In his recent Conference talk, Elder Kearon said “All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ. Even you.” One of the blessings of a New Year is that is gives us the opportunity to take inventory of how we are doing in the various aspects of our lives. I have found that this introspection can be both enlightening and sometimes a little bit discouraging. We might find that we didn’t hold to previous goals as well as we might have hoped to. Or on the contrary, we may be pleasantly surprised at the progress we have made. Whichever the case, a new year and a new opportunity always comes each January 1st. As Elder Kearon continues: “New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan for His children.”

One of the opportunities that we have to restart is through the blessing of the ordinance of the Sacrament. Each week we have the opportunity to assess our spiritual progress when we take the bread and water of the Sacrament. As we take a moment to be introspective and review our efforts in the past week, we will likely be inspired to see where we did well or where we need to improve. As we consult with the Lord he will open our hearts and our minds to not only show us what we can do better, but how to do it. He will help us along the way and show us how to improve. 

Elder Kearon concludes: “Please receive your new beginning, even today, right now. Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith, writing countless chapters with us. He is the Beginning and the End-the end of our shame and suffering and the beginning of a new life in Him, letting us receive His grace, leave the past behind, and begin again with a new dawn, as many times as we need.”

God loves us. He will sustain and help us as we receive our new beginnings! As many as we need!!

With love, 

President Hakes