Daily Thought -- May 22, 2011

“In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God.”

-Robert D. Hales “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation,” Ensign, May 2010, 97

Daily Thought -- May 21, 2011

"Coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him is, I believe, the ultimate purpose of all remembering (see Moroni 10:32 33). Therefore, I pray that God will bless us always to remember, especially His perfect Son, and perish not."

-Marlin K. Jensen "Remember and Perish Not," Ensign, May 2007, 38

Daily Thought -- May 20, 2011

"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."

-Joseph B. Wirthlin "Come What May, and Love It, Ensign", Nov. 2008, 27

Daily Thought -- May 19, 2011

"President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: 'I have not spoken face to face with all of the prophets of this dispensation. I was not acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, nor did I ever hear him speak. [However,] my grandfather, who as a young man lived in Nauvoo, did hear him and testified of his divine calling as a great prophet of this dispensation' ("Believe His Prophets," Ensign, May 1992, 50).

"President Hinckley bore witness of the First Vision, when young Joseph Smith went to pray in a grove and received his answer through divine revelation from both the Father and the Son.

"President Hinckley's passion with the building of temples and the sacred work performed therein will be a polar star for each of us to follow."

-F. Michael Watson "His Servants, the Prophets," Ensign, May 2009, 108

Daily Thought -- May 18, 2011

"The crowning temple ordinance is available only to a man and a woman when they are sealed together, forming an eternal family unit. It is by virtue of this and all other priesthood ordinances that the families of the earth shall be blessed (see Abraham 2:11). This sealing ordinance is so central to the Lord's purposes that He has promised to the faithful who are not sealed in this life through no fault of their own this blessing in the life to come. No other doctrine in all of religion better confirms God's commensurate love for both His sons and His daughters."

-Craig A. Cardon "Moving Closer to Him," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 94-95

Daily Thought -- May 17, 2011

There are several things we can do to develop a deep conversion and learn how to receive divine inspiration. First, we must have a desire. Alma said, ‘For I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life . . . according to their wills’ (Alma 29:4).”

-Allan F. Packer “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 17

Daily Thought -- May 16, 2011

"In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: 'Obedience to the law of tithing . . . brings a deep, inward joy . . . that can be won in no other way. . . . The principles of truth become clearer. . . . Prayer becomes easier. . . . The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] . . . man becomes more like his Father in Heaven' ("Tithing Testimonies of Our Leaders," Deseret News, May 16, 1936, Church Section, 5)."

-Sheldon F. Child "The Best Investment," Ensign, May 2008, 80-81

Daily Thought -- May 15, 2011

"I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him (see Matthew 11:28-30). I marvel at His matchless power to heal. I testify of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It is but one of many attributes that characterize His incomparable life."

-Russell M. Nelson "Jesus Christ—the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005,

Daily Thought -- May 14, 2011

"First-generation members occupy a special and important place in the Church and their families. Did you know that first-generation members constitute more than half of the membership of the Church? Perhaps not since the early days of the Church has the first generation constituted such a large percentage of total Church membership as it does today. Your faith and testimonies are a great strength and blessing to others. Through you, we gain a deeper understanding of gospel principles and our testimonies are strengthened.

"You add great strength to the Church when you use your testimony, talents, abilities, and energy to build the kingdom in your wards and branches. You are great examples of sharing the gospel, serving missions, sending children on missions, and welcoming new members. You reach out in kindness to those around you, lifting and blessing them through inspired service. So much of what is done in the Church today could not be done without your efforts."

-Paul B. Pieper "The First Generation," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 11-12

Daily Thought -- May 13, 2011

"In order to have joy, you need to understand that, as a child of your Heavenly Father, you inherited divine traits and spiritual needs--and just like a fish needs water, you need the gospel and the companionship of the Holy Ghost to be truly, deeply happy. Because you are the offspring of God (see Acts 17:28), it is incompatible with your eternal nature to do wrong and feel right. It cannot be done. It is part of your spiritual DNA, as it were, that peace, joy, and happiness will be yours only to the degree you live the gospel."

-Marcus B. Nash "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 49