O, Remember, Remember

The latest offering from Mormon Messages:

Complaining!

I love this quote, it's makes me smile because it's so true!

"We are always complaining that our days are few; and acting as though there would be no end to them."

—Seneca-

Today

Psalms 118:24

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

I hope you have the best of days:)

When Are You Going To Really Live?

I read this somewhere (but I don't remember where) and copied it down. Hope you like it:

------------------------------------------

"I am discovering that many people want, above all else, to live life fully. But sometimes the past prohibits our living and enjoying life to the utmost in the present. A schoolteacher entered his room a few minutes early and noticed a mealworm laboriously crawling along the floor. It had somehow been injured. The back part of the worm was dead and dried up, but still attached to the front, living part by just a thin thread. As the teacher studied the strange sight of a poor worm pulling its dead half across the floor, a little girl ran in and noticed it there. Picking it up, she said, "Oh, Oscar, when are you going to lose that dead part so you can really live?" What a marvelous question for all of us! When are we going to lose that dead part so we can really live? When are we going to let go of past pain so we can live fully? When are we going to drop the baggage of needless guilt - guilt over things we have been forgiven for or need never have felt guilty for - so we can experience life? When are we going to let go of that past resentment so we can know peace? Have you been dragging something that is dead and gone around with you? Are you ready to "lose that dead part so you can really live"?

Alfred D. Souza said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, and a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

So stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off , until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your ship comes in or your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you've got it all done, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy......Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Thought for the day: Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching.

Looking Beyond Imperfections

Mormon 8:12
"And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you."

When I read this the other day I recognised what a great principle is shown here that can be applied to our relationships.

It is sometimes so easy to notice the imperfections in each other (but also ourselves), but if these imperfections become our focus it shadows us seeing who people really are and missing out on the "greater things" than these.

The people who have motivted me the most in my life are the ones who look beyond my weaknesses, and see me as God sees me. So, that is my invitation you today - to look beyond the imperfections, and allow yourself to see the greater things which are available to those who do.

The Peacegiver

Ezra Taft Benson said: "The price of peace is righteousness. Peace cannot be imposed. It must come from the lives and hearts of men. There is no other way".
(Listen, A Journal of Better Living)

------------------------

"I am the way," (John 14:6) the Lord declared. "After your tribulation, I will feel after you," he promised.
"And if you harden not your hearts, and stiffen not your necks against me, I will heal you” (D&C 112:13).

Nothing is more important than understanding not just that the Lord's atonement is the answer to our daily, painful predicaments, but 'how' it is the answer. The Lord "feels after us to heal us," and what we must do to receive the peace of his healing. The Lord's atonement reaches deep into the trouble of daily life to the very bottom of every dispute and hurt feeling. To the predicament of a hard heart, he offers the promise of a new one. To the pain of hurt feelings, he offers the balm of his love. To utter loneliness, he offers the companionship of the heavens.

His birth was heralded by the words "Peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14) because his atonement is what makes peace and good will possible. The way to true, deep, lasting peace is only in and through the Prince of Peace. "He is our peace," Paul declared, for through his atonement he has "broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity" (Ephesians 2:14-15).

There are far too many partitions in our hearts and homes and too much enmity between us. But the carpenter of Nazareth has constructed for us peace.
(“The Peacegiver”).

I am thankful for the Prince of Peace.

Search & Rescue

Brigham Young explained this principle in conjunction with the celebration of a day of thanksgiving on 1 January 1852. He taught the saints this:

“[Y]ou cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be preparing for celestial glory, while the meanest menial under your charge or control, is in want of the smallest thing which God has given you power to supply . . .”
(Brigham Young, “Proclamation: For a Day of Praise and Thanksgiving for the Territory of Utah,” Ensign, Nov. 1971, 41)

Recently I was reading about the Martin & Willie handcart company. I was moved by the response of Brigham Young when he was brought news of their plight by Brother Richards. He “reported that there were hundreds of men, women, and children scattered over the long trail... They were in desperate trouble. Winter had come early. Snow-laden winds were howling across the highlands... Our people were hungry; their carts and their wagons were breaking down; their oxen dying. The people themselves were dying. All of them would perish unless they were rescued.”

The next morning Brigham Young stood in the tabernacle at the start of conference and said: “ ‘I will now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak... It is this... Many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them. The text will be, “to get them here.”

“ ‘That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess. It is to save the people...

“ ‘I shall call upon the Bishops this day. I shall not wait until tomorrow, nor until the next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen. I want good horses and mules. They are in this Territory, and we must have them. Also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, besides those that drive the teams...

“ ‘I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains’."

(in LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, Handcarts to Zion [1960], 120–21).

Teams were rallied immediately, and lives were saved.

The phrase which has stayed in my mind is: “Go and bring in those people now on the plains”.

There are many people who are on the plains spiritually, but also emotionally, socially, physically and temporally. There are people within in our own families, and amongst our friends who are desperate to be brought in from the plains, and they lack the resources to be able to make it alone. They need our love and sensitivity, and sometimes our practical assistance. There are many organizations under the banner of “Search & Rescue”, what a wonderful title, one that is at the heart of the gospel.

There is One who gave us the perfect example to follow. He is able rescue us daily from pride, for He offers humility; hopelessness, for He instils hope; anger, for He fills us with His love. He says:

“Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.”
“... that I might draw all men unto me,...”
(3 Nephi 27:13 – 14)

I hope that we can follow our Saviour by searching for those who are "in want of the smallest thing which God has given you power to supply", that we too will be able to say: "that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me,... that I might draw all men unto [him],...".

Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time!

Clip from a great talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook:

Personal Progress

"We are sanctifying ourselves one step at a time as we accept personal responsibility for our actions and honor the covenants we make... We progress by living worthy to receive the blessings available to us, responding to those promptings to serve others, by loving one another, and by trying to obey the prophet's voice in all things"

—Barbara W. Winder, Ensign, Nov. 1985-

What the Savior saw

"[As the Savior] hung upon the cross and looked out over the dark scene, he saw more than mocking soldiers and cruel taunters. He saw more than crying women and fearful friends. He saw more, much more. He... saw through the stream of time. His... loving soul encompassed all eternity and took in all people and all sins and all forgiveness and all everything. Yes,he saw down to you and to me and provided us an all-encompassing opportunity to escape the terrible consequences of death and sin."

—John H. Groberg - Ensign, May 1989

_____________________________

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,

For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.
~Bernard of Clairvaux 1091-1153~

Feeding and Nurturing the Flame

"There is a flame of desire for good deep within each of us. When that flame is fed and nurtured with the eternal truths of the gospel and the testimony of the Spirit, it will respond and grow stronger and brighter until it leads us to the fulness of truth. The flame must be kindled by love and tender care, then followed by constant nourishing. It is like the gardener who raises beautiful flowers. The constant, tender care and nourishment over time brings beautiful blossoms that are enjoyed by all who see them."
(Elder Ned B. Roueché, "Feed My Sheep," Ensign, November 2004, 30)
--------------
Alma 32:37

"And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit."

Socks in the Dryer

Elaine L. Jack:
"I'm just an ordinary woman with the same joys and frustrations of every other woman. Sometimes the frustrations are great; and sometimes the joys simple, like having an even number of socks come out of the dryer. We all work at feeling joy and finding peace."
(Conference Report, Oct.1996)

David Archuleta Singing in Church

For all you Archuleta fans out there! David Archuleta, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), sings the Mormon hymn "Be Still My Soul" at a Mormon Church.

Reprise Quartet - Because I Have Been Given Much

Gaining Peace

"Peace is the gift of God. Do you want peace? Go to God. Do you want peace in your families? Go to God. Do you want peace to brood over your families? If you do, live your religion, and the very peace of God will dwell and abide with you, for that is where peace comes from, and it doesn't dwell anywhere else. . . ."
(John Taylor, JD 10:56-58.)

Faith is Not Just a Push Button

This is an excerpt from a great talk by Elder Richard G. Scott:
"Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time.

Faith is not just push a button and you get the answer. The Lord declared, “As many as I love, I
rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Brigham Young observed, “God never bestows upon his people, or upon an individual, superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them.” Personally, for some vital decisions I have experienced the grueling, anguishing struggle that precedes a confirming answer. Yet those trying experiences have been edifying. It is comforting to know that God will never try you more than you can manage with His help".
(Richard G. Scott, “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Ensign, May 2003)

The Secret of Succeeding

"The secret of succeeding comes from doing the rightthing at the right time and in the right way, and Godwill show you the way."

—Melvin J. Ballard-

Happiness if the Joy of the Soul

"Happiness is one of the aims of the gospel; not pain, not grief, not gloom, not pleasure. There is a difference between pleasure and happiness. Happiness is the joy of the soul, always."

—David O. McKay, Man May Know for Himself-

The Dead Duck

"Many years ago, a wealthy man went duck hunting with a hired hand named Sam. They took a horse and carriage, and along the way a rim came off one of the wheels. As Sam hammered it back on, he accidentally hit his finger. Instantly he let go with some bad words. He quickly fell to his knees, asking God's forgiveness. "Lord, it's so difficult at times to live the Christian life," he prayed.

"Sam," said the man, "I know you're a Christian, but tell me why you struggle so. I'm an atheist, and I don't have problems like that."

Sam didn't know what to say. Just then two ducks flew overhead. The man raised his gun and two shots rang out. "Leave the dead one and go after that wounded bird!" he shouted. Sam pointed at the duck that was fluttering desperately to escape and said, "I've got an answer for you now, Boss. You said that my Christianity isn't any good because I have to struggle so. Well, I'm the wounded duck, and I struggle to get away from the devil. But Boss, you're the dead duck!"

____________________________________

If adversity comes your way, don't worry about it, you must be doing something right, and good things are coming your way:)

What is Our Response?

Elder Marion D Hanks said in January 1974:

Christ’s example and instructions to his friends are clear. He forgave, and he said: “… Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44.)

What is our response when we are offended, misunderstood, unfairly or unkindly treated, or sinned against, made an offender for a word, falsely accused, passed over; hurt by those we love, our offerings rejected? Do we resent, become bitter, hold a grudge? Or do we resolve the problem if we can, forgive, and rid ourselves of the burden? The nature of our response to such situations may well determine the nature and quality of our lives, here and eternally. A courageous friend, her faith refined by many afflictions, said to me only hours ago, “Humiliation must come before exaltation.”

It is required of us to forgive. Our salvation depends upon it. In a revelation given in 1831 the Lord said:

“My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

“Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”

(D&C 64:8–10.)
(“Conference Excerpts,” New Era, Jan. 1974, 6

Why wait??

This is the Christ

One of the hymns that I love the most. The text was written by the wonderful Elder James E. Faust. The words and sheet music can be found here, enjoy:

P.S. Happy Mothers Day, one and all!

An Eternal Family Experience

Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and it is our mortal family experiences that are best suited to prepare us for it."

—Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 2000

Happy Early Mothers Day!

Humility vs. Lack of Confidence

Elder Glenn L. Pace said:

"Too often we wallow in our weaknesses so much that we do not allow 'weak things' to 'become strong.' Our condition is frequently misdiagnosed as humility, when in reality it is a lack of confidence."
("Confidence and Self-Worth," Ensign, Jan. 2005, 32)

------------------------------------

Paul gives us a good example of his confidence in God despite honest recognition of his weaknesses:

“And he [the Lord] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9 – 10)

I just liked that.

Accepting Yourself

"We receive mixed messages today that self-love and a sense of self-worth are forms of selfishness and conceit. However, I know from my own experience that when I don't fully accept myself and all of my warts, blemishes, and imperfections, I am crippled in my charity toward God and my neighbors. Let me encourage you not to feel guilty as you aspire to appropriate self-love, which comes in part by honest self-knowledge and acceptance."
—Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

The Lord's Real Storehouse

"The Lord's real storehouse is...in the homes and the hearts of His people."
—Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1986

Be Kind

"Be one who nurtures and who builds. Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them. If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently..."

(Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1992)

---------------------------

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well–doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

(Ephesians 4:32; D&C 64:33)

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

These are the clips of the last talk given by Bruce R. McConkie befoe he passed away. He chose to speak on the Atonement. This, for me, is one of the most powerful testimonies of the Savior and His atonement given. I hope one day my testimony will be as strong as his. This talk is in 3 parts, if you would just rather read it, click HERE.

Daily Vision for Families

"Where there is no vision, the family perishes. Our Eternal Father will renew our vision daily as we seek Him in prayer. He reaches His arms to us to assist us in our crossings over the chasms of life. He will be there to welcome us with our families."

—Ardeth Greene Kapp, "My Neighbor, My Sister, My Friend"

Peace & Spirituality

Elder Robert E. Wells:

“Personal peace and our level of spirituality will increase as we focus on studying and thinking about Christ every day; by loving and thanking Christ more each day for his atoning sacrifice; by daily striving to serve Christ better through becoming more involved...”

(Ensign, May 1991)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(2 Corinthians 9:15)