President Faust: Renew spirit daily

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    By Camilla Hodge

    Life is full of beginnings and those beginnings are what are most important, said President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the CES Fireside on Sunday, May 7, 2006.

    “I have learned from experience that life is fuller and richer and better for those who are not afraid to make a new beginning,” he said.

    Fighting emotion, President Faust reminded students gathered in the University of Utah Institute building and young adults watching via satellite, that as the apostle Paul wrote, they are the beloved of the Lord and chosen to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth.

    Even as chosen and beloved of the Lord, hardships will surround people, he said.

    “Out of every tragedy comes an opportunity,” President Faust said. “As one door closes, another door opens.”

    Change is the only constant in life, said President Faust, citing a philosopher.

    As young adults face such changes and new beginnings, it is of the utmost importance that there be regular spiritual renewals. President Faust offered six ways to find these spiritual renewals.

    First, daily communication with the Savior.

    “As we pray we should think of him as being close-by,” President Faust said.

    Second, daily, selfless service.

    “Those who think about others more than they think about themselves and do kind acts of service are always the happiest people,” he said.

    Third, obedience and striving every day to keep God”s commandments by watching thoughts and actions. It requires daily effort to try to become like Jesus.

    Fourth, a daily acknowledgement of the Lord”s divinity will help form a firm and personal relationship with the Master.

    Fifth, daily scripture study that will strengthen faith and help everyone live the gospel more fully.

    Sixth, “do something,” he said, with a long pause. “Television has made of us a nation of spectators.”

    The role of spectator demands no effort, he said. But as the apostle James said, people must be doers of the word, not simply hearers.

    As President Faust closed his remarks, he left an apostolic blessing upon listeners.

    “I pray that you will prepare yourselves for your great destiny, that you will stay close to the principles of righteousness and truth and that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit,” he said.

    There is no greater promise to a student, than to enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost, he said.

    “I pray that Heavenly Father will watch over you in all of your comings and goings and guide your footsteps in paths of truth and righteousness, that you will be wise above your years, and you will be sensitive to your great destiny and your great promise,” he said.

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