Our sacrifice could be...

After speaking of the sacrifice and pains connected with the building of the Kirtland, Nauvoo and Salt Lake temples, Pres. Monson said,

Some degree of sacrifice has ever been associated with temple building and with temple attendance. Countless are those who have labored and struggled in order to obtain for themselves and for their families the blessings which are found in the temples of God.

Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.

Today most of us do not have to suffer great hardships in order to attend the temple. Eighty-five percent of the membership of the Church now live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple, and for a great many of us, that distance is much shorter.

If you have been to the temple for yourselves and if you live within relatively close proximity to a temple, your sacrifice could be setting aside the time in your busy lives to visit the temple regularly. There is much to be done in our temples in behalf of those who wait beyond the veil. As we do the work for them, we will know that we have accomplished what they cannot do for themselves. President Joseph F. Smith, in a mighty declaration, stated, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.”⁵ My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do."

The Holy Temple-a Beacon to the World, Ensign, May. 2011 p.90

On Prayer

"One of the adversary's sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray.  No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray....
Learn to pray.  Pray often.  Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Pryaer is your pesonal key to heaven.  he lock is on your side of the veil.  And I  have learned to conclude all my prayers with "Thy will be done." (Mat. 6:10)
Elder Boyd K. Packer, Gen. Conf. 2009, "Prayer and Promptings"

Home

"Be more diligent and concerned at home."

Elder Bednar, 2009 Gen. Conf.

Record Spiritual Promptings

"I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you."

Elder Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Knowledge", Oct. Conf. 2009

Spiritual Guidance

"Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and his Holy Son, Jesus Christ.  Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them.  They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit.
What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the holy Ghost will also become stronger.  I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear."
Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," Oct. Conf. 2009

Dedicate Myself Daily to the Lord

"President John Taylor wrote: "Joseph Smith, upwards of forty years ago, said to me: 'Brother Taylor, you have received the Holy Ghost.  Now follow the influence of that Spirit, and it will lead you into all truth, until by and by, it will become in you a principle of revelation.' Then he told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day.'"
Quoted by Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" Oct. Gen. Conf. 2009

Vaughn Featherstone

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone promised “that all who faithfully attend to temple work’” will have ‘unseen angels watch over [their] loved ones when satanic forces tempt them.” (In Royden G. Derrick, Temples in the Last Days, p. 103)

God is Eager to Answer Prayers and Fulfill Dreams

"God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe."

 Elder Jeffrey Holland, "This is the Greatest of all Dispensations", July 2007, from CES Fireside 2004

God's Cake

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong, she is failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her andher best friend is moving away. Meanwhile her moter is baking a cake and askes her daughter if she would like a snack.  The daughter says, 'Absolutely mom, I love your cake." "Here have some cooking oil,' her mother offers.  'Yuck, says the daughter.  "How about a couple of raw eggs?' "Gross, Mom!"  "Would yo like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, all those things are disgusting.!" To which the mother replies; "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But, when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake."
"God works the same way.  Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult things.  But, God know that when he puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!  We just have to trust Him and , eventually, they will all make something wonderful.  God is crazy about you.  He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.  He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

PSST by Elder Dean Larsen

"In a world that is ripening in iniquity (see D&C 18:6) members of the Church face the challenge of sustaining a pattern of obedience to gospel principles that will result in their being increasingly different from the general behavioral trends of the world.  This will require all of the spiritual reinforcement that an be drawn upon.  Prayer, scripture study, participation in worship services, and the giving of service will become increasingly essential.  The influence of the temple will be important as a part of this spiritual undergirding."

Elder Dean L. Larsen, "The Importance of the Temple for Living Members"
April 1993, Ensign

Temple Protection

"Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people...The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance of work of the temples.  Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service.  We will be blessed in all of our affairs. We will be eligible to have the Lord take an interest in our affairs both spiritual and temporal."
Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple p. 265

Temple Attendance Protects our Family

President Ezra Taft Benson, “Make the temple a sacred home away from our eternal home.  This temple will be a standing witness that the power of God can stay the powers of evil in our midst.  Many parents, in and out of the Church, are concerned about protection against a cascading avalanche of wickedness which threatens to engulf Christian principles...There is a power associated with the ordinances of heaven-even the power of godliness-which can and will thwart the forces of evil if we will be worthy of those sacred blessings.  This community will be protected, our families will be protected, our children will be safeguarded as we live the gospel, visit the temple, and live close to the Lord.
(The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.256)
(Atlanta Georgia Temple Cornerstone laying, 1 June 1983, Pres. Ezra Taft Benson)

Becoming Christlike is a Lifelong Pursuit

"Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible..."...For every Paul, there is an Enos, and for every King Lamoni, there are hundreds and thousands of people who find the process of repentance much more subtle, much more imperceptible.  Day by day they move l=closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life.  They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment.  They are like the Lamanites, who the Lord said 'were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.' (3 Ne 9:20; italics added).

"A Mighty Change of Heart" Ensign Oct 1989, Benson

I Am ONE

"Remember the words of Nathan Hale when he said:
'I am one, but I am one.
I can't do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, that I ought to do,
And what I ougt to do,
By the grace of God, I shall do!"
And this is my prayer for you this day. May God bless all of you, each and every one.  Thank you very much."

Ezra Taft Benson, Stand Up for Freedom

"Don't be in a Hurry"

The year 1845 was a busy one for Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. Still mourning the violent death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints continued their efforts to complete the Nauvoo Temple, spread the gospel, and gather believers even as conflict with critics and dissenters hastened plans for an exodus to the West. On a Sunday in August 1845, Brigham Young (1801–77) paused from the demands of leadership to record a dream he’d had the previous night. 

“I dreamed … I saw Brother Joseph Smith,” he wrote, “and as I was going about my business, he said, ‘Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry.’” President Young said Joseph repeated the counsel twice more with “a degree of sharpness”: Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry. Brother Brigham, don’t be in a hurry.(History of the Church, 7:435.)

As important as that message was to Brigham Young in his day, it may be even more vital today. Think how the pace of life has quickened since then, and think of all the things—mundane and meaningful—that compete for our attention every day. We live in a world of fast food, rapid transit, instant messaging, and constant claims about how to get rich quicker, get fit faster, and succeed now. Despite the proliferation of supposed time-saving tools, we often feel pressed and stressed by the demands on our time.

Perhaps this is one meaning of the prophecy that “all things shall be in commotion” in the latter days. If so, it is troubling that the scriptures link that “commotion” with men’s hearts failing them (D&C 45:26; 88:91). As President James E. Faust (1920–2007) observed, “Our hurry to meet the relentless demands of the clock tears away at our inner peace.” ² It’s easy to see how sin can harden a distracted heart, love can fade, and fear can rise in a hurry."

 Don’t Be in a Hurry, June 2010 Ensign

By John C. Thomas BYU—Idaho Religious Education Department

Adapted from a devotional address delivered at Brigham Young University—Idaho on November 6, 2007. For the full text, visit web.byui.edu/devotionalsandspeeches.

Of Things that Matter Most

One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles.

Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” ¹ In short, they focus on the things that matter most.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” ²

The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.

There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions...

Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.” ⁵ And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. ⁶ It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides. ..

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” ⁷

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, … that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” ⁸ In the complexity, confusion, and rush of modern living, this is the “more excellent way.” ⁹

To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him. Quietly focusing on daily personal prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend—these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God.” ¹¹  

Pres. Uchtdorf, Of Things that Matter Most" Oct. 2010

PSST

"To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him.  Quietly focusing on daily prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend-these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.  Let us heed the invitation in Psalms:46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."

Pres. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", Oct. 2010

Never Leave Him

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings, "How Firm a Foundation" including the verse 7 which we NEVER sing in church meetings.  After listening to this song on their CD over and over and over I still cry. The words are,

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not I cannot, desert to his foes;

I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never, 

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

I absolutely do NOT want to be a deserter.  Elder Neil L. Anderson used this verse in his conference address of 2010, Nov.  

Here are some other outstanding thoughts from his talk

Two words signal danger ahead: the words are offended and ashamed...

 

In our weakened moments, the adversary seeks to steal our spiritual promises. If we are not watchful, our injured, childlike spirit will retreat back into the cold, dark crust of our former bloated ego, leaving behind the warm, healing light of the Savior.

When Parley P. Pratt, in 1835, was judged unfairly, bringing embarrassment and shame to him and his family, the Prophet Joseph Smith counseled, “Parley, … walk such things under your feet … [and] God Almighty shall be with you.” ¹⁷

 

I promise you, as you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more like Him.^{1 Nephi 19:9}

The Divine Gift of Gratitude-Pres. Monson

"We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ⁵

Gratitude is a divine principle. The Lord declared through a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. …

“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” ⁶

In the Book of Mormon we are told to “live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] doth bestow upon you.” ^{Alma 34:38}

Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.

This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.

We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ^(Cicero)

How can we cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude? President Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, provided an answer. Said he: “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” He continued: “Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!” ⁹

President Smith is telling us that a prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude."...

The English author Aldous Huxley wrote, “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” ¹⁰ 

A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ^{William Arthur Ward, in Allen Klien, comp., Change Your Life!, (2010), 15...}

^" My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."

Pres. Monson, The Divine Gift of Gratitude, Nov. 2010 Ensign

How to Trust God

"I know the servants of God who will speak to you during this I. They are called of God to give messages to His children. The Lord has said of them: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” ¹²

 

You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you."

Pres. Eyring, October Conference 2010, "Trust in God, Then Go and Do"

It is the desire of my heart that Heavenly Father be able to trust me. I pray for this blessing often. I want Him to be able to count on me to do what is right, to heed the whisperings of the still small voice, keep commandments and covenants.

Why Charity Never Fails

"The reason Charity never fails and the reason Charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness [Paul cites in 1 Cor. 13] is that charity, 'the pure love of Christ' (Moroni 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being.  
Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion.  
Charity is something one becomes.  thus as Moroni declared, 'except men shall have charity they cannot inherit the place prepared for them in the mansions of the Father (Ether 12:34)."

Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become" Liahona, Jan. 2001

PSST

"Faithfully obeying God’s commandments is essential to receiving the Holy Ghost. We are reminded of this truth each week as we listen to the sacrament prayers and worthily partake of the bread and water. As we pledge our willingness to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments, we are promised that we may always have His Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77). Thus, everything the Savior’s gospel teaches us to do and become is intended to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Consider the reasons we pray and study the scriptures. Yes, we yearn to communicate in prayer with Heavenly Father in the name of His Son. And yes, we desire to obtain the light and knowledge available in the standard works. But please remember that these holy habits primarily are ways whereby we always remember Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son and are prerequisites to the ongoing companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Reflect on the reasons we worship in the house of the Lord and in our Sabbath meetings. Yes, we serve our kindred dead in the temple—and our families and friends in the wards and branches in which we live. And yes, we enjoy the righteous sociality we find among our brothers and sisters. But we primarily gather together in unity to seek the blessings of and instruction from the Holy Ghost.

Praying, studying, gathering, [T]worshiping, serving, and [T]obeying are not isolated and independent items on a lengthy gospel checklist of things to do. Rather, each of these righteous practices is an important element in an overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the Holy Ghost. The commandments from God we obey and the inspired counsel from Church leaders we follow principally focus upon obtaining the companionship of the Spirit. Fundamentally, all gospel teachings and activities are centered on coming unto Christ by receiving the Holy Ghost in our lives."

 Elder Bednar, Oct 2010 Conference

Obedience

"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." 

President Ezra Taft Benson quoted in Thomas R. Valletta's "Obedience Motivated by a Love for God." Church News, Jan 2, 2010.  Bro. Valletta quoted from Elder Staheli, Ensign May 1998