Urban Poly Princess

“Edward, never look back. Look ahead at what we still have to do.”
As we look ahead and believe, we need this same teamwork in hastening the work of salvation as we invite others to come unto Christ. In our individual capacities, we need to follow the counsel of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf to “stand close together and lift where we stand”
 We can tap our full potential, just as was observed by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve: “As I travel throughout the Church I marvel at all the positive things that are occurring. Yet I never feel that we, as a people, are living up to our real potential. My sense is that we do not always work together, that we are still too much interested in aspirations for personal honors and success, and show too little interest in the common goal of building the kingdom of God” (“United in Building the Kingdom of God,”
In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go.
Our guiding principles were taught to us by the Prophet Joseph Smith: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it”
It is so easy to forget that with all the many wonderful things that make up the church. EVERYTHING we do or what to share with others is the Savior who offers us joy. The gospel's literal meaning is good news and that is the good news. Ongo'ongolelei is the Tongan word for gospel which helps emphasize its meaning to me. Ongo'ongo is news and lelei is good or well. Sometimes we use the term gospel to encompass every part of the church without realizing or focusing on exactly what that is. The good news is that the Savior not only conquered physical death but also spiritual death so that we too can enjoy blessings and progress in our lives. Progression is joy. Improvement is joy. I love that our plan is sometimes called the plan of eternal progression. Constant positive change is growth and happiness. It is the ultimate state. Everything makes so much sense. Although we need faith so much of this is DUH...