All In

It's April! Can you believe it? That means it's the season of the A-Z blogging challenge! I have no plan this year, so enjoy as I wing every post. :) (Honestly, I don't think I've ever had a plan.)

A is for All In

Last Wednesday, Thomas B. Morgan spoke at my Institute. He emphasized the importance and power of commitment, especially commitment to the gospel. We are the most empowered when we give God 100%.  We can find the most joy when we are all in.

"Through faith in Christ, we can be spiritually prepared and cleansed from sin, immersed in and saturated with His gospel, and purified and sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise." - Elder David A. Bednar

Brother Morgan recently returned from serving as a mission president, and he used this phrase regularly with his missionaries: Halfway in halfway out, fills the mind and heart with doubt. That statement couldn't be more true.

When I'm only halfway, life is rough. I squeeze in a few verses of scripture because I've been too 'busy' or tired, and as a result, I don't receive the spiritual nourishment that I need. My prayers are shallow and repetitive because I'm too focused on myself. I don't take the time to attend the temple. I shy away from opportunities to serve. And I'm afraid, because I give doubts and worries far too much time to play on the stage of my mind.

When I'm fully engaged in the gospel, the picture is totally different. Not only do I read my scriptures, but I study them. I pray from the heart and think of those who need special blessings. I regularly attend the temple. I keep my covenants. I take joy in opportunities to serve. And most of all, I have enough faith to overcome my fears. When I'm all in, there's no room for doubt or worry, because the Spirit is constantly with me and I'm focused on service and God's will. I know the truth because I'm living it and I feel its power.

I've lived both ways, and let me tell you, being all in is the recipe for a happy and meaningful life. I'm happier than I've ever been, and that's because I'm more all in than I've ever been. I love the gospel. I love my God. And when I serve Him, that opens the doors for Him to bless me. And He has, in so many ways that have blown my mind.

Be all in. Give Him 100%. It is so beyond worth it.

I love you all! And to those of you joining me for this blogging challenge, happy A-Zing! I look forward to getting to know you.

Bonnie Gwyn