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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Reading the Scriptures with Sleepy Eyes

When we read the Book of Mormon while rubbing our sleepy eyes, let us remember that we are following the counsel of our prophet and receive the joy that comes from that knowledge.

Author:Elder Won Yong Ko , Of the Seventy
Title:"
Sacrifice Is a Joy and a Blessing"
Where: Liahona, Nov 2005, 92–93

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Pitiching One's Tent on the Periphery of Religious Faith

In offering such a prayer for the young, may I address a rather specific aspect of their safety? In this I speak carefully and lovingly to any of the adults of the Church, parents or otherwise, who may be given to cynicism or skepticism, who in matters of whole-souled devotion always seem to hang back a little, who at the Church’s doctrinal campsite always like to pitch their tents out on the periphery of religious faith. To all such—whom we do love and wish were more comfortable camping nearer to us—I say, please be aware that the full price to be paid for such a stance does not always come due in your lifetime. No, sadly, some elements of this can be a kind of profligate national debt, with payments coming out of your children’s and grandchildren’s pockets in far more expensive ways than you ever intended it to be.

Author: Jeffrey R. Holland, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Title: “A Prayer for the Children”
Where: Liahona, May 2003, 85–87

Similar to this teaching:  https://quotestokeep.blogspot.com/2023/10/but-if-parent-goes-little-off-course.html?m=0

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Lifting Others

You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.

Author: President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) Eleventh President of the Church
Title: "Stand Ye in Holy Places "
Where:Ensign, Oct 2008, 44–49
Scripture:
Why I liked it:
You must be on higher ground to lift another.

Need for the Sandpoint Seven

Three hours of meetings on Sunday clearly isn’t sufficient time to prepare our families to withstand the difficulties Moroni saw. We need to connect our celestial goals with everyday life in our homes. Remember that gospel basics—those seemingly “small and simple things” (Alma 37:6) we strive to practice in following the Lord—will ultimately confound Satan and protect our families.

The Lord has stated, “For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you” (D&C 78:7).
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Author: Richard J. Maynes
Title: “Protecting Our Families in the Last Days”
Where: Ensign, Oct 2008, 50–52
Scriptures: Doctrine & Covenants 78:7
Why I liked it:
Need for the Sandpoint Seven

Temple Ordinaces

The temple ordinances focus on the rescue and the salvation of families

Author: Eric B. Shumway, President of the Nuku‘alofa Tonga Temple; served as an Area Seventy in the North America West Area from 2004 to 2007
Title: Preparing Yourself for Marriage
Where: Ensign, Oct 2008, 54–57

Why I liked it:
Better insight into the endowment

Blessings of Family Home Evening

Teach your families in your family home evening, teach them to keep the commandments of God, for therein is our only safety in these days. If they will do that, the powers of the Almighty will descend upon them as the dews from heaven, and the Holy Ghost will be theirs.

Author: President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) Eleventh President of the Church
Title: "Stand Ye in Holy Places "
Where:Ensign, Oct 2008, 44–49

Why I liked it:
Blessings of family home evening.

Scripture Study Requires Effort

Our knowledge will help save us, but each of us must pay the price to obtain it. To do so we may need to get up a little earlier, stay up a little later, or consistently sneak a few precious moments for study during the day.

Author: Marlin K. Jensen, Of the Seventy
Title: “Gospel Doctrines: Anchors to Our Souls”
Where: Ensign, Oct 2008, 58–61

Why I liked it:
Scripture study is demanding and requires effort

Family Is of Cosmic Importance

First, from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”: “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and … the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”1 Ponder this statement. This single truth—that the cosmic purpose of this earth and the universe has as its central feature marriage and the family, with husband and wife at the core—should inspire our souls and our imaginations. Marriage and family are not human inventions or social constructs evolving from human necessity. They are part of a heavenly order that leads to eternal life and eternal happiness.

Author: Eric B. Shumway, President of the Nuku‘alofa Tonga Temple; served as an Area Seventy in the North America West Area from 2004 to 2007
Title: Preparing Yourself for Marriage
Where: Ensign, November 2008, p.55

Why I liked it:
Marriage is central to the Creators plan.

Service Is Oft Times Not Convenient

[Service] is to be given as needed, not when convenient.

Author: Elder Steven E. Snow, Of the Presidency of the Seventy
Title: Service
Where: Ensign, November 2007, p.102

Why I liked it:
For service to be meaningful I think it at times is inconvenient.