What I Learned from Working At Microsoft

It is the misapprehension of most people that if you are good, really good, at what you do, you will eventually be both widely known and well compensated.

It is the understanding of almost everyone that success, to be complete, must include a generous portion of both fame and fortune as essential ingredients.

The world seems to work on that premise. The premise is false. It is not true. The Lord taught otherwise.

I want you, our children, to know this truth:

You need not be either rich or hold high position to be completely successful and truly happy.

In fact, if these things come to you, and they may, true success must be achieved in spite of them, not because of them.

It is remarkably difficult to teach this truth. If one who is not well known, and not well compensated, claims that he has learned for himself that neither fame nor fortune are essential to success, we tend to reject his statement as self-serving. What else could he say and not count himself a failure?

If someone who has possession of fame or fortune asserts that neither matters to success or happiness, we suspect that his expression is also self-serving, even patronizing.

Therefore, we will not accept as reliable authorities either those who have fame and fortune, or those who have not. We question that either can be an objective witness.

That leaves only one course open to us: trial and error—to learn for oneself, by experience, about prominence and wealth or their opposites.

We thereafter struggle through life, perhaps missing both fame and fortune, to finally learn one day that one can, indeed, succeed without possessing either. Or we may, one day, have both and learn that neither has made us happy; neither is basic to the recipe for true success and for complete happiness. That is a very slow way to learn.

Boyd K. Packer, Conference  October 1980, "The Choice"

Seek Heavenly Guidance...By The Inch It's a Cinch

I have spoken over the years with many individuals who have told me, “I have so many problems, such real concerns. I’m overwhelmed with the challenges of life. What can I do?” I have offered to them, and I now offer to you, this specific suggestion: seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for just one day—and then one more and then one more after that—until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness. The Savior promised, “Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”⁶

Thomas S. Monson -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

I Prefer "The Terrific Teens"

Soon you entered that period some have labeled “the terrible teens.” I prefer “the terrific teens.” What a time of opportunity, a season of growth, a semester of development—marked by the acquisition of knowledge and the quest for truth.

Thomas S. Monson -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

Moroni...Is My Hero

I love Moroni because, in a very degenerate society, he remained pure and true. He is my hero. He stood alone. I feel somehow he stands atop the temple today, beckoning us to have courage, to remember who we are, and to be worthy to enter the holy temple—to “arise and shine forth,”¹ to stand above the worldly clamor, and to, as Isaiah prophesied, “Come … to the mountain of the Lord”²—the holy temple.

Elaine S. Dalton -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

I Testify To You That Much Of The Book Of Mormon’S Greatness Stems From Its Harmony With The Holy Bible

 I testify to you that much of the Book of Mormon’s greatness stems from its harmony with the Holy Bible

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Power Of Deliverance   -  Elder L. Tom Perry

We Enter Mortality Not To Float With The Moving Currents Of Life But With The Power To Think, To Reason, And To Achieve

Unlike toy boats, we have been provided divine attributes to guide our journey. We enter mortality not to float with the moving currents of life but with the power to think, to reason, and to achieve.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Race Of Life   -  President Thomas S. Monson

The Offer, While Well Meaning And Often Given, “Let Me Know If I Can Help” Is Really No Help At All.

 Thus another special lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Special Lessons   -  Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Our "Do It" Switch Get Rotated To The Later Position

The words written in the scriptures and spoken in general conference are for us to “liken them unto [ourselves],”⁷ not for reading or hearing only.⁸Too often we attend meetings and nod our heads; we might even smile knowingly and agree. We jot down some action points, and we may say to ourselves, “That is something I will do.” But somewhere between the hearing, the writing of a reminder on our smartphone, and the actual doing, our “do it” switch gets rotated to the “later” position. Brethren, let’s make sure to set our “do it” switch always to the “now” position!

 April 2011 Your Potential, Your Privilege  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This Topic of Judging Others - Stop It

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Merciful Obtain Mercy   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Magnify Your Calling In The Presence Of Your Fellows … That The People Will Be Glad To Follow You

The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive. President George Albert Smith, that modest but effective leader, declared, “It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of His holy Priesthood to [so] magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows … that the people will be glad to follow you.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  Willing And Worthy To Serve   -  President Thomas S. Monson

It Is In The Application Of Doctrine That The Purifying Flame Of The Gospel Grows And The Power Of The Priesthood Ignites Our Souls

Let us be the ones to act and not be acted upon. Preaching is fine, but sermons that do not lead to action are like fires without heat or water that cannot quench thirst.

It is in the application of doctrine that the purifying flame of the gospel grows and the power of the priesthood ignites our souls.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Why Of Priesthood Service   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Priesthood Provides and Protects

At the conclusion of the temple recommend interviews I conducted as a bishop and stake president, I often would ask the married sisters how I could best serve them and their families. The consistency of the answers I received from those faithful women was both instructive and alarming. The sisters rarely complained or criticized, but they often responded as follows: “Please help my husband understand his responsibility as a priesthood leader in our home. I am happy to take the lead in scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, and I will continue to do so. But I wish my husband would be an equal partner and provide the strong priesthood leadership only he can give. Please help my husband learn how to become a patriarch and a priesthood leader in our home who presides and protects.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Men Who Hold The Priesthood Are Not Inherently Better Than Other Men, But They Should Act Differently.

 Men who hold the priesthood are not inherently better than other men, but they should act differently.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

It Is Not Enough To Receive The Priesthood And Then Sit Back Passively And Wait Until Someone Prods Us

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “It is not enough to receive the priesthood and then sit back passively and wait until someone prods us into activity. When we receive the priesthood, we have the obligation of becoming actively and anxiously engaged in promoting the cause of righteousness in the earth"....Brethren, for a boy or a man to receive priesthood authority but neglect to do what is necessary to qualify for priesthood power is unacceptable to the Lord. Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Worthiness And Willingness—Not Experience, Expertise, Or Education—Are The Qualifications For Priesthood Ordination.

Ordinary men are given the authority of the priesthood. Worthiness and willingness—not experience, expertise, or education—are the qualifications for priesthood ordination.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Two Indicators That A Feeling Or Prompting Comes From God Are That It Produces Peace In Your Heart And A Quiet, Warm Feeling.

Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. 

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. S

Sanctify Yourselves ie Keep My Commandments

The Lord has declared: “And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.”² The words sanctify yourselves may appear puzzling. President Harold B. Lee once explained that you can replace those words with the phrase “keep my commandments.” Read that way, the counsel may seem clearer.³

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. Scott

Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness

Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a dream because we trust them and will listen to their counsel. It is the Lord doing the teaching through the Holy Ghost. However, He may in a dream make it both easier to understand and more likely to touch our hearts by teaching us through someone we love and respect.

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. Scott

Clearly, A Dividing Line Between Those Who Hear The Music Of Faith And Those Who Are Tone-Deaf Or Off-Key Is The Active Study Of The Scriptures.

Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures.

 April 2012 General Conference -  In Tune With The Music Of Faith   -  Elder Quentin L. Cook

The Essential Doctrine Of Agency Requires That A Testimony Of The Restored Gospel Be Based On Faith Rather Than Just External Or Scientific Proof.

The essential doctrine of agency requires that a testimony of the restored gospel be based on faith rather than just external or scientific proof. 

 April 2012 General Conference -  In Tune With The Music Of Faith   -  Elder Quentin L. Cook

Many A Time at Microsoft -- I Can Come to You!

In the general Relief Society meeting of September 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley related an experience shared by a divorced single mother of seven children then ranging in ages from 7 to 16. She had gone across the street to deliver something to a neighbor. She said:

“As I turned around to walk back home, I could see my house lighted up. I could hear echoes of my children as I had walked out of the door a few minutes earlier. They were saying: ‘Mom, what are we going to have for dinner?’ ‘Can you take me to the library?’ ‘I have to get some poster paper tonight.’ Tired and weary, I looked at that house and saw the light on in each of the rooms. I thought of all of those children who were home waiting for me to come and meet their needs. My burdens felt heavier than I could bear.

“I remember looking through tears toward the sky, and I said, ‘Dear Father, I just can’t do it tonight. I’m too tired. I can’t face it. I can’t go home and take care of all those children alone. Could I just come to You and stay with You for just one night? …’

“I didn’t really hear the words of reply, but I heard them in my mind. The answer was: ‘No, little one, you can’t come to me now. … But I can come to you.’”²

 April 2012 General Conference -  Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message To Single Parents   -  Elder David S. Baxter

Bless You For Avoiding The Type Of Companionship That Would Come At The Expense Of Virtue And Discipleship. That Would Be Far Too High A Price To Pay.

My message is for the single parents in the Church, the majority of whom are single mothers—you valiant women who, through the varying circumstances of life, find yourselves raising children and running a home on your own. Perhaps you have been widowed or divorced. You may be coping with the challenges of single parenthood as a result of having taken a wrong turn outside of marriage, but you are now living within the framework of the gospel, having turned your life around. Bless you for avoiding the type of companionship that would come at the expense of virtue and discipleship. That would be far too high a price to pay.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message To Single Parents   -  Elder David S. Baxter

Where Do I Stand On Living My Covenants

With His love and the love of His Son in my heart, I challenge each of us to follow our spiritual desires and come to ourselves. Let’s have a talk with ourselves in the mirror and ask, “Where do I stand on living my covenants?” We are on the right path when we can say, “I worthily partake of the sacrament each week, I am worthy to hold a temple recommend and go to the temple, and I sacrifice to serve and bless others.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  Coming To Ourselves: The Sacrament, The Temple, And Sacrifice In Service   -  Elder Robert D. Hales

We Become Converted And Spiritually Self-Reliant As We Prayerfully Live Our Covenants

We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.... We think about the promises we made and kept during the previous week and make specific personal commitments to follow the Savior during the coming week.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Coming To Ourselves: The Sacrament, The Temple, And Sacrifice In Service   -  Elder Robert D. Hales

You Have Not Traveled Beyond the Reach of Divine Love

I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Laborers In The Vineyard   -  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

One Of The Characteristics Of Trials In Life Is That They Seem To Make Clocks Slow Down And Then Appear Almost To Stop.

I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Mountains To Climb   -  President Henry B. Eyring

Give Me This Mountain, Give Me These Challenges

There are great challenges ahead of us, giant opportunities to be met. I welcome that exciting prospect and feel to say to the Lord, humbly, ‘Give me this mountain,’ give me these challenges.”¹

 April 2012 General Conference -  Mountains To Climb   -  President Henry B. Eyring

Your Sacrifices, My Brothers And Sisters—Stand In Contrast To The Familiar Worldly Quests For Personal Fulfillment.

For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. In that experience I know of no group whose members make more sacrifices than Latter-day Saints. Their sacrifices—your sacrifices, my brothers and sisters—stand in contrast to the familiar worldly quests for personal fulfillment.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Sacrifice   -  Elder Dallin H. Oaks

It Was Meant That Children Have Two Parents—Both A Father And A Mother. No Other Pattern Or Process Can Replace This One.

The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent. Neither man nor woman can bear children alone. It was meant that children have two parents—both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one.

 April 2012 General Conference -  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them

No Pain Will Last Forever

 No pain will last forever. It is not easy, but life was never meant to be either easy or fair.

 April 2012 General Conference -  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them

No Cause, No Force In The Entire World Can Stop The Work Of God.

 No cause, no force in the entire world can stop the work of God. Despite what comes, this great cause will go forward.

 April 2012 General Conference -  As We Gather Once Again   -  President Thomas S. Monson

Here In This House Is The Millennium

Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace; the soil of the earth will bring forth in its strength, and the fruits thereof will be meat for man. The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation vanish away. If the people will not serve the Devil another moment whilst they live, if this congregation is possessed of that spirit and resolution, here in this house is the Millennium. Let the inhabitants of this city be possessed of that spirit, let the people of the territory be possessed of that spirit, and here is the Millennium. Let the whole people … be possessed of that spirit and here is the Millennium, and so will it spread over all the world (DBY, 115–16).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 330–35

I Have Never Seen A Time In This Gospel But What I Knew That The Result Would Be Beneficial To The Cause Of Truth And The Lovers Of Righteousness

When surrounded by mobs, with death and destruction threatening on every hand, I am not aware but that I felt just as joyful, just as well in my spirits, as I do now. Prospects might appear dull and very dark, but I have never seen a time in this Gospel but what I knew that the result would be beneficial to the cause of truth and the lovers of righteousness, and I have always felt to joyfully acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things (DBY,453).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

I Feel Happy. “Mormonism” Has Made Me All I Am.

I feel happy. “Mormonism” has made me all I am, and the grace, the power, and the wisdom of God will make me all that I ever will be, either in time or eternity (DBY, 451).
....
“Mormonism” has done everything for me that ever has been done for me on the earth; it has made me happy; … it has filled me with good feelings, with joy and rejoicing. Whereas, before I possessed the spirit of the Gospel I was troubled with that which I hear others complain of, that is, with, at times, feeling cast down, gloomy, and despondent; with everything wearing to me, at times, a dreary aspect (DBY, 452).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

Whether A Brother Wears A Coon Skin Cap Or A Fine Beaver Hat Is All The Same To Us.

We have not in our society an aristocratic circle. Whether a brother wears a coon skin cap or a fine beaver hat is all the same to us. If a person is a faithful servant of God we do not object to his coming to meeting, though he has only a piece of buffalo skin to wear on his head. We partake of theSacrament with him, hail him in the street as a brother and a friend, converse with him, meet him in social parties and greet him as an equal (DBY, 283–84).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

Be In Advance [saying] 'Come Along,' And You Will Have No use For the Rod

You ought always to take the lead of your children in their minds and affections. Instead of being behind with the whip, always be in advance, then you can say, “Come along,” and you will have no use for the rod. They will delight to follow you, and will like your words and ways, because you are always comforting them and giving them pleasure and enjoyment. If they get a little naughty, stop them when they have gone far enough. … When they transgress, and transcend certain bounds we want them to stop. If you are in the lead they will stop, they cannot run over you; but if you are behind they will run away from you (DNSW, 8 Dec. 1868, 2–3).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 336–42

Teach Them to Love You Rather Than to Fear You

Bring up your children in the love and fear of the Lord; study their dispositions and their temperaments, and deal with them accordingly, never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you (DBY, 207).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 336–42

An Ideal Father--Kind to a Fault, Tender, Thoughtful, Just and Firm

An ideal father. Kind to a fault, tender, thoughtful, just and firm. … None of us feared him; all of us adored him (LSBY, 356).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 336–42

If You Give Anything For The Building Up Of The Kingdom Of God, Give The Best You Have.

If you give anything for the building up of the Kingdom of God, give the best you have. What is the best thing you have to devote to the Kingdom of God? It is the talents God has given you. How many? Every one of them. What beautiful talents! What a beautiful gift! … Let us devote every qualification we are in possession of to the building up of God’s Kingdom, and you will accomplish the whole of it (DBY, 445).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 323–29

They May Then Think To Check “Mormonism” In Its Course

When the wicked have power to blow out the sun, that it shines no more; when they have power to bring to a conclusion the operations of the elements, suspend the whole system of nature, and make a footstool of the throne of the Almighty, they may then think to check “Mormonism” in its course, and thwart the unalterable purposes of heaven [see D&C 121:33]. Men may persecute the people who believe its doctrines, report and publish lies to bring tribulation upon their heads, earth and hell may unite in one grand league against it, and exert their malicious powers to the utmost, but it will stand as firm and immovable in the midst of it all as the pillars of eternity. Men may persecute the Prophet, and those who believe and uphold him, they may drive the Saints and kill them, but this does not affect the truths of “Mormonism” one iota, for they will stand when the elements melt with fervent heat, and the heavens are wrapt up like a scroll and the solid earth is dissolved [see Isaiah 34:4; D&C 88:95] (DBY, 442–43).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 323–29

The Gospel Will Revolutionize The Whole World Of Mankind

What will be the final result of the restoration of the Gospel, and the destiny of the Latter-day Saints? If they are faithful to the Priesthood which God has bestowed upon us, the Gospel will revolutionize the whole world of mankind; the earth will be sanctified, and God will glorify it, and the Saints will dwell upon it in the presence of the Father and the Son (DBY, 438).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 323–29

We Do Not Want Any Whiners About This Temple

You have got to do the work, or it will not be done. We do not want any whiners about this temple. If you cannot commence cheerfully, and go through the labor of the whole building cheerfully, start for California, and the quicker the better. Make you a golden calf, and worship it. If your care for the ordinances of salvation, for yourselves, your living, and dead, is not first and foremost in your hearts, in your actions, and in everything you possess, go! Pay your debts, if you have any, and go in peace, and prove to God and all his Saints that you are what you profess to be, by your acts (DBY, 417–18).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 298–305

I Want To hear Them Ring Again

Some say, “I do not like to do it, for we never began to build a temple without the bells of hell beginning to ring.” I want to hear them ring again (DBY, 410).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 298–305

The Lord Must Be First And Foremost In Our Affections; The Building Up Of His Cause And Kingdom Demands Our First Consideration

If you have gold and silver, let it not come between you and your duty. I will tell you what to do in order to gain your exaltation, the which you cannot obtain except you take this course. If your affections are placed upon anything so as to hinder you in the least from dedicating them to the Lord, make a dedication of that thing in the first place, that the dedication of the whole may be complete. … If my heart is not fully given up to this work, I will give my time, my talents, my hands, and my possessions to it, until my heart consents to be subject. I will make my hands labour in the cause of God, until my heart bows in submission to it. … I have now told you what course to pursue to obtain an exaltation. The Lord must be first and foremost in our affections; the building up of his cause and kingdom demands our first consideration (DNW, 5 Jan. 1854, 2).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 291–97

Preaching Hell-Fire

I am not going to drive a man or a woman to heaven. A great many think that they will be able to flog people into heaven, but this can never be done, for the intelligence in us is as independent as the Gods. People are not to be driven and you can put into a gnat’s eye all the souls of the children of men that are driven into heaven by preaching hell-fire (DBY,64).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 70–77

If We Want To Visit Jerusalem, Or This, That, Or The Other Place—And I Presume We Will Be Permitted If We Desire—There We Are, Looking

I can say with regard to parting with our friends, and going ourselves, that I have been near enough to understand eternity so that I have had to exercise a great deal more faith to desire to live than I ever exercised in my whole life to live. The brightness and glory of the next apartment is inexpressible. It is not encumbered so that when we advance in years we have to be stubbing along and be careful lest we fall down. We see our youth, even, frequently stubbing their toes and falling down. But yonder, how different! They move with ease and like lightning. If we want to visit Jerusalem, or this, that, or the other place—and I presume we will be permitted if we desire—there we are, looking at its streets. If we want to behold Jerusalem as it was in the days of the Savior; or if we want to see the Garden of Eden as it was when created, there we are, and we see it as it existed spiritually, for it was created first spiritually and then temporally, and spiritually it still remains. And when there we may behold the earth as at the dawn of creation, or we may visit any city we please that exists upon its surface. If we wish to understand how they are living here on these western islands, or in China, we are there; in fact, we are like the light of the morning. … God has revealed some little things, with regard to his movements and power, and the operation and motion of the lightning furnish a fine illustration of the ability of the Almighty (DBY, 380).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 279–84

So Live That When You Wake In The Spirit-World You Can Truthfully Say, “I Could Not Better My Mortal Life, Were I To Live It Over Again.”

So live that when you wake in the spirit-world you can truthfully say, “I could not better my mortal life, were I to live it over again.” I exhort you, for the sake of the House of Israel, for the sake of Zion which we are to build up, to so live, from this time, henceforth, and forever, that your characters may with pleasure be scrutinized by holy beings. Live godly lives, which you cannot do without living moral lives (DBY, 370).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 272–78

All These Mighty Changes Are Pointing To And Preparing The Way For The Introduction Of His Kingdom In The Latter Times

Great and mighty empires are raised to the summit of human greatness by him, to bring to pass his inscrutable purposes, and at his pleasure they are swept from existence and lost in the oblivion of antiquity. All these mighty changes are pointing to and preparing the way for the introduction of his Kingdom in the latter times, that will stand forever and grow in greatness and power until a holy, lasting, religious and political peace shall make the hearts of the poor among men exult with joy in the Holy One of Israel, and that his Kingdom is everywhere triumphant (DBY, 357).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 267–71

If You Persecute Us, We Will Sit Up Nights To Preach The Gospel

Let us alone, and we will send Elders to the uttermost parts of the earth, and gather out Israel, wherever they are; and if you persecute us, we will do it the quicker, because we are naturally dull when let alone, and are disposed to take a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little rest. If you let us alone, we will do it a little more leisurely; but if you persecute us, we will sit up nights to preach the Gospel (DBY, 351).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

Righteousness And Power With God Increase In This People In Proportion As The Devil Struggles To Destroy It

Every time they persecute and try to overcome this people, they elevate us, weaken their own hands, and strengthen the hands and arms of this people. And every time they undertake to lessen our number, they increase it. And when they try to destroy the faith and virtue of this people, the Lord strengthens the feeble knees, and confirms the wavering in faith and power in God, in light, and intelligence. Righteousness and power with God increase in this people in proportion as the Devil struggles to destroy it (DBY, 351).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

Every Time You Kick “Mormonism” You Kick It Upstairs; You Never Kick It Downstairs.

Every time you kick “Mormonism” you kick it upstairs; you never kick it downstairs. The Lord Almighty so orders it (DBY, 351).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

Cast Off The Yoke Of The Enemy, And Put On The Yoke Of Christ, And You Will Say That His Yoke Is Easy And His Burden Is Light. This I Know By Experience

Cast off the yoke of the enemy, and put on the yoke of Christ, and you will say that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. This I know by experience (DBY, 347–48).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

Every Trial And Experience You Have Passed Through Is Necessary For Your Salvation

All intelligent beings who are crowned with crowns of glory, immortality, and eternal lives must pass through every ordeal appointed for intelligent beings to pass through, to gain their glory and exaltation. Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. If we obtain the glory that Abraham obtained, we must do so by the same means that he did. If we are ever prepared to enjoy the society of Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or of their faithful children, and of the faithful Prophets and Apostles, we must pass through the same experience, and gain the knowledge, intelligence, and endowments that will prepare us to enter into the celestial kingdom of our Father and God. … Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation (DBY,345).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

If You Possess The Light Of The Holy Spirit, You Can See Clearly That Trials In The Flesh Are Actually Necessary.

The people of the Most High God must be tried. It is written that they will be tried in all things, even as Abraham was tried [see D&C 101:1–4]. If we are called to go upon mount Moriah to sacrifice a few of our Isaacs, it is no matter; we may just as well do that as anything else. I think there is a prospect for the Saints to have all the trials they wish for or can desire. Now if you possess the light of the Holy Spirit, you can see clearly that trials in the flesh are actually necessary (DBY, 346).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 260–66

If We Are Sick, And Ask The Lord To Heal Us, And To Do All For Us That Is Necessary To Be Done...It Appears Consistent To Me To Apply Every Remedy That Comes.

If we are sick, and ask the Lord to heal us, and to do all for us that is necessary to be done, according to my understanding of the Gospel of salvation, I might as well ask the Lord to cause my wheat and corn to grow, without my plowing the ground and casting in the seed. It appears consistent to me to apply every remedy that comes within the range of my knowledge, and to ask my Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, to sanctify that application to the healing of my body (DBY, 163).

But suppose we were traveling in the mountains, … and one or two were taken sick, without anything in the world in the shape of healing medicine within our reach, what should we do? According to my faith, ask the Lord Almighty to … heal the sick. This is our privilege, when so situated that we cannot get anything to help ourselves. Then the Lord and his servants can do all. But it is my duty to do, when I have it in my power (DBY, 163).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 251–59