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 …"

True faith

The first quote tonight is a repeat from Elder Claudio R. M. Costa. I remembered it because it is an oxymoron. "We can lay down our lives for those we love not by physically dying for them but rather by living for them ..."

The excerpt from Elder Bednar's talk explains why we must act in faith.

"True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "faith is the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness" and that it is also "the principle of action in all intelligent beings". Action alone is not faith in the Savior, but acting in accordance with correct principles is a central component of faith. Thus, faith without works is dead."

--David A. Bednar, "Ask in Faith", Ensign, May 2008, 94–97

Hold fast to the rod

Can't find another quote by Elder Bednar, so I doubt this is a repeat. The first quote was a repeat. There have been some good quotes on Facebook lately, but I haven't taken the time to snag them.

"Are you and I daily reading, studying, and searching the scriptures in a way that enables us to hold fast to the rod of iron—or are you and I merely clinging? Are you and I pressing forward toward the fountain of living waters—relying upon the word of God? These are important questions for each of us to ponder prayerfully."

--Elder David A. Bednar, "CES Fireside for Young Adults • February 4, 2007", Brigham Young University