One of the prompts on my blog dashboard this week is: What gives you direction in life?” So I thought I would share what gives me direction, and how I make choices, especially bigger choices in my life.

My religion is the first thing that gives me direction in life. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe that there is life after death. I also believe that we will stand before our Father in Heaven and answer as to what we did here in this life, where we used our time, what choices we made, the works we did, and how all of that affected who we become.

This gives me direction, because it helps me maintain a better perspective. There is more to this life than simply existing, and there is reason and purpose to my existence. How do I know this? Because Heavenly Father isn’t silent. He speaks to anyone listening through the Holy Ghost. He cares about His children, He loves us, and I know He wants to be a part of my life because I see His hand in my life every single day. This knowledge affects every aspect of my life, my decision making, the way I spend my time, everything. I want to stand before Him in awe, but comfortable to be in His presence as well.

My family gives me direction. My parents are still a huge part in my decision making, and I am grateful for their advice over the years. They believe as I do, and I can trust that they have my best interest at heart. My husband also gives me direction. He is supportive in my many endeavors. He doesn’t get super involved, but when he has something to say, he lets me know. Sometimes it’s not what I want to hear, but it always gives me reason to pause and evaluate what I’m doing and why.

My kids give me direction. I have 4 kids and have recently gained a son-in-law, all of whom I love and am so grateful for. They are all getting older, the youngest is 16. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and always have been. When I get discouraged because things aren’t working like I anticipated or wanted, they give me pep talks and cheer me up. When I have problems, I know I can bounce ideas off them and I’ll get honest advice back. I am so grateful for each one of them and their support.

Because of what I know to be true about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I know that there is absolute truth in this world. I also know that there is help and strength in Jesus Christ and in families. I know we were organized into families because it gives us the best possible chance to succeed as well as help others whom we love to succeed. These are not only the reason’s for the choices I make, but the ones I turn to when I’m making those decisions. I am grateful for their support in all the crazy endeavors I’ve set out to accomplish, and their undying support in the future.