Youth Gems

Sharing Testimonies

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 MST

“We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Remember that some experiences are too sacred to relate. However, by sharing testimony of the Spirit in our lives, those who are unfamiliar with these promptings are more likely to recognize when they have similar feelings.”

Vicki F. Matsumori, “Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 10-11

Topics: Spirituality

The Holy Ghost

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.”

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 6

Topics: Holy Ghost

Pray to Share the Gospel

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 MST

“I would ask that your faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of those areas where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time. Miracles can occur as we do so.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Welcome to Conference,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 6

Topics: Prayer

Learning Must Never Stop

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. We cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 6

Topics: Education

Sunday Will Come

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. “But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. “No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, in this life or the next, Sunday will come.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Dark Friday, Bright Sunday," New Era, Mar. 2008, 4

Topics: Resurrection

Real Life Is Eternal Life

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The real life we’re preparing for is eternal life. Secular knowledge has for us eternal significance. Our conviction is that God, our Heavenly Father, wants us to live the life that He does. All we can learn that is true while we are in this life will rise with us in the Resurrection. And all that we can learn will enhance our capacity to serve.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 8

Topics: Education

Resurrection

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In all the history of the world there have been many great and wise souls, many of whom claimed special knowledge of God. But when the Savior rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived—the just and the unjust (see John 5:28–29).”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Dark Friday, Bright Sunday," New Era, Mar. 2008, 4

Topics: Resurrection

Meeting Your Goliath

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The battle for our souls is no less important that the battle fought by David. The enemy is no less formidable, the help of Almighty God no farther away. What will our action be? Like David of old, ‘our cause is just.’ We have been placed upon earth not to fail or fall victim to temptation’s snare, but rather to succeed. Our giant, our Goliath, must be conquered.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Meeting Your Goliath,” New Era, June 2008, 5

Topics: Courage, Opposition, Adversity

Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“A wise man once said, ‘Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind.’ Whether it governs in a positive way or a negative way is determined by what it brings onto the stage of your mind. If you can say that a song is spiritually inspiring or that it urges you to see yourself in a more noble perspective, the music is worthwhile. If it merely entertains or lifts your spirits, then it also has a useful place. But if it makes you want to respond in a carnal, sensual way or to consider unrighteous desires, then that music should be avoided. It is not worthy.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Message: Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts,” New Era, Apr. 2008, 9

Topics: Temptation, Music, Virtue

Converting Power

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Conversion depends upon our feeling the Spirit. The words of the Book of Mormon invite the Holy Ghost. There is great converting power in the word of God. Alma taught us that the word of God was ‘more powerful . . . than the sword, or anything else’ in changing people’s hearts (Alma 31:5).”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 9

Topics: Testimony, Conversion, Book of Mormon

Children of God

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Who are we? We are children of God. Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is sacred. May we always honor that heritage—in every thought and deed.”

Russell M. Nelson, “You Are a Child of God,” New Era, July 2008, 6

Topics: Creation, Purpose of Mortality

The Lord’s Example

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“As we go about our daily lives, we discover countless opportunities to follow the example of the Savior. When our hearts are in tune with His teachings, we discover the unmistakable nearness of His divine help. It is almost as though we are on the Lord’s errand; and we then discover that, when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug. 2008, 6

Topics: Serving Others

Justice and Mercy

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:00 MST

“Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement. Without the Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment (see Alma 42:14). Because of the Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented and allow them to return to the presence of God (see Alma 42:15).”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 6

Topics: Atonement

Sexual Purity

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression. Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Standards of Strength,” New Era, Oct. 2008, 5

Topics: Chastity

The Need to Forgive

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me,” New Era, Dec. 2008, 6

Topics: Forgiveness

Spiritual Learning

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“To keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary. Never. That will lead to tragedy. Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 5

Topics: Education

Resurrection of the Dead

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It matters tremendously what we do in relation to those who have gone before, because they live today as spirits and shall live again as immortal souls, and that because of Jesus Christ. We believe His words when He said, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live’ (John 11:25).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?” New Era, Mar 2009, 4

Topics: Temple Work

The Power of God

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“To honor our priesthood, and to magnify our callings in both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, is to receive the power of God in our lives.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Priesthood: A Lifetime of Service,” New Era, May 2009, 2

Topics: Priesthood Blessings

A Testament of Jesus Christ

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The Book of Mormon has been at the center of missionary work since the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph. We use it every day in missionary work. One fact about the Book of Mormon being the key to power in each part of missionary work is this: the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ. The title page tells us that. It says that the purpose of the book is to show what great things the Lord has done for His people, to help them know that the covenants the Lord has made with His people are still in force, and to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Why the Book of Mormon?” New Era, May 2008, 6–8

Topics: Book of Mormon, Testimony

The Spirit

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Development of the spirit is of eternal consequence. The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are those of the spirit. These include the virtues of integrity, compassion, love, and more. Your spirit, by being housed in your body, is able to develop and express these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression.“Spirit and body, when joined together, become a living soul of supernal worth. Indeed, we are children of God—physically and spiritually.”

Russell M. Nelson, “You Are a Child of God,” New Era, July 2008, 4

Topics: Purpose of Mortality, Creation

Preparation

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“In academic preparation, I have found it a good practice to read a text with the idea that I will be asked to explain that which the author wrote and its application to the subject it covered. Also, I have tried to be attentive in any lecture in the classroom and to pretend that I would be called upon to present the same lecture to others. While this practice is very hard work, it certainly helps during test week!”

Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug. 2008, 5

Topics: Education, Work

Faith and Knowledge

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Faith and knowledge require equal effort and commitment. We cannot expect to have faith at the center of our lives if all of our efforts are expended on knowledge, sports, hobbies, making money, or other pursuits.”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 2

Topics: Faith

Standards of Strength

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not ‘What will others think?’ but rather ‘What will I think of myself?’ Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, ‘Receive the Holy Ghost.’ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Standards of Strength,” New Era, Oct. 2008, 2

Topics: Holy Ghost, Righteousness

He Is Forgiving

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Jesus Christ was the purest and only perfect person who ever lived. He is the one person in all the world from Adam to this present hour who deserved adoration and respect and admiration and love, and yet He was persecuted, abandoned, and put to death. Through it all, He would not condemn those who persecuted Him.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me,” New Era, Dec. 2008, 4

Topics: Forgiveness

Education

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The thirst for education can be a blessing or a curse, depending on our motives. If we continue to seek learning to serve God and His children better, it is a blessing of great worth. If we seek learning to exalt ourselves alone, it leads to selfishness and pride.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Real-Life Education,” New Era, Apr. 2009, 4

Topics: Education

Lives of Virtue

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“All over the world young women are living lives of virtue and purity. It shows in your eyes and radiates in the light that shines forth from your countenance. Never has there been a time in the history of the world when virtue is more needed. “The blessings and promises of being virtuous will help you be free and happy and worthy to enter the Lord’s holy temples.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 17

Topics: Virtue

Cherish Virtue

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue includes modesty—in thought, language, dress, and demeanor. Virtue provides an anchor on the path leading to our Heavenly Father’s presence. The paths of virtue lead to happiness in this life and in the life to come. The paths of virtue lead to strong families. The paths of virtue contain the foundation stones for the blessings of eternity. They lead to the temple.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 16

Topics: Virtue

Baptism for the Dead

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“The doctrine that the living can provide baptism and other essential ordinances to the dead vicariously was revealed anew to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 124; 128; 132). He learned that the spirits awaiting resurrection are offered not only individual salvation but they can be bound in heaven as husband and wife and be sealed to their fathers and mothers of all generations past and have sealed to them their children of all generations future. The Lord instructed the Prophet that these sacred rites are appropriately performed only in a house built to His name, a temple (see D&C 124:29–36).”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?” New Era, Mar. 2009, 2

Topics: Temple Work

Priesthood Service

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Although we speak of the Melchizedek Priesthood as the greater priesthood, we must not misunderstand the importance of the Aaronic Priesthood. The service given by a faithful bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood is just as important in the eyes of the Lord as the service given by one holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

M. Russell Ballard, "The Priesthood: A Lifetime of Service,” New Era, May 2009, 2

Topics: Serving Others

Respect for Others’ Beliefs

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our leaders have consistently counseled us ‘to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies’ (Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71). “It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity.”

Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 37

Topics: Fellowship, Citizenship

Discipleship

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. . . .“Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 76–77

Topics: Discipleship

Prayer and Fasting

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Prayer can . . . be enhanced by fasting. The Lord said, ‘I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth’ (D&C 88:76).”

Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign, May 2009, 48

Topics: Fasting, Prayer

Faith

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

“You might ask yourself this question: ‘Is my own net faith positive or negative?’ If your faith exceeds your doubt and disbelief, the answer is likely positive. If you allow doubt and disbelief to control you, the answer might be negative.”

Kevin W. Pearson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2009, 40

Topics: Faith

Strengthened by Gifts and Blessings

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“As we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 21

Topics: Holy Ghost, Obedience

Obtaining Inspiration

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Joseph Smith told us to watch for answers by paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that come into our minds. Over time we will learn to recognize these as promptings. . . .“Developing this capacity helps us gain testimonies and becomes the means for obtaining additional inspiration in the future.”

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 18

Topics: Testimony

Receiving Inspiration

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“When the winds blow and the rains pour, they blow and pour on all. Those who have built their foundations on bedrock rather than sand survive the storms. There is a way to build on bedrock by developing a deep personal conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and knowing how to receive inspiration. . . . We need to learn how to recognize and apply these promptings.”

Allan F. Packer, “Finding Strength in Challenging Times!” Ensign, May 2009, 17

Topics: Spirituality

Respect and Reverence

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Reverence includes turning off our cell phones and BlackBerry devices. Texting or reading e-mails in a Church meeting is not only irreverent; it is distracting and signals a lack of respect for those around us. So we exemplify reverence by participating in the meeting, listening to the speakers, and singing the hymns of Zion together.”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 13

Topics: Reverence

Overcoming Challenges

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 7

Topics: Temptation, Self-Reliance

Atonement

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Jesus Christ entered a garden called Gethsemane, where He overcame sin for us. He took upon Himself our sins. He suffered the penalty of our wrongs. He paid the price of our education. I don't know how He did what He did. I only know that He did and that because He did, you and I may be forgiven of our sins that we may be endowed with His power. Everything depends on that. What then shall we do? We will 'take upon [us] the name of [the] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]' (D&C 20:77). Everything depends on that."

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

Topics: Atonement, Jesus Christ

Modesty

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Many of you are trying too hard to be unique in your dress and grooming to attract what the Lord would consider the wrong kind of attention. In the Book of Mormon story of the tree of life, it was the people whose 'manner of dress was exceedingly fine' who mocked those who partook of the fruit of the tree. It is sobering to realize that the fashion-conscious mockers in the great and spacious building were responsible for embarrassing many, and those who were ashamed 'fell away into forbidden paths and were lost' (1 Nephi 8:27–28)."

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 9

Topics:

Sacrament

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Young men who officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament should be worthy. The Lord has said: 'Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord' (D&C 38:42). The scriptural warning about partaking of the sacrament unworthily (see 1 Corinthians 11:29; 3 Nephi 18:29) surely applies also to those who officiate in that ordinance. In administering discipline to Church members who have committed serious sins, a bishop can temporarily withdraw the privilege of partaking of the sacrament. That same authority is surely available to withdraw the privilege of officiating in that sacred ordinance."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 20

Topics: Sacrament, Worthiness

Opposition

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11), everywhere, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices (see Moroni 7:15–17). We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone—without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 36

Topics: Adversity

Unity

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"At the end of July this year, young single adults from several countries in eastern Europe gathered outside Budapest, Hungary, for a conference. Among this group were 20 young men and women from Moldova who had spent days obtaining passports and visas and over 30 hours traveling by bus to get there. The conference program included some 15 workshops. Each person needed to select the two or three that he or she most wanted to attend. Rather than focus exclusively on their own interests, these Moldovan young adults got together and made plans so that at least one of their group would be in each class and take copious notes. Then they would share what they had learned with each other and later with the young adults in Moldova who could not attend. In its simplest form, this exemplifies the unity and love for one another that, multiplied thousands of times in different ways, will 'bring again Zion' (Isaiah 52:8)."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 38

Topics: Unity

Hope

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead us to charity. The three qualities—faith, hope, and charity (see Moroni 10:20)—working together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, lead us to abound in good works (see Alma 7:24)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 24

Topics: Faith, Charity, Hope

Temple Work

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. Temple covenants and ordinances are a powerful symbol of Christ and His Atonement. We all receive the same instruction, but our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught."

Silvia H. Allred, "Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113

Topics: Temple Work

Revelation

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

"We can do the work of the Lord in His way when we seek, receive, and act on personal revelation. Without personal revelation, we cannot succeed. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail. . . . Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation for our calling and in our personal lives 'requires serious mental effort on our part. . . . Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering." 'Most of all, revelation requires us to have a sufficient degree of personal righteousness, so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous, unsolicited' (Neal A. Maxwell, "Revelation," First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 11, 2003, 5)."

Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 111

Topics: Revelation

Testimony

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Great events are not a guarantee that our testimony will be strong. Laman and Lemuel are good examples of this. They were visited by angels and even then, almost in the very next minute, they were questioning the will of the Lord. Some great leaders of these latter days can also teach us about this principle. They were taught from on high during the early days of the Restoration and still were not strong enough to endure to the end. These experiences show us that to receive the witness of the 'still small voice' sometimes can have a stronger impact on our testimonies than the visit of an angel."

Carlos A. Godoy, "Testimony as a Process," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 101

Topics: Testimony

Joy

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 85

Topics: Joy

Mission of the Church

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done. While we praise and honor those faithful Saints who have brought us to this point of public prominence, we cannot afford . . . to be comfortable or content."We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints over 175 years ago and carried out through the subsequent decades by faithful Saints of every generation. We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 83

Topics: Proclaim the Gospel

Virtue

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's holy temples and to receiving the Spirit's guidance. Virtue 'is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards' (Preach My Gospel [2004], 118). It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don't hear often in today's society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."

Elaine S. Dalton, "A Return to Virtue," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 79

Topics: Virtue

Courage

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to 'love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage. . . ."When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we too stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage."

Robert D. Hales, "Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 72

Topics: Love, Courage