"Finishers Wanted"

President Monson gave a talk once where he spoke about a sign in a furniture store window. The sign read "Finishers Wanted." “In life, as in business, there has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. Their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great.”  He then taught six marks of a finisher and said that they were vital to our success. 

Mark of vision. 

Mark of effort. 

Mark of faith. 

Mark of virtue.

Mark of courage.

Mark of prayer.

I might suggest that when thinking about the future, when contemplating what your plans are and what God’s plans might be for you, you think about each of these marks. Is there an area you are struggling with? Are they a part of you? How can others’ lives be affected when they see these marks in you?

Jim Ritchie from the Launching Leaders series for my B183 course stated, "Most people fail in life because they do not understand how to balance their roles and responsibilities." I might add also because they do not have enough faith in themselves or their Heavenly Father. I believe that one must understand who they are and what they are required to do. Yes, we each have responsibilities that we must fulfill. As parents, friends, homeowners, employees, business people, or members of a religion. But I also firmly believe that there is so much more to life than the drudgery of what is expected of us. So many people settle for where they just end up, there is more than this. God put us here to learn and grow. The prophets have said that He is willing to hand over everything He has to us. I want to be worthy of all of that. I don't know exactly why I am in school or what I will do with my degree, but I know God is leading my life. I know that he is helping me to understand that his vision of my capabilities is greater than my own. There must be trust between us. I must have faith in the path that is under my feet and the person I am following. Then I can more fully understand my roles and responsibilities in each facet of life, and I will have the strength to reach this greater destination. I will count myself successful. I will be a finisher!

Gratitude Changes Everything

Little Heidi has been using such good manners. At three years old she remembers to say 'please and thank you' better than my older children. It kind of takes my by surprise sometimes but it always makes me smile.

I work with the elementary school choir and there is a woman that comes to help. She is the speech specialist for the school. She has given advice to me and the other director -who happens to be her daughter- and it is so good. She always encourages us not to say anything negative but to point out the positive to the children. I want to incorporate this into my family life. As a mother it is so hard being positive and showing gratitude. I feel like I have to point out the things they are doing wrong, that's my job isn't it? Au, contraire! Your job is to teach, lead, exemplify. In order to do this you must show gratitude.
Thomas S. Monson said, "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude." 

Life will take it's turns and while I am doing all that I can to prepare for what comes wether it be with family, or as an entrepreneur the words of the song Count Your Many Blessings come to mind. Gratitude is a personal choice even when other life problems may seem to be dealt to us.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.