At a recent training meeting President Wilfred Anderson, our Stake President, reminded us how fortunate we are to live in this area after some of the brethren expressed concern over recent increases in crime and violence in our neighborhood.  He pointed out what great people live in our area and how convenient this location is compared to many other areas of the valley.  His positive attitude and ability to look for the good in any situation reminded me of a previous Bishop I served under.  He often repeated the old cliché “A positive attitude is it's own reward”.  This would have gone in one ear and out the other were it not for the fact that he was a living example of this principle.  I truly believe in this principle now!  Unfortunately, I have never been able to master this trait as did my old Bishop.  I worry a lot about life, money, and protecting my family from the dangers in todays world and in our own neighborhood.  What can we do to protect our families and homes from these evils?  Well one thing we can do is be positive about our neighborhood and all the good that is here.  Another thing we can do is found, as usual, in the writings of our prophets and in the scriptures.  The prophet Joseph Smith said,

“...seek to know God in your closets,  call upon him in the fields. Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over, and for your families, your cattle, your flocks, your herds, your corn, and all things that you possess; ask the blessing of God upon all your labors, and everything that you engage in.”  (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 247) (Alma 34:17-29.).

 This advice lifts my spirit and buoys my faith.  In fact, it excites me!  We can protect the people and home we love! What could be more positive than this knowledge?  The Lord wants us to pray and pray often for our families, our work, and all we posses and engage in!  It is all right to pray for some of the temporal things we have!  Things we have worked hard for, things that we can use to enhance our ability to contribute to the Gospel.  Take advantage of this advice from our Prophets and pray for the success and protection of families and the protection of homes and belongings each night.  Why would you ever retire at the end of a long hard day without doing this?  Especially after watching the ten o'clock news!  Is this to say that nothing bad will ever happen to us?  No, not necessarily, but, even when bad things happen the Lord will do all he can to temper the effects of those things upon us.  This fundamental principle has become  my favorite scripture because my children and family use this advice in their prayers each night.  It sets me free to get the rest I need. It can do the same for you...
 
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