Mapleton 26th Ward,

As I was thinking about a topic for this month’s message, repentance kept coming into my mind. I know this is a pretty common topic for most of us, but as we have heard recently from our apostles, it is something we should be doing every day.

We all have changes that we need to make to be more like the Savior. We must always be diligent in our daily lives, thinking about the things that may be slipping through. We should also remember to thank Heavenly Father for the forgiveness that comes through repentance.

What do we need to repent of daily? Not always big things. Maybe it is something that we didn’t do instead of something we did. There are always things we can do better on a day-to-day basis.

Are we complimenting our spouse or siblings? Are we giving a smile to a stranger? Did we stop and give service when we were just a little too busy?

We must never forget how our Savior has allowed us to repent through the Atonement.

Sometimes we get caught up in our daily lives and don’t appreciate this great gift.

In reading the Psalms recently, I love how David expresses his appreciation:

“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.”

Remember that the repentance process will be a joyful journey if you let it. Even Alma, in his deep sins, felt it when he proclaimed:

“Oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!”

I have a testimony of repentance and our Savior’s great role in it. May you feel the joy and happiness you deserve as you strive to repent daily.

Brother Houtz