Mormon Musings

‎"It is a paradox that men will gladly devote time every day for many years to learn a science or an art; yet will expect to win a knowledge of the gospel, which comprehends all sciences and arts, through perfunctory glances at books or occasional listening to sermons. The gospel should be studied more intensively than any school or college subject. They who pass opinion on the gospel without having given it intimate and careful study are not lovers of truth, and their opinions are worthless." John A Widtsoe

Let us help the youth of the Church learn to love the Lord, for what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

None of us lives for himself alone.  Others are following in our footsteps, watching carefully, and taking license from the things we say and the things we do.  When we have doubts, it is wise to keep them to ourselves and to ponder on them and study and pray and inquire.   One by one they are resolved.  When we have questions that are unresolved, it is wise to take them on faith.  Otherwise it may be that we will enjoy the fruits of the Gospel and never stray "too" far, and yet those who come after us who depend upon us most may be robbed of their spiritual inheritance.  They may forsake the standards and become inelegible for those redeeming ordinances that makes life eternally happy. Boyd K. Packer, "Teach Ye Diligently", (Deseret Book Company, 1975), p. 181

“I testify that I was acquainted with Joseph Smith for years. I have traveled with him; I have been with him in private and in public; I have associated with him in councils of all kinds; I have listened hundreds of times to his public teachings, and his advice to his friends and associates of a more private nature. I have been at his house and seen his deportment in his  family . I have seen him arraigned before the tribunals of his country, have seen him honorably acquitted, and delivered from the pernicious breath of slander, and the machinations and falsehoods of wicked and corrupt men. I was with him living, and with him when he died, when he was murdered in Carthage jail by a ruthless mob … with their faces painted. I was there and was myself wounded; I at that time received four balls in my body. I have seen him, then, under these various circumstances, and I testify before God, angels, and men, that he was a good, honorable, virtuous man … that his private and public character

So far as the philosophy and wisdom of the world are concerned, they mean nothing unless they conform to the revealed word of God.  Any doctrine, whether it comes in the name of religion, science, philosophy, or whatever it may be, if it is in conflict with the revealed word of the Lord, will fail.  It may appear plausible.  It may be put before you in language that appeals and which you may not be able to answer.  It may appear to be established by evidence that you cannot controvert, but all you need to do is to abide your time.  Time will level all things.  You will find that every doctrine, every principle, no matter how universally believed, if not in accord with the divine word of the Lord to his servants, will perish.  Nor is it necessary for us to stretch the word of the Lord, in a vain attempt to make it conform to these theories and teachings.  The word of the Lord shall not pass away unfulfilled, but these false doctrines and theories will all fail.  Truth, and only truth, w

After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost . . . then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure. Joseph Smith ( DHC , Vol. 3, p. 380).

If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging. -- Diane Loomans

When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live by: “I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor. “I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed. “I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind. “I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life. “I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right. “I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy. “I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends. “I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend. “I would overcome the tendency to selfishness a

On one occasion J. Golden Kimball and George Albert Smith were traveling together and had been invited to spend the night in a small log home. George Albert Smith later recalled: “About midnight we were awakened with a terrible shouting and yelling from the outside. Foul language greeted our ears as we sat up in bed to acquaint ourselves with the circumstances. It was a bright moonlit night and we could see many people on the outside. President Kimball jumped up and started to dress. The men pounded on the door and used filthy language ordering  the Mormons  to come out, that they were going to shoot them. President Kimball asked me if I wasn’t going to get up and dress and I told him no, I was going to stay in bed, that I was sure the Lord would take care of us. In just a few seconds the room was filled with shots. Apparently the mob had divided itself into four groups and were shooting into the corners of the house. Splinters were flying over our heads in every direction. There we

As you advance in life you will find every position and occupation surrounded by its peculiar temptations, the great strength and bulwark against all of which is prayer to our Heavenly Father. Cultivate this spirit and you will find that it shall be a wall of fire around you, and your glory in the midst of you. In its practice you will find a safeguard against the wiles of the adversary, and every good resolution will be fortified by it, and every seductive influence will lose its power to annoy you. Brigham Young,  Discourses of Brigham Young , 41 Don Jesse,  Letters, Introduction , p. XXXV