St. Cloud Florida Stake Blog

As a new year dawns, so with it comes the hope of new possibilities. New job opportunities, new friendships, and new ways to serve the Lord are all things we can look forward to at the beginning of January. However, merely anticipating the new does not make it reality. Setting realistic goals is an important way we can attain the exciting possibilities each new year holds.

 President Ezra Taft Benson stated, “Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals . . . Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he ‘increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social.”

These four main areas for goals are the basis for the new Children and Youth Program. Instead of having a list of scriptures to read and discuss or set service projects to accomplish, this program places trust on the youth (children from 8-11, and young adults from 12-18) and their families to customize goals that will enable them to succeed in their desired paths in these four areas. Although this is a family-centered program, church leaders can assist youth and their families in setting worthwhile goals.

Bishop Brad Howes of the Canoe Creek Ward felt impressed to challenge the youth and their families in his ward to set a specific goal when he began meeting with them during Tithing Declaration. Bishop Howes related, “It’s easy to see how much the youth love going to the temple. We tend to get questions pretty often about when our next youth temple trip will be. I felt that many of our youth and parents were unaware that they could attend the temple as a family and thus go much more often. My challenge, for the youth to attend the temple with their parents before the April General Conference in 2023, perpetuates the home-centered, church supported approach” our prophet, President Nelson, has encouraged.

What a wonderful way to inspire parents and youth to take a more active role in attending the temple as families! The Orlando Temple currently encourages members to make appointments to attend baptismal and other proxy ordinance work, but beginning March 1, 2023, Thursday evenings from 5:30-7pm the baptistry will be reserved for any families looking to do temple work together—no appointments necessary!

Elder Marvin J. Ashton shared, “May we launch straightway toward setting goals that are gospel oriented, knowing that if we use the talents that are ours—that if we help others, strive for peace, avoid being overly sensitive or overly critical—strength upon strength will be added unto our own abilities and we will move straightway toward greater growth, happiness, and eternal joys.”

What spiritual goals will you strive to accomplish this year?

For more information on the importance of setting goals, visit churchofjesuschrist.org