Changing my Heart

This quote was in our Sacrament meeting bulletin and it really stood out to me:

"How do we decide where our repentance should be focused? When a loved one or friend suggests things we need to change, the natural man in us sometimes pops up his head and responds, 'Oh, you think I should change? Well let me tell you about some of your problems.' A better approach is to humbly petition the Lord: 'Father, what wouldst Thou have me do?' The answers come. We feel the changes we need to make. The Lord tells us in our mind and in our heart."

-Neil L. Anderson, "Repent...That I May Heal You," Ensign Nov 2009

Last week I read another passage in the scriptures:

Alma 7:23-24

23 And now I would that ye should be ^ahumble, and be^bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

24 And see that ye have ^afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

And another place shortly after this chapter talks again about being submissive and humble. All these things make me think that I have some changing to do. I feel like I need to be less defensive, more willing to change things that I know need changing (even when I don't WANT to change), more open to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I read a book a couple years ago called "I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer: A Fitness Program for the Soul" by Emily Watts. I got it because the title was funny and very true to me. It was a really good book. Sometimes the obvious things are the answer, but I just don't want to do them. Lately I've been feeling a little down, and tired. I was talking to Jon about it and we agreed that I should probably be exercising regularly and eating healthier food. Ugh!! Why does it have to be that?! Why can't I be happy and energetic on cookies and movie watching? This is one of those times that I need to humble myself enough to know my usual way of doing things is not the right way. In order to have what I want long term (energy, health, happiness, humility, positive attitude) I have to make some sacrifices. I have a lot of hope and a bit of faith that I can make the changes necessary to be more than I am now.

Time to go exercise!!