Mormon Musings

If we do not enjoy the Spirit of the Lord, there are reasons that we ourselves can assign for the absence of that Spirit.  The practice of the Saints, if good, will always bring the Spirit of the Lord, and keep that Spirit with them day to day.  I am aware that the Spirit is grieved with different individuals for different causes; some do not attend to their prayers in the season thereof, they do not attend to their duties of the present moment, they do not concentrate their feelings, but allow their minds to wander like the fools' eyes to the four winds of heaven, hence they are left to grope for themselves as the blind for the wall.  But those who live up to their duties, the duties of the present hour, and always make those duties the primary duties of life, live in the light of the Lord, and walk in the path laid down by the Savior of the world; they are never in the dark, for the light of the Lord is shining upon them.  Jedediah M. Grant, Conference at Provo, July 13, 1855,

"...in certain times and circumstances, discipleship requires us to be willing to stand alone! Our willingness to do so, here and now, is consistent with Christ’s kneeling alone, there and then, in Gethsemane. In the final atoning process, “none were with [Him]” ( D&C 133:50 ; see also Matt. 26:38–45 ). As we take our stand, the faithful will not be alone—not that alone, however. Of necessity, the angel who stood by Christ in Gethsemane to strengthen Him left Him (see Luke 22:43 ). If we hold aloft the shield of faith in God and faith in His commandments, His angels will be “round about [us], to bear [us] up” and “have charge over [us]” ( D&C 84:88 ; D&C 109:22 ). Of this promise, I testify. And now, therefore, in terms of the weather in our souls, brothers and sisters, I testify that we set the dial. We so determine the degree of our happiness in this and the next world. I likewise testify that our compliance with God’s commandments...invites God to place His hand on

The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will turn sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice. -William Makepeace Thackeray

This is the true joy in life--being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.    I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.   I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. -George Bernard Shaw

I am perfectly satisfied that my Father and my God is a cheerful, pleasant, lively and good-natured Being.  Why?  Because I am cheerful, pleasant, lively and good-natured when I have His spirit.  That is one reason why I know: and another is that the Lord said, through Joseph Smith, "I delight in a glad heart and cheerful countenance."  That arises from the perfection of His attributes; He is a jovial, lively person..." Heber C. Kimball, February 8, 1857, Journal of Discourses 4:222

http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-seventh-commandment-a-shield?lang=eng

If men decide firmly what they will not do; then they will be free vigorously to do what they ought to do. -Mencius Whenever you see a job to do, ask yourself these two questions: If not by me--by whom?  If not now--when?                                                                         -Arthur Lagueux If we are ever in doubt what to do, it is a good rule to ask ourselves what we shall wish on the morrow that we had done. -Sir John Lubbock