From President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | LDS.org | January 2019

One thing I learned about my life is that the moment I think I have it all figured out, something falls out of place, and I have to begin the balancing act all over again!  I enjoy order in my life.  I use to be able to work a juggling act in my younger years, and I still can at times, but I know that my juggling act isn’t fun for me, nor is it giving my full attention to the other essential priorities in my life.  Sometimes, after a holiday or vacation, when we are taken away temporarily from our balanced priorities, we come back forgetting how we did things before, and life becomes unbalanced again.  This is the case now with me…Christmas usually does it.  With shopping, wrapping gifts, parties, family visits, etc.!  So, now is the time to find my footing again. To prioritize my day and my weeks, start small and focus while looking for the guidance of my Heavenly Father, who will help me to find my strength and accomplish those things which will bring joy, peace, and a healthy balance to my life.  Hope you will do the same.  Here are some great suggestions from President M. Russell Ballard. ~Emilia

I have a few suggestions that I hope will be valuable to those of you concerned with balancing life’s demands.

First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often “withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves spiritually as the Savior did. Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.

Second, set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced—not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting.

Third, through wise budgeting, control your real needs and measure them carefully against your many wants in life. Far too many individuals and families have incurred too much debt. Be careful of the many attractive offers to borrow money. It is much easier to borrow money than it is to pay it back. There are no shortcuts to financial security. We never will have balance in our lives unless our finances are securely under control.

Remember to always pay a full tithing.

Fourth, stay close to your spouse, children, relatives, and friends. They will help you keep a balance in your life. Build relationships with your family and friends through open and honest communication.

A good marriage and good family relationships can be maintained through gentle, loving, thoughtful communication. Remember that often a glance, a wink, a nod, or a touch will say more than words. A sense of humor and good listening are also vital parts of good communication.

Fifth, study the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord. One of the ways I have gained my sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ is through my study of the scriptures. President Russell M. Nelson has asked members of the Church to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day.

To read more about balancing life’s demands, please click HERE.