Mormon Musings

"Sometimes I go to the scriptures for doctrine. Sometimes I go to the scriptures for instruction. I go with a question, and the question usually is 'What would God have me do? or 'What would He have me feel?' Invariably I find new ideas, thoughts I have never had before, and I receive inspiration and instruction and answers to my questions."  (President Eyring, Ensign, July 2005, 22)

All [people] need to accept the reality of Christ’s return in majesty and power before that event occurs; as C.S. Lewis put it, it will do men little good to kneel down when it is no longer possible to stand up, for when the “Author of the play comes on stage, the play is over!” Neal A. Maxwell

"I think the proper course for us to pursue is to turn to the Holy Scriptures and learn what the Lord has done for the people of His church in days of old. The more we know about the way an unchangeable God has operated in days past, the greater surety we will have that He will repeat Himself in days present..."  (Elder McConkie, New Era, July 1978, 5)

"Personal, sincere, involvement in the scriptures produces faith, hope, and solutions to our daily challenges. Frequently reading, pondering, and applying the lessons of the scriptures, combined with prayer, become an irreplaceable part of gaining and sustaining a strong, vibrant testimony."  (Elder Donald L. Staheli, Ensign, Nov. 2004, 39)

“Some are willing to set aside the precious gospel truths restored by Joseph Smith because they get diverted on some historical issue or some scientific hypothesis not central to their exaltation, and in so doing they trade their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. They exchange the absolute certainty of the Restoration for a doubt, and in that process they fall into the trap of losing faith in the many things they do know because of a few things they do not know.” Tad R. Callister ,  “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 37

"In reality, there aren’t many things in a day that are totally without significance. Even the mundane and repetitious can be tiny but significant building blocks that in time establish the discipline and character and order needed to realize our plans and dreams. Therefore, as you ask in prayer for your daily bread, consider thoughtfully your needs—both what you may lack and what you must protect against. As you retire to bed, think about the successes and failures of the day and what will make the next day a little better. And thank your Heavenly Father for the manna He has placed along your path that sustained you through the day." —D. Todd Christofferson, " Recognizing God's Hands in Our Daily Blessings ",  Liahona and Ensign , January 2012

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” ( Alma 1:25 ) during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others. When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view. Elder Neal L. Andersen http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/trial-of-your-faith?lang=eng