Perilous times

Earthquakes, nuclear reactors, foreclosure sale on our house in just a month,  are these perilous times? They say that more than HALF of efforts to save your home from foreclosure fail. Half!!!

"Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes."

--President Gordon B. Hinckley Ensign, November 2001, page 74.

I wish I could have peace in my heart. I wish I knew what to do, but there is always this thought lurking that I am going to lose my home. I am going to lose my home. We are going to lose our home & I'm just sick.

"What better example do we have of temperance than our Savior, Jesus Christ? When our hearts are stirred to anger by disputation and contention, the Savior taught that we should "repent, and become as a little child." We should be reconciled with our brother and come to the Savior with full purpose of heart. When others are unkind, Jesus taught that "my kindness shall not depart from thee." When we are confronted with affliction, He said: "Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast." When we are oppressed, we can be comforted in knowing "he was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth." "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows."

--Kent D. Watson, "Being Temperate in All Things", Ensign, Nov 2009, 38–39

Perhaps if we had the assurance we were going to be able to keep our home, we would have peace in our home, instead of the contention that everyone is worrying to themselves, but not sharing it.

Motherhood

Tonight's thoughts are about the family. Yet, not every woman will be a mother & not every person shall marry. I remember in my 20s, as an unmarried woman & all my friends were marrying, or it seemed like all my friends were marrying, how I would ache when I heard the conference talks about marriage & motherhood. I felt like I was unworthy, yet I did not want to marry, just to marry. I knew that if I weren't happy in, & of myself, someone else couldn't make me happy.

"How sweet is the assurance, how comforting is the peace that come from the knowledge that if we marry right and live right, our relationship will continue, notwithstanding the certainty of death and the passage of time. Men may write love songs and sing them. They may yearn and hope and dream. But all of this will be only a romantic longing unless there is an exercise of authority that transcends the powers of time and death."

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Marriage That Endures", Ensign, Jul 2003, 2–7

I know I married right, but living right? I guess all we can do is strive to live the commandments - line upon line, precept upon precept.

"Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate. As President J. Reuben Clark Jr. declared, motherhood is "as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself."

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

Then after we were married & couldn't have children, I cried over that. A friend told me it was easier to have them than to raise them. I did not believe her, but I do now. And I've used that line with others, too.

Scripture study

Do you think reading scriptures daily is often? I don't know about carefully, but I do read the scriptures daily.

"We can and must go often and carefully to the word of God. If we become casual in our study of the scriptures, we will become casual in our prayers."

--Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 2001, 17

And, I seem to be getting more out of The Book of Mormon this year than I did last year.

Eternal quest

"Perfect" men & women? We can strive to keep the commandments & not to speak ill of our neighbors. Not to gossip. I did a blog entry here on Words like feathers.

"In this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be "perfect" men and women in at least this one way now - by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today."

--Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Tongue of Angels", Ensign, May 2007, 16–18

The tongue of angels, hmmm, I like the idea of trying not to offend in word, but the tongue of angels?

"As mothers in Israel, we are the Lord's secret weapon. Our influence comes from a divine endowment that has been in place from the beginning. In the premortal world, when our Father described our role, I wonder if we didn't stand in wide-eyed wonder that He would bless us with a sacred trust so central to His plan and that He would endow us with gifts so vital to the loving and leading of His children. I wonder if we shouted for joy at least in part because of the ennobling stature He gave us in His kingdom. The world won't tell you that, but the Spirit will."

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

And Sister Dew wonders if we didn't stand in wide-eyed wonder. I probably had my mouth hanging ajar.

No faith without obedience

One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Nephi 2:7 where Nephi tells his father Lehi he will go & do the things which the Lord commands. Nephi has complete faith. He KNOWS the Lord doesn't give a commandment unless He prepares a way.

"To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in him that we obey whatever he commands. There is no faith where there is no obedience. Faith comes from hearing the word of God and is a spiritual gift. Faith increases when we not only hear, but act on the word of God as well, in obedience to the truths we have been taught."

--Elder L Whitney Clayton, "Help Thou Mine Unbelief", November 2001, Ensign pg 28

Another of the many facets of faith.

Walk in obedience

Tonight's quotes are repeats. No surprise there as I've been keeping track of these quotes for several months now.

President Hinckley says God will always make a way where there is no way if we walk in obedience. We must shun sin & hold fast that which is good advises Elder Nelson.

Since Elder Nelson is talking about the evil one & shunning sin, here is a quote from Sister Dew.

"Lucifer is determined to devour marriages and families, because their demise threatens the salvation of all involved and the vitality of the Lord's kingdom itself."

--Sister Sheri L. Dew; Ensign, November 2001, page 12.

I think if the quote had gone farther, there would be encouragement to work on making strong marriages and families. 

Mortalilty is the battlefield

I kind of like the thought that mortality is a battlefield. I sometimes feel like I'm a warrior & sometimes a prisoner.

"The Church exists to exalt the family. And the family is the fundamental unit of the Church."

--Elder Russell M. Nelson; Ensign, November 2001, page 70.

It doesn't say Elder Nelson's thought is taken from a conference address, but given the issue of the Ensign, it must be. I'd like to read the above thought in context.

A friend

There are always clever quotes about friends. I like President Monson's definition of a friend,

"A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens. And a friend reaches out."

--President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2001, 50

Elder Halverson's thought, taken from the August 2007 Ensign, was easy to research. There is only this thought, "Obeying the Whisperings of the Holy Ghost," by him. This month Brother Burns, our home teacher, taught that we need to pray for the Holy Ghost to guide us.

Contention is not of the Lord

Tonight when I logged in to read my scriptures, I could have cried. The first quote is so long. I'm tired & want to go to bed. I did not want to read it. I was hoping for 2 short quotes or 2 repeats.

I did get one repeat. President Hinckley telling us the Lord's standards are His. I've been reading how the Israelites would rather ask for help from neighboring countries, than rely on the Lord.

The long quote is really rather appropriate. Our home should be a refuge, but it isn't. I have gone to the library lately, grabbed a book & sat by the fireplace & read. I should be home cleaning or sitting in my own living room reading.

"It is in the home that our behavior is most significant. It is the place where our actions have the greatest impact, for good or ill. Sometimes we are so much at home that we no longer guard our words. We forget simple civility. If we are not on guard, we can fall into the habit of criticizing one another, losing our tempers, or behaving selfishly. Because they love us, our spouses and children may be quick to forgive, but they often carry away in silence unseen injuries and unspoken heartache... When we feel anger or contention in our homes, we should immediately recognize what power has taken control of our lives and what Satan is endeavoring to accomplish. Solomon provided us this wise formula: 'A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger' (Prov. 15:1). Our home should ideally be a refuge where each member feels safe, secure, loved, and insulated from harsh criticism and contention that we so often encounter in the world."

--Elder Wayne S. Peterson, "Our Actions Determine Our Character," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 84

Today's decisions

The decisions we make today will impact our future. Sometimes we can't see it immediately. Don-Mikel has a 2004 Chevy Duramax pick-up. A guy in town wanted to trade his 2003 half ton gas vehicle for Don-Mike's 3/4 ton diesel. Don-Mike seriously contemplated it, but has had a very uneasy feeling about it. Once he decided not to do it, he felt at peace with himself.

Elder Wirthlin, in his talk in the 2003 conference entitled "Three Choices," says, "Today is the day of decision."

The second thought today is from Sheri L. Dew. The talk must have been given in the Women's Conference when she was a counselor in the General Relief Society presidency.

"We just can't let the Lord down. And if the day comes when we are the only women on earth who find nobility and divinity in motherhood, so be it. For mother is the word that will define a righteous woman made perfect in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a woman who has qualified for eternal increase in posterity, wisdom, joy, and influence."

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

Sounds nice.

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."

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.

Thoughts mold your features

The internet is SOOOOO slow tonight, I almost forgot what I was doing. The subject line is the first line of the following quote & is very thought provoking ...

"Thoughts mold your features. Thoughts lift your soul heavenward or drag you toward hell. … As nothing reveals character like the company we like and keep, so nothing foretells futurity like the thoughts over which we brood. … To have the approval of your conscience when you are alone with your thoughts is like being in the company of true and loving friends. To merit your own self-respect gives strength to character. Conscience is the link that binds your soul to the spirit of God."

--David O. McKay,, "Developing Character", Ensign, Oct. 2001, 22

I did a double take when I was searching the blog to see if either of these quotes had been used. President David O. McKay served from 1951 to 1970, yet the quote is found in the Ensign of October 2001!!

This next quote is the second quote from this particular article, which would have been a conference talk in April's General Conference. It would be interesting to read the entire article.

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth."

--Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life", Ensign May 1996

Stresses of Life

I think this is a first for Elder L. Tom Perry:

"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test — to return and live with our Heavenly Father."

--L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov 2008, 7–10

 I think this is a first for Elder Mason also:

"Increased faith is as vital and necessary today as it was when Jesus walked the earth. Our modern world struggles with insufficient faith. President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a conference talk: “This is my prayer for all of us. … Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. … Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. … Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequences follow."

--James O. Mason, "Faith in Jesus Christ", April 2001 Ensign pg 22

Shun sin

More quotes:

"Because the evil one is ever at work, our vigilance cannot be relaxed - not even for a moment. A small and seemingly innocent invitation can turn into a tall temptation which can lead to tragic transgression. Night and day, at home or away, we must shun sin and hold fast that which is good."

--Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House", Ensign, Nov. 2001

This next quote is a double dip. It sure goes hand in hand with Elder Nelson's quote above:

"In the absence of a compelling testimony, some have let their daily thoughts and actions become so focused on the things of the world that they have minimized the influence of the light of the gospel in their everyday lives. "And then as Elder Neal A. Maxwell has so eloquently described, also included are those ' "honorable" members who are skimming over the surface instead of deepening their discipleship and who are casually engaged rather than "anxiously engaged" (D&C 76:75; 58:27)' (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 65). . . "

--Elder Donald L. Staheli, "Securing Our Testimonies," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 37

Be faithful

Slow & steady wins the race.

"May we all be faithful in doing the day to day ordinary things that prove our worthiness, for they will lead us to and qualify us for great things."

--James E. Faust, "Some Great Thing", Ensign, Nov. 2001, 46

And this next one is a keeper too. It is interesting they are in the same vein.

"One of God's greatest gifts to man is freedom of choice. At an early period in the journey through life, man finds himself at a crossroad where he must choose one of two great highways—the right, leading to progress and happiness; and the wrong, leading to retardation and sorrow. There exists this eternal law that each human soul, through the choices he makes, will shape his own destiny. Our success or failure, peace or discontent, happiness or misery, depend on the choices we make each day."

--N. Eldon Tanner, "Thou Mayest Choose for Thyself", Ensign, July 1973, 7

 President Tanner's quote is from the summer I was going on my mission. I wonder if I had my mission call yet.

Developing faith

Tonights thoughts from my scripture reading assignment:

"Developing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a step-by-step, line upon line, and precept upon precept process. We promote the process of strengthening our faith when we do what is right-increased faith always follows as a consequence."

--Elder L Whitney Clayton, "Help Thou Mine Unbelief", November 2001 ,Ensign pg 28

This next one is thought provoking:

"It is one thing to see the kingdom of God, and another thing to enter into it. We must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God, and subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein."

--Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:58

Words of the prophets

"Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!"

--Spencer W. Kimball, "Speaks Out on Service to Others", New Era, Mar. 1981, 47

And

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism", New Era, July 2001, 4