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5 Keys To A Successful Life

5. Don't willingly believe lies. The father of lies is always busy, trying to convince you and I that we're not lovable in any sense. God does the exact opposite, especially in Jesus Christ.

4. Seek forgiveness. First, seek it from God. Then others. Then give it. Work at it. You might mess up bad enough that someone you love walks away from you. They might even say things that aren't true in their pain. Let it go. You have to come to know that what you would do for them has nothing to do with what they do for you. If you don't know this, start over.

3. Pray. How else are you gonna talk to God? Not to mention all the brethren in the intermediate state who have pleased God in an extraordinary way. Trust me, you need all the help you can get.

2. Sing. You don't have to do it for other people, nor must you be good. Also, it need not be happy. But if the rocks would cry out to declare God's glory, maybe we should do it, too. Don't be afraid to realize that even this can put the world back in order.

1. Love. There's natural love(s) and love for God. Do both in large measure as best you can. Realize that everything good comes from God, who is Love. Be prepared for the reality that you have no idea what God means. But be willing to find out.

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