Mormon Musings

"Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation. We can recognize our growth, as can those around us, as we gradually increase our capacity to 'act in all holiness before [Him]' (D&C 43:9)." Dieter F. Uchtdorf ,  "Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 102

"Since the days of Adam, the Lord has spoken to His prophets, and while His message differs according to the specific needs of the time, there is one consistent, never-changing theme: Depart from iniquity and journey to higher ground." Joseph B. Wirthlin ,  "Journey to Higher Ground," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 16

"[The] test [of life] is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation. "The Prophet Joseph Smith gave us the Lord's description of the test we face. Our Heavenly Father created the world with His Son, Jesus Christ. We have these words to tell us about the purpose of the Creation: 'We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them' (Abraham 3:24-25). "So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home." Henry B. Eyring ,  "Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 3

"We are safe on the rock which is the Savior when we have yielded in faith in Him, have responded to the Holy Spirit's direction to keep the commandments long enough and faithfully enough that the power of the Atonement has changed our hearts. When we have, by that experience, become as a child in our capacity to love and obey, we are on the sure foundation." Henry B. Eyring ,  "As a Child," Ensign, May 2006, 15-16

"When we came into this world, we brought with us from our heavenly home this God-given gift and privilege which we call our agency. It gives us the right and power to make decisions and to choose. Agency is an eternal law. President Brigham Young, speaking of our agency, taught: 'This is a law which has always existed from all eternity, and will continue to exist throughout all the eternities to come. Every intelligent being must have the power of choice'  (Deseret News, Oct. 10, 1866, 355)." Paul H. Wolfgang ,  "The Gift of Agency," Ensign, May 2006, 34-35

President David O. McKay, in the October 1968 general conference, spoke about several traits that characterize a successful leader or teacher in the Church: 1.   “ Implicit faith  in the gospel of  Jesus Christ  as the light of the world, and a sincere desire to serve him. This condition of the soul will make for companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost.” 2.   “ Unfeigned love  for the … members, guided by determination to deal justly and impartially with every member of the Church. Honor the … member, and the … member will honor you.” 3.   “ Thorough preparation . The successful leader knows his [or her] duties and responsibilities and also the members under his [or her] direction.” 4.   “ Cheerfulness —not forced but natural cheerfulness, springing spontaneously from a hopeful soul” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1968, 144).

Are the people going to fear?  If fear is in the hearts of any one of you, it is because you do not pray often enough; or when you do pray you are not sufficiently humble before the Lord.  You do not plead with Him until your will is swallowed up in His.  If every one of the Latter day Saints lived up to their privileges, they would not fear the world, and all that they can no, any more than they fear the cranes that fly croaking three quarters of a mile above them, will drop their eggs upon them to dash their brains out.  You might as well fear that event as to fear all the forces of hell, if the people were sanctified before the Lord and would do His will every day.  Are these strange ideas to you?  Read and learn how the Lord protected the children of Israel in former days, even during their wickedness and rebellion against Him.  Whenever a good man would say "Cease from your wickedness, turn from your idols and seek to the Lord, " and they hearkened to this counsel, then

You are aware that many think the devil has power over both the body and spirit.  Now I want to tell you that he does not hold power over any, only as far as the body overcomes the spirit that is in man, through yielding to the spirit of evil.  The spirit that the Lord puts into a tabernacle of flesh is under the dictation of the Lord Almighty...In the first place the spirit is pure, and under the special control and influence of the Lord, but the body is of the earth, and is subject to the power of the devil, and is under the mighty influence of that fallen nature that is of the earth.  If the spirit yields to the body, the devil then has power to overcome the body and spirit of man, and [that man] loses both... When you are tempted, buffeted, and step out of the way inadvertently: when you are overtaken in fault, or commit an over act unthinkingly; when you are full of evil passion and wish to yield to it, then stop and let the spirit, which God has put into your tabernacles, take th

In his flight from persecution at Thessalonica and Berea, Paul waited at Athens for Silas and Timotheus. While there, “his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” ( Acts 17:16 .) Paul, as you remember, had, in a great experience, gained for himself a knowledge that the Lord was not an impersonal essence, but rather an individual so near that He could and did speak to Paul, and gave instruction as to what Paul should do for his own welfare. (See  Acts 9 .) it was this knowledge which caused Paul’s spirit to be stirred in him as he beheld the idolatry of the city. Not only did such knowledge stir his spirit, but it also gave him the desire and the strength and the courage to do what he could to enlighten the people of Athens. He took every occasion to teach “them Jesus, and the resurrection .” ( Acts 17:18 .) Some called him a babbler; others said, “He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods.” ( Acts 17:18 .) So much attention did he attract that m

“Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth.” ( D&C 19:38 .) During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught us a pattern for prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. “Give us this day our daily bread. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” ( Matt. 6:9–13 .) He further instructed, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” ( Luke 18:1 .) “Watch and pray,” He said, “that ye enter not into temptation.” ( Matt. 26:41 .) In this dispensation He admonished, “Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.” ( D&C 93:49 .) The Savior declared to  Joseph Smith , “In nothing doth ma