MARCH "GLADNESS"!!!!

The month of march is one of my favorites!! With it comes(usually) the end of winter and more importantly the start of the NCAA basketball tournament. They call it March Madness for good reason. Just this year Duke, a basketball giant, fell to Lehigh, a team largely unheard of. Mitch Goldich writes "the exciting part about March Madness is the chance for these schools to dream the big dream, and the joy we get from watching those dreams occasionally come true.(-Lehigh beating Duke Shows Why March Madness is so great) I think that each of us love to cheer on the underdogs because it makes our dreams seem much more possible. If a small team wins, we can say to our self "can you believe it," and "what else is possible". The problem I find in life is doubt, creeping in my mind saying dreams "occasionally come true." Or that I will never be able to win it all. Gods love and his gospel is one of "March Gladness," one that helps us become more like him, making all things possible. His spirit is not of fear, its one of joy and faith. There are no brackets to compete for Gods love. He invites all men everywhere to come unto him and be saved, telling none to leave, giving peace and power to all who have faith in him. 

Kesmir Cosic, a basketball star and a member of the LDS faith, said "money is not the main thing. You try to live happy. If you can do it, you do. I try to live so that I feel good, and if I feel good then I am living well." Suggestions for other players? Cosic says "you've got to like to play, that really helps." When asked if joining the church has interfered with having fun, Kesmir replies "you can have much bigger fun. I mean, like when we talk about sin. Sin does not seem so bad the day you do it, of course you have fun.., but so many troubles afterward. The gospel is nice now and afterwards. Living the gospel is fun, but its hard."(Kesmir Cosic- Basketball and Baptism) Its not a spectator sport, it requires change, but with the change comes gladness and peace of mind. President Thomas S. Monson challenges all to seek for the abundant life, one full of success, goodness, and blessings. He says to live the ABC's, have a positive attitude, believe in yourself, and face challenges with courage. I know as we follow Christ, his prophets, we can receive great joy coming from within. Greater peace of mind, great love for others, greater courage to face the future.