Inspirational Powers: For your full potential to be realized

"I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect' Are you vexed by your own imperfections? For example, have you ever locked your keys inside the car? Or have you ever moved from one room to another, to accomplish a task, only to find you had forgotten what you wanted to do? (Incidentally, troubles of that nature don't disappear as you grow older.) Please do not be discouraged by the Lord's expression of hope for your perfection. You should have faith to know that He would not require development beyond your capacity. Of course you should strive to correct habits or thoughts which are improper. Conquering of weakness brings great joy. You can attain a certain degree of perfection in some things in this life. And you can become perfect in keeping various commandments. But the Lord was not necessarily asking for your errorless and perfect behavior in all things. He was pleading for more than that. His hopes are for your full potential to be realized: to become as He is! That includes the perfection of your physical body, when it will be changed to an immortal state that cannot deteriorate or die. So while you earnestly strive for continuing improvement in your life here, remember that your resurrection, exaltation, completion, and perfection await you in the life to come. That precious promise of perfection could not have been possible without the Lord's Atonement and example."

Russell M. Nelson

"None of us know when the Savior will come again, but I'm quite certain that you sense, as I do, an unmistakable acceleration in the fulfillment of prophecies. Each of us must prepare now to play his or her foreordained part as the final pieces of Heavenly Father's plan come together in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. It will require of us much because much has been given to us."

L. Tom Perry

"Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do 'all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that we should run faster than we have strength. But it is expedient that we should be diligent, and thereby … win the prize.'"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The Lord expects us to be as faithful, as devoted, as courageous as those who went before us. They were called to give‍ their lives for the gospel. We are called to live‍ our lives for the same purpose. In these last days we have special reason to do so. Before that sacred night in Bethlehem, the events of history and the words of the prophets of all dispensations prepared the way for the first coming of the Lord and His Atonement. Similarly, history and prophecy laid the groundwork Restoration of the gospel ….. Do we have eyes to see that the events and prophecies of our‍ time are preparing us for the Savior's Second‍ Coming?"

Robert D. Hales

"Joy comes when we have the Spirit in our lives .

When we have the Spirit, we rejoice in what the Savior has done for us."

Quentin L. Cook

"The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice."

Gordon B. Hinckley

"Do not fear the future. Go forward with hope and faith. Remember that supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. Learn to be taught by it. Learn to seek it. Learn to live by it. Learn to pray always in the name of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord will attend you, and you will be blessed."

Boyd K. Packer

"The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Savior wants to forgive. I knew that was true the moment I read the title, but had not considered that part of His character much before. Not only does the Savior forgive–which we talk a lot about–but he wants to forgive.

He can. And he wants to.

It is not an annoyance or task He does grudgingly, but rather willingly and anxiously. He was not coerced into Gethsemane. He does not withhold mercy, nor is He a miser with his love. When Peter asked him how often we should forgive, the Lord not only gave an answer and counsel to the Twelve, but also a peek into His character and heart. It is beneath Him to consider forgiving someone less than 490 times; and never, ever just seven. This brings hope to all, "Especially to those who feel that recurring human weakness is beyond the Savior's willingness to help and to save."

Emily Freeman

"The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they 'wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places' However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him,

they will have great power and influence for good on their children."

Julie B. Beck

"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being."

James E. Faust