Wednesday, July 22, 2009

"The more we are guided by eternal considerations in our conduct, the better we will manage mortality."

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

"Let us this very day begin anew, and now say, with all our hearts, we will forsake our sins and be righteous."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007),69-77

Monday, July 20, 2009

"Many people imagine that charity is giving a dollar to somebody; but real, genuine charity is giving love and sympathy, and that is the kind of charity that the apostle had reference to in [the] 13th chapter of First Corinthians. "

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 147

Sunday, July 19, 2009

"...Having 'freedom to' means that we have the potential of making wrong choices. Wrong choices have their merciless consequences, and when they are not stopped and corrected they lead us into misery and pain. Wrong choices, if not corrected, will lead us to the ultimate possible disaster in each person's life: to become separated from our Heavenly Father in the world to come."

F. Enzio Busche, Ensign, Nov 2000, 83-84

Friday, July 17, 2009

"Jesus' teachings help us to have a correct view of life and our circumstances. Sometimes the solution is not to change our circumstance, but to change our attitude about that circumstance and its difficulties so that we see more clearly our opportunities for more abundant service. It has been said that hell is to be frozen in self-pity."

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

"Obedience brings peace in decision making. If we have firmly made up our minds to follow the commandments, we will not have to re decide which path to take when temptation comes our way. That is how obedience brings spiritual safety."

James E. Faust, Ensign, May 1999, 45

Saturday, July 11, 2009

"As you feel the need to confide in the Lord or to improve the quality of your visits with him . may I suggest a process to follow: go where you can be alone, go where you can think, go where you can kneel, go where you can speak out loud to him. . Now, picture him in your mind's eye. Think to whom you are speaking, control your thoughts-don' t let them wander, address him as your Father and your friend. Now tell him things you really feel to tell him-not trite phrases that have little meaning, but have a sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, enjoy him, thank him, express your love to him, and then listen for his answers."

H. Burke Peterson, Ensign, Jan. 1974, 19

Friday, July 10, 2009

"Unless the way we live draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and to our fellowmen, there will be an enormous emptiness in our lives."

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Thursday, July 9, 2009

"Feed your spiritual selves at home, as well as in public places. Let love, and peace, and the Spirit of the Lord, kindness, charity, sacrifice for others, abound in your families. Banish harsh words, envying, hatreds, evil speaking, obscene language and innuendo, blasphemy, and let the Spirit of God take possession of your hearts. Teach to your children these things, in spirit and power, sustained and strengthened by personal practice. Let them see that you are earnest, and practice what you preach."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place and praise
Will come, in time, to the one who stays.
Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life's victories, after awhile.

Quoted by Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"...There is a big difference between mere desire and covenant. When we just desire something, we will work towards achieving it only when convenient. But when we are bound by a sacred covenant, like baptism, we are learning to overcome all obstacles through obedience, and in so doing we will be blessed with the presence of the Spirit and therefore eventually with achievement. We are beginning to become alive as we take, knowingly, full responsibility for our own life and as we stop blaming circumstances. "

F. Enzio Busche, Ensign, Nov 2000, 83-84

Monday, July 6, 2009

"Our goal when we teach our children to pray is for them to want God to write upon their hearts and be willing then to go and do what God asks of them."

Henry B. Eyring, Liahona, Jan 2001, 99-102

Sunday, July 5, 2009

"The family organization lies at the basis of all true government, and too much stress cannot be placed upon the importance of the government in the family being as perfect as possible, nor upon the fact that in all instances respect therefor should be upheld."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Saturday, July 4, 2009

"Patriotism should be sought for and will be found in right living. No man can be a good Latter-day Saint and not be true to the best interests and general welfare of his country."

Joseph Smith, Friend, Jul 1974,

Friday, July 3, 2009

"Freedom and liberty are precious gifts that come to us when we are obedient to the laws of God and the whisperings of the Spirit. If we are to avoid destruction. ..fences or guardrails must be built beyond which we cannot go. The fences which we must stay within are the principles of revealed truth. Obedience to them makes us truly free to reach the potential and the glory which our Heavenly Father has in store for us."

James E. Faust, Ensign, May 1999, 45

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

"Select just two or three individuals in your life who have been most influential, and ask yourself what they did specifically that was most helpful to you at the critical, important times of your life. On reflecting for a few moments, you are apt to conclude that such people really cared for you, that they took time out for you, that they taught you something you needed to know. Reflect now upon your performance- as I do on mine-as to whether or not we embody in our lives those same basic helpful attributes."

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Monday, June 29, 2009

"Someone has wisely stated that hate is not the opposite of love. Apathy is. We will not have time for apathy in life's journey if we speak and think positively. Seek, search, and work for worthy eternal qualities and friends."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Saturday, June 27, 2009

"God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness. It is contained in the scriptures and in the inspired declarations of His prophets."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100-102

Saturday, June 20, 2009

"God is at the head of the human race; we look up to him as the Father of all. We cannot please him more than by regarding and respecting and honoring our fathers and our mothers, who are the means of our existence here upon the earth."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Thursday, June 18, 2009

My father's feet will lead me
in paths I know are right.
My father's knees will bend with mine
as we say prayers at night.
My father's lap will hold me
when I need a place to rest.
And when I'm sad, I like to lay
my head upon his chest.
My father's hands are big and strong,
and they work hard for me.
My father's arms can lift me up
so I may better see.
My father's lips will speak to me
with words of truth each day.
My father's ears will listen
to the things I have to say.
I like to sit so very still
and look into his eyes.
I know he understands me,
and he is good and wise.
I'm glad I have a father
who guides me with his love.
He helps me better understand
my Father up above.

Barbara J. Porter, "My Father," Friend, Jun 1995, 24

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

"The father is the protector of the home. He guards it against the intrusion of evil from without. Formerly he protected his home with weapons and shuttered windows. Today the task is more complex. Barred doors and windows protect only against the intrusion of a corporeal creature. It is not an easy thing to protect one's family against intrusions of evil into the minds and spirits of family members. These influences can and do flow freely into the home. Satan can subtly beguile the children of men in ways we have already mentioned in this conference. He need not break down the door. Fathers, you will have to live close to the Lord. Develop a sensitivity to the impressions of the Spirit."

A. Theodore Tuttle, Ensign, Jan. 1974, 66

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"There is no higher authority in matters relating to the family organization, and especially when that organization is presided over by one holding the higher Priesthood, than that of the father. The authority is time honored, and among the people of God in all dispensations it has been highly respected and often emphasized by the teachings of the prophets who were inspired of God."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 381

Thursday, June 11, 2009

"How are we to know the voice of the Good Shepherd from the voice of a stranger? Can any person answer this question? I can. It is very easy. To every philosopher upon the earth, I say, your eye can be deceived, so can mine; your ear can be deceived, so can mine; the touch of your hand can be deceived, so can mine; but the Spirit of God filling the creature with revelation and the light of eternity, cannot be mistaken-the revelation which comes from God is never mistaken (DBY, 431)."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 315

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

"On several occasions President Heber J. Grant was strongly impressed with President Brigham Young's ability to talk with the Lord. President Grant said: 'I was familiar with the Prophet Brigham Young. I knelt down time and time again in his home in the Lion House at family prayers, as a child and as a young man; and I bear witness that as a little child, upon more than one occasion, because of the inspiration of the Lord to Brigham Young while he was supplicating God for guidance, I have lifted my head, turned and looked at the place where Brigham Young was praying, to see if the Lord was not there. It seemed to me that he talked to the Lord as one man would talk to another' ("He Talked to the Lord," in Leon Hartshorn, comp., Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets [1975], 44)."

The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part B, 293

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

"This life, this narrow sphere we call mortality, does not, within the short space of time we are allowed here, give to all of us perfect justice, perfect health, or perfect opportunities. Perfect justice, however, will come eventually through a divine plan, as will the perfection of all other conditions and blessings-to those who have lived to merit them."

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Jul 1978, 3

Sunday, June 7, 2009

"[One deception] is what some erroneously call 'premeditated repentance. 'There is no such doctrine in this Church. This may sound subtly appealing, but it is in fact pernicious and a false concept. Its objective is to persuade us that we can consciously and deliberately transgress with the
forethought that quick repentance will permit us to enjoy the full blessings of the gospel, such as temple blessings or a mission. True repentance can be a long, painful process"

James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov 2000, 44-46

Saturday, June 6, 2009

"As long as the Adversary to truth is free to exercise dominion in this world, we are going to have attacks, and the only way to meet those attacks is to live the Gospel."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Friday, June 5, 2009

[Speaking of someone dying] "In answer to the age-old question, 'How much did he leave?' be reassured the answer will always be, 'All of it.' So we would do well to lay up treasures in heaven, where not taxes but doctrines give meaning to words like estate, inheritance, testament, and will."

Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, Nov 2001, 33

Thursday, June 4, 2009

"Be not dismayed at the trials of life; they are sent for our good. God knows what keys in the human soul to touch in order to draw out its sweetest and most perfect harmonies. These may be the strains of sadness and sorrow as well as the loftier notes of joy and gladness."

Reed Smoot, Ensign, Oct 1972, 16

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

"We should seek after spiritual gifts. They can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can compensate for our inadequacies and repair our imperfections. "

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Sep 1986, 68

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"Contrition is costly it costs us our pride and our insensitivity, but it especially costs us our sins. For, as King Lamoni's father knew twenty centuries ago, this is the price of true hope. 'O God,' he cried, 'wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee . That I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day.' (Alma 22:18.) When we, too, are willing to give away all our sins to know him and follow him, we, too, will be filled with the joy of eternal life."

Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Monday, May 25, 2009

"We should...be grateful for trials, adversity, and affliction. It is sometimes difficult to express gratitude when we are under stress, yet it is often such situations that permit significant spiritual growth."
The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part B, 303

Sunday, May 24, 2009

"To be happy and successful, a marriage must be built according to divine design-by a husband and wife working together over the years to follow God's plan for an enduring partnership. "
Robert L. Simpson, Ensign, May 1982, p. 21

Saturday, May 23, 2009

"As we put our faith in the Lord and keep our focus on the eternities, we will be blessed to be able to accept whatever trial we are given, for life on earth, as we know it, is only temporary, and, if we endure it well, the Lord has promised us: 'And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7)."
Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Friday, May 22, 2009

"Much of the world is being engulfed in a rising river of degenerate filth, with the abandonment of virtue, righteousness, personal integrity, traditional marriage, and family life. Sodom and Gomorrah was the epitome of unholy life in the Old Testament. It was isolated then; now that condition is spread over the world. Satan skillfully manipulates the power of all types of media and communication. His success has greatly increased the extent and availability of such degrading and destructive influences worldwide. In the past some effort was required to seek out such evil. Now it saturates significant portions of virtually every corner of the world. We cannot dry up the mounting river of evil influences, for they result from the exercise of moral agency divinely granted by our Father. But we can and must, with clarity, warn of the consequences of getting close to its enticing, destructive current."
Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100-102

Thursday, May 21, 2009

"Is there one among us, in any walk of life, who does not need hope and seek for greater joy? These are the universal needs and longings of the human soul, and they are the promises of Christ to his followers. Hope is extended to 'ev'ry contrite heart' and joy comes to 'all the meek.' [Hymns, 1985, no. 141]."
Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

"We can choose to look at the bright side of things or at the dark. We can follow good and eschew evil thoughts. We can be wrong-headed and wrong-hearted, or the reverse, as we ourselves determine. The world will be to each one of us very much what we make it. The cheerful are its real possessors, for the world belongs to those who enjoy it."
Reed Smoot, Ensign, Oct 1972, 16

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"Let us ever keep in mind that life is largely what we make it, and that the Savior of men has marked clearly and plainly just how joy and peace may be obtained. It is in the gospel of Jesus Christ and adherence thereto."
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Sunday, May 17, 2009

"A paradigm of truth is found on the wall of a favorite ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. One reads it just as he boards the boat to undertake a breathtaking, hair-raising plunge. Uncle Remus is speaking: 'You can't run away from trouble. There ain't no place that far.'"
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Saturday, May 16, 2009

"Trees that can stand in the midst of the hurricane often yield to the destroying pests that we can scarcely see with a microscope. Likewise the greatest foes of humanity today are the subtle and sometimes unseen influences at work in society that are undermining the manhood and womanhood of today. The test, after all, of the faithfulness and effectiveness of God's people is an individual one. What is the individual doing?"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Friday, May 15, 2009

"Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: 'The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less' (Loud and Clear [2004], 10-11)."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2008, 108-10

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"We know where we want to go! Do we have the resolution, even the faithfulness, to get there? President N. Eldon Tanner answered this question in his own mind when he declared: 'I would rather walk barefoot from here to the celestial kingdom . than to let the things of this world keep me out.'"
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

"When the child is away from home and family, prayer can provide the shield of protection the parent will want so much for them to have."
Henry B. Eyring, Liahona, Jan 2001, 99-102

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

"When we choose the good part, regardless of our current situation, life will be lived to the fullest."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Sunday, May 10, 2009

"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2008, 108-10

Monday, May 4, 2009

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2008, 108-10

Sunday, May 3, 2009

"Where was it ever promised us that life on this earth can ever be easy, free from conflict and uncertainty, devoid of anguish and wonder and pain? The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all. Happiness, in the ancient, noble sense, means self-fulfillment-and is given to those who use to the fullest whatever talents God bestowed upon them."

(Leo Rosten, This Week Magazine, 20 Jan. 1963, p. 2.) As quoted by Barbara B. Smith, Ensign, May 1982, 79

Saturday, May 2, 2009

"Your weakest point will be the point at which the Devil tries to tempt you, will try to win you, and if you have made it weak before you have undertaken to serve the Lord, he will add to that weakness. Resist him and you will gain in strength."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Friday, May 1, 2009

"'Mother forgotten' is observed all too frequently. The nursing homes are crowded, the hospital beds are full, the days come and go often the weeks and months pass but mother is not visited. Can we not appreciate the pangs of loneliness, the yearnings of a mother's heart, when hour after hour, alone in her age, she gazes out the window for the loved one who does not visit, the letter the postman does not bring? She listens for the knock that does not sound, the telephone that does not ring, the voice she does not hear. How does such a mother feel when her neighbor welcomes gladly the smile of a son, the hug of a daughter, the glad exclamation of a child, ‘Hello, Grandmother!'"

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Apr 1998, 2

Thursday, April 30, 2009

"We like enjoyment here. That is right. God designs that we should enjoy ourselves. I do not believe in a religion that makes people gloomy, melancholy, miserable and ascetic. ... I should not think there was anything great or good associated with that, while everything around, the trees, birds, flowers and green fields, were so pleasing, the insects and bees buzzing and fluttering, the lambs frolicking and playing. While everything else enjoyed life, why should not we? But we want to do it correctly and not pervert any of these principles that God has planted in the human family."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 97
"Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God's laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28-30.)"

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

"Temptation is a part of life and will be experienced in one way or another by every traveler through mortality. However, the Apostle Paul, acknowledging this truth, gave us this assurance: ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.'"

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

"We are taught in the scriptures that there must be opposition in all things (see 2 Ne. 2:11). It is not a question of if we are ready for the tests; it is a matter of when. We must prepare to be ready for tests that will present themselves without warning."

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Sunday, April 26, 2009

"Unless we pay more attention to the thoughts of our hearts, I wonder what hope we have to claim that greater joy, that sweeter prize: someday his loving ‘face to see And in His presence rest'

[Hymns, 1985, no. 141]." Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Saturday, April 25, 2009

"Our Father knew of our day. He prepared the scriptures and provided continuing divine guidance to sustain us. That help will assure that you can live with peace and happiness amid increasing evil."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100-102

Friday, April 24, 2009

"Temptation often comes in a quiet way. Perhaps the yielding to it may not be known by anyone save the individual and his God, but if he does yield to it, he becomes to that extent weakened, and spotted with the evil of the world."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Thursday, April 23, 2009

"There is more to endurance than just surviving and waiting for the end to overtake us. To endure to the end takes great faith."

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Is there anything gloomy in the works that God has made? Turn where we will, we see harmony, loveliness, cheerfulness, and beauty."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 97

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"Just as the leaning Tower of Pisa is a persistent rebuke to architectural pessimism, so parental hope by refusing to topple merely because of the gravity of the current family situation is a repudiation of despair. Giving parents never give up hope!"

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Monday, April 20, 2009

"My brothers and sisters, I'm certain our duty and responsibility is frequently to swim upstream and against the tide of temptation and sin. As we do so, our spiritual strength will increase, and we shall be equal to our God given responsibilities."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Sunday, April 19, 2009

"Prayer in the hour of need is a great boon. From simple trials to our Gethsemane, prayer-persistent prayer-can put us in touch with God, our greatest source of comfort and counsel. ‘Pray always, that you may come off conqueror.' (D&C 10:5.) This is also a key to use in keeping depression from destroying us."

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Saturday, April 18, 2009

"Though life may seem difficult now, hold on to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100-102

Friday, April 17, 2009

"A quality life is God's greatest wish for us. Life is to be lived well in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. There should not be a waiting period."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Thursday, April 16, 2009

"Satan is still determined to have his way, and his emissaries have power given them today as they have not had throughout the centuries. Be prepared to meet conditions that may be severe, ideological conditions that may seem reasonable but are evil. In order to meet these forces, we must depend upon the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, to which you are entitled. They are real."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

"Our object is to get and cleave to everything that is good, and to reject everything that is bad."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 97

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"What are we here for? To learn to enjoy more, and to increase in knowledge andexperience (DNW, 27 Sept. 1871, 5).

"Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 315

Monday, April 13, 2009

"As individuals, we do not know when the end of mortality will come. We need to develop the ability to endure and complete our responsibilities of today, however difficult the days ahead may be. May we be able to say as Paul said to Timothy, ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept my faith' (2 Tim. 4:7)."

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Sunday, April 12, 2009

"On this Easter morning and always, may our light so shine that we glorify our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, whose name is the only name under heaven where by we might be saved. That we may ever walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is my humble prayer."
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

Saturday, April 11, 2009

"How much of a normal day, a working week, or a fleeting month is devoted to Jesus, the very thought of thee [Hymns, 1985, no. 141]? Perhaps for some of us, not enough."
Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Friday, April 10, 2009

“The death of the body is nothing for Christ’s Resurrection guarantees our own but He cannot rescue us from the death of the spirit unless we choose to ally ourselves with Him, with His hope, with the inexhaustible and irrepressible life that is His.”

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Thursday, April 9, 2009

"Every day of our lives and in every season of the year (not just at Easter time), Jesus asks each of us, as he did following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem those many years ago, ‘What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?' (Matt. 22:42.) We declare that he is the Son of God, and the reality of that fact should stir our souls more frequently. I pray that it will, this Easter season and always."

Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

"On occasion I will be asked, ‘Brother Monson, if the Savior appeared to you, what questions would you ask of Him?' My reply is always the same ‘I would ask no question of Him. Rather, I would listen!'"

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply and how gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on his life? How central to our lives do we know him to be?"

Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Monday, April 6, 2009

"The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to changemen's lives. As He said to the dead Lazarus, so He says to you and to me ‘Come forth.' [John 11:43]."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

Sunday, April 5, 2009

"At this sacred season of the year, filled with the promise of renewing life,may we be more devoted and disciplined followers of Christ. May we cherish him in our thoughts and speak his name with love. May we kneel before him with meekness and mercy. May we bless and serve others that they may do the same."

Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Saturday, April 4, 2009

"In proportion to your fidelity, your faithfulness, your advancement in the knowledge of God, shall you be able to enjoy happiness, unalloyed and unsullied, for it is the Gospel that brings true joy, and true liberty and freedom from the bonds of iniquity, and the gall of bitterness."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Friday, April 3, 2009

"Even as we should think on the name of Christ more often, and use it more wisely and well, how tragic it is, and how deeply we are pained, that the name of the Savior of mankind has become one of the most common and most ill-used of profanities. In this Easter season of the year when we are reminded yet again of all Christ has done for us, how dependent we are upon his redeeming grace and personal resurrection, and how singular his name is in the power to dispel evil and death and save the human soul may we all do more to respect and revere his holy name and gently, courteously encourage others to do the same. We love the name of our Redeemer. May we redeem it from misuse to its rightful lofty position."

Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1993, 63

Thursday, April 2, 2009

"What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 81

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

"It is life and the pursuit of happiness that ought to occupy the attention of all intellectual beings."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 97

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

“Let wisdom be sown in your hearts, and let it bring forth aountiful harvest. It is more profitable to you than all the gold and silver and other riches of earth.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Monday, March 30, 2009

“There is nothing that we are enduring that Jesus does not understand”

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Sunday, March 29, 2009

“The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless.”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Saturday, March 28, 2009

“Let us shed any thought of failure. Let us discard any habit that may hinder. Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Friday, March 27, 2009

“God has a specific plan for your life. He will reveal parts of that plan to you as you look for it with faith and consistent obedience. His Son has made you free not from the consequences of your acts, but free to make choices.”

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100–102

Thursday, March 26, 2009

“We all need to feel appreciated. An American industrialist, Charles M. Schwab, said, ‘I have yet to find a man, whatever his situation in life, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approvalthan he ever would do under a spirit of criticism’ (Richard Evans’ Quote Book [1971], 171). When we express appreciation and approval, we increase the confidence of others in us and encourage them to excel.”

The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part B, 303

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

“Dwelling in the world is part of our mortal test. The challenge is to live in the world yet not partake of the world’s temptations which will lead us away from our spiritual goals. When one of us gives up and succumbs to the wiles of the adversary, we may lose more than our own soul. Our surrender could cause the loss of souls who respect us in this generation. Our capitulation to temptation could affect children and families for generations to come.”

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

“Sometimes in the deepest darkness there is no external light only an inner light to guide and to reassure.”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Monday, March 23, 2009

“There is no resting place along the path called faithfulness. The trek is constant, and no lingering is allowed. It must not be expected that the road of life spreads it self in an unobstructed view before the person starting his journey. He must anticipate coming upon forks and turnings in the road. But he cannot hope to reach his desired journey’s end if he thinks aimlessly about whether to go east or west. He must make decisions purposefully.”
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Sunday, March 22, 2009

“To press on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine.”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Saturday, March 21, 2009

“Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and it is our mortal familyexperiences that are best suited to prepare us for it.”

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32–34

Friday, March 20, 2009

“Be patient. As Robert Frost said, with many things the only way out is through. Keep moving. Keep trying.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, September 2002

Thursday, March 19, 2009

“The gospel offers us not only the prospect of eternal life, but provides us a whole way of life in mortality. Where as so many in the world see death as the end and the loss of hope, we testify to the reality of the resurrection. Just as immortality and eternal life stand in such sharp contrast to the world’s lack of purpose, so the righteous way of life stands in sharp contrast to the ways of the world.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

“God’s eternal purpose is for you to be successful in this mortal life. No matter how wicked the world becomes, you can earn that blessing. Seek and be attentive to the personal guidance given to you through the Holy Spirit. Continue to be worthy to receive it. Reach out to others who stumble and are perplexed, not certain of what path to follow. Your security is in God your Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”
Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100–102

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

“Hope keeps us ‘anxiously engaged’ in good causes even when these appear to be losing causes (see D&C 58:27).”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Monday, March 16, 2009

“Norman Cousins wrote, ‘No man need fear death; he need fear only that he may die without having known his greatest power, the power of his free will to give of his life to others. If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.’”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign,Oct 1993, 2

Sunday, March 15, 2009

“Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically beautiful, filledwith many good and sincere people.”

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100–102

Friday, March 13, 2009

“If we provide a spiritual foundation for our secular learning, not only will we better understand the laws of nature, but we can gain a depth of understanding never before imagined possible about art, languages, technology, medicine, law and human behavior. We can see the world around us and understand it through God’s eyes.”

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

Thursday, March 12, 2009

“Often we do not know what we can endure until after a trial of our faith.”
Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

“Remember that all of us can learn to contribute today, no matter what happened yesterday or what awaits us tomorrow.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

“It has been said that conscience warns us as a friend before it punishes us as a judge. The expression of one young man is a sermon in itself. When asked when he was happiest, he replied, ‘I’m happiest when I don’t have a guilty conscience.’”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Monday, March 9, 2009

“Some may say if we have enough faith, we can sometimes change the circumstances that are causing our trials and tribulations. Is our faith to change circumstances, or is it to endure them? Faithful prayers may be offered to change or moderate events in our life, but we must always remember that when concluding each prayer, there is an understanding: ‘Thy will be done’ (Matt.26:42). Faith in the Lord includes trust in the Lord. The faith to endure well is faith based upon accepting the Lord’s will and the lessons learned in the events that transpire.”

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Sunday, March 8, 2009

“Life - every life has a full share of ups and downs. Indeed, we see many blessings that do not always look or feel like blessings”

Howard W. Hunter Ensign, Nov. 1987, 54

Saturday, March 7, 2009

“No one can say that from the inception of the Church up to the present day the Lord through his Spirit to the individual members and through his spokesmen the prophets, has not given us the objectives and plenty of guidelines and counsel. The fact that some of us have not done much about it even when it is spelled out in detail is not the Lord's fault.”

Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, April 1965

Friday, March 6, 2009

“Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, forwhatever reason, have ‘moved away from the hope of the gospel’ (Col. 1:23).Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Thursday, March 5, 2009

“There is no need for any of us to walk alone. We can look up and reach out for divine help.”
Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

“You don’t know how many people are looking at you and copying you. It is necessary for each of us to be honest in our personal lives so others can follow someone who is sincere, who teaches well through his actions. Others are counting on you to have personal pride, patience, and performance.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Tambuli, Mar 1984, 23

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

“How fortunate we are to know the Lord’s plan for us. He has marked the path which will lead us back to His presence.”

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

Monday, March 2, 2009

“Everyone has something they must learn to master. Some are just more obvious than others.”

Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1998, 75

Sunday, March 1, 2009

“You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil.”

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2004, 100–102

Saturday, February 28, 2009

“He the Savior receives each act of mercy to one of the least as one done to Himself. And in return He defies hopelessness, weariness, despair, and meaninglessness on our behalf.”

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Friday, February 27, 2009

“When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”

Lorenzo Snow, General Conference, 6 April 1899

Thursday, February 26, 2009

"What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Death comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life's journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. While death is inevitable, it can best be understood when we learn of life, even eternal life."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Apr 1990, 2

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

“While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that follow if you are faithful. And you can have that certain knowledge that in due time God will wipe away all tears and that ‘eye hath not seen, not ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.’ (1 Cor. 2:9.)”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Monday, February 23, 2009

“One marker on the course to eternal life is the challenge displayed at the entrance of Brigham Young University: ‘Enter to learn. Go forth to serve.’ To remain on course, we must first learn all we can about the strait and narrow way we must follow.”

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

Sunday, February 22, 2009

“Whatever our particular furrow, we are to ‘plow in hope,’ without looking back or letting yesterday hold tomorrow hostage (1 Cor. 9:10).”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Saturday, February 21, 2009

“When George A. Smith was very ill, he was visited by his cousin, the Prophet Joseph Smith. The afflicted man reported: ‘He [the Prophet] told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I were sunk into the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged, but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I should come out on the top of the heap.’ (George A. Smith Family, comp. Zora Smith Jarvis, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1962, p. 54) There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith: ‘Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.’ (D&C 121:7–8.)”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Friday, February 20, 2009

“Blessings come from holding true to our principles.”

James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46

Thursday, February 19, 2009

“We must all be alert for the signs of discouragement and despondency which could trigger the despair leading to the wrong associations and resulting in the wrong habits. We must make opportunity to show our love and interest and concern for our neighbors, whoever they may be.”

N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Aug 1981, 2

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

“Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set.”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

“We literally cannot despair unless we choose to. But because we are mortal, death is entangled with life. We can choose to feed the darkness and death in our lives, or we can choose to feed the brightness of hope in our lives.”

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Monday, February 16, 2009

“Genuine hope is urgently needed in order to be more loving even as the love of many waxes cold; more merciful, even when misunderstood or misrepresented; more holy, even as the world ripens in iniquity; more courteous and patient in a coarsening and curt world; and more full of heartfelt hope, even when other men’s hearts fail them.”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Sunday, February 15, 2009

“After we learn all we can about the course we must follow and have proceeded on the path to gain eternal life, we have an obligation to our Heavenly Father’s other children who need help.”

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

Saturday, February 14, 2009

“We cannot reach at once that high moral standard of perfection that was promulgated by Him. And while we are conscious of the fact that we cannot at present attain to that perfection, and cannot grasp the whole as we should, yet the mark is there, the standard is before our eyes. We are looking forward to the time when we may reach that glorious and exalted standard set for us by the example, the life, and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though we fail to come up to the perfect standard that God manifested through Jesus Christ, yet we will repent of our failure, and will renew our determination, and double our diligence tomorrow. Aye, this moment we will double our diligence, try too vercome our weaknesses, and come nearer to the example set us by the Son of God.”
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425
“On the Larry King television broadcast the other night, I was asked what I think of those who, in the name of their religion, carry out such infamous activities. I replied, ‘Religion offers no shield for wickedness, for evil, for those kinds of things. The God in whom I believe does not foster this kind of action. He is a God of mercy. He is a God of love. He is a God of peace and reassurance, and I look to Him in times such as this as a comfort and a source of strength.’”

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83–86

Friday, February 13, 2009

“The scriptures tell us, ‘With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding’ (Job 12:12). We must teach our youth to draw close to the elderly grandpas and grandmas“

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2003, 82

Thursday, February 12, 2009

“Put forth your ability to learn as fast as you can, and gather all the strength of mind and principle of faith you possibly can, and then distribute your knowledge to the people”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

"We all need to take advantage of every opportunity to love with tenderness and sincerity. This will determine our eternal joys and progress. Ponder the truth that it is more important to love than to be loved."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

“...Hope stands quietly with us at funerals. Our tears are just as wet, but not because of despair. Rather, they are tears of appreciation evoked by poignant separation. They will change, erelong, to tears of glorious anticipation.”

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Monday, February 9, 2009

"Jesus Christ, our Savior, has always been the master of life, but through His atoning sacrifice, He also became the master over death. Physical death has no dominion over Him; and ultimately, it has no dominion over us because of Christ."

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Sunday, February 8, 2009

“The truth about who we are and what we do will ultimately become known. The Lord has given us this sober reminder: ‘For their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.’ Because we live in a morally desensitized environment, we find it hard to say to ourselves and to others that our actions are not right.”

James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46

Saturday, February 7, 2009

"Elder Richard L. Evans Jr. wrote the following about the need for expressions of gratitude: ‘Until this morning, I felt that I had been very much imposed upon. At a cost of considerable effort and inconvenience, some days ago I performed a difficult service for a friend-at his urgent insistence. So far as I knew he hadn't made any effort to see me since then. There was no word of thanks-no evidence of any appreciation-no suggestion that my services had been satisfactory just silence. Silence that is, until this morning, when a sincere and satisfying note of appreciation came from him. And in the moment or two it took to read it, it warmed my heart and altered my outlook on the whole episode. Writing it had cost him only a very little time, but it had rewarded me richly.'

(Richard L. Evans-The Man and His Message [1973], 285)." The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part B, 303

Friday, February 6, 2009

“All of us must live with proper priorities and purposes. Don’t be harsh in your self-appraisal. Rather, measure yourself by whether or not you are living the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Thursday, February 5, 2009

“Just as doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope, and charity. The latter, however, must be carefully and constantly nurtured, whereas despair, like dandelions, needs so little encouragement to sprout and spread. Despair comes so naturally to the natural man! “

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

“After all our endeavors to obtain wisdom from the best books, etc, there still remains an open fountain for all; ‘If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God’ [see James 1:5]”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

“The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things.”

Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Mar 1987, 2

Monday, February 2, 2009

"Those who look forward to a next and better world are usually ‘anxiously engaged' in improving this one, for they ‘always abound in good works' (D&C 58:27; Alma 7:24)."

Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov 1994, 34

Sunday, February 1, 2009

"The forces of life are always stronger than the forces of death. If we choose, if we even desire to choose, if we even hope for the desire to choose, we set in motion powerful forces for life that are led by Jesus Christ himself."

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1996, 89

Saturday, January 31, 2009

“There is only one Source whence men obtain wisdom, and that is God, the Fountain of all wisdom; and though men may claim to make their discoveries by their own wisdom, by meditation and reflection, they are indebted to our Father in Heaven for all”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Friday, January 30, 2009

“Said Elder John A. Widtsoe: ‘The troubles of the world may largely be laid at the doors of those who are neither hot nor cold; who always follow the line of least resistance; whose timid hearts flutter at taking sides for truth. As in the great Council in the heavens, so in the Church of Christ on earth, there can be no neutrality.’’

Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, April 1965

Thursday, January 29, 2009

“… If our hearts are fixed with proper intent upon serving God and keeping His commandments, what will be the fruits of it? What will be the result? Men will be full of the spirit of forgiveness, of charity, of mercy, of love unfeigned. They will not seek occasion against each other; nor will they take advantage of the weak, the unwary, or the ignorant; but they will regard the rights of the ignorant, of the weak, of those who are dependent and at their mercy, as they do their very own; they will hold the liberties of their fellow-men as sacred as their own liberties; they will prize the virtue, honor and integrity of their neighbors and brothers just as they would appreciate and prize and hold sacred their own.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

“Parental example is the greatest method of teaching youth what they must do to gain the promised blessings from the Lord... They must carefully consider the consequences and the effect their teaching and example will have on the children who have been entrusted to their care.”

N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Aug 1981, 2

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

“In life we all have our times of testing and growth. These trials are necessary. They are growth experiences. Though they are times of deep anguish and suffering, they are also times to draw near to God. The suffering of the Savior in Gethsemane was without question the greatest that has ever come to mankind, yet out of it came the greatest good in the promise of eternal life.”

James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

Monday, January 26, 2009

“All of the attention given to our youth, all of the programs, all we do for them, will be incomplete unless we teach them the purpose of the Restoration. The keys of the priesthood were restored and the sealing authority revealed and temples built to tie the generations together. From ancient times through all the revelations runs that eternal, golden thread, ‘Turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers’ (Mal. 4:6).”

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2003, 82

Sunday, January 25, 2009

"Set your goals-without goals you can't measure your progress. But don't become frustrated if the victories don't come quickly or easily. Remind yourself that striving can be more important than arriving. If you are striving for excellence-if you are trying your best day by day with the wisest use of your time and energy to reach realistic goals-you are a success, and you can feel proud of your accomplishments."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Saturday, January 24, 2009

“We must be careful not to underestimate the capacity of children to read and to understand the word of God.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64–66

Friday, January 23, 2009

“Teach the children, give them the learning of the world and the things of God; elevate their minds, that they may not only understand the earth we walk upon, but the air we breathe, the water we drink, and all the elements pertaining to the earth”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Thursday, January 22, 2009

“I should like to speak about the battle that each of us has to wage within ourselves...We need to strengthen the good within us and to overcome the temptations of Satan. The direction finder is sure. Alma tells us, ‘Whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.’”

James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"I do not want you to think for a moment that the religion of Jesus Christ is burdensome or heavy upon you. Not so. God has said, ‘My yoke is easy and my burden is light.' [Matthew 11:30.] It is redemption from sin."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

"If you cross to the devil's side of the line one inch, you are in the tempter's power, and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly, because you will have lost the spirit of the Lord."

George Albert Smith, Sharing the Gospel with Others, ed. Preston Nibley (1948), 43

Monday, January 19, 2009

"When we make up our minds, as did Joshua of old, that we will serve God this day, and from this day henceforth we will serve Him and keep His commandments, then we are beginning to be able to divide the darkness from the light, the good from the evil, the right from the wrong, that which is pure from that which is impure; and from that moment your desire for good will grow stronger and stronger, and you will become more proficient in doing good and in accomplishing the purposes of God, in overcoming your own weaknesses"

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Saturday, January 17, 2009

“Live clean, keep the commandments of the Lord, pray to Him constantly to preserve you in truth and righteousness, live as you pray, and then whatever betides you the Lord will be with you and nothing will happen to you that will not be to the honor and glory of God and to your salvation and exaltation. There will come into your hearts from the living of the pure life you pray for, a joy that will pass your powers of expression or understanding. The Lord will be always near you; He will comfort you; you will feel His presence in the hour of your greatest tribulation; He will guard and protect you to the full extent that accords with His all-wise purpose.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173
“Throughout the ages God has revealed his will to man through his prophets, and when the people have followed the prophet, they have been blessed and prospered. We should be grateful for the principle of revelation and accept the word of the Lord without having to wait for science to prove its truthfulness.”

N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Aug 1981, 2

Friday, January 16, 2009

“A home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64–66

Thursday, January 15, 2009

“Could we live to the age of Methuselah … and spend our lives in searching after the principles of eternal life, we would find, when one eternity had passed to us, that we had been but children thus far, babies just commencing to learn the things which pertain to the eternities of the Gods”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

“Carefully nurture every feeling of gratitude, no matter how small. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is much like caring for the seed of faith. If we nourish the first tiny sprout, in time it will grow into a beautiful and fruitful tree (see Alma 32:27–37). I find that when I first become aware of a blessing, I can strengthen my feeling of gratitude if I immediately express my
thanks.”

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

“A quality person will not be offended. In life there is no time for being hurt. There should be no time to be petty. A wise person will focus on principles of optimism and hope.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Monday, January 12, 2009

“Let us make certain there is oil in our own lamps. Let us live our lives so we can have the gift of the Holy Ghost operating evermore constantly in our lives.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

Sunday, January 11, 2009

"Those who stand firm, steadfast, and immovable are given great inner hidden powers and unseen strengths."

James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb. 1982, 71

Saturday, January 10, 2009

“Sometimes the Lord hopefully waits on his children to act on their own, and when they do not, they lose the greater prize, and the Lord will either drop the entire matter and let them suffer the consequences or else he will have to spell it out in greater detail. Usually, I fear, the more he has to spell it out, the smaller is our reward.”

Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, April 1965

Friday, January 9, 2009

"When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold."

Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 2003, 41

Thursday, January 8, 2009

“Have all things been revealed? No. Has God yet other things to reveal to His children? Yes, many; but we are not yet prepared for any greater light than has come; for where much is given much is required; and much has already been given to us, and God requires more of us to-day than we give Him”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 425

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

“As important as are all other principles of the gospel, it was the freedom issue which determined whether you received a body. To have been on the wrong side of the freedom issue during the war in heaven meant eternal damnation. How then can Latter-day Saints expect to be on the wrong side in this life and escape the eternal consequences? The war in heaven is raging on earth today. The issues are the same: ‘Shall men be compelled to do what others claim is for their best welfare’ or will they heed the counsel of the prophet and preserve their freedom?”

Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, April 1965

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

“Some people wear masks of decency and outward righteousness but live lives of deception believing that...they can live a double life and never be found out. James said, ‘A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46

Monday, January 5, 2009

“If you live so as to possess the Holy Ghost, … you will at once see the difference between the wisdom of men and the wisdom of God, and you can weigh things in the balance and estimate them at their true worth”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193

Sunday, January 4, 2009

“The Lord said, ‘Look unto me in every thought’ (D&C 6:36). Looking unto the Lord in every thought is the only possible way we can be the manner of men and women we ought to be.”

Ezra Taft Benson, New Era, Apr 1994, 4

Saturday, January 3, 2009

“Earnest, honest, and sincere prayer to God is worth more to you than all I can say or write.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

Friday, January 2, 2009

“The need for personal dedication and recommitment is essential in today’s society.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64–66

Thursday, January 1, 2009

“As you strive to become a quality person, commune daily with your Heavenly Father who knows you best of all. He knows your talents, your strengths, and your weaknesses. You are here on the earth at this time to develop and refine these characteristics. I promise you He will help you. He is aware of your needs. He is aware of your unanswered prayers.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64