Mormon Musings

  “In a world where peace is such a universal quest, we sometimes wonder why violence walks our streets, accounts of murder and senseless killings fill the columns of our newspapers, and family quarrels and disputes mar the sanctity of the home and smother the tranquillity of so many lives. “Perhaps we stray from the path which leads to peace and find it necessary to pause, to ponder, and to reflect on the teachings of the Prince of Peace and determine to incorporate them in our thoughts and actions and to live a higher law, walk a more elevated road, and be a better disciple of Christ. “… Peace after the way of man is perishable. Peace after the manner of God will prevail.” —President Thomas S. Monson

Our Father provided the sun, the moon, and the stars—heavenly galaxies to guide mariners who sail the lanes of the sea. To us, as we walk the pathway of life, He provides a clear map and points the way toward our desired destination. He cautions: beware the detours, the pitfalls, the traps. We cannot be deceived by those who would lead us astray, those clever pied pipers of sin beckoning here or there. Instead, we pause to pray; we listen to that still, small voice which speaks to the depths of our souls the Master’s gentle invitation, “Come, follow me.” President Thomas S. Monson, October 2014 General Conference

“Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life’s fight, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome.” —Thomas S. Monson, “Meeting Life’s Challenges,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 68

“If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” President Thomas B. Monson

Courage comes in many forms. Wrote the  Christian  author Charles Swindoll: “Courage is not limited to the battlefield … or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.” 3  I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular. President Thomas B. Monson, April 2014 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng#watch=video

Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. President Thomas B. Monson, April 2014 General Conference

“Our Heavenly Father … knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were—better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before.” -“I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee,” Ensign , Nov. 2013, 87

"It’s not enough to wish, it’s not enough to dream, it’s not enough to promise. We must do." —Thomas S. Monson, " Four Words to Guide You "

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others." —President Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas Is Love"

"Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, He is with us. He has promised that this will never change." —Thomas S. Monson, " "I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee" " There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with  a Moses ,  so  I will be  b with thee : I will not fail thee, nor  c forsake  thee. Joshua 1:5

"As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified." —Thomas S. Monson, " The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World "

"The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments." —Thomas S. Monson, " Obedience Brings Blessings "

My brothers and sisters, the Lord’s purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands... I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual—or one cultural celebration or one Jumbotron. The fact that He can, that He does, is a testimony to me. President Thomas S. Monson, October 2012 General Conference  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/consider-the-blessings?lang=eng

"We cannot go to heaven in a feather bed. The Savior of the world entered after great pain and suffering. We, as servants, can expect no more than the Master. Before Easter there must be a cross. While we walk these paths which bring forth bitter sorrow, we can also walk those paths which yield eternal joy." President  Thomas S. Monson, " The Paths Jesus Walked ",   Ensign, Liahona , May 1974

“We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.” President Thomas S. Monson “What Have I Done for Someone Today?”  Ensign,  Nov. 2009, 86

"The Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us." President  Thomas S. Monson, " Consider the Blessings ",   Liahona and Ensign , November 2012