Your Human Orbit

 My dad believed in something Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once wrote: “The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.”

At another time, Elder Maxwell expressed the idea this way: “[God’s] planning and precision pertain not only to astrophysical orbits but to human orbits as well. … Like the Christmas star, each of us, if faithful, has an ordained orbit.”

Will you pay attention to the people in your human orbit?

Who has the very God of the universe placed in your path?

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, how can you be more deliberate in warming and illuminating their way?

Letting Christ’s Light Shine Through Us—Reflections on My Dad

December 2025

Liahona

Camille N. Johnson

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2025/12/05-letting-christs-light-shine-through-us?lang=eng&verse=#p

1.

Neal A. Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake (1974), 86.

2.

Neal A. Maxwell, The Christmas Scene (1994), 3. 

If you hope to feel the Spirit, be in a place where the Spirit can easily dwell.

If you hope to feel the Spirit, be in a place where the Spirit can easily dwell...The Savior said it this way: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”7 For young people, consider your gatherings of holy people: quorums and classes, FSY and seminary, ward and stake activities—even ward choirs. Choose to be with people and go to places where righteousness is found. Find your strength in numbers. Find good friends. Be good friends. Support one another wherever you are. Stand with holy people.

Promptings of the Spirit

October 2023

General Conference

Gary E. Stevenson

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/25stevenson?lang=eng&verse=#p

Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of ‘[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]’

Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism’; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers. …

Chapter 40: How Glorious Are Faithful, Just, and True Friends, Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents

Become Friends with Your Children's Friends. Be a Worthy Example to Them.

Become friends with your children’s friends. Be a worthy example to them.

 April 2013 General Conference - For Peace At Home - Elder Richard G. Scott

Close Your Eyes and Let Them Eat

Open your homes to the friends of your children. If you find they have big appetites, close your eyes and let them eat. Make your children’s friends your friend

 October 1998 "To The Boys And To The Men"  Gordon B. Hinckley

I Wish I Could Speak Into the Ears of The Dead The Gratitude Which Was Due Them In Life

We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. Speaking of loved ones he had lost, one man declared his regret this way: “I remember those happy days, and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due them in life, and so ill returned.”11

Thomas S. Monson, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 87–90

If You have Any Question About Whether A Particular Movie, Book, or Other Form of Entertainment Is Appropriate Don't See It, Don't Read It....

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings", Ensign, May 2010, 64–67

Do Not Run With Friends That Worry Your Parents

Do not run with friends that worry your parents.

Author: Boyd K. Packer
Title: Counsel to Young Men
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 49–52