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

Daily Thought -- May 31, 2010

“We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Patience, a Key to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1987, 30

Daily Thought -- May 30, 2010

"In Doctrine and Covenants section 25, the Lord counsels each of His beloved daughters, you and me, to 'walk in the paths of virtue' (v.2). You are not common. You are not ordinary. You are daughters of God. You carry within yourselves the sacred power to create life. It is one of God's greatest gifts to His precious daughters, and you must safeguard that power by living the standards and remaining virtuous. You must safeguard your power through purity of thought and action. By so doing, you, your family, and the generations that follow will be strengthened and blessed. President Brigham Young taught that 'the strength of Zion is in the virtue of her sons and daughters' (Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons, ed. Dean C. Jesse [1974], 221)."You must guard your own virtue and help others rise to the divinity that is within. In every sense, you are a guardian of virtue. President David O. McKay taught that 'a woman should be queen of her own body' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1952, 86). 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?' (1 Corinthians 3:16). My question to each of you is, If we don't stand for virtue, who will?"

Elaine S. Dalton, "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord," Ensign, May 2009, 121

Daily Thought -- May 29, 2010

"It is during the family home evening and in other family settings that we prepare our children to receive the blessings of the Lord. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve said: 'Ours is the responsibility to ensure that we have family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Ours is the responsibility to prepare our children to receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation' ("Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women," Ensign, May 1999, 40)."Family home evening is a very special time for us to strengthen ourselves and each family member. It is important to include the whole family in assignments for family home evening. A child could share the Primary lesson that he or she had last Sunday. Family home evening strengthened the faith and testimony of my own family."

Claudio R. M. Costa, "Priesthood Responsibilities," Ensign, May 2009, 56

Daily Thought -- May 28, 2010

“The more we know of Jesus, the more we will love Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will trust Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will want to be like Him and to be with Him by becoming the manner of men and women that He wishes us to be (see 3 Ne. 27:27), while living now ‘after the manner of happiness’ (2 Ne. 5:27).”

Neal A. Maxwell, "Plow in Hope," Liahona, July 2001, 7

Daily Thought -- May 27, 2010

"Some people may be surprised to learn that we look like God. One prominent religious scholar has even taught that imagining God in the form of man is creating a graven image and is idolatrous and blasphemous. But God Himself said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness' (Genesis 1:26; Moses 2:26)."

Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 30

New Mormon Message for Memorial Day