13. Fight self pity

A couple of months ago one of the church leaders in the area gave a great talk on this subject. He talked about how sometimes he sends out an invitation to himself to attend a pity party and he always accepts. He then spoke about how we can combat these feelings. We have much to be glad about. Think of it, the Savior has overcome the world. Why shouldn't we be of good cheer (See John 16)?
So next time you consider sending yourself an invite to your own pity party think again, and instead consider what Jesus Christ has done for you.

Our Preparations for the Lord

       With Palm Sunday coming up and Easter the following Sunday I have been thinking a lot about Jesus Christ and His mission here on Earth. The Atonement can be the greatest help if we let it. The week before the Savior rose from the dead he sat outside Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives. He instructed two of His disciples to walk into Jerusalem and bring a certain colt back to him. They did as they we were commanded. In Mark 11:8-10 it reads:

       8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

       9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; ^aBlessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

       10 ^aBlessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

       Many recognized who the Savior was and prepared the way for him to ride. How can we prepare the way for the Lord just as these people in Jerusalem did? Not all the citizens of Jerusalem worshipped Jesus just as many in the world today do not. But we can live His teachings and do what we can to "spread [our] garments in the way: and...cut down branches off the trees, and [straw] them in the way."

See also: Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19