Mormon Musings

When the hopes of humans are riddled and blasted, it is usually when mortals assume that familiar formation: the circular firing squad. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, " Even As I Am " p. 5

So often in life, it seems, a blessing is quickly succeeded by a stretching.  Spiritual exhilaration is often short lived, being soon followed by vexation, temptation, and even tribulation.  Perhaps this is so because we cannot handle exhilaration for any length of time.  Or it is because we need to get on with the next challenge, there being so little time for languishing?  Or it is that experiencing the sharp, side-by-side contrast of the sweet and the bitter, almost continuously, is essential until the very end of this mortal existence?  Or are we at risk if in extended spiritual reveries we quickly forget others in need?  Whatever the reasons, the Lord hastens us forward--submissively on to the next work to be done.  Handcarts are to be picked up again promptly, after pausing whether for gladness or for sadness. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, " Not My Will But Thine " p. 13

Our defiance of God is an expression of our ignorance, not our individuality. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, " Not My Will But Thine " p. 67

"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