With God All Things Are Possible

Still Pondering this from Chapter 14 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow:

"God will add His strength to our efforts"

"Where the Lord plants us, there we are to stand; when he requires us to exert ourselves for the support of these holy principles, that we are to do; that is all we need to trouble ourselves about; the rest our Heavenly Father will take care of."

President Snow "knew in whom he trusted and therefore was able to endure every hardship, every opposition and overcome every obstacle."

After becoming President of the Church President Snow said that "There was no use in his making excuses as to inability etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position .... He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord"

And a little something from the conversation during the lesson:
Though I don't remember the exact quote or story the thing I felt impressive was that individuals and families should have their FHE, attend seminary, have prayer and scripture study, etc. to help strengthen individuals and families so that each can be a good example to those around them. 
And, do not remove yourself from places (like a public school for instance), but strive to be the example the world needs.  Of course this does not mean that you remain in an undesirable and improper place or surrounding. 

Dark vs Light

I found this while searching for things to use in the 4th of July flag raising program.  I wrote the quote on a note page but neglected to write the source from where it was found.

 

Darkness ceases to exist when the Light of One flame still burns.

 

 

"How can I expect the Lord to help me when I don't help myself?"

 

This was a thought I had Tuesday morning when I realized that I had gone directly to preparing for the RS luncheon when I woke up, rather than to my normal routine of personal scripture study and prayer. 

 

I was beginning to feel behind schedule and was silently praying for help from above to accomplish what was needed that morning. Then that thought came to me -

"How can I expect the Lord to help me when I don't help myself?" 

I should have already had my spiritual feast for the day, but passed it up. I wasn't doing something bad, I just wasn't doing it in the proper order, with the proper personal preparation. 

 

I was trying hard to complete the task at hand and even thought for one quick moment that I was doing something good and then heading to the temple, so maybe I could skip it that day. Then it hit me - clear and to the point. This is a most perfect day for personal scripture and prayer - and nothing should ever take it's place; any day.  Not only that, but I really should prepare myself spiritually for a day at the temple. 

 

I stopped what I was doing and headed for my quite area for scripture and prayer. 

 

This morning I read Elder L. Tom Perry's message from 2013 April Conference titled Obedience to Law is Liberty, and find it to be perfect for this upcoming holiday, and to testify to the fact that personal scripture and prayer are a perfect beginning to every day ..., for every person.  It will help keep us on the right track.

 

 

A Follow-up Quote

 

 

 

Direction

Ponder this:

"If we don't change direction,

we will arrive at where we're going"

-Richard L. Evans
 

(found on p77 of Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122) 

 

Scripture Study and Triumph Over Evil Influences.

"I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can't be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures.
There's an increase in faith and a desire to do what's right and feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel - meaning particularly the Standard Works - and who ponder the principles, that can't come in any other way".  Bruce R. McConkie



Image from HERE

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that we can triumph over evil influences in life by disciplining ourselves to avoid them.

From the Book of Momon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, p27

Give

Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes

Is it really just that simple?
I suppose it is!!!!

Charity

Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes



Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. …

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended. … Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other”. (This quote is found HERE)




Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes

The Lord is my Strength!

I was searching online for a quote "The Lord is my Strength" and realized something quite profound, yet so very simple.

When images and comments came up I saw a few spiritual references and appreciated them in their own individual way. Then as I scrolled down I noticed other photos that didn't seem to apply to my request and wondered why they were included.

That is when it hit me! I saw the captions under the images and understood why those images were there. Each had a caption similar to this; "Oh, my lord!" (left un-capitalized on purpose)

I suddenly felt the importance of realizing who our Lord is and how the secular world often "worships" things as their "lord" just as I saw in these images of men or women of a sensual nature, or delicious food, or other things that do not lead us to our Lord if that is our lord. I am sorry for those who do not understand this. They are truly missing something, and may not even recognize it.


I am very grateful for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my strength!

Still Pondering!

"Choose your love; Love your choice."

"...walk side by side as a son and a daughter of God."

"[be] the right person."

"...may righteousness guide our every step as we journey through life."

Pres. Monson (from April 2011 Conf.)

YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH OF WHAT YOU DON'T NEED!