No temptation, no pressure

Both of the quotes tonight are repeats. President Tanner's quote wasn't hard to find, it's the only one on the whole blog by him. "One of God's greatest gifts to man is freedom of choice," found here.

President Monson's name is the largest in the cloud, must be because there are more quotes by him than any one else. It also addresses choice & can be found here. "If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves."

Doubting thoughts

It's been as few days since I've read scriptures or updated any of my blogs. The computer's been down, I've not been feeling well …

"If you should have doubting thoughts, remember the counsel given by President Stephen L. Richards, a former counselor in the First Presidency, who declared: "Just say to those skeptical, disturbing, rebellious thoughts, 'I propose to stay with my faith, with the faith of my people. I know that happiness and contentment are there and I forbid you, agnostic, doubting thoughts, to destroy the house of my faith. I acknowledge that I do not understand the processes of creation, but I accept the fact of it. I grant that I cannot explain the miracles of the Bible, and I do not attempt to do so, but I accept God's word. I wasn't with Joseph, but I believe him. My faith did not come to me through science and I will not permit science to destroy it."

--President Thomas S. Monson, "Great Expectations", CES Fireside for Young Adults January 11, 2009

I like the idea of talking to my thoughts, I do that quite well, thank you. The next one is pretty thought provoking too.

"Do not ever disturb prelude music for others, for reverence is essential to revelation"

--President Boyd K. Packer; Ensign, November 1994, page 61.

Mothers

I was ready just to paste both of these quotes in tonight without even checking to see if they had already been used.

"No teaching is equal, more spiritually rewarding, or more exalting than that of a mother teaching her children."

--President Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Feb. 2000, 16

Only if said children will allow their mother to teach them. But I guess example is also teaching. I found once Don-Mike is out on his own, he likes to have an extra bottle or loaf of bread, or whatever, so he doesn't have to run to the store when they run out.

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began. It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: 'Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! . . . Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth' ( Hymns, no. 209)."

--Jeffrey R. Holland, "Without Ribbons and Bows", New Era, Dec. 1994, 6

Elder Holland's article that this was taken from would be an interesting read.

God has given many gifts

I found out why the internet turns into a pumpkin at midnight. Every night at midnight, we might as well turn off the computer if we are using the internet because it becomes so slow as to be almost impossible to use. Nick has set it up that way. From zero to 0700 the network storage device has free access to the internet; from 0700 to midnight, the storage device is curtailed. Hmmmm, that means I have 48 minutes to finish my scripture reading. I was almost in tears last night because it took so long to do anything. I saved the quotes in a Notepad document, but couldn't access readthescriptures dot com for my journal or read the scriptures.

The first quote from last night is from Cheiko Okazaki. It was probably given in the April 1996 Relief Society session of General Conference.

"God has given us many gifts, much diversity, and many differences, but the essential thing is what we know about each other — that we are all his children. Our challenge as members of the Church is for all of us to learn from each other, that we may all love each other and grow together."

--Cheiko M. Okazaki; Ensign, May 1996, Page 13

 There was a quote from President Hinckley that is appropriate as we go into the Easter season:

"On Calvary He was the dying Jesus. From the tomb He emerged the Living Christ. The cross had been the bitter fruit of Judas's betrayal, the summary of Peter's denial. The empty tomb now became the testimony of His divinity, the assurance of eternal life, the answer to Job's unanswered question: "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14)."

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Symbol of Our Faith", Liahona, Apr. 2005, 3

Tonight there was a repeat of one of President Hinckley's quote about cultivating an attitude of happiness.

And the fourth quote is from Elder Oaks telling us we need to give thanks in all things.

"When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life... We are meant to learn and grow through opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same … the Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others."

--Dallin H. Oaks, "Give Thanks in All Things," Ensign, May 2003, 95

The ability to succeed

We have the ability to succeed, but sometimes the burdens seem so heavy that I wonder. One of the quotes was on procrastination found here. The next quote is

"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed."

--L. Lionel Kendrick, "Strength During Struggles,", Ensign, Oct 2001, 24

"… with His assistance, we have the ability to succeed."

Rewarding

Rewarding is defined as "Offering or likely to offer satisfaction or gratification."

"One who practices pure religion soon discovers it is more rewarding to lift a man up than to hold him down."

--Marvin J. Ashton, "Pure Religion", Ensign, Nov. 1982, 63

 And the next one

"Needed are...[souls] filled with compassion, that we might communicate not only eye to eye, or voice to ear, but in the majestic style of the Savior, even heart to heart."

--President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, November 1994, page 70.

The choices we make

Both of the quotes tonight are repeats. President Monson tells us the choices we make determine our destiny here. And Elder Bednar tells us to read our scriptures here.

Sometimes we know we are make life changing decisions & at other times those decisions are made for us, like someone running a red light & crashing into the car we are riding in. Sometimes we are just innocent bystanders & get sucked into the problem. But, yes, our choices do determine not only our destiny, but our posterity & those around us. John Donne said it best when he penned "No man is an island …"

We have to forego some things

The internet was so slow last night, I finally just gave up. So, tonight I have FOUR quotes!!!

The first one from last night was about choice, forgoing some things for others.

"We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."

--Dallin H. Oaks, "Good, Better, Best", Ensign, Nov 2007, 104–8

The second one last night was by President David O. McKay, "Thoughts mold your features" found here.

A quote by Elder Maxwell found here, is about people who live without God in their world are unable to find lasting happiness.

And the last one is by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,

"Commandments and covenants of God are like navigational instructions from celestial heights and will lead us safely to our eternal destination. It is one of beauty and glory beyond understanding. It is worth the effort. It is worth making decisive corrections now and then staying on course."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees", Ensign, May 2008, 57–60

Service to others

"Service to others deepens & sweetens this life …" says President Spencer W. Kimball here. And

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He "quickens" us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."

--Elder Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man", October General Conference 2007

And the way we can invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light & knowledge is by study & prayer.

Prayer brings a calming peace

How many times have we heard about enduring to the end? I remember Bishop (Dr.) Beckstead asked Mother to give a talk on enduring to the end. He told her he thought she was an excellent example of enduring to the end.

"Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God."

--Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?", October 2007 General Conference

Yet some people have such a hard time just enduring day to day.

"Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace — a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don't have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others."

--Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God", Ensign, May 1992, 63

We need to have an attitude of gratitude & enumerating our blessings every day in prayer & thanking the Lord is one way to bring peace to our souls.

Christ was a great example

Man, this site is slow tonight. It was after midnight before I got to my reading. Now, I'm a day behind. I thought these quotes were worth saving. I really like the first one.

"Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn't just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands", Ensign, May 2010, 68–70, 75

and

"I testify of the refining, spiritual, comforting, strengthening, and restraining influence the priesthood has had in my life. I have lived under its spiritual influence all my life — in my grandfather's home, in my father's home, and then in my own home. It is humbling to use the transcending power and authority of the priesthood to empower others and to heal and bless."

--James E. Faust, "A Royal Priesthood," Ensign, May 2006, 53

em dash: alt + 0151 = —

Ideals are stars to steer by

This first quote is an oldie but a goldie … couldn't resist that cliché. Sister Smith was the general Relief Society president in 1976, 35 years ago.

"Ideals are stars to steer by; they are not sticks to beat ourselves with."

--Barbara B. Smith, Ensign, March 1976

It's been a long time since I've been that idealistic. I don't know if I ever was.

"We cannot control what others choose to do, and so we cannot force our children to heaven, but we can determine what we will do. And we can decide that we will do all we can to bring down the powers of heaven into that family we want so much to have forever."

--Elder Henry B. Eyring; Ensign, February 1998, Page16

We can only teach our children & hope they will make good choices.

Our task is to become our best selves

Again tonight, as I searched for the quote, I kept thinking about it. "Our task is to become our best selves …" & I'm thinking, "Oh, ya? And how am I going to do that?" I found it was a repeat. Since we haven't even had a quote by Samuelson, that was an easy one to research.

"We may have much that worries us, and we may find many reasons to be concerned. Yet, as President Spencer W. Kimball observed, peace and the Savior's doctrine of forgiveness are inseparably connected: The essence of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul."

--Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., "Words of Jesus: Forgiveness", Ensign, Feb. 2003, 48

The italics are mine … anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. Forgiveness? How can you forgive when you are still being tormented by a family member? Or become your best self, when you are frustrated & near tears all the time?

I just found the alt key code for an ellipsis ( … ) : alt + 0133

Truly understood

Tonight as I searched the blog for these thoughts, I kept repeating, "Truly understood and properly practiced ..." That was all the further I read so I really didn't know what needed to be truly understood & properly practiced. I thought it might be prayer. I was surprised when I went back to the quote to find it is faith! I have never thought of faith as something that has to be practiced!

"Truly understood and properly practiced, faith is one of the grand and glorious powers of eternity. It is a force powerful beyond our comprehension. "Through faith … the worlds were framed by the word of God." Through faith, waters are parted, the sick healed, the wicked silenced, and salvation made possible. Our faith is the foundation upon which all our spiritual lives rest. It should be the most important resource of our lives. Faith is not so much something we believe; faith is something we live."

--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?", Ensign November 2002, 82

Faith should be the most important resource of our lives.

"None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges — and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.' How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: 'Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.' "

--President Thomas S. Monson, "Be of Good Cheer", April 2009 General Conference

Hearts

I have finished receiving reading assignments from readthescriptures dot com for the Old Testament. I'm supposed to be finished with it, but I'm not. I'm still reading it & using my journal there. The route I use to get to the journal tells me my reading assignment is completed, but still gives me a quote. The quote tonight is

"The heart is a tender place. It is sensitive to many influences, both positive and negative. It can be hurt by others. It can be deadened by sin. It can be softened by love. Early in our lives, we learn to guard our hearts. It is like we erect a fence around our hearts with a gate in it. No one can enter that gate unless we allow him or her to."

--Gerald N. Lund, "Opening Our Hearts", Ensign, May 2008, 32–34

Focus

This is a good word & good advice:

"Our busy lives force us to focus on things we do from day to day. But the development of character comes only as we focus on who we really are."

--Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov. 2000, 17

And President Monson tells us to stop at every crossroad & listen. How can we listen if we don't focus?

"The road signs of life enticingly invite every traveler: This way to fame; this way to affluence; this way to popularity; this way to luxury. Pause at the crossroads before you continue your journey. Listen for that still, small voice which ever so gently beckons, "Come, follow me." This way to Jericho."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Your Jericho Road", Ensign, May 1977

Walk in faith

The quote from Elder Lynn G. Robbins' talk, Tithing, A Commandment Even for the Destitute was given again. And

"Those who walk in faith will feel their lives encompassed with the light and blessings of heaven. They will understand and know things that others cannot."

--Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 2002, 84

Attitude of faith

"He is not here, he is risen" is a repeat from Elder Gordon B. Hinckley. And President Monson spoke about great expectations at a Church Education Systems fireside in January 2009 about having an attitude of faith

"To those who humbly seek, there is no need to stumble or falter along the pathway leading to truth. It is well marked by our Heavenly Father. We must first have a desire to know for ourselves. We must study. We must pray. We must do the will of the Father. And then we will know the truth, and the truth will make us free ... Remember that doubt and faith cannot exist in the mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Whereas doubt destroys, faith fulfills. An attitude of faith brings one closer to God and to His purposes."

--President Thomas S Monson, "Great Expectations", CES Fireside for Young Adults January 2009

 Oh, so true! Doubt & faith cannot exist in the mind at the same time. The phrase gave me an "ah-ha" moment so I highlighted it. It is SOOO hard to maintain a positive attitude when you are doubtful. In fact, President Monson says it cannot be done.

Be patient

Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances (Wikipedia). Sometimes as we wait, we can conjure up all kinds of scenarios, from bad to good.

"The Lord counseled His prophet to be patient, for 'the just shall live by his faith.' Faith in God can produce miracles."

--LaVar Thornock, "Do the Wicked Prosper While the Righteous Suffer?,", Ensign, Oct 1990, 13

Just keep praying & have faith.

"When the challenges of mortality come, and they come for all of us, it may seem hard to have faith and hard to believe. At these times only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding. Only faith that He suffered for our sakes will give us the strength to endure to the end. When we gain this faith, we experience a mighty change of heart, and like Enos, we become stronger and begin to feel a desire for the welfare of our brothers and sisters. We pray for them, that they too will be lifted and strengthened through faith on the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ."

--Robert D Hales, "Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ", November 2004 Ensign pg 70

Eye of faith

I like that phrase. It sounds even better in context.

"We must not allow the things of the world to blinker our vision of the eternal destination. Nor must we permit the "voices in the world" to lead us off course (1 Cor. 14:10). Rather, we must allow the hope of Christ's glory and of eternal life to rest in our minds forever. We must reaffirm the goal that matters most and press toward it looking forward with an eye of faith."

--Carlos E. Asay, "Stay on the True Course", Ensign, May 1996, 59

And this quote from President Benson

"Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel... America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord's latter-day base of operations for His restored church."

--President Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Divine Constitution", Ensign, Nov. 1987, 4

Finding joy in the journey

The quotes tonight are

"The intensity of our desire to share the gospel is a great indicator of the extent of our personal conversion."

--Elder Dallin H. Oaks; Ensign, November 2001, page 7.

Hmmm, interesting concept.

"May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days-as much as we can-with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

President Monson's talk, "Finding Joy in the Journey," was a lesson in Priesthood & Relief Society in 2009. I still remember it. For the month of November, 2010, I tried finding something every day to be grateful for & posting it on Facebook & my blog. I still try to do it, especially in my prayers.

Pray

A couple of long quotes today

"We shall prosper and build up Zion upon the earth; for this is our mission, and the work of your mothers and daughters of Zion - the mothers now, and by and by the daughters, who will, in turn, be mothers in Israel. Great responsibility rests upon you. Upon you depend the training and the direction of the thoughts and the inspiration of the hearts of your children, for they drink into the spirit of their mothers, and the influence of the mother over the children is the most enduring impression that can be made. There is nothing so imperishable as the influence of the mother; that is when she is good and has the spirit of the Gospel in her heart, and she has brought up her children in the way they should go."

--Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 33

A lot of responsibility is set upon mothers. We can teach our children, but they still have their agency & can choose what they want to do. And so this excerpt from President Hinckley's talk is so good.

"Never assume that you can make it alone. You need the help of the Lord. Never hesitate to get on your knees in some private place and speak with Him. What a marvelous and wonderful thing is prayer. Think of it. We can actually speak with our Father in Heaven. He will hear and respond, but we need to listen to that response. Nothing is too serious and nothing too unimportant to share with Him."

--Gordon B. Hinkley "Stay on the High Road," Ensign, May 2004, 114

We also need good friends & communities. It takes a village to raise a child. Let's hope it's a righteous village.

Home

I was surprised when searching for President Howard W. Hunter, there is only one post by President Hunter on the blog, at least only one tagged. While President Monson has several.

"Easter is the celebration of the free gift of immortality given to all men, restoring life and healing all wounds. Though all will die as part of the eternal plan of growth and development, nevertheless we can all find comfort in the Psalmist's statement, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Ps. 30:5.)."

--Howard W. Hunter, "An Apostle's Witness of the Resurrection", Ensign, May 1986, 15

As long as we remember it may not be in our time frame.

"A home is much more than a house built of lumber, brick, or stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. We are responsible for the homes we build. We must build wisely, for eternity is not a short voyage. There will be calm and wind, sunlight and shadows, joy and sorrow. But if we really try, our home can be a bit of heaven here on earth. The thoughts we think, the deeds we do, the lives we live not only influence the success of our earthly journey, they also mark the way to our eternal goals."

-President Thomas S. Monson, "Heavenly Homes, Forever Families", World Wide Leadership Training February 2006

I feel like one of the unprepared virgins. I hope our home does not go on the auction block tomorrow.

The high road

I think it's interesting that President Hinckley talked about walking the high road. The Urban Dictionary says, "Those who take the high road, are demonstrating being honest, fair, and selfless while not being completely defenseless."

"Pray for the strength to walk the high road, which at times may be lonely but which will lead to peace and happiness and joy supernal."

--President Gordon B Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road", May 2004 Ensign Pg 112

and the next quote from President Faust could define President Hinckley's thought.

"We all need to know what it means to be honest. Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving."

--Elder James E Faust, "They spoke to us", The Friend December 1996