Though he has been the prophet for less than a year, President Nelson has already issued some amazing invitations and statements that can make fantastic New Year's resolutions for you and your family to help you come closer to the Savior this year. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Manage social media time.
In a youth broadcast on June 3, 2018, and again in his October 2018 conference address to the women of the Church, President Nelson issued the same challenge: engage in a social media fast. Whether or not you have participated already, you can take this challenge and adapt it for all year long! Use a habit-tracking app or your phone's built-in media manager to see how much time you spend on social media, then set a realistic goal for 2019 to change those habits and better use your time.
2. Read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover.
Not only was President Thomas S. Monson's final conference talkfocused on the importance of the Book of Mormon in our lives, but President Nelson made a similar emphasis in his talk to the sistersin the October 2018 general conference.
"I invite you to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. As impossible as that may seem with all you are trying to manage in your life, if you will accept this invitation with full purpose of heart, the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it. And, as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation."
3. Start a revelation journal.
There is no doubt that personal revelation is on the top of President Nelson's mind—and hopefully ours, too. In hisApril 2018 conference talk "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives," the prophet shared a profound thought that has been frequently quoted since:
"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. "My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation."
What better way to practice receiving and remembering personal revelation than by starting a special journal dedicated to recording those special promptings? It can be as simple as an extra notebook you bought while school shopping for the kids, or as unique as one of these specially designed journals from Deseret Book.
4. Schedule regular study time with your family.
With changes to the Sunday meeting schedule as well as new gospel manuals, 2019 is the perfect year to set and achieve some new gospel study goals individually and as families. Consider President Nelson's remarks on this topic as you create resolutions around this theme:
"The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families. In this complex world today, this is not easy. The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families."
5. Attend the temple regularly.
With President Nelson's announcement of 10 new temples at the October 2018 general conference, the idea of regular temple attendance for members around the globe is quickly becoming more of a reality. Consider setting a goal this year that will incorporate the temple more regularly in your home—however that looks for you. If you live near a temple, set a specific day or time aside to attend, or if traveling to the temple regularly is not currently a viable option, set a goal to study about the temple or include it more in the way you decorate your home. As President Nelson stated:
"I invite you to study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples than you ever had before."
6. Use the full name of the Church.
"The name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended."
These were some of President Nelson's comments during the October 2018 general conference. Make a resolution this year to do a better job of implementing the Savior's name as you talk to others about the gospel. Or make a goal to study the life of Jesus Christ and better understand why He and His name are so central to the gospel. Whatever you think will help you come closer to Christ in 2019!
7. Minister.
"Effective ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood. We all need such protection from the cunning wiles of the adversary."
These were the words of President Nelson in the April 2018 general conference announcement that visiting and home teaching would be discontinued. There have been countless articles and advice and ideas for implementing the new ministering program. Pick some that you want to start doing in the upcoming year and make a plan to accomplish them, whether it's praying for your ministering families daily, a specific way you want to start ministering, or even simply saying hi to your ministering families at church. Find what feels best and make that resolution!
What did we miss? Let us know at comments@ldsliving.com. Or take the poll below to see how other Latter-day Saints handle New Year's resolutions!