Advice for Latter Day Saints

One of the Bishopric members of the YSA branch in Fargo gave a talk with his advice for members of the church, especially YSA. I really liked it and thought I would share:

1. Stay close to your Father in Heaven!
• Do you Believe in Him?
• Do you believe that He will forgive you?
• Do you believe that He loves you?
• Do you believe in the Kingdom of Heaven?
2. Have a testimony of the Book of Mormon.
• It is the keystone to our Religion.
• Jesus Christ is the foundation
• Develop a love for the book!
3. Don't get caught up with what the critics say. 
• About the church
• About the leaders
• About yourself
4. Set a goal for a happy, successful Temple marriage.
• This does not mean that when you are married in the temple you have accomplished this.  It is a lifelong pursuit.  A successful marriage is one of combined strength in faith and love.
5. Bad things will happen. People will use you. People will offend you, etc.
• This is not a reason to let go of your testimony or to leave the church or to hold a grudge.
• Leave it in the hands of God.
• You must forgive completely.
6. Be open to change.
• Even the terrifying changes
• Be open to grow with the Spirit
7. Come to Church no matter what!
• DO NOT WORK ON SUNDAY!
• If you have a job making you work on Sunday- get a different job!
• Which is more important?  More money or your eternal salvation?
• HAVE FAITH!  If you follow His commandments, you will be blessed!
8. Understand choices and the accountability for those choices.
• All blessings are tied to obedience to the commandments. 
• Choose the way Jesus Christ wants you to and you will be blessed.
9. Repent!
• We all make mistakes.
• Do not be afraid to repent.  Just do it.
• Your Savior atoned for you.  Don't throw that precious gift away out of pride.
10. The gospel of Jesus Christ should be fun.
• It should be fun to be active in church.
• It will be fun to find pearls of eternal truths
• It should be fun to be part of the social group the church provides.