Abundant Life

                    Families grow stronger when members undertake "a personal, diligent, significant quest" for the "abundant life."  President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the abundant life as being "filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings," and then he set forth his ABCs on how to gain the abundant life.

                    The A in President Monson's ABCs means 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….

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

                    The B in President Monson's ABCs means believe - "in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

                    "Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father….

                    "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.  Trust and believe and have faith."

                    President Monson's C stands for 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….

                    "There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged.  You may feel that you are defeated….

                    "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."  (See "Living the Abundant Life," Ensign, January 2012, pp 4-5.)

                    These ABCs can strengthen families especially as we begin our journeys into a new year.  It is important that we cultivate and keep a positive attitude, believe in ourselves as we set and achieve goals, and strengthen our courage to withstand the many challenges that come our way as individuals, families, communities, and nations.  The abundant life can come to families that embark on President Monson's "quest" for the "abundant life."