Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"I wish this people to pay particular attention to the education of their children. If we can do no more, we should give them the facilities of a common education, that when our sons are sent into the world as ministers of salvation and as representatives of the Kingdom of God in the mountains, they can mingle with the best society and intelligibly and sensibly present the principles of truth to mankind, for all truth is the offspring of heaven, and is incorporated in the religion which we have embraced.
Every accomplishment, every polished grace, every useful attainment in mathematics, music, and in all science and art belongs to the Saints, and they should avail themselves as expeditiously as possible of the wealth of knowledge the sciences offer to every diligent and persevering scholar" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 252).

Monday, June 29, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"The Lord intends that men shall be happy; that is his purpose. But men refuse to be happy and make themselves miserable, because they think their ways are better than God's ways, and because of selfishness, greed, and the wickedness that is in their hearts; and that is the trouble with us today. The leaders of our nation are struggling and trying to do something to better conditions. I can tell you in a few words just how it can be done, and it is not going to be done by legislation---it is not going to be done by pouring money out upon the people.
Temporary relief is not going to better the situation, because we will still be struggling and fighting and contending with crime, with disease, with plagues, and with pestilence, with the whirlwinds, and with the dust storms, and with the earthquakes and everything else coming upon the face of the earth, according to the predictions of the prophets---all because men will not heed the warning voices.
When we quit loving money and get the love of gold out of our hearts and the greed and selfishness, and learn to love the Lord, our God, with all our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves, and get on our knees and learn to pray and repent of our sins, we will have prosperity, we will have peace, we will have contentment. But the people will not repent no matter what warning is made, no matter how much their attention is called to these things; the people will not repent because their hearts are set upon evil, and destruction awaits them" (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, p. 35-36).

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"In this old world, the easiest way seems to be the indulgent way. If a person have the least desire or inclination to drink tea and coffee or to smoke tobacco, temptations to indulge the appetite are on every hand. At parties, during social calls, at chance introductions or friendly visits, in restaurants or trains, indulgence in these stimulants and narcotics is not only encouraged but also too often urged. Under such influence and environment, the easy way is to yield and become one of the crowd. But that is not the best way. One never develops character by yielding to wrong. 'To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life. . . .' (Rev. 2.7.) Strength comes by resisting" (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 377-378).

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Inspirational Thought

President David O. McKay said, “The peace of Christ does not come by seeking the superficial things of life, neither does it come except as it springs from the individual’s heart.” He said further that this peace is “conditioned upon obedience to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. … No man is at peace with himself or his God who is untrue to his better self, who transgresses the law of what is right either in dealing with himself by indulging in passion, in appetite, yielding to temptations against his accusing conscience, or in dealing with his fellowmen, being untrue to their trust. Peace does not come to the transgressor of law; peace comes by obedience to law, and it is that message which Jesus would have us proclaim among men.” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1938, p. 133.) (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Peace Within,” Ensign, May 1991, 36)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Inspirational Thought

What is our greatest potential? Is it not to be Christlike ourselves? And what are the qualities we must develop to achieve such greatness? We might consider intelligence, light, knowledge, and leadership. But perhaps the most essential godlike quality is that of compassion and love—compassion shown forth in service to others, unselfishness, that ultimate expression of concern for others we call love. Wherever our Father’s children magnify their opportunities for loving service, they are learning to become more like Him. (Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Service to Others,” New Era, Mar 1981, 47)

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Inspirational Thought

In serving others, we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives. Furthermore, the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others—indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!
George McDonald observed that “it is by loving and not by being loved that one can come nearest to the soul of another” (George McDonald Anthology, Geoffrey Bles, London, 1970). Of course, we all need to be loved, but we must be giving and not always receiving if we want to have the wholeness of our lives and a reinforced sense of purpose. (Spencer W. Kimball, “President Kimball Speaks Out on Service to Others,” New Era, Mar 1981, 47)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Inspirational Thought

What does it mean to be converted? President Harold B. Lee said, “Conversion must mean more than just being a ‘card carrying’ member of the church with a tithing receipt … [or] a temple recommend.” One who is converted “strive[s] continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the outward appearances” (Church News, 25 May 1974, 2). (W. Mack Lawrence, “Conversion and Commitment,” Ensign, May 1996, 74)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Inspirational Thought

In this life, people continue to have agency; even if their personal freedoms are restricted or taken away, they can choose how to feel and react. Their use of their agency determines their happiness or misery in this life and in the life to come. People are free to choose and act but are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow. Choices of good and righteousness lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to heartache and misery.
(Gospel Topics "Agency," www.lds.org)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Inspirational Thought

The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language, the word often has a hint of uncertainty. For example, we may say that we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. Prophets speak of having a "firm hope" (Alma 34:41) and a "lively hope" (1 Peter 1:3). The prophet Moroni taught, "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4).
When we have hope, we trust God's promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do "the works of righteousness," we "shall receive [our] reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" (D&C 59:23). Mormon taught that such hope comes only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ: "What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise" (Moroni 7:41).
(From Gospel Topics, "Hope", www.lds.org)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 2

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"This life, this narrow sphere we call mortality, does not, within the shorts pace 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

Friday, June 12, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"Brethren and sisters, the thing you should have in your mind, and which you should make a motto in your life, is this: Serve God faithfully, and be cheerful. . . . In the family it is always a good thing for the parent to be cheerful in the presence of his wife and children. And out of that cheerfulness may arise many good gifts. The Lord has not given us the gospel that we may go around mourning all the days of our lives. He has not introduced this religion for this purpose at all. We came into the world for certain purposes, and those purposes are not of a nature that require much mourning or complaint. Where a person is always complaining and feeling to find fault, the Spirit of the Lord is not very abundant in his heart. . . . Always cultivate a spirit of gratitude. It is actually the duty of every Latter-day Saint to cultivate a spirit of gratitude" (Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 61-62).

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"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 10, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"Our great concern, our great interest, must be to preserve for the generations to come those wondrous elements of our society and manner of living that will bequeath to them the strengths and the goodness of which we have been the beneficiaries. To do so, we must retard and then halt the decay we observe about us, which comes of forsaking the God whom our forefathers knew, loved, worshiped, and looked to for strength. . . . Future blessings will come only as we deserve them. Can we expect peace and prosperity, harmony and goodwill, when we turn our backs on the Source of our strength? (Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, p. xxiii).

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"Men may be turned out of colleges as walking encyclopedias of facts, but if they cannot control their emotions, desires, and way of thinking, they are ships without a rudder, being blown about by the winds until they may be dashed to pieces. The world needs men and women of knowledge, but it has far greater need for men and women who can thoughtfully make application of that knowledge for a better and happier life" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 177).

Friday, June 5, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"There are even many members of the Church who are lax and careless and who continually procrastinate. They live the gospel casually but not devoutly. They have complied with some requirements but are not valiant. They do no major crime but merely fail to do the things required. . . .
"It is true that many Latter-day Saints, having been baptized and confirmed members of the Church, and some even having received their endowments and having been married and sealed in the holy temple, have felt that they were thus guaranteed the blessings of exaltation and eternal life. But this is not so. There are two basic requirements every soul must fulfill or he cannot attain to the great blessings offered. He must receive the ordinances and he must be faithful, overcoming his weaknesses. Hence, not all who claim to be Latter-day Saints will be exalted" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 48-49).

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Inspirational Thought

Don't Judge Yourself
"Don't judge yourself by what you understand of your potential. Trust in the Lord and what He can do with your dedicated heart and willing mind (see D&C 64:34).
Order your life more effectively and eliminate trivia, meaningless detail, and activity. They waste the perishable, fixed, and limited resource of time. Choose to emphasize those matters that have an eternal consequence.
"Permanent, worthwhile growth is attainable, but not without great effort and the honest application of truth. Worthy accomplishment is founded in integrity. Righteousness is fundamental to happiness and desirable attainment. Righteousness is rooted in a pure heart. And indeed it protects one from contamination and the filth of the world. Righteous love is the supreme motivation for constructive change. The examples of our Father in Heaven and the Savior and Their teachings are the perfect source of motivation and direction for life."
Richard G. Scott, "Making the Right Choices" (CES fireside for young adults, Jan. 13, 2002), 4

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"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

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Inspirational Thought

"One of the beautiful things to me in the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it brings us all to a common level. It is not necessary for a man to be a president of a stake, or a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, in order to attain a high place in the celestial kingdom. The humblest member of the Church, if he keeps the commandments of God, will obtain an exaltation just as much as any other man in the celestial kingdom. The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it makes us all equal in as far as we keep the commandments of the Lord. In as far as we observe to keep the laws of the Church we have equal opportunities for exaltation. . . .
"We will continue to go forward and grow and develop in life, and in the end we shall find a reward as inheritors in the celestial kingdom of our God right here upon this earth and enjoy the companionship of those we love forever" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 35-37).

Monday, June 1, 2009

Last Chance for Submissions!

If you have any suggestions for the next selection for the Book Group, please post it in a comment on this blog or email it to Sis. Radabaugh! Suggestions will be posted in a poll at the end of the week.

Today's Thought

"The true key to happiness in life is to labor for the happiness of others. I pity the selfish man who has never experienced the joy which comes to those who receive the thanks and gratitude of the people whom they may have aided in the struggle of life."The real secret of happiness in life and the way in which to prepare ourselves for the hereafter, is service" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, p. 143).