While on my mission, I picked up a book by James Allen called, “As a Man Thinketh” and treasured the wisdom in its pages. After Elder Holland’s conference talk last Saturday about faith coming from thoughts and words, I revisited the book. Throughout life it seems we hear talks and read poignant thoughts at times when we need them the most.
Lately, with stressful and unpredictable times at work, I’ve had to cultivate a positive attitude beyond anything in recent memory. This has taught me two things: First, that I have been lazy in cultivating positive thoughts and speech. Second, that what you put out comes back, or, in terms we all know, you reap what you sow.
I want to share some clips from the book, but I’d encourage you all to read it.
Also, in terms of Elder Holland’s talk, let me share this quick story: Emma was sick two weeks ago and she asked me for a blessing. I wasn’t sure how to bless her, because I knew she’d be okay eventually and didn’t feel the pressing need to “raise her from the dead” so to speak. I thought, “I guess just giving the blessing will comfort her enough and she’ll know I care about her.” However, as I was sealing the anointing, I was impressed ever so slightly to say the following: “Emma, you will sleep through the night without interruption and I promise your fever will be gone by morning.” Emma slept through the night and her fever was gone the next day. Perhaps giving the blessing was for her and me.
“Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.”
“Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.”
“Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought is some direction.”
“Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance.”
The equation,for me, works like this:
Positive/Good Thoughts + Positive Speech = Faith = Success/Miracles.
Andy thanks for taking the time to share those thoughts. I loved Elder Hollands talk and I will have to check out that book for my I Pod.
I have to say thank you as well. That is something I can work on, positive thinking and speaking…it might help Boyd and Rod through the next week.
Thanks so much Andy. I need that every day here. I have to tell myself every day that I can choose to be happy or sad today and I try to choose happy every day. When I think of all of you how can I not be happy. You are the greatest family any one could ever have!
I’m telling you…there is a lot to be said for “Karma” whether it be good or bad…..what we do comes back to us….we reap what we sow.
Thanks Andy. I loved the note. Thanks for the quotes. It is so true. Do we look for the positive in all things. I try to remember the fleas–I talked about them in FHE a while back. The ladies in a concentration camp were happy for the fleas because it kept the guards away and they could read their Bible which they had miraculously snuck in. Amazing.
Yeah, it’s like Pollyanna….I love that story!
Leave it to Sandy to say something about Pollyanna. Anyway, I agree full heartedly. You are very motivating. Thanks ya AC!
Kathy
I absolutly loved that talk by Elder Holland. In fact I think I am going to look it up and read it again. Every conference I look forward to the words that will be said and I always have a talk that is my favorite. This talk was not only my favorite but it is my favorite of all time. Thanks Andrew, I love you!
“Pollyanna, come out and play!”
Come on Pollyanna, why won’t you come out and play?
I love the Glad Game!