It is New Year’s Eve, and we are gathered all together in Ogden, Utah. What a treat to be all together! As Lainey would say, “I love you guys!”

This weekend I have watched each of you set time aside to plan and to make New Year’s Resolutions, pondering on things that you would like to add or improve in your life. I love that! A life without purpose is a life of complacency. Goals put us in a place to act, and to do. You each know who you are and what your purpose is, and this brings so much joy to Mama and I.

This purpose is innate in each one of us, and as we listen to, and follow the Spirit we will continue to strive to become better. The Hope we have that we can be successful at this improvement comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. Nephi teaches us,“ And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon…”

Invitation: As we continue to set goals for this New Year, or anytime throughout, let us keep in mind what our Heavenly Father has taught us our main purpose here is for.
“And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”

Studying, learning, and following the commandments of God is a life long pursuit. A life of real purpose. A life of real happiness. We will each sometimes stumble, forget our goals for a time, or not have the motivation to keep them. But if we turn to the Savior in those more difficult times, we are promised His Spirit. The Spirit will again bring us action, to follow, and to improve.

New Year’s has always been one of my favorites, because I love to plan, and organize myself. And though I’m not always the best on implementing and sticking to these plans, I can look back and say today that I’m closer to who and where I want to be than I have ever been before. Far from where I want or perhaps need to be, but sure of my direction. As we look to follow the Savior, to try to emulate Him, let us follow His pattern and not be too hard on ourselves in our striving. And that is “…. line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little,” and over time we will be left with His sure promise, “for unto him that receiveth I will give more.”

I love each one of you with all my heart. Happy New Year. May it bring each of us closer together, and closer to our Savior.

Love,

Dad

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