Hello Brother Williams...

Just some quick instructions on this blog...

Click on one of the 10 topics at the right to view the quotes I chose for that particular topic.

My position statements for each topic can be found at the VERY bottom of this page.

Enjoy!

M

Timely

Choosing to focus on moving forward in my life was a very timely choice. Why do you ask? SEVERAL events have occurred this semester that have forced me to make some very life-altering decisions.

I'm moving to New York City in 18 days. That was the big decision of the semester. And it wasn't an easy decision, though doesn't it seem like it would be an easy one?

I struggled with whether I should go for a long time. I prayed, would get the feeling that I should go. Then the next thing I knew, things weren't falling into place and it seemed like the right, or easy, thing to throw in the towel and go home for the summer.

I went back and forth for a long time. And finally, I told Heavenly Father that if things didn't fall into place by the end of the week, I wasn't going. Within the next couple days EVERYTHING fell into place. And I knew it was the right thing to go.

I've been pretty nervous about this big move in my life. But every time I feel a little bit nervous, I think about how I have been promised that IF I will be determined to go forward without fear, I won't be intimidated. I'm moving forward, and going into this fearless.

I'm grateful for past experiences in my life that have prepared me to make this big change in my life. I look back, and if I hadn't taken the necessary steps to gain experience in work and had never made connections with certain people, I would never be able to do this.

So while past experience is very detrimental to the opportunities that are given to you, it's important to move forward with your life and to not dwell on the past.

"If you have determined to live righteously, don't become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their commandments."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"Humility is the quality that permits us to be taught from on high through the Spirit or to be taught from sources whose origin was inspiration from the Lord, such as the scriptures and the comments of the prophets. Humility is the precious fertile soil of righteous character. In it the seeds of personal growth germinate."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"He [satan] cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. but he has no power in and of himself to destroy them."

"It is the very essence of character woven from threads born of countless correct decisions. These choices are made with trusting faith in things that are believed and, at least initially, are not seen. A strong testimony gives peace, comfort, and assurance. it generates the conviction that as the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future will be secure, and there will be a capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"The genius of the gospel plan is that by doing those things the Lord counsels us to do, we are given every understanding and ever capacity necessary to provide peace and right fulfillment in this life. Likewise, we gain the preparation necessary for eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"This mortal life is a proving ground. How well you meet its challenges determines how strong your character will be. Your faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings fortifies your character.

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"The faith and confidence of others in that individual's character is undermined."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"You cannot be passive in life, or in time the natural man will undermine your efforts to live worthily. You become what you do and what you think about. Lack of character leads one under pressure to satisfy appetite or seek personal gain. you cannot successfully bolster a weak character with a cloak of pretense."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"Your faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandments will strengthen your character. your character is a measure of what you are becoming. It is the evidence of how well you are using your time on earth in this period of mortal probation."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"Your happiness on earth as well as your eternal salvation require many correct decisions, none of which is difficult to make. Together those decisions forge a character resistant to the eroding influences of sin and transgression. Noble character is like a treasured porcelain made of select raw materials, formed with faith, carefully crafted by consistent righteous acts, and fired in the furnace of uplifting experience."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"As you walt to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. With even 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, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"We exercise faith by doing."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of faith is enhanced. The more your character is fortified, the more enabling you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects. Such faith can transform an individuals life from maudlin, common everyday activities to a symphony of joy and happiness. the exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. The exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. But true faith, faith unto salvation, is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in His doctrines and teachings, faith in the prophetic guidance to the Lord's anointed, faith in the capacity to discover hidden characteristics and traits that can transform life. Truly, faith in the Savior is principle of action and power."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Transforming Power of Faith and Character: October 2010)

"The moral foundation of our doctrine can be a beacon of light to the world and can be a unifying force to both morality and faith in Jesus Christ, we need to protect our families and be at the forefront together with all people of goodwill in doing everything we can to preserve light, hope, and morality in our communities."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Neither religious nor secular voices should be silenced. Furthermore, we should not expect that because some of our views emanate from religious principles, they will automatically be accepted or given preferential status. But it is also clear such views and values are entitled to be viewed on their merits."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Our commitment to freedom of religion and treating all people as sons and daughters of God is central to our doctrine."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Clearly, moral values with respect to honesty can play a significant role in establishing light and truth and improving society and should be valued by those who do not have faith."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"... in societies where citizens are taught from a young age to feel accountable to God for honesty and integrity, they will abide by rules and practices that, while unenforceable, promote democratic ideals. In societies where this is not true, there cannot be enough policeman to enforce honest behavior."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Honesty is also a valued attribute in many other faiths and in historic literature. The poet Robert Burns said, 'An honest man's the noblest work of God.'"

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Think about the impact on society if youth didn't cheat in school, if adults were honest in the workplace and were faithful to their marriage vows. For us the concept of basic honesty is grounded in the life and teachings of the Savior."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"Religious faith is a store of light, knowledge, and wisdom and benefits society in a dramatic way when adherents engage in moral conduct because they feel accountable to God."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"I believe that light and truth will be preserved in our time. In all nations there are large numbers who worship God and feel accountable to him for their conduct."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"The level of decadence is accelerating. If we do not black out evil from our homes and lives, do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter the peace which is the reward for righteous living. Our responsibility is to be in the world but not of the world."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"As Latter-day Saints, we need to do our best to preserve light and protect our families and communities from this assault on mortality and religious freedom."

-Quentin L. Cook

(Let There Be Light! October 2010)

"The scriptures teach us, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." For those who find themselves captive to past unrighteous choices, stuck in a dark corner, without all the blessings available by the righteous exercise of agency, we love you. Come back! Come out of the dark corner and into the light. Even if you have to walk across a newly varnished floor, it is worth it. Trust that "through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind [including you and me] may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"Whenever we disobey, we spiritually pain ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Through we are spiritually stuck, there is always a way back."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"And by His perfect life, He taught us that when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"On the cross, He chose to love His enemies, praying, "Father, forgive them; for they known not what they do." And then, so that He could finally demonstrate that He was choosing for Himself, He was left alone. "[Father], why has though forsaken me?" He asked."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"I testify that by making the same choice to follow the Savior now, while we are here on earth, we will obtain an even greater blessing in the eternities. But let it be known: we must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is a stake, and our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"Our agency - our ability to choose and act for ourselves - was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"We teach that agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and "to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon."

-Robert D. Hales

(Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life October 2010)

"When we stand at the crossroads of life and we must make a decision whether to go to the great and spacious building of the world's ways or to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, we must realize that we cannot travel both roads - although sometimes we try."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"We make poor and irrational decisions if our decision is motivated by greediness; greed for monetary gain; greed that results in a conflict of interest; desire for power, titles, and recognition of man."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"Beware of fear and greed. beware of your true motives."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"As we study our problems out in our minds, patience and pondering should have an important place in our decision-making process. We should reflect on our eternal goals and not make hasty and unwise decisions."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"You will know you have a true friend and counselor when the advice you are given makes it easier to live the commandments and when you are not asked to choose between a wayward friend's ways and the Lord's ways."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"Along with study and prayer, we must seek wise counsel."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"After we have attained knowledge and understanding, it is important to feel that our decision is right. Then when we act, we will do what is right."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"First, we start with the intelligence with which we are born. To our intelligence we add knowledge as we search for answers, study, and educate ourselves. To our knowledge we add experience, which should lead us to a level of wisdom. In addition to our wisdom, we add the help of the Holy Ghost through our prayers of faith, asking for spiritual guidance and strength. Then, and only then, do we reach an understanding in our hearts - which motivates us to 'do what is right; let the consequences follow.'"

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"Having the eternal plan as a goal in our lives, we will make eternal choices."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"During our mortal probation on earth, we will be tested with enticements of opposition in all things. But if we are obedient and faithful to the laws, ordinances, and covenants which we accept with our free agency, of our own free will and choice, we can attain eternal life."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"There are three important elements that will allow us to make good decisions: First, we must have an eternal plan with objectives that we have committed to achieve. Second, we need to study and pray on a daily basis about our decisions for feelings of spiritual guidance, courage, and commitment. And third, we need to examine our motives each time we make a decision."

-Robert D. Hales

(Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life: October 1988)

"I want the happiness we have found together to be yours. The more closely you personally adhere to His plan for you on earth, the greater will be your happiness, fulfillment, and progress; the more qualified you will be to receive the rewards He has promised for obedience."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"Generally you have no idea of how truly wonderful and capable you are, how very much appreciated and loved, or how desperately needed, for most men don't tell you as completely and as often as needed."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"As a woman, please don't judge how worthwhile, needed, and loved you are by our inept ability to express our true feelings. Your divinely conferred trait of giving of self without counting the cost leads you to underestimate your own worth."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"I promise you that through your obedience and continuing faith in Jesus Christ and your understanding of the whole plan of happiness, even if important parts of it aren't fulfilled in your life now, they will be yours in the Lord's due time. I also promise you that you can have significant growth and happiness now in your present circumstances. As a daughter or son of God, live whatever portion of the plan you can to the best of your ability."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"Your presence there will strengthen self-confidence of your children and decrease the chance of emotional challenges. Moreover, as you teach truth by word and example, those children will come to understand who they are and what they can obtain as divine children of Father in Heaven."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"As a mother guided by the Lord, you weave a fabric of character in your children from threads of truth through careful instruction and worth example. You imbue the traits of honesty, faith in God, duty, respect for others, self-confidence, and the desire to contribute, to learn, and to give in your trusting children's minds and hearts. No day-care can do that. It is your sacred right and privilege."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"For the greatest happiness and productivity in life, both husband and wife are needed. Their efforts interlock and are complementary. Each has individual traits that best fit the role of the Lord has defined for happiness as a man or woman."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"Obedience to the plan is a requisite for full happiness in this life and continuation of eternal joy beyond the veil. Essential to His plan of happiness is agency - the right of personal choice."

-Richard G. Scott

(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness: October 1996)

"Brothers and sisters, seeing your example, I pledge anew my determination to be better, to be more faithful - more kind and devoted, more charitable and true as our Father in Heaven is and as so many of you already are."

-Jeffry R. Holland

(Because of Your Faith: October 2010)

"To you , Mom and dad, and to all the moms and dads and families and faithful people everywhere, I thank you for your sacrificing for your children (and for other people's children!), for wanting so much to give them advantages you never had for wanting so much to give them the happiest life you could provide."

-Jeffry R. Holland

(Because of Your Faith: October 2010)

"Not one of us could serve without your prayers and without your support."

-Jeffry R. Holland

(Because of Your Faith: October 2010)

"He answers us through His Holy Spirit and in other ways. The mission of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father and the Son, to guide us into truth, and to show us all things we should do."

-Dallin H. Oaks

(Two Lines of Communication: October 2010)

"Praying, studying, gathering, worshipping, serving, and 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 the overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the Holy Ghost."

-David A. Bednar

(Receive the Holy Ghost: October 2010)

"Commune with the Lord... He is your best friend! He knows your pain because He has felt it for you already. He is ready to carry that burden. Trust Him enough to place it as His feet and allow Him to carry it for you. Then you can have your anguish replaced with His peace, in the very depths of your soul."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ - whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them like the Apostle Paul - is available for every affliction in mortality."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"Paul later wrote that the Lord explained, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness". Paul obediently responded that he would "rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... for when I am weak, then am I strong."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us. Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"He expressly affirmed that He would heal those with physical ailments and he would also deliver the captive, liberate the bruised, and heal the brokenhearted."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"Jesus healed many from physical diseases, but He did not withhold healing from those who sought to be "made whole" from other ailments. Matthew writes that He healed every sickness and every disease among the people. Great multitudes followed Him, and He "healed them all". Surely these healings included those whose sicknesses were emotional, mental, or spiritual. He healed them all."

-Dallin H. Oaks (He Heals the Heavy Laden: October 2006)

"We are commanded to "pray always" - "vocally as well as in [our] heart[s]; ... before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private". I testify that prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"During the Savior's ministry on the American continent, he directed the people to ponder His teachings and to pray for understanding. He healed the sick, and He prayed for the people using language that could not be written. The impact of His prayer was profound: "No one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father." Imagine what it might have been like to hear the Savior of the world praying for us."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for other with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude"

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"Morning and evening prayers - and all of the prayers in between - are not unrelated, discrete events; rahter, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to 'pray always'. Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"We discern heavenly help and strength and humbly recognize answers to our prayer. Even in that moment of recognition, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"During the course of the day, we keep prayer in our heart for continued assistance and guidance - even as Alma suggested: "Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord"

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"...meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day - and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day..."

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)

"...prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. 'As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part"

-David A. Bednar (Pray Always: October 2008)