I Believe –
The other day I ran a cross a letter an old friend of mine wrote me entitled “I Believe”. This letter has been a tremendous help to me at times when I’ve been down or when my life was stagnant. It also encouraged me to discover what I really believe. Through my experiences I’ve realized that people with similar backgrounds, circumstances, education and even identical religions still believe in many different things. Beliefs change or enroot further due to experience and education (scholastically of otherwise).
After I reread this note I decided to compile a similar document consisting of my personal beliefs. I felt that writing down my beliefs would one, help me discover what I believe. It is easy for me to think I know what I know until I have to recall it. This was a excellent exercise. Second, this would provide me with a document that I could refer to when I need strength to make a difficult decision, need motivation, or when I need to be reminded where my values lie. This, of course, is not a complete list and I hope that my continuing life experiences will continue to refine, define, and add to these beliefs. There are a number of these paradigms that have been gleaned from other sources including (but not limited to) books I’ve read, other peoples experiences, and my friends letter; however, I’ve used and applied them to make them my own.
I believe Heavenly Father knows me personally and he has a personal interest in my wellbeing spiritually, physically emotionally, socially, educationally, professionally, etc., and he plays an integral part of my life, even when I think I don’t want or need him. He may possibly be more involved when I’m struggling with feeling unworthy of his help and guidance. I believe Heavenly Father is literally our father in heaven and he will guide us as his own. I believe in the cleansing power of the atonement. I believe the atonement was suffered and endured for EVERYONE. I believe the answer “No” from the Lord is more important than a “yes”. No’s guide and protect us. Be grateful for no’s.
I believe in life. Life is spiritual beings having a mortal experience. Were here to learn obedience and how to control a physical body as our heavenly father once did. I believe in mistakes. They also are part of the plan, and Christ allotted for these mess-ups. There isn’t a lot we can do to totally screw-up. This doesn’t give us permission this allows for life. I believe we don’t have to be perfect now, we aren’t expected to.
I believe in friends. Friends are God’s gift along the way. Real friends help and lift one another. I believe we can’t do it alone; we need others to lean on and validate, and give feedback. I believe people change. I believe change is one of the primary constants of this life. I believe in self-mastery. As we lift ourselves we can lift others. I believe in service. As you give you must receive also. Service is the fast track to self-improvement. I believe in family. No matter what happens family will always be there. Families are for for-ev-er. So you might as well get used to them, get to know them, become best friends. I believe in becoming a great grandpa. The habits I build now will determine who I am in the future. The principles and values I uphold now will be instilled then. How I want my grand children to see me then will influence how I act now.
I believe love exists. I believe love and life go far deeper than that portrayed in the media. I believe in the power of self destination. I believe people use the word “fate” as an excuse. Excuses are like armpits. Everyone has one or two and they stink. I believe we can become whatever we want. I also believe the lord guides us as we move towards our goals. I believe the Lord has an agenda that will help us reach our potential; usually this is achieved through our goals. I believe in an interdependent relationship between God and man if we allow it. I can’t do it alone; He can’t force me into heaven. As any vehicle can’t be guided unless it is moving, the Lord too can’t guide us unless we make the first few steps. I believe that when it hurts too badly to look back and you’re too scared to look forward you can look beside you and your best friend will be by your side.
I believe love takes work but can not be forced. I believe you can love someone with all you have and not be “in love” with them. I believe that no matter how hot and passionate a relationship is the romance will fade and there had better be something there to take its place. I believe love as a verb (service, sacrifice, compassion, appreciation), precedes love as a feeling.
I believe only I have the power to change me. I believe one is never too old to change. I believe it is our responsibility to be continually improving ourselves. I believe if we aren’t moving in a forward direction we are going backwards. There is no stopping. I believe we should never be too busy for people. I believe no one is better than another person. Each has the power and capacity to do great things and change worlds. I believe knowledge gives power and responsibility (this should motivate us). To know is to do; and to do is to know. There never is nothing going on. I believe that there is never an unimportant moment. All you are guaranteed is now, (but keep planting cherry trees). LIVE!
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Yet, all play and no work doesn’t work. I believe in work. Ya, it sucks sometimes, but it refines us and teaches great lessons. I believe that nothing worth anything is ever easy. I believe in the soft touch and encouraging words of a mother. I believe that when someone believes in you, you hold the world in the palm of your hand (especially when it’s you). I believe people should think for themselves and it is more important to teach someone how to think than what to think. I believe creativity is the key to finding ones inner self.
I believe the Lord has a timetable for all of us and we can affect it by our obedience. I believe obedience is doing the right thing, at the right time, weather I want to or not. I believe life is hard but I can do hard things. I believe it takes time! (Growth, Goals, Family…) Happiness is the journey not the destination. Enjoy life now. I believe in the delicate balance of life. I believe that laughter is the best medicine; learn to laugh at yourself this will be a great strength to you. What is important to you may not be all that important. Learn to see things eternally and objectively. Nevertheless, the Lord sends his tender mercies softening the blows.
I believe in acting on my life and not reacting (stimulus, –choice, –action) Acting gives me control and accountability. I’m the master of my future. I believe in thrift and using my resources wisely. I believe a kind word can lighten someone’s load and brighten someone’s day. I believe everything will work out, it has to. Time can’t stop and either you perform or you don’t. How you deal with the consequences will determine the outcome and worth of the activity. I believe we can’t change our past but we have control of our future.
I believe in music. It can alter moods and feelings, and whisk you off to another place and time. I believe everyone has multiple talents that must be nurtured. Honesty is still the best policy. I believe anyone can be romantic, but it takes real lovers to be silly. I believe a sincere thank you goes a long way.
I believe the iron rod doesn’t go through the lobby of the great and spacious building. You can’t have both worlds and both lives. I believe taking up our own cross is a lot more difficult than I expected. But I believe it is exceedingly lighter and easier with the Lord. I believe the commandments are given for my good. This is how the lord allows me to be happy, have peace and joy and to become like him. Heavenly Father doesn’t “need” me, his work will roll forward. Heavenly Father loves me and wants me involved in His work and involved in His life. He wants all of his children involved in His Life. (–Equal Opportunity). I believe the spirit makes someone more beautiful than they themselves otherwise could. That smile and countenance cannot be matched elsewhere.
I believe in Learning from our failures and success is paramount in life, now and eternally. I believe that because of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the gospel the doors to heaven have been thrust open and offered to all who will enter in (through the appropriate means and authority). Christ’s atonement paved the way for us. Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This taught us multiple important and vital truths and started the restoration of the gospel and priesthood authority. Prophets words, past and present, stand as ensigns to guide and direct us if we listen and obey their words. I believe it is through our weakness and mortal nature that we hold ourselves back. The Lord, as a loving parent, wants to bless us, and he will –as much as he can, through his perfect and infinite wisdom. I believe in abundance. There is enough opportunity, options, love, success etc. for everybody. The scarcity mindset says there is only so much and the more you get the less there is for me. There is enough for everyone to live successful lives and achieve their dreams.
Of all the creations of the almighty there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of god who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her spirit with everlasting truth. –Hinkley
Until a person can say deeply and honestly, “I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,” that person cannot say “I choose Otherwise.”
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