Mormon Musings

“Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.” -Sidney B. Simon and Suzanne Simon, as quoted in James E. Faust, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign , May 2007, 68 (this was his last General Conference address)

The designation "chosen", of course, is not just status; it confers great responsibilities upon those chosen to reach their fellowmen.  God gives the picks and shovels to those "chosen" because they are willing to go to work and get callouses on their hands.  They may not be the best or most capable, but they are the most available. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (Deposition of a Disciple, p. 54) It makes sense to me that the Lord would chose out of the world those who are (or who could become) different from the world and, therefore, could lead the world to a different outcome.  We must be different in order to make a difference. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (Deposition of a Disciple, p. 54)

O  then,  my  beloved  brethren,  a come  unto  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One.  Remember  that  his  paths  are    righteous.  Behold,  the  b way  for  man  is  c narrow ,  but  it  lieth  in  a  straight  course  before  him,  and  the  keeper  of  the  d gate  is  the  Holy  One  of  Israel;  and  he  employeth  no  servant  there;  and  there  is  none  other  way  save  it  be  by  the  gate;  for  he  cannot  be  deceived,  for  the  Lord  God  is  his  name. 2 Nephi 9:41

This lesson we have all got to  learn—that we and all that we possess is the Lord's, and that continually, and that we must forever hold ourselves subject to his counsels and ready to obey his will. Erastus Snow, Journal of Discourses 8:220

The gospel teaches us to be happy, to have faith rather than fear, to find hope and overcome despair, to leave darkness and turn toward the light of the everlasting gospel.   Paul and others warned about the trials of our time and the days yet to come. But peace can be settled in the heart of each who turns to the scriptures and unlocks the promises of protection and redemption that are taught therein.   President Boyd K. Packer, October 2013 General Conference   http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-key-to-spiritual-protection?lang=eng

Just as chalk can be removed from a blackboard, with sincere repentance the effects of our transgression can be erased through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That promise applies in every case.   President Boyd K. Packer, October 2013 General Conference   http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-key-to-spiritual-protection?lang=eng

Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow. There is in the scriptures a voice of warning, but there is also great nourishment. President Boyd K. Packer, October 2013 General Conference http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-key-to-spiritual-protection?lang=eng