Daily Thought -- June 30, 2010

“What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God, dedicated to living each day so that you can be worthy to receive the blessings of the temple.”

Mary N. Cook, “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” Ensign, May 2010, 117

Another Personal Daily Thought -- June 27, 2010

As those of you who follow me on twitter know, I spent the last three days at a Young Singles Adult retreat with a few members of my ward and people from three surrounding singles wards.

I was originally supposed to give one of the workshop presentations on Friday. However, last week I found out that my services were no longer needed.

They only gave us a theme of "Diamonds in the Rough," and we had been told that we could give our presentations on any topic, as long as we could relate it back to that theme. My presentation had been titles: "Comfort for those who stand in need of comfort: Surviving and thriving in our Personal Liberty Jails." It turns out that every workshop presenter and speaker spoke on similar themes.

We got back to Utah, only to find out that two members of my ward were in a freak accident and one of them died.

Mosiah 18:9 says that church member should be willing to "mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort."

Ecclesiastes 3 also tells us:

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A very personal daily thought -- June 26, 2010

Two years ago today, I had been beat down physically, emotionally and spiritually. I was at the lowest point in my life. However, I had not shared my struggles with any of my coworkers at the summer camp I was working at. One of them came up to me and said "I was praying a minute ago, and felt prompted to give you a hug." And she gave me a big hug. Right in front of everybody. That was the comfort I stood in need of.

"But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day.... Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I am grateful to the person who followed the promptings of the Spirit, and comforted someone who stood in need in comfort.

-Bob

Daily Thought -- June 25, 2010

“These four guides—prayer, obedience to God’s commandments, daily scripture study, and a commitment to follow the living prophet—may seem like small and simple things. Let me remind you of the scripture found in Alma: ‘Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.’ ”

Ann M. Dibb, “Be of a Good Courage,” Ensign, May 2010, 116

Daily Thought -- June 24, 2010

Sorry these have been missing the last couple of days. I have been really busy with work and preparing to deliver a fireside tomorrow (which got canceled). I thought I had quotes set up for another week, but I guess I was wrong. Anyway, back to the quote:

"President Woodruff told of an experience of being prompted by the Spirit. He was sent by the First Presidency to 'gather all the Saints of God in New England and Canada and bring them to Zion.'"He stopped at the home of one of the brethren in Indiana and put his carriage in the yard, where he and his wife and one child went to bed while the rest of the family slept in the house. Shortly after he had retired for the night, the Spirit whispered, warning him, 'Get up, and move your carriage.' He got up and moved the carriage a distance from where it had stood. As he was returning to bed, the Spirit spoke to him again: 'Go and move your mules away from that oak tree.' He did this and then retired once again to bed."Not more than 30 minutes later, a whirlwind caught the tree to which his mules had been tied and broke it off at the ground. It was carried 100 yards (90 m) through two fences. The enormous tree, which had a trunk five feet (1.5 m) in circumference, fell exactly upon the spot where his carriage had been parked. By listening to the promptings of the Spirit, Elder Woodruff had saved his life and the lives of his wife and child. (See Wilford Woodruff, Leaves from My Journal [1881], 88.)"That same Spirit can prompt you and protect you."

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 44–45

Daily Thought -- June 20, 2010

During all of the taunting, the abuse, the scourging, and the final torture of crucifixion, the Lord remained silent and submissive. Except, that is, for one moment of intense drama which reveals the very essence of Christian doctrine.

That moment came during the trial. Pilate, now afraid, said to Jesus: “Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” (John 19:10).

One can only imagine the quiet majesty when the Lord spoke. “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).

What happened thereafter did not come because Pilate had power to impose it, but because the Lord had the will to accept it.

“I lay down my life,” the Lord said, “that I might take it again.

“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:17–18).

Before the Crucifixion and afterward, many men have willingly given their lives in selfless acts of heroism. But none faced what the Christ endured. Upon Him was the burden of all human transgression, all human guilt.

And hanging in the balance was the Atonement. Through His willing act, mercy and justice could be reconciled, eternal law sustained, and that mediation achieved without which mortal man could not be redeemed.

He, by choice, accepted the penalty for all mankind for the sum total of all wickedness and depravity; for brutality, immorality, perversion, and corruption; for addiction; for the killings and torture and terror—for all of it that ever had been or all that ever would be enacted upon this earth.

-Boyd K. Packer, “Atonement, Agency, Accountability,” Ensign, May 1988, 69

Daily Thought -- June 19, 2010

"Let us consider some of the attributes of our Lord, as found in the Book of Mormon, that show that Jesus is the Christ. Then let us confirm each of those attributes about Him with a brief quote from the Book of Mormon.

He is Alive: “The life of the world … a life which is endless” (Mosiah 16:9).

He is Constant: “The same yesterday, today, and forever” (2 Ne. 27:23).

He is the Creator: “He created all things, both in heaven and in earth” (Mosiah 4:9).

He is the Exemplar: He “set the example. … He said unto the children of men: Follow thou me” (2 Ne. 31:9, 10).

He is Generous: “He commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation” (2 Ne. 26:24).

He is Godly: He is God (see 2 Ne. 27:23).

He is Good: “All things which are good cometh of God” (Moro. 7:12).

He is Gracious: “He is full of grace” (2 Ne. 2:6).

He is the Healer: The “sick, and … afflicted with all manner of diseases … devils and unclean spirits … were healed by the power of the Lamb of God” (1 Ne. 11:31).

He is Holy: “O how great the holiness of our God!” (2 Ne. 9:20).

He is Humble: “He humbleth himself before the Father” (2 Ne. 31:7).

He is Joyful: “The Father hath given” Him a “fulness of joy” (3 Ne. 28:10).

He is our Judge: We “shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him” (Mosiah 16:10).

He is Just: “The judgments of God are always just” (Mosiah 29:12).

He is Kind: He has “loving kindness … towards the children of men” (1 Ne. 19:9).

He is the Lawgiver: He “gave the law” (3 Ne. 15:5).

He is the Liberator: “There is no other head whereby ye can be made free” (Mosiah 5:8).

He is the Light: “The light … of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9).

He is Loving: “He loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life” (2 Ne. 26:24).

He is the Mediator: “The great Mediator of all men” (2 Ne. 2:27).

He is Merciful: There is a “multitude of his tender mercies” (1 Ne. 8:8).

He is Mighty: “Mightier than all the earth” (1 Ne. 4:1).

He is Miraculous: A “God of miracles” (2 Ne. 27:23).

He is Obedient: Obedient unto the Father “in keeping his commandments” (2 Ne. 31:7).

He is Omnipotent: He has “all power, both in heaven and in earth” (Mosiah 4:9).

He is Omniscient: “The Lord knoweth all things from the beginning” (1 Ne. 9:6).

He is our Redeemer: “All mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer” (1 Ne. 10:6).

He is the Resurrection: He brought to pass “the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise” (2 Ne. 2:8).

He is Righteous: “His ways are righteousness forever” (2 Ne. 1:19).

He is the Ruler: He rules “in the heavens above and in the earth beneath” (2 Ne. 29:7).

He is our Savior: “There is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ … whereby man can be saved” (2 Ne. 25:20).

He is Sinless: He “suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation” (Mosiah 15:5).

He is Truthful: “A God of truth, and canst not lie” (Ether 3:12).

He is Wise: “He has all wisdom” (Mosiah 4:9)."

Ezra Taft Benson, “‘Come unto Christ’,” Ensign, Nov 1987, 83

Daily Thought -- June 18, 2010

"Most objective, analytical scholars have come to recognize that it would have been impossible for an uneducated boy such as Joseph Smith, reared on the frontiers of America, to write the Book of Mormon. It contains so many exalted concepts, has such different writing styles, and is compiled in such a way that no one person could be its author. The honest inquirer can be led by faith to believe that Joseph Smith did translate the Book of Mormon from ancient plates of gold which were written with engraved characters in the reformed Egyptian language. No other explanations which have seriously challenged Joseph Smith's own account of the Book of Mormon have been able to survive as being factually correct. The evidences of a century and a half continue, and these increasingly affirm that Joseph Smith spoke the truth, completely, honestly, and humbly."

James E. Faust, "The Expanding Inheritance from Joseph Smith," Ensign, Nov. 1981, 76

New Mormon Message Video: Good Things to Come

Daily Thought -- June 17, 2010

“Too many of our young people have the idea that limited sin is not really wrong because it will be forgiven easily with no consequences. We see young people who are guilty of moral sins but are not overly concerned because they expect to repent quickly, thinking all is well. The idea that any sin is unimportant is false; it comes from the devil. ‘The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance’ (D&C 1:31).”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Seeds of Renewal,” Ensign, May 1989, 7

Daily Thought -- June 16, 2010

"An important rule was given to us by the Prophet Joseph with which you are probably familiar: 'I will give you one of the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with God from all eternity. That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that man is on the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives.' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 156–57.) "President [George Q.] Cannon warned again: 'If any of you have indulged in the spirit of murmuring and fault-finding and have allowed your tongues to give utterance to thoughts and words that were wrong and not in accordance with the spirit of the Gospel, . . . you ought to repent of it with all your hearts and get down into the depths of humility and implore Him for the forgiveness of that sin—for it is a most deadly sin. " 'The men who hold the Priesthood are but mortal men: they are fallible men. . . . No human being that ever trod this earth was free from sin, excepting the Son of God. . . .' "That is true concerning all of the brethren, I am sure." 'Nevertheless, God has chosen these men. He has singled them out, . . . but He has selected them, and He has placed upon them the authority of the Holy Priesthood, and they have become His representatives in the earth. He places them as shepherds over the flock of Christ, and as watchmen upon the walls of Zion.' (Gospel Truth, p. 276.)"

Spencer W. Kimball, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," Ensign, Jan. 1973, 34–35

Daily Thought -- June 15, 2010

“The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 23

Daily Thought -- June 14, 2010

“You and I have a spiritual destiny, and it does not allow us to ride passively in the back of the plane traveling through mortality. The Lord promised Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed (see Genesis 22:18; Abraham 2:9). He was speaking of the spiritual blessing brought to the world through us, whom He referred to as ‘children of the covenant’ (3 Nephi 20:26). Alma described some as called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God’ (Alma 13:3).”

Neil L. Andersen, “Preparing for Your Spiritual Destiny,” CES Fireside, January 10, 2010 Brigham Young University

Daily Thought -- June 13, 2010

"How can I question without losing the Spirit? . . . All of us have questions at times in our lives on policies, procedures, or even principles. The best way to find the answers we seek is to search out the solution for ourselves."How do we go about it?"First and foremost, it is our attitude, or how we ask the question, that is very, very important. If it is a demand, one loses the opportunity for an answer."Second, if we have strong feelings about the way something should be and are unwilling to listen, we may lose the opportunity to get an answer."One only has to remember when Martin Harris wanted to take home pages of the Book of Mormon translation to show to others. Joseph Smith prayed to the Lord a number of times to finally be allowed to let the man do it. The Lord knew that the pages would be lost. But sometimes we want something so much and keep praying about it that the Lord lets us do it for our learning experience."Sometimes we are drawn into seeking and giving answers that bring recognition or notoriety to 'our' thinking and to 'our' opinion. Don't look for signs or answers that build you up. Humility and submissiveness to God will always be fundamental in receiving direction from Him."

Robert D. Hales, Gifts of the Spirit, Ensign, Feb. 2002, 17–18

Daily Thought -- June 12, 2010

“Agency—our power to choose—is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons’ choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons—even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another—for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress (compare Alma 42:8). He will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices (compare Mosiah 24:14–15).”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 27–28

Daily Thought -- June 11, 2010

“To be effective, family communication must be an exchange of feelings and information. Doors of communication will swing open in the home if members will realize time and participation on the part of all are necessary ingredients. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. As we learn to participate together in meaningful associations, we are able to convey our thoughts of love, dependence, and interest.”

Marvin J. Ashton, “Family Communications,” New Era, Oct. 1978, 7

Daily Thought -- June 10, 2010

"Among the greatest trials the Church has ever faced were the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and then ultimately the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo. When they were making their way across the plains under very adverse circumstances, William Clayton penned the great hymn 'Come, Come, Ye Saints.' It was a hymn that stirred their souls and helped them remember their sacred mission. Who among us does not become emotional as we feel their sacrifice, courage, and commitment when we sing: 'And should we die before our journey's through, / Happy day! All is well!' (Hymns, no. 30)."This hymn gave them comfort, solace, and hope in a time of great difficulty with almost insurmountable obstacles. It buoyed them up and highlighted the fact that this mortal life is a journey between premortal life and eternal life to come—the great plan of happiness. Brother Clayton's inspiring hymn emphasizes sacrifices and what it really means to be a Saint. Our pioneer members met the challenges of their day to be Saints."The word saint in Greek denotes 'set apart, separate, [and] holy' (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 3:1249). If we are to be Saints in our day, we need to separate ourselves from evil conduct and destructive pursuits that are prevalent in the world."

Quentin L. Cook, "Are You a Latter-day Saint?" New Era, Dec. 2009, 2, 4

Daily Thought -- June 9, 2010

"Repentance is a blessing to all of us. We each need to feel the Savior's arms of mercy through the forgiveness of our sins."

Neil L. Andersen, "Repent . . . That I May Heal You, Ensign,"Nov. 2009, 40

Daily Thought -- June 8, 2010

"A . . . marvel of the Book of Mormon translation process is that from what we know, rarely would Joseph go back, review, or revise what had already been done. There was a steady flow in the translation. . . ."Emma Smith said of the inspired process: 'After meals, or after interruptions, [Joseph] would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him' ("Last Testimony of Sister Emma," Saints' Herald, 1 Oct. 1879, 290). One who has dictated and been interrupted must usually resume by inquiring, 'Now, where were we?' Not so with the Prophet!"If one were manufacturing a text, he would constantly need to cross-check himself, to edit, and to revise for consistency. Had the Prophet dictated and revised extensively, there would be more evidence of it. But there was no need to revise divinely supplied text. Whatever the details of the translation process, we are discussing a process that was truly astonishing!"

Neal A. Maxwell,, "By the Gift and Power of God," Ensign, Jan. 1997, 39–40

Daily Thought -- June 7, 2010

"Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of discipleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, and consoles. It leads us through valleys of darkness and through the veil of death. In the end love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Great Commandment,” Liahona, Nov. 2007, 28

Daily Thought -- June 6, 2010

"The gift of the Holy Ghost operates equally with men, women, and even little children. It is within this wondrous gift and power that the spiritual remedy to any problem can be found." 'And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned' (Alma 32:23)."

Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 45

Daily Thought -- June 5, 2010

“Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32

Daily Thought -- June 4, 2010

“I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fulness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven (see Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19). What a marvelous privilege for each of us to turn away from our sins and to come unto Christ. Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience. Jesus declares, ‘Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?’ (3 Nephi 9:13).”

Neil L. Andersen, “Repent . . . That I May Heal You,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 40–41

Daily Thought -- June 3, 2010

"Opportunities abound, and yours is the opportunity and responsibility of marshaling the Lord's resources. Among our quorum members, you will likely find those who know of job openings and others who are skilled at writing résumés or assisting in interview preparation. Regardless of titles or skills, you will find a brotherhood committed to bear one another's burdens."

Richard C. Edgley, "This Is Your Phone Call," Ensign, May 2009, 53

Daily Thought -- June 2, 2010

"Attending a temple session in the Manti Temple was an emotional experience for me. It brought back great memories of how I remembered the Logan Utah Temple before it was remodeled and modernized. As we progressed through the temple session, I could hear in every room those early pioneers saying, 'Look at what we built with our own hands. We had no power equipment. No contractors or subcontractors were involved in the construction, no fancy cranes to lift up the heavy stones. We performed this labor under our own power.'"What a glorious heritage these early Sanpete County pioneers have left to us."

L. Tom Perry, "The Past Way of Facing the Future," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 73

Daily Thought -- June 1, 2010

“Accept that you have an eternally important destiny, a spiritual destiny. Read your patriarchal blessing. As was said of Queen Esther of old, ‘Thou art come … for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14). Believe it, and embrace it!”

Neil L. Andersen, ”Preparing for Your Spiritual Destiny,” CES Fireside, January 10, 2010 Brigham Young University