Day 100

“To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for

you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves.

The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or

woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness

will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call

upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it…The time will

come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on

borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within

himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?”

~ Elder Heber C. Kimball

YOU DID IT!


Now what?

“There are three great reasons why we should

make the study of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon –

• “is the keystone of our religion”

• “was written for our day”

• “helps us draw nearer to God”

~ President Ezra Taft Benson

So does it end here or will you read today? tomorrow?... a lifetime pursuit.”

Day 99

“Our capacity to feel controls our behavior in many ways, and by

inaction when our feelings prompt us to do good, we deaden that

capacity to feel…A sex saturated society cannot feel the needs of

its suffering members because instead of developing the love

that looks outward, it turns man selfishly inward…we have ears,

but cannot hear, not only the promptings of God but also the

pleas of men…We shut out people, nature, and God.”

~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

How do you respond to promptings or feelings that you should

do something?

Day 98

“The phrase ‘love of Christ’ might have meaning in three
dimensions: (1) love for Christ; (2) love from Christ;
(3) love like Christ….People who have charity have a love for
the Savior, have received of his love,
and love others as he does.”
~ Elder C. Max Caldwell

How often do you pray for charity? Why do you think you would
be a better person if you were filled with charity?

Day 97

“All beings who have bodies have power over those who have
not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The
moment we revolt at anything which comes from God,
the devil takes power.”
~ Joseph Smith

What things help you most to prevent Satan from having any
power over you?

Day 96

“The Savior isn’t our last chance; He is our only chance. Our
only chance to overcome self-doubt and catch a vision of who
we may become. Our only chance to repent and have our sins
washed clean. Our only chance to purify our hearts, subdue our
weaknesses, and avoid the adversary. Our only chance to obtain
redemption and exaltation. Our only chance to find peace and
happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”
~ Sister Sheri L. Dew

What weaknesses has the Lord helped you to overcome? What
weaknesses do you still have that you want to be strengths?

Day 95

“The Book of Mormon is Christ-centered. That is its essential
feature, and that is the reason we are commanded to study it
continually. We must use the Book of Mormon
to bring us to Christ.”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks

How is your study of the Book of Mormon bringing you closer to
the Savior?

Day 94

“Sometimes ...we get nearer to the Lord through music than
perhaps through any other thing than prayer.”
~ President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

“Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the
mind and spirit of man.”
~ President Boyd K. Packer

In what ways do you use music in your personal worship?
How do you use music to help others feel the Lord’s influence?

Day 93

“What ever Jesus lays his hand upon lives. If Jesus lays his
hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands
upon the family, it lives.”
~ President Howard W Hunter

Look at the symbolism in the account of the Savior touching the
stones that lit the way for the Jaredites. What does this account
teach you about the touch of the Savior’s hand? How have you
felt the Lord’s hand in your life?

Day 92

There are times, as there were for our family, when darkness surrounds us and threatens to engulf us altogether. At such times we can take a lesson from the brother of Jared. You remember the Lord instructed the brother of Jared to make barges so his people could travel safely to the promised land. But because these boats were dark and without air, the brother of Jared took his concerns to the Lord in words that any of us might use to describe our own troubled times: “There is no light. … we cannot breathe” (Ether 2:19). ~ Dwan J. Young

How do we develop that hope—that hope that lights our way across life’s stormy seas?

Day 91

"The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both witnesses of Jesus Christ. They teach that He is the Son of God, that He lived an exemplary life, that He atoned for all mankind, that He died upon the cross and rose again as the resurrected Lord. They teach that He is the Savior of the world.

Scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was “written for the intent that ye may believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book of Mormon] also.”   Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets." ~ Elder Russell M. Nelson

In what ways does the Book of Mormon strengthen your faith in the teachings in the Bible? In what ways does the Bible strengthen your faith in the teachings in the Book of Mormon?

Day 90 - ONLY 10 more Days!

“The tragedy of the Book of Mormon is not what became of the

Nephites but what the Nephites became.”

~ Hugh Nibley

What led to the fall of the Nephites?

What things do you do each day to stay strong?

Day 89

“Full repentance involves a 180-degree turn, and without
looking back! …In ritual regret, we mourn our mistakes but
without mending them. There can be no real repentance without
personal suffering and the passage of sufficient time for the
needed cleansing and turning…Chastening is often needed until
the turning is really under way!”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

We can be sorry for the wrong reasons (like when we’re caught
or punished). What can help you be sorry for the right reason?

Day 88

But there is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective—a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it. The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth.   If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them." ~ President Jeffrey R. Holland

to read the whole article:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul?lang=eng&query=book+mormon+3+nephi

How has the reading the Book of Mormon built your testimony and provide safety for your soul so that you will not be deceived?

Day 87

“The most important of all the commandments of God is the one

that you’re having the most difficulty keeping…Today is the day

for you to work…until you’ve been able to conquer that

weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult

for you to keep. That’s the way to sanctify yourselves by

keeping the commandments of God.”

~ President Harold B. Lee

What commandments are most difficult for you? What are you

doing to be more obedient? Who can help you?

Day 86

“I can’t list all the ways that blessings will come from obedience to
this principle [of tithing], but I testify many will come in spiritual ways
that go well beyond economics… I express my deepest gratitude for
every blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially that greatest of
all gifts, the exemplary life and atoning death of God’s Only Begotten
Son. I know I can never repay heaven for any of this benevolence, but
there are many ways I need to try to show my thankfulness. One of
those ways is in the payment of tithes and freewill offerings.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

What blessings do you receive from paying tithing?

Day 85

“Every person who embraces the gospel becomes of the house of

Israel…The great majority of those who become members of the

Church are literal descendants of Abraham through Ephraim, son

of Joseph. Those who are not literal descendants of Abraham

and Israel must become such, and when they are baptized and

confirmed they are grafted into the tree and are entitled to all the

rights and privileges as heirs.”

~ President Joseph Fielding Smith

What blessings are promised to you because

you are of the house of Israel?

Day 84

“We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with
a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in
compliance with its covenants. When we renew our baptismal
covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our
baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit
to be with us. The importance of this is evident in the Lord’s
commandment that we partake of the sacrament each week.”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks

How can taking the sacrament each week help you to be just as
clean as when you were baptized?

Day 83

“Aren’t we rather prone to see the limitations and weaknesses of
our neighbors? Yet that is contrary to the teachings of the gospel
of Jesus Christ…If we have the spirit of fault finding…that never
comes as the result of the companionship of the Spirit of our
Heavenly Father and is always harmful.”
~ President George Albert Smith

The Savior gave teachings to the Nephites similar to the Sermon
on the Mount. He warned not to judge. What helps you to
always look for the best in others and not be critical?

Day 82

"Another reason we sometimes do not recognize the voice of the Lord in our lives is because the revelations of the Spirit may not come directly to us as the answer to our prayers.

Our Father in Heaven expects us to study it out first and then pray for guidance as we seek answers to questions and concerns in our personal lives. We have our Heavenly Father’s assurance that He will hear and answer our prayers. The answer may come through the voice and wisdom of trusted friends and family, the scriptures, and the words of prophets.

It has been my experience that some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful spiritual experiences and profound revelations of our lives." - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

To read the whole article:

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus?lang=eng#d

How has serving others and being an answer to their prayers helped you to find the answer to your own prayers?

Day 81

“Look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your

membership…As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and

deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning

sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with

temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our

ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience.”

~ President Howard W. Hunter

The Nephites were gathered at the temple when the Savior

visited them. How are you preparing to go to the temple?

Day 80

“An atonement was made. Ever and always it offers amnesty
from transgression and from death if we will but repent.
Repentance is the escape clause in it all. Repentance is the key
with which we can unlock the prison from inside. We hold that
key within our hands… Humbly I lay claim upon the atonement
of Christ. I find no shame in kneeling down in worship of
our Father and His Son.”
~ President Boyd K. Packer

What can the Lord do for you when you repent?

Day 79

“I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God

than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities,

anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or

our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our

possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race
is against sin, not against each other.

~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Why is pride “the great stumbing block of Zion”?

What can help you be more humble?

Day 78

“In providing out-of-home activities for the family, we must use

care; otherwise, we could be like a father determined to provide

everything for his family. He devotes every energy to that end

and succeeds; only then does he discover that what they needed,
most, to be together as a family, has been neglected.”

~ President Boyd K. Packer

How can you help your family receive the strength
that comes from being “gathered together”?

Day 77

“Gifts of the Spirit which the Lord bestows upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ are called signs.  That is, the receipt stands as an evidence or sign of the presence of that faith which results from believing the truth. Signs are wonders and miracles; they always and invariably are manifest to and among the faithful saints.”
~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Why didn't Satan want the faithful Nephites to believe in the signs?  What lies does he send today to try to keep you from believing the witness you’ve received as a result of your faith?

Day 76

“Spiritual maturity is understanding that we cannot blame

anybody else for our actions. Some factors may make it harder

for us to perform according to God’s plan for us, but being

accountable for how we use our agency means

being answerable for our own behavior.”

~ Sister Elaine Cannon

In what ways do you use your agency to help you to grow? 

Day 75

“The Prophet Samuel the Lamanite sets forth the interesting rule that when ‘the Economy’ becomes the main and engrossing concern of a society--or in the routine Book of Mormon phrase, when ‘they begin to set their hearts upon their riches’--the economy will self-destruct. This is how he puts it: ‘Ye do always remember your riches; . . . your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, . . . envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions and murders, and all manner of iniquities’ (Helaman 13:22). Note well the sequence of folly: first we are well pleased with ourselves because of our wealth, then comes the game of status and prestige, leading to competitive maneuvers, hatred, and dirty tricks, and finally the ultimate solution. Where wealth guarantees respectability, principles melt away as the criminal element rises to the top: ‘For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches’ (Helaman 13:23).”
~Hugh Nibley

In what ways do you see this reflected in our society today?

Day 74

“Afflictions can soften us and sweeten us, and can be a
chastening influence. We often think of chastening as something
being done to punish us… Divine chastening, however, is a
form of learning as it is administered at
the hands of a loving Father.”
~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Why do you think it is so much easier to remember the Lord
when we suffer, than when everything is going well? What can
you do to remember the Lord even when times are good?

Day 73

“When you read the Book of Mormon, concentrate on the principal figure in the book—from its first chapter to the last—the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. …

“… Great prophets of the Book of Mormon—in their own way and time—testified of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Among them were the brother of Jared, Zenock, Neum, and Zenos. Testimonies of Jesus Christ that predated His birth in Bethlehem were also recorded from King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger, Amulek, the sons of Mosiah, Captain Moroni, the brothers Nephi and Lehi, and Samuel the Lamanite. In a seemingly endless sequence of prophetic proclamations—testimonies of ‘all the holy prophets’ [Jacob 4:4] for ‘a great many thousand years before his coming’ [Helaman 8:18]—the Book of Mormon makes the solemn declaration that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer”  Elder RussellM. Nelson

(in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 87; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 69).

Would you be willing to be like Nephi and  risked your life to testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement?  Why do we sometimes hesitate to do things that seem too simple like following the prophet?

Day 72

“Every [convert] needs three things: a friend, a responsibility,
and nurturing with the ‘good word of God.’ It is our duty and
opportunity to provide these things.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

What kind of friend are you to converts, members who are new
to your ward, or the less-active? What things do you do to
nourish others with the word of the Lord?

Day 71

“We have an increasing number who have been convinced,

through the Book of Mormon, that Jesus is the Christ. Now we

need an increasing number who will use the Book of Mormon to

become committed to Christ. We need to be convinced and

committed.”

~ President Ezra Taft Benson

What are some things you can do to build upon the sure

foundation?

Day 70

"Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.

The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” As Paul said, they “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philip. 2:21.)"

 President Ezra Taft Benson

To read the whole article:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng&query=pride

Ponder the difference of being Proud of Something versus being Prideful of something and how it has affected you?

Day 69

“If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing,
quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with
heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives.”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton

How can you avoid contention in your family and other
relationships?

Day 68

“These people all had basically the same experience. The war
was the same length for all people; yet out of the same
experience some were hardened and some were softened.
What made the difference?
It was what they thought of God and his Son.”
~ C. Max Caldwell

When you experience trials, do you feel your heart is hardened
or softened? What can you do to improve your thoughts of
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you think this will
help to soften your heart?

Day 67

“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember…  our greatest need is to remember.”

~ President Spencer W. Kimball

“Satan wants us to be slow to remember what we have received

and heard. He wants us to minimize and even forget the quiet

witnesses of the Spirit that have told us who we really are.”

~ Sister Susan L. Warner

What helps you to not forget the spiritual experiences you’ve had?

Day 66

“He whose name this church bears has promised that He will be in our midst, lead us along, go before us, and even fight our battles. He has further counseled, ‘Be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart … that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy’ (D&C 98:14).”                               Elder Neal A. Maxwell

How can the Lord help you to overcome fear?

Day 65

“We need more mothers who know the truth, whose children do

not doubt their mothers know it.”

~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

What important lessons have you learned from your mother?

Day 64

“In the spiritual battles you are waging,
I see you as today’s sons of Helaman.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

Notice how Mormon describes these young men. How are you
living so that you can be likened to the stripling warriors?

Day 63

“The meaning of the word liberty is difficult to circumscribe. Abraham Lincoln was of the opinion that “the world has never had a good definition of [the term]. We all declare for liberty,” he said; “but in using the same word we do not mean the same thing. With some, the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself and the product of his labor; while with others [liberty] may mean for some men to do as they please with other men and the product of other men’s labor.”

Again he said, “The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act.” (Address, 18 Apr. 1864; quoted in John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, 15th ed., Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1980, p. 523.)

The issues have changed since the time of Lincoln, but the multipurpose use of the word liberty and its synonym freedom has not changed. The sweets of liberty about which we usually speak may be classified as (1) political independence, (2) economic freedom, and (3) free agency.

I would have us strive for that liberty which comprehends all three of these freedoms, and more. I would have us strive for a freedom of the soul to which they all contribute. I would have us attain that blessed state foreshadowed by the Prophet Joseph Smith when he said, “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.” (D&C 121:45.) One who enjoys such liberty is, in the words of Jesus, “free indeed.” (John 8:36.) He is possessed of perfect liberty.” Marion G. Romney, The Perfect Law, October 1981

To read the whole article:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/10/the-perfect-law-of-liberty?lang=eng&query=liberty

Has anger/stubbornness ever made you apathetic and not stand to defend the rights and freedoms of yourself and others?  How do you change to become actively engaged?

Day 62

“Mormon wants to teach what will be of most worth to us, and
his use of the words thus and thus we see make the lessons easier
to recognize and understand. Pay close attention to the ‘thus we
see’ phrases in the Book of Mormon. Here Mormon wants you
to understand that the Lord is keeping His word to Lehi and
blessing the Nephites with prosperity when they
keep the commandments.”
~ Elder Henry B. Eyring

In what ways has the Lord kept his word to you?

Day 61

“Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and
you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the
proper thing… We need not fear as long as we have in our lives
the power that comes from righteously living by the truth.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

The Lamanites did not want to go to battle against the Nephites, but
they also did not want to displease the king (Alma 47:2). Have you
ever been in a situation where you wanted to do the right thing, but
were afraid you would displease someone? Why is it always better to
do the right thing than to worry about what others might think of you?

Day 60

“The value of a country rests upon the values of its people. For

the people of God, for the people who want peace, for their

women and their children, there is only one way,

one church and one Lord.”

~ Elder Charles Didier

Why do the wicked go to war? How are their motives different

from the reasons why the righteous go to war?

Day 59

‘Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. … The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us … will stand in the battle—and how tall we will stand. … Great battles can make great heroes and heroines’

President Ezra Taft Benson

Why did Mormon use so much valuable space on the plates to record military intrigue and battle strategy?

 

To read the whole article:

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/01/defending-against-evil?lang=eng

Day 58

“How great the wisdom and the love
That filled the courts on high
And sent the Savior from above
To suffer, bleed and die!”
~ Hymn 195

How does understanding the Fall help you more fully love Jesus
and appreciate what He did for us?

Day 57

 

“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible.”

President Ezra Taft Benson

Alma uses four chapters (39-42) to counsel his son Corianton to

repent. How important is it to you to follow the counsel of your

parents and other righteous priesthood leaders? Re-read Alma 36:20.

During the time Alma was racked with torment for his sins whose

words did he remember that caused him to cry out for forgiveness?

Day 56

“I have little or no fear for the young man or the young woman, who

honestly and conscientiously supplicate God twice a day for the

guidance of His Spirit. I am sure that when the temptation comes they

will have strength to overcome it by the inspiration that shall be given

to them. Supplicating the Lord for the guidance of His Spirit places

around us a safeguard, and if we….honestly seek the guidance of the

Spirit of the Lord, I can assure you that we will receive it.”

~ President Heber J. Grant

 

What are some things you talk to the Lord about?

How does He direct you for good?

Day 55

“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and
repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start
that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back.
Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome.
If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott

What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting?
How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to
repent now?

Day 54

“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase of faith”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

How often do you exercise faith? What difference can “a particle
of faith” make in our actions? (see Matthew 17:20)

Day 53

“There are few things in life that bring as much joy as the joy that comes from assisting another to improve his or her life. That joy is increased when those efforts help someone understand the teachings of the Savior and that person decides to obey them, is converted, and joins His Church. There follows great happiness as that new convert is strengthened during the transition to a new life, is solidly grounded in truth, and obtains all of the ordinances of the temple with the promise of all the blessings of eternal life” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 45–46; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 35).

How can keeping this statement in mind help us remember the purpose of missionary work?

Day 52

True converts are those who “listen to the teachings and

testimonies of missionaries and change their lives, leaving the

past behind them, and moving forward into a new life.”

~ President Hinckley

What is zeal? What difference does it make to have “zeal

towards God”?

Day 51

“As children of God we are somebody. He will build us, mold
us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up, our arms
out, and walk with him. What a great blessing to be created in
his image and know of our true potential in and through him!
What a great blessing to know that in his strength
we can do all things!”
~ Elder Marvin J. Ashton

What do you think some of the “mighty miracles” may be that
the Lord will work through you?

Day 50

YIPPEE WE ARE HALF WAY!!!

 Full Conversion Brings Happiness

Richard G. Scott

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

---

For me, one of the most poignant passages of scripture describes what then occurred. It is a sobering reminder to each of us that knowing to do right, even ardently desiring to do right, is not enough. It is often very hard to actually do what we clearly know we should do. We read:

“But a certain maid beheld [Peter] … and said, This man was also with him. And he denied … saying, Woman, I know him not. … Another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. … Another confidently affirmed, … Of a truth this fellow also was with him: … And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, … and … went out, and wept bitterly.” ⁴

As painful as that confirmation of prophecy must have been for Peter, his life began to change forever. He became that unwavering, rock-solid servant essential to the plan of the Father after the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Savior. This tender passage also illustrates how very much the Savior loved Peter. Although He was in the midst of an overpowering challenge to His own life, with all of the weight of what was to transpire upon His shoulders, yet He turned and looked at Peter—the love of a teacher transmitted to a beloved student, giving courage and enlightenment in time of need. Thereafter, Peter rose to the full stature of his calling. He taught with power and unshakable testimony despite threats, imprisonment, and beatings. He was truly converted.

Consider the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies burying “the weapons of their rebellion.”

Is there anything in your life that you need to “bury”? If there is, what will you do about it?

Read the whole article: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/full-conversion-brings-happiness?lang=eng&query=conversion

Day 49

“No part of walking by faith is more difficult than walking the

road of repentance. However, with ‘faith unto repentance,’ we

can push roadblocks out of the way, moving forward to beg God

for mercy… One simply surrenders, caring only about what God

thinks, not what ‘they’ think… Giving away all our sins is the

only way we can come to know God.”

~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell

What are you willing to give to know Him?

Day 48

“Anger is not an expression of strength. It is an indication of

one’s inability to control his thoughts, words, his emotions…

When the weakness of anger takes over,

the strength of reason leaves.”

~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

When is it most difficult to control your anger? Why is it

important to stay in control of your thoughts, words, and

actions?

Day 47

“Fasting can help us overcome personal flaws and sins. It can help us
overcome our weaknesses—help them become strengths. Fasting can
help us become more humble, less prideful, less selfish, and more
concerned about the needs of others. It can help us see more clearly
our own mistakes and weaknesses and help us be less prone to criticize
others…Throughout the scriptures the term fasting is usually combined
with prayer… Fasting without prayer is just going hungry for 24 hours.
But fasting combined with prayer brings increased spiritual power.”
~ Elder Carl B. Pratt

What experiences have you had with fasting?

Day 46

“The right question to ask is not why good people have trials, but
how shall good people respond when they are tried?”
~ Elder Marion D. Hanks

“Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long
suffering and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were
part of his education.”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball

How do you respond to adversity?

Day 45

“God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest and
most valiant children…Make no mistake about it – you are a
marked generation. There has never been more expected of the
faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us…The
final outcome is certain – the forces of righteousness will finally
win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally,
now and in the future, will stand in this battle – and how tall we
will stand. Will we be true to…our foreordained mission?
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

To what callings do you think you’ve been foreordained?

Day 44

“What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged
in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or
from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in
‘proper and perfect frame.’”
~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks

How does it bring you hope knowing that because of Christ we
will all live again?

Day 43

"Alma and Amulek listened to the angel. They responded to the call to missionary service, and they preached repentance. They stood tall in the face of adversity and imprisonment. They are heroes whose lives are worthy of emulation”
Bishop H. David Burton

“All of us have made wrong turns along the way. I believe the kind and merciful God, whose children we are, will judge us as lightly as He can for the wrongs that we have done and give us the maximum blessing for the good that we do. Alma’s sublime utterance [in Alma 9:26] seems to me an affirmation of this” 
President James E. Faust

If you were faced with such anger, hatered, disbelief  regarding your beliefs from others who did not believe your faith, how would you react? What kind of courage would be needed to face those people? What could you say that would best help them?

Day 42

“To succor means to ‘run to.’ I testify that in my fears and in my
infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to
thank Him enough for such personal kindness
and such loving care.”
~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Why is it helpful to remember that the Savior knows what it’s like
to have your problems?

Day 41

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the

outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ

takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out

of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their

environment. Christ changes men, who then change their

environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ

can change human nature.”

~ President Ezra Taft Benson

What would someone see in your countenance?

Day 40

“I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” Elder Jeffery R. Holland

How do you continue to be a good example (missionary) even amongst discouragement and opposition?

Day 39

“Safety can’t be won by tanks and guns and airplanes and atomic

bombs. There is only one place of safety and that is in the realm

of the Almighty God that he gives to those who keep his

commandments and listen to his voice.”

~ President Harold B. Lee

Why were the Nephites strengthened by the Lord? How can we

receive the Lord’s help in the challenges we face?

Day 38

A Mighty Change of Heart

Exerpt from a talk in June 1992 Ensign entitled
"Putting Off the Natural Man: How to Be “Spiritually Born of God” By David W. Hellem

While there are many changes that occur within the human soul as a result of being spiritually born of God, the major change occurs within the human heart. The people of King Benjamin, following their spiritual rebirth, “cried with one voice” proclaiming that the Spirit of the Lord had “wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2.)

The Lord told Alma that those who are born of God are “changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, … and thus they become new creatures.” (Mosiah 27:25–26.) This mighty change involves a cleansing and purging, “as if with fire” (Hel. 5:45), of the evil desires of the heart. Thereafter, one so changed begins to walk, as Paul described it to the Romans, “in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4.) There is a burning desire within the soul to be “zealous for keeping the commandments of God” (Alma 21:23) and to serve the Lord with all your body, mind, and spirit.

If we are thus born of the Spirit, “we are made alive in Christ. … We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ.” (2 Ne. 25:25–26.) We are willing to obey God’s commandments “in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days.” (Mosiah 5:5.) In short, our conduct is characterized by obedience, service, and sacrifice.

To read the whole article:
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/06/putting-off-the-natural-man-how-to-be-spiritually-born-of-god?lang=eng&query=mosiah+27+-+29

Have you had a mighty change of heart?

---

Day 37

“You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious

transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a

bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not

repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial

confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a

more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a

willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His

priesthood judge all that you have done."

~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Why is confession an essential part of repentance?

Day 36

“We should seek to be happy and cheerful and not allow Satan to
overcome us with discouragement, despair, or depression.”
~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

“The Lord…loves us…, comforts and strengthens us, and
enables us to bear our afflictions with patience and fortitude.”
~ Elder George Q. Cannon

How can we submit more cheerfully to the will of the Lord?

Day 35

“We show by our behavior what we believe. Surely we are

standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living

prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We

will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We

indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant.”

~ Sister Janette Hales Beckham

What commitments are part of our baptismal covenant?

In what ways do you try to keep those commitments?

Day 34

“You don’t need to compromise your standards to be accepted by good

friends. The more obedient you are…the more the Lord can help you

overcome temptation. You can also help others because they will feel

your strength. Let them know about your standards by consistently

living them…No one intends to make serious mistakes. They come

when you compromise your standards to be more accepted by others.

You be the strong one. You be the leader. Choose good friends and

resist peer pressure together.”

~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Why did King Noah not resist the pressure from the evil priests?

What helps you to resist peer or society pressures?

Day 33

Likewise, we must make a simple choice with the Book of Mormon: it is either of God or the devil. There is no other option... Would you like to have emblazoned on your soul an undeniable witness that the Savior descended beneath your sins, and that there is no sin, no mortal plight outside the merciful reach of His Atonement—that for each of your struggles He has a remedy of superior healing power?... Then READ THE BOOK OF MORMON."
Elder Tad R. Callister

To Read the whole Conference Address:http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng&query=*+(name%3a"Tad+R.+Callister")

Take time to ponder how the Lord Jesus Christ has made an intercession for you.  Do you see the world differently because of the unconditional love given from the Lord?  Do you have more love for your self, family, friends, neighbors and community?

 

Day 32

“When I was a little boy… I came home from school one day, threw
my books on the table, and took the name of the Lord in vain in
expressing my relief that school was out for the day. My mother heard
me. She was shocked. She took me by the hand and led me to the
bathroom…then proceeded to wash my mouth out with that terrible
soap…and then said, ‘Don’t let me ever hear such words from your
lips again.’ The taste was terrible. The reprimand was worse. I have
never forgotten it, and I hope that I have never used the Lord’s name in
vain since that time.”
~ President Gordon B. Hinckley
How can we keep the Lord’s name sacred?

Day 31

“The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps
us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could
never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity.
I testify and witness that the enabling power of
the Savior’s Atonement is real.”
~ Elder David A. Bednar

In what ways do we depend on our own strength? How can we
more fully receive the strength of the Lord?

Day 30

“No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion
of water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do
not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be
born again. The new birth takes place only for those who
actually enjoy the Gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only
for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves
without restraint to the Lord.”
~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

How can you more fully give yourself to the Lord to experience
the mighty change of heart?

Day 29

“Work at keeping your thoughts clean by thinking of something
good. The mind can think of only one thing at a time. Use that
fact to crowd out ugly thoughts. Above all, don’t feed thoughts
by reading or watching things that are wrong. If you don’t
control your thoughts, Satan will keep tempting you until you
eventually act them out.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott

What helps you most to control your thoughts?

Day 28

“Our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition; on

service, not status. The faithful visiting teacher, who quietly

goes about her work month after month, is just as important to

the work of the Lord as those who occupy what some see as

more prominent positions in the Church. Visibility does not

equate to value…When we understand why we serve we will not

worry about where we serve.”

~ President Howard W. Hunter

How often do you serve?

Day 27

“Thou Shalt Give Heed unto All His Words”

L. Tom Perry
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

---

"President Hinckley added to his powerful, emotional witness a list of concerns for the future. One of his concerns particularly stuck in my mind. His worry was with the great growth of the Church throughout the world, it would become increasingly difficult for the Apostles to reach all the members of the Church and personally admonish them to live the gospel. Thus, the future would bring greater reliance on technology to carry the gospel message to the worldwide Church.

As we review the sacred history contained in the holy scriptures, we find similar events when a prophet of God sees significant changes in the horizons ahead. It is interesting that when such critical events occur, great and inspired attention and detail are given both to the prophetic message and the way it is delivered—that is, the technology that’s used to carry the gospel message.

I am reminded of the great sermon King Benjamin delivered to his people, which is found in the first chapters of the book of Mosiah. This righteous king had served his people long and faithfully. It was time to turn the leadership over to his son. But before doing so, he wanted to leave his witness and testimony of his Lord and Savior to his people. He wanted first to instruct his sons “that … they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord” (Mosiah 1:2).

He also taught them concerning the records that were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: “My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God” (Mosiah 1:3).

Keeping the doctrine pure was foremost in King Benjamin’s mind, so he wanted all of his people to receive his witness and his word."

How does sustaining the prophet of the church allow us to live the gospel more fully and discover the mysteries of God?

to read the full article:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/04/thou-shalt-give-heed-unto-all-his-words?lang=eng&query=mosiah

Day 26

“How many of you, with or without serious transgressions, have
ever prayed all day and into the night? Have you ever wept and
prayed for many hours? How many of you have prayed
for five hours? for one? for thirty minutes? for ten?”
~ President Spencer W. Kimball
How often do you cry unto the Lord in mighty prayer?
How can you make prayer more meaningful?

Day 25

I read a great talk today about the example Jacob has provided us...  Great food and guidance provided by Elder Ballard.

O Be Wise

M. Russell Ballard

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

---

"Today is in many ways like Jacob’s day. My counsel is like unto his: “Repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you” (Jacob 6:5). Brothers and sisters, be wise with your families. Be wise in fulfilling your Church callings. Be wise with your time. Be wise in balancing all of your responsibilities. O be wise, my beloved brothers and sisters. What can I say more?"

TO READ the whole ARTICLE:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/o-be-wise?lang=eng&query=jacob+6-8

Day 24

“Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and
has faithfully attended his Church meetings. Give me a young
man who has magnified his priesthood and has earned the Duty
to God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young man who
is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book
of Mormon. Give me such a young man, and I will give you a
young man who can perform miracles for the Lord in the mission
field and throughout his life.”
~ President Ezra Taft Benson

How can you prepare now to labor diligently in the Lord’s vineyard?

Day 23

Are your decisions based on how your choices will help to build

the Lord’s kingdom? If needed, how can you change?

“If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the

end make no difference what you have chosen instead.”

~ William Law

Day 22

I love this section of Jacob chapter 1.  I find that it provides much guidance for ones life... 

1. we first need to obtain our errand - purpose
2. magnify our callings working diligently and unceasingly...

I read an article today about a young boy in Minneapolis who "according to the highest authorities of the Tibetan Buddhist order, he is the reincarnation of the speech, mind and body of a lama, or spiritual guru, who died in Switzerland six years ago. Jalue is said to be the eighth appearance of the original lama, born in 1655." 

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/LAMA+REINCARNATE/6002889/story.html#ixzz1kFPfM9nH

Even though I do not believe in reincarnation I have to admit that I admire this family for seeing the devine errand for this boy and how they are doing everything possible for him to fulfill it.  Makes me wonder.  Am I truly converted??? Have I received the confirmation of what my errand is in this life???   I beleive  Elder Robert D. Hales gave the answer in yesterdays quote for the day.

Day 21

“When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the

Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total

allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our

way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we

have promised to remember our Savior and obey the

commandments of God.”

~ Elder Robert D. Hales

Sometimes we take our baptism for granted. What do you do to

remember and increase your appreciation for your baptism?

Day 20

“ There are at least three dangers that threaten the Church within,

and the authorities need to awaken to the fact that the people

should be warned unceasingly against them. As I see these, they

are flattery of prominent men in the world, false educational

ideas, and sexual impurity.”

~ President Joseph F. Smith

What are you doing to avoid being deceived?

Day 19

Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense

to those with strong faith…the choice not to take prophetic counsel

changes the very ground upon which we stand. It becomes more

dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to

take inspired counsel in the future. The best time to have decided to

help Noah build the ark was the first time he asked. Each time he

asked after that, each failure to respond would have lessened

sensitivity to the Spirit. And so each time his request would have

seemed more foolish, until the rain came. And then it was too late.

~ Elder Henry B. Eyring

How does following the prophet keep you safe?

Day 18

“Literally, the Atonement means to be ‘at one’ with Him. The

nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so

unfathomable, and so profound that it lies beyond the knowledge

and comprehension of mortal man. I am profoundly grateful for

the principle of saving grace… The overwhelming message of

the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all

of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity,

long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving.”

~President James E. Faust

How do you experience the Savior’s love?

Pres. Boyd K. Packer gives an awesome talk
http://speeches.byu.edu/download.php/Packer_Boyd_2011_11_06.mp3

The Power of Service

This was a link that was sent to me that shows how having compassion to another can change the world...  Powerful... 

Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SS-sWdAQsYg
<http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SS-sWdAQsYg&vq=medium> &vq=medium

"If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."            William Penn

Day 17

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop

the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may

combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of

God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated

every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded

in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the

Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

~ Joseph Smith

What part do you play in these prophecies?

Day 16

What helps you to see things for what they really are?

“Today’s popular entertainment often makes what is evil and

wrong look enjoyable and right. Let us remember the Lord’s

counsel: ‘Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.’

Pornography, though billed by Satan as entertainment, is a

deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up in

magazines, the Internet, and the television.”

~ Elder David E. Sorensen

Day 15

“I can visualize an army of righteous youth prepared and worthy

to attend the temple. I can see families sealed together for

eternity. I can see youth who understand what it means to be

‘saviours … on mount Zion.’ I can see youth whose hearts are

turned to their fathers. And I can envision youth growing up in

such a way that they will come forth from the temples filled with

strength to resist worldly pressures. I can see a generation of

youth who will ‘stand … in holy places, and be not moved.’

~ Sister Elaine S. Dalton

Why do you think Isaiah compares the temple to a mountain?

Day 14

To Establish a Secure Foundation for Life

Richard G. Scott

18 March 2008

http://speeches.byu.edu/download.php/Scott_Richard_032008.mp3

Elder Scott gives a wonderful talk about the atonement. 

"I strongly believe that there is an imperative need for you to strengthen your understanding of the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ so that it will become the secure foundation upon which to build the balance of your life.

As the world in which you will live becomes more devoid of foundational standards and principles, and as honor, virtue, and purity are increasingly cast aside for the pursuit of appetite with an attitude of "me first" and "I want the biggest," your understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide much-needed strength and capacity in your life. It will also bring confidence in times of trial and peace in moments of turmoil.

I energetically encourage you to establish a personal plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of the perfect fulfillment by Jesus Christ of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for the Atonement."

Commit to establish a personal plan to better understand and appreciate the sacrafice that Jesus Christ provided through the Atonement.

Day 13

Happy friday the 13th....

“Keeping everything in balance can be a real problem …Often

the lack of clear direction and goals can waste away our time and

energy and contribute to imbalance in our lives. …Our main goal

should be to seek “immortality and eternal life.” With this as our

goal, why not eliminate from our lives the things that clamor for

and consume our thoughts, feelings, and energies without

contributing to our reaching that goal?”

~ Elder M. Russell Ballard

How do you spend your time, money and energy?

Day 12

“No father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy
that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the
words of modern prophets. None of us should get so busy that
we crowd out contemplation and praying.”
~President Spencer W. Kimball

What is it that brings a person to love the scriptures?

Day 11

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be

the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this

path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all

the commandments of God.”

~ Joseph Smith

What brings you true happiness?

Day 10

“If Satan could but capture our minds, he would have won the

battle and the war. He can only do this if we let him. If we refuse

to walk with him, he will have no power over us, for God gave

us our free agency and Satan cannot take it away. So what I am

suggesting is that we refuse to even walk on the same street with

Satan. In other words, not only should we avoid evil, we should

avoid the very appearance of evil.”

~ Bishop Victor L. Brown

How can Satan be bound in his efforts to influence you?

Day 9

Insights from 1 Nephi 19–22

• One of the first things the Lord commanded Nephi to do after the families arrived in the promised land was to keep a record of the people (1 Nephi 19:1–4). Nephi said that he wrote “sacred things” for his people “that perhaps [he] might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer” (1 Nephi 19:5, 18). What blessings will come to our posterity if we record sacred events in our lives?

• According to Nephi, how would the world receive the Savior during His mortal ministry? (See 1 Nephi 19:7–10.) Why did the world reject Jesus as “a thing of naught”? (See 1 Nephi 19:9.) Why was Jesus willing to endure such persecution? (See 1 Nephi 19:9.)

• According to Nephi, why would the Jews be “scourged by all people”? (See 1 Nephi 19:13–14.) What will happen when the Jews “no more turn aside their hearts” against Jesus? (See 1 Nephi 19:15–16.)

• Nephi taught his brethren concerning “the prophets of old” and “the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old” (1 Nephi 19:21–22). How have you been blessed as you have studied the scriptures and learned of the prophets of old?

• Why is it important to “liken all scriptures unto us”? (1 Nephi 19:23). How have you benefited from doing this?

1 Nephi 21–22 contains significant prophecies concerning the last days. You may want to review the following passages:

1. a.   1 Nephi 21:22–23; 22:6–8. The Restoration of the gospel will bring scattered Israel together again.
2. b. 1 Nephi 21:26; 22:10–12. The Lord will bring Israel “out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer.” (Note that the Book of Mormon plays a key role in “bringing about [the Lord’s] covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.” Compare 1 Nephi 22:11–12 with the itle page of the Book of Mormon.)
3. c. 1 Nephi 22:13–15. Nations that reject God will war against one another and be destroyed.
4. d. 1 Nephi 22:16–19. The Lord will preserve the righteous.
5. e. 1 Nephi 22:26. Satan will be bound during Christ’s millennial reign.

Day 8

Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times

Henry B. Eyring

10 September 2006

http://speeches.byu.edu/download.php/Eyring_Henry_092006.mp3


I can only imagine the fortitude that Nephi must have had to be able to endure the hardships that were forced upon him from his brothers.   Pres. Erying gives a wonderful talk about the gifts of the spirits and how important it is to have the gift  of the spirit with you to be able to endure and accomplish the tasks at hand so that we can prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord and our Savior.

Day 7

"One of America’s truly distinguished Philosophers, Josiah Royce, wrote:

  Loyalty is for the loyal man not only a good, but for him the chief aongst all the moral goods of his life, because it furnishes... him a personal solution [to] the hardest of [all] human...problems, the problem: "For what do I live? [The Philosophy of Loyalty (New York: Macmillan Co., 1908, p. 57}

It is loyalty—loyalty to true principles and true people and honorable institutions and worthy ideals—that unifies our purpose in life and defines our morality. Where we have no such loyalties or convictions, no standards against which to measure our acts and their consequences, we are anchored and adrift, “driven with the wind and tossed,” says the scripture (James 1:6) until some other storm or problem or appetite takes us another direction for an equally short and unstable period of time. The older I get—which isn’t old enough yet—the more I believe Professor Royce must have been right. “For what do I live?” is, in a sense, the inquiry every LDS missionary invites his or her investigator to make. If there is honest consideration of that question, then eternal truth has a fighting chance to bless the children of God.

What I wish to ask of you today is to be the kind of person who stands loyally by the principles and people and institutions to which you have declared allegiance, and that probably have given you most of the blessings you enjoy…

How much pressure is too much pressure to remain true? How much disappointment is too much disappointment to stand firm? How far is too far to walk with a discouraged friend, or a struggling spouse, or a troubled child? When the opposition heats up and the going gets tough, how much of what we thought was important to us will we defend and how much, in that inevitable tug and pull of life, will we find it convenient to give away?

As with so many abstractions that need to be made concrete, our homes and families are very good settings for an initial application. Would we, for example, stand by a younger brother or an older sister in times of despair or pain? Would we defend to the death our parents if they really needed our help? Even if our prayers are embarrassingly skimpy, don’t we at least pray for the members of our family? I assume that those questions are easy to answer, because we say something like:

"Well, I love them," or "I owe it to them," or "They would do the same thing for me."  Yet what we so often fail to remember is that we should feel taht way about everyone that "family" is the true Christian appellation for the entire human race.  Have we made the Sunday greeting of "Brother Jones and Sister Brown" too common to remember why we say it?  Has our hasty reference to "Father in Heaven" grown stal and insignificant?  Will we ever widen our circle of influence beyond that already claimed by the Pharisees, who ever in their benighted state did not boo other Pharisees? "What reward has ye?... And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?"  (Matthew 5:46-47).  in matters of loyalty we all have a long way yet to go." Oh, Lord, Keep My Rudder True JEFFREY R. HOLLAND 21 January 1986

I invite you to examine your very soul, to look deeply within your habits and inclinations and measure your loyalties against the divine standard of our Savior, Jesus Christ. How prepared are you for the difficult things you may yet face in acquiring an education or serving a mission or raising a family or defending your beliefs? For what do you live?  Are you true to your beliefs and convictions?