His matchless genius for beauty

 I still love to hike high in the mountains among the magnificent granite rocks and peaks. Although silent, they speak of the power and majesty of God—and of His matchless genius for beauty. As Alma testified, “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, … do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44).

I love stargazing at night, trying to wrap my mind around the eternity of time and space within my gaze. I always marvel at the knowledge that comes in those quiet moments that, despite the vastness of the cosmos, the Lord of the universe knows puny me. And He knows each of us. The creation witnesses of the Creator, and if we preserve these special, unspoiled places, they will eloquently and profoundly witness of our God and inspire us onward.

Becoming Better Stewards of the Earth God Created for Us

March 2021

2021

Marcus B. Nash

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/03/young-adults/becoming-better-stewards-of-the-earth-god-created-for-us?lang=eng&verse=#p

Men and women have different but equally important responsibilities in the home and the Church. Priesthood power can help each person perform those responsibilities for the benefit of all.

 “Men and women have different but equally important responsibilities in the home and the Church. Priesthood power can help each person perform those responsibilities for the benefit of all.

“Because God’s priesthood power is on the earth today, great blessings are available to all worthy Church members, whether they are old or young, male or female, single or married.”

—President Joy D. Jones, Primary General President

Experiencing Priesthood Power

March 2021

2021

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/03/experiencing-priesthood-power?lang=eng&verse=#p

Thanking Him rather than asking for something to be taken away helps us accept His effort to mold us into who we are meant to become

 Expressing gratitude when we are hurt or upset can be hard, but if we hope to gain the full power of this portion of prayer, we may need to open our hearts more fully. What if we offered thanks for those situations that bring us frustration, sorrow, or anguish? As we sincerely thank God in and through our trials, we invite Him to help us see our trials and ourselves in a different way. Thanking Him rather than asking for something to be taken away helps us accept His effort to mold us into who we are meant to become. Gratitude allows us to see a flow of blessings deeper and broader than we could ever comprehend otherwise.

Our Guide, Solace, and Stay

February 2021

2021

Bonnie H. Cordon

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/02/united-states-and-canada-section/our-guide-solace-and-stay?lang=eng&verse=#p

Process of Emulating Jesus

 If we choose … the course of discipleship, we will … move from what may be initially a mere acknowledgment of Jesus on to admiration of Jesus, then on to adoration of Jesus, and finally to emulation of Jesus. In that process of striving to become more like Him … , we must be in the posture of repentance.

The Gift of Forgiveness

February 2021

2021

Neil L. Andersen

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/02/the-gift-of-forgiveness?lang=eng&verse=#p

Neal A. Maxwell, “Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign, Oct. 2001, 12.

see also:  http://quotestokeep.blogspot.com/2009/04/more-we-know-of-jesusthe-more-we-w.html

Daily Prayer

In prayer we review the happenings of the day, asking, “Where did I see the Lord’s hand in my life? How did my actions reveal honesty and unselfishness? What more could I have done? What thoughts and emotions do I need to control? How could I have better followed the example of the Savior? How could I have been more kind, more loving, more forgiving, and more merciful toward others? In what ways was I less than my Heavenly Father would want me to be?”

The Gift of Forgiveness

February 2021

2021

Neil L. Andersen

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/02/the-gift-of-forgiveness?lang=eng&verse=#p

I am reminded of this:

One of the questions we must ask of our Heavenly Father in private prayer is this: “What have I done today, or not done, which displeases Thee? If I can only know, I will repent with all my heart without delay.” That humble prayer will be answered.

Author:Henry B. Eyring
Title: Do Not Delay
Where: Ensign, Nov 1999, 33

Pondering the goodness of God and evaluating my life during the sacrament rather than focusing only on failures and flaws helps me put my trust in Him.

 Here are some questions you could ask yourself or God during the sacrament:

How did I follow Christ’s example this week?

Whom did I serve?

When did I feel the Spirit this week? Why?

What is a Christlike trait I’m trying to develop? How am I doing?

Is there anything in my life I should pray for help with?

Is there anyone I need to forgive?

What is one problem, big or small, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ helped me with this week?

Pondering the goodness of God and evaluating my life during the sacrament rather than focusing only on failures and flaws helps me put my trust in Him.

Discerning the Good in Ourselves

September 2021

2021

Emily Abel

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/young-adults/discerning-the-good-in-ourselves?lang=eng&verse=#p

The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them.

 The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them.

Discerning the Good in Ourselves

September 2021

2021

Emily Abel

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/young-adults/discerning-the-good-in-ourselves?lang=eng&verse=#p

Stephen L Richards, in Douglas D. Holmes, “Deep in Our Heart,” Liahona, May 2020, 25–26.

While you were throwing the chicken manure, God was preparing the soil.

The Reverend Amos C. Brown tells a story about Howard Washington Thurman. Howard lived next to a woman who mistreated his family because they were Black—even throwing manure from her chicken coop into the Thurmans’ yard.

When the woman fell ill, Howard’s mother took her some soup and roses. With gratitude, the woman asked where the flowers had come from. Mrs. Thurman explained, “While you were throwing the chicken manure, God was preparing the soil.”

“That’s what we’ve got to do in the midst of evil,” Reverend Brown said. “Take the manure but have the faith in God to use it to grow a garden of roses.”

How Can I Help Overcome Prejudice?

September 2021

2021

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/overcoming-racism-and-prejudice-we-can-build-bridges/how-can-i-help-overcome-prejudice?lang=eng&verse=#p

If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obeys God’s law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant.

In legal language, a covenant generally denotes an agreement between two or more parties. But in a religious context, a covenant is much more significant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms. Each person may choose to accept those terms. If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obeys God’s law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant.

President Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants,” Liahona, Nov. 2011, 86.

Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Hi

Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him. If He simply wanted us to be obedient, He would use immediate rewards and punishments to influence our behaviors

Dale G. Renlund, “Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104.

This war in heaven was not a war of bloodshed. It was a war of conflicting ideas—the beginning of contention. Russell M. Nelson, “The Canker of Content

 This war in heaven was not a war of bloodshed. It was a war of conflicting ideas—the beginning of contention.

Russell M. Nelson, “The Canker of Contention,” Ensign, May 1989, 69.

Establish a united place of faith founded on the celestial principles of heaven

 An aspiration of Zion is to establish a united place of faith founded on the celestial principles of heaven, wherein God’s people can walk with Him and God Himself can find abode.

Bring Forth Zion

September 2021

2021

Gerrit W. Gong

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/bring-forth-zion?lang=eng&verse=#p

I believe that my husband’s example of living the gospel was the biggest influence on our children.

 Having grown up without the “ideal family” as a model, I constantly doubted myself and my abilities whilst raising our children. This quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles comforted me: “If you … will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; … if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.” Doing our best will require the Saviour’s help—and if ever there was a time in history when parents needed to rely on Him, it is now!

Instead of worrying about lots of rules and whether our children fulfil them perfectly, we can focus on building our relationship with them and with the Saviour. Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, said it this way: “Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.” From my experience, this advice rings true.

....

I believe that my husband’s example of living the gospel was the biggest influence on our children. They saw him read scriptures, pray, and attend church—even if on his own. This had an impact far more powerful than anything we formally taught.

Faithful Parenting in Today’s Changing World

April 2021

2021

Denise Dunlop

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/04/faithful-parenting-in-todays-changing-world?lang=eng&verse=#p

Lucifer Was Not Volunteering to Be Our Savior

 Let it be noted that in the great premortal council, Lucifer was not volunteering to be our savior. He was not interested in suffering or dying or shedding any of his blood on our behalf. He was not seeking to become the embodiment of justice but to become a law unto himself. It is my opinion that in saying to the Father, “Give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1), Lucifer was saying, “Give me the right to rule,” intending to exercise that power capriciously. The law would be whatever he said it was at any given moment. In that way, no one could be an independent actor. Lucifer would be supreme, and no one else could advance.

Why We Need Jesus Christ

December 2020

2020

D. Todd Christofferson

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/12/why-we-need-jesus-christ?lang=eng&verse=#p

But wherever you are going and however you work through your challenges in getting there, I ask you to come unto the Savior, Jesus Christ, as the imperative first step in getting to your personal destination

 Some of you are where you want to be, or you at least know where you want to go with your lives. Some of you seem to have many blessings and wonderful choices ahead of you. Others of you feel, for a time and for whatever reason, less fortunate and with fewer attractive paths lying immediately ahead.

But wherever you are going and however you work through your challenges in getting there, I ask you to come unto the Savior, Jesus Christ, as the imperative first step in getting to your personal destination, in finding your individual happiness and strength, and in achieving your ultimate destiny and success (see 1 Nephi 10:18; 2 Nephi 26:33; Omni 1:26; Doctrine and Covenants 18:11).

All of that can be yours if the answer to the question “Where goest thou?” (Moses 4:15) is “Wherever you are, Lord.”

Pursuing the Fulness of Christ

April 2021

2021

Jeffrey R. Holland

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/04/pursuing-the-fulness-of-christ?lang=eng&verse=#p

I submit that to “be of good cheer” (John 16:33) in [IS] the quest for “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ

 The Savior’s benediction upon His disciples even as He moved toward the pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary is the most moving of these words. On that night, the night of the greatest suffering that has ever taken place in the world or ever will take place, the Savior said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

What a stunning view of life in the most agonizing of hours! How can He possibly say that, facing what He knows He is facing? He can say that because His is the Church and the gospel of the happy endings! For us, the victory is already won. He is taking the long view; He is sharing the big picture.

I think some of us, however, must still have in us that clichéd remnant of Puritan heritage that says it is somehow wrong to be comforted or helped, that we are supposed to be miserable about something all of the time. I submit that to “be of good cheer” (John 16:33) in [IS] the quest for “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) may be the commandment that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet surely nothing could be more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart.

Pursuing the Fulness of Christ

April 2021

2021

Jeffrey R. Holland

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/04/pursuing-the-fulness-of-christ?lang=eng&verse=#p

We cannot substitute our own rules for eternal laws any more than a man who touches hot coals can decide not to get burned.

 God’s laws are not negotiable. He allows us to disregard them, but we are not free to create our own rules for the eternities any more than a person is free to create his or her personalized laws for physics. God wants us to be a qualified heir in His kingdom. To expect His heavenly inheritance while following a different course than He has outlined is naïve.

Before being called to full-time Church service, I (Elder Renlund) cared for patients with severe heart failure. In heart failure and transplant cardiology, there are defined, established courses to follow to obtain the best outcome: longer and better quality of life. Treating a patient in another way does not result in the best outcomes. It was astonishing that some patients tried to negotiate the treatment course. Some patients said, “I prefer not to take any medications,” or “I don’t want to have any heart biopsies after transplantation.” Of course, patients are free to follow their own course, but they cannot pursue an inferior course of action and expect the best outcome.

The same is true for us. We are free to choose our own course in life, but we are not free to choose the outcome that comes from following our own rules, no matter how many times someone says we can. Heavenly Father is not to blame when we do not receive blessings connected to the law of chastity because of disobedience.

In this dispensation, the Savior taught that eternal laws are not flexible and open for discussion. He said, “And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.

“That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, … cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:34–35; emphasis added). We cannot substitute our own rules for eternal laws any more than a man who touches hot coals can decide not to get burned.

The Divine Purposes of Sexual Intimacy

August 2020

2020

Dale G. Renlund and Ruth Lybbert Renlund

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/08/the-divine-purposes-of-sexual-intimacy?lang=eng&verse=#p

Reminds me of this Teaching

http://quotestokeep.blogspot.com/2022/10/we-cannot-create-our-own-path-and.html

There is no Error in the Revelations

 “When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no more seen. I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be thrown away as a thing of naught?”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith, Chapter 27, Beware of the Bitter Fruits of Apostasy