Faith gives us vision

"The Lord has a plan for us in this life. He knows us. He knows what is best for us. Just because things are going well does not mean that we should not from time to time consider whether there might be something better. If we continue to live as we are living, will the promised blessings be fulfilled?"

Carlos A. Godoy

"Without faith in our Heavenly Father, we cannot be successful. Faith gives us vision of what may happen, hope for the future, and optimism in our present tasks. Where faith is, we do not doubt the ultimate success of the work."  

  Ezra Taft Benson

"In the Church we are not building a kingdom, we are building the kingdom. We do this only when we are unified and truly working together."

  Elaine L. Jack

"First, we must understand the need for change. An unexamined life is not worth living… Being aware of the fault and the need to change is a most important step. The recognition of the need to change has to be a greater force than the luxury of staying the same."

  Marvin J. Ashton

"The scriptures provide one of the best ways to find our course and stay on it."  

 Russell M. Nelson

"Let your minds be filled with the goal of being like the Lord, and you will crowd out depressing thoughts as you anxiously seek to know him and do his will."

  Ezra Taft Benson

"The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

  David A. Bednar

What's in your heart will manifest itself

Road work ahead

Feel heard

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

yield: 24 ROLLS

prep time: 2 HOUR 30 MIN

cook time: 20 MINUTES

total time: 3 HOURS

Ingredients:

Dough:

2 cups warm water

2/3 cups nonfat dry milk (instant)

2 TB dry yeast

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter or shortening softened

1 egg

5 cups bread flour or all purpose

Filling:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups chocolate chips

Icing:

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 Tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water and milk powder and stir until the milk dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for a few minutes.

Add the sugar, salt, butter, egg and 2 cups of the flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed with a bread dough hook (can can knead by hand) until ingredients are wet, then turn to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and add 2 more cups of flour then mix on low speed until the ingredients are wet, then turn mixer on medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. The dough will be getting stiff and you may need to remove the bowl from the mixer and mix in the remaining flour by hand. Add approximately 1/4 cup of flour and mix until you reach a nice soft dough. The dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff. It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour. Scrape the dough off the sides of the bowl and pour approximately one Tablespoon of vegetable oil all around the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough over in the bowl so it is covered with the oil. This helps prevent the dough from drying out. Cover with plastic and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size.

For the filling crush up chocolate chips finely (I used my blender). In small bowl mix sugars together. Once dough has doubled in size roll, sprinkle flour onto counter then put dough on flour and punch down. Roll into a large rectangle about 20 by 16 inches and 1/2 inch thick.  Generously spread softened butter on top of dough, evenly covered. Sprinkle sugar mixture on top of butter then add chopped up chocolate till evenly covered. Starting on long side, roll up dough into rolled log. Cut the dough into one inch pieces with floss or a large knife. Place dough onto a buttered baking dish with rolls about 1 inch apart. Let rolls sit for about an hour or until rolls have doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When rolls have risen, bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until lightly browned. Meanwhile combine all the icing ingredients with an electric mixer and beat until smooth. Once rolls are done remove out from oven and let cool.

Once cool, drizzle icing on top and enjoy! 

Not one

There is not one of us… 

who can fall further than Christ can reach."  

 Robert H. Daines

He Knows

"There is nothing we experience that our Lord does not understand. I know this to be true. At times when I feel overwhelmed or alone, unsure or defeated, I remember that we have a Savior who understands and loves me. His atonement was personal; it was for me. 

He knows. He understands."

  Elaine L. Jack

Kindness

There is no such thing as a small 

act of kindness. 

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Every time a child is born

"Every time a child is born, 

the world is renewed in innocence."  

Boyd K. Packer

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1-1/2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) Buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1-3/4 cups (7 ounces) crumbled blue cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup minced Italian flat leaf parsley
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, celery and carrot; cook and stir until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in tomatoes, wing sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup blue cheese, parsley and egg. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Spread 1-1/2 cups sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles, 1-1/2 cups sauce, 2/3 cup ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 2/3 cup cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup blue cheese. Repeat layers twice.
4. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yield: 12 servings.

Listen with Love

Every day a “special occasion”

Every day has a new beginning, a new blessing, and a new hope. that is God's gift to us.

"Don't save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion."  

Thomas S. Monson

"Life offers you two precious gifts—one is time, the other freedom of choice, the freedom to buy with your time what you will. You are free to exchange your allotment of time for thrills. You may trade it for base desires. You may invest it in greed. Yours is the freedom to choose. But these are no bargains, for in them you find no lasting satisfaction. Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must sometime be accounted for." 

D. Todd Christofferson

"Today is a gift—that's why we call it the present." Both notice and enjoy the special moments of life. Resist the temptation to get caught up in frantic activity. Slow down a little, steady the course, focus on the significant, and truly see the things that matter most." Relish life as you live it. Treasure the time you have been given as a gift, and make every day of your life a "special occasion."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

"We live through each part of our lives only once. We don't go back. So, instead of wishing that any part of it were over, instead of living always for something that is never now...we should find some sweetness and accomplishment and compensation in every hour."

 Richard L. Evans 

Pleasant Words

Love

Classic Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

ingredients

• 1 recipe Pie Crust 
• 3 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 3 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour *
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
• heavy cream for brushing on top of crust
• raw sugar for sprinkling

instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a well-floured counter, roll half of pie dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch pie plate.
2. In a large bowl, combine the berries, rhubarb, sugars, lemon salt and tapioca flour. Pour the filling into the bottom crust. Dot with butter pieces. Roll out the top crust into a 12 inch circle, and either proceed with a lattice top, or a simple double crust. Seal the edges and crimp decoratively as desired. Brush the crust with the heavy cream and sprinkle with raw sugar.
3. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 and then reduce temp to 350 for another 25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
4. Let pie cool for several hours before cutting, the filling will only thicken as it cools. The pie can also be baked the night before serving.
   notes*Other thickening options include instant tapioca or clear gel, cornstarch can be used, but the filling won't be as thick.

perfect pie crust

ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4-1/2 cups ice water

instructions

1. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor, and process for a few seconds to combine.
2. Add the butter, and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds.
3. With the machine running, add the ice water in a slow, steady stream, through the feed tube, just until the dough holds together. Do not process for more than 30 seconds.
4. Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Divide in two. Place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap.
5. Flatten, and form two discs. Wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour before using.

 

Rest assured, God is working behind the scenes

While weak hope leaves us at the mercy of our moods and events, 'brightness of hope' produces illuminated individuals. Their luminosity is seen, and things are also seen by it!"

 Neal A. Maxwell

We must allow the hope of Christ's glory and of eternal life to rest in our minds forever. We must reaffirm the goal that matters most and press toward it 'looking forward with an eye of faith.'"

  Carlos E. Asay

When you feel alone against the storm, know that Heaven is near to help you stand strong and prevail.

Never failing

"The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals 

readily recognized and never failing."

All things

He knows your needs today.

The world we live in is not built with the material things around us, but with each thought, attitude, reaction and assumption we have moment by moment.

Be wise enough to learn from yesterday and brave enough to forge a better tomorrow. 

Greet each new day warmed by the fire of His spirit.

"God is even kinder than you think."
Mother Theresa

Rather than starting your day with a stressful list of things you have to do, try greeting the day with a joyful list of things you want to do. 

Embellish every moment and time will return to you a life of wonder. 

He knows your needs today. 

Remember that life's most treasured moments often come unannounced. 

                      "You may not always know why your Father in Heaven does what He does,              but you can know that He is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He would have you suffer no consequence, face no challenge, endure no burden that is superfluous to your good. He would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love."

Richard G. Scott

                            God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you to where         

you need to be. Even when things don't go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, and that He will lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsalted butter  softened

1 and ½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups oatmeal

1 cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, mix softened butter and sugar until creamy.

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and pour it in the butter sugar mixture. Add in vanilla extract and mix it well with a spatula. Whisk together flour, soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Add the dry mixture to the wet. Combine well.

Fold in oatmeal and raisins. Chill it for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. 

Drop 1 teaspoon of cookie dough on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Don't overbake these! Remove from oven and let them stay on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then take them on a wirerack and let them completely cool down.

Help us find Elizabeth Elena Laguna Salgado!!!

Moms With LDS mail, Relief Society Pedregal Ward and 48 others
HELP US FIND. PLEASE PLEASE!!
OUR FINE EX-MISSIONARY IS MISSING. PLEASE SHARE, INCLUDE HER IN YOUR DAILY PRAYERS AND OFFER A FAST TO FIND HER. SHE DISAPPEARED IN PROVO UTAH.
cry emoticon HELP US BY SHARING ON YOUR WALL AND IN YOUR GROUP TODAY cry emoticon

Daniel Salgado Herrera post:
Please pray a prayer and fast, for my cousin Elizabeth Elena Salgado Laguna Thursday April 16, 2015 afternoon she did not come home, she gave notice that an unknown man was bothering her, and did not want to go with him!!! We already made the report to the authorities, she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a former missionary, has just a few months back from her mission, she's a beautiful girl, and just a few weeks ago she went to study in Provo-Utah, where she disappeared. Especially my former teammates and Mexico Culiacan Mission friends residing in Utah, ask who can pass information, to find my cousin, thank you very much!!!!

Mamás SUD esperando correo with Sociedad De Socorro Barrio Pedregal and 48 others

AYÚDANOS A ENCONTRARLA. POR FAVOR...POR FAVOR!!

HERMAN@S LAMENTABLE OTRA DE NUESTRAS BELLAS EXMISIONERAS ESTÁ DESAPARECIDA. POR FAVOR DIFUNDAN COMPARTAN EN SU MURO, INCLUYÁMOSLA EN NUESTRAS ORACIONES DIARIAS Y OFREZCAMOS UN AYUNO POR ELLA. DESAPARECIÓ EN PROVO UTAH.

:'( AYÚDANOS COMPARTIENDO EN TU MURO Y EN TUS GRUPOS. HOY POR ELLA... :'(

Daniel Salgado Herrera

Por favor pido una oración y ayuno, por mi prima Elizabeth Elena Laguna Salgado el jueves 16 de abril de 2015 por la tarde ya no regreso a casa, ella dio aviso que un hombre desconocido la estaba molestando, al no querer salir con el!!! ya se hizo el reporte con las autoridades competentes, ella es miembro de la iglesia de jesucristo de los santos de los ultimos dias, es ex-misionera, tiene pocos meses que regreso de su mision, una hermosa joven, la cual hace unas semanas se fue a estudiar a provo-utah, lugar donde desapareció, en especial a mis ex compañeros y amigos de Mision Mexico Culiacan que residen en utah, les solicito que puedan pasar la información, para poder encontrar a mi prima, muchas gracias!!!!

Line upon line

Say we all

Tears

"Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: "Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die."  Moreover, we can't fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." 

Russell M. Nelson

As our understanding increases, we realize that tears of sorrow can be exquisitely beautiful—and that they ultimately give way to tears of eternal joy."

Glenn L. Pace

"The irony of the Atonement is that it is infinite and eternal, yet it is applied individually, one person at a time.  There is a level at which the child's hymn 'I Am a Child of God' harmonizes with the music of eternity. We are children of God. Each one of us is precious to the point of bringing the Lord God Almighty to a fulness of joy if we are faithful, or to tears if we are not."  

  M. Russell Ballard

"To all, wherever you are–to you who need hope, to you who need comfort, to you who are unhappy, to you who need direction and need to feel a purpose in your lives–my dear friends, I encourage you, I urge you to bow your heads or drop to your knees! In your own words, thank your Heavenly Father for His Son's atoning sacrifice for you and for all the blessings He has given you. Tears will moisten your eyes, and the warmth of the Spirit will come into your heart. Then talk to the Lord, asking for comfort, direction, and understanding. As you open your mind and heart to feel the spirit, the Lord in His own time and in His own way will give you the instructions which will bless your life."

D. Rex Gerratt

"…In the celestial glory, we are told that 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.' Then faith and hope will replace heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair, and the Lord will give us strength, as Mormon says, that we 'should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.'"

James E. Faust

Forgiveness comes because of the Redeemer 

Richard G. Scott

Faintest whisper

You are His child. He longs to lavish you with His loving kindness and tender mercies. His ears are attentive to your faintest whisper. He knows your thoughts before your lips speak them... He's your Heavenly Father. His love abounds towards you in an immeasurable abundance.

Tangled in the “weeds

Nowhere should we express charity more than within our own homes among those we know best. Though it is easy to become tangled in the "weeds" of criticizing family members, we should work to look past their superficial faults to the good that lies within each of them. As we accept and love unconditionally, looking forward with an eye of faith toward what our partners or our children may become, we help them realize their potential.

"We must recognize that we are all imperfect—that we are beggars before God. Haven't we all, at one time or another, meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace?

Haven't we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed? Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?"

  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Heaven's light is always just a prayer away.

Broccoli Florentine Bisque

Ingredients

1 package baby spinach

4 tbsp. butter

1/2  medium sweet onion

5 tbsp. all-purpose flour

4 c. low-sodium chicken stock

4 c. packed fresh broccoli florets

1/2 c. heavy cream

Greek yogurt

Lemon zest

Directions

Snip end of spinach bag and microwave 2 minutes or until wilted. Squeeze excess liquid from spinach.

Sauté onion in melted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Whisk in stock; stir in broccoli. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.

Stir in wilted spinach and cream. Process soup with an immersion blender (or carefully in batches in a blender) until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with Greek yogurt and lemon zest.

Pure in heart

With all my heart

More with our hearts

Rag-a-muffin

Moments of awe

At the end of a long day of school and work, a busy college student was asked about his exhausting day. Instead of mentioning his difficult chemistry class or his burdensome homework assignment, he talked about the beautiful sunset he saw on his way home. The highlight of his day was a moment of awe. 

Awe is what we feel when we encounter something vast and majestic, something bigger than ourselves. It breaks us free from the mundane and expands the way we see the world. We all need these moments of awe that calm our nerves, enlarge our perspective, and lift our attitude. 

According to recent studies, awe-inspiring experiences "benefit us in all sorts of ways, from stronger health to improved relationships." They make us quicker to help someone in need, more willing to share with others, and less interested in monetary rewards for the good we do.

There seems to be something about awe-inspiring moments that puts life in perspective and inspires us to trust and connect with our fellow human beings. Such experiences make us feel small while at the same time making us want to reach out beyond the limits of our private circle and embrace all of humanity. 

And the good news is that this glorious world is full of "awe experiences." They're all around us—all we have to do is look for them. That may mean taking a walk or a drive to see the beauties of nature. Or pausing to look deeply into a star-filled sky or at a glorious sunrise. Or watching grandkids having fun at a playground, or reveling in the joy of a new baby. Listening to inspiring music, watching an uplifting television program, or reading something enriching—all of these things can create awe. If we take the time to seek moments of awe, to appreciate something grand and glorious, to contemplate something bigger than ourselves, we may be surprised to find that our life is bigger, grander, and filled with more awe than we ever imagined. 

Lloyd D. Newell

Angel Food Cake French Toast with Cream Cheese and Strawberry Syrup

French Toast
Ingredients 

1 store bought angel food cake (7")

4 eggs, whisked

3/4 cups milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

2 tablespoons butter, divided

Recipe Fresh Strawberry Syrup

 Ingredients

3 cups strawberries, diced

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a gentle simmer until the strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened and reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 in volume, approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Syrup will thicken upon standing so simply whisk in more water to reached desired consistency if needed.

Additional Toppings (optional)

Cream Cheese, softened

Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Begin simmering Strawberry Syrup.

2. Meanwhile, slice angel food cake into 12-14 pieces, or to desired thickness. In a shallow dish, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip half of the slices (or as many that will fit in your skillet) into the egg mixture, resting for

a few seconds on each side. Add the coated slices to the heated skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Melt 1 more tablespoon butter in skillet and repeat with remaining slices.

3. Spread the cream cheese on the slices, and top with strawberry syrup and powdered sugar.

Yet he washed his feet

When the supper had ended, Christ proceeded to wash the feet of his disciples.  He knew that the "Father had given all things into his hands," and he knew who he was and where he was going.....

he knelt before them and began to wash their feet. 

.... the Redeemer of all mankind knelt before them with towel and water, and began lovingly to cleanse the filth from their feet. We must not miss this outpouring of service as a powerful testimony of his love for these men.   

Something often unnoticed is happening here, by the way. The Savior washed Judas' feet along with the others. Consider the implications.  Jesus was aware that within a few hours he would brutally, violently dead. He knew which of his closest friends would betray him, and yet he washed his feet, too. This is such a remarkable display of discipline and self-control that it defies any explanation, except the one the Savior gave when he explained what he had done. 

    Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye ought also to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 Ted Gibbson

Life is Good

Feel secure

Be lighthearted

Homemade Naan

Ingredients:

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:
 

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
 

Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
During the second rising, preheat grill to high heat.
 

At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.

Run to find the one

One piece at a time. . . quietly, gently, almost unnoticed

Never let the things you want make

 you forget the things you have.

Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone? Maybe you know someone whose life appears to be so happy, so free from heartache, pain, and difficulty—especially when compared to yours. Perhaps he or she has better health, a more exciting job, or more possessions or prestige. Or maybe you've wished you could live in a different age of history, when times seemed simpler and stresses seemed more manageable. 

But if you were able to spend a day in another person's life, you may discover that you didn't know the whole story or hadn't looked very deeply. Every life, in every era, is touched by some degree of trouble and tribulation, shaded by some measure of sorrow and stress. That's the nature of life. 

The truth is, you are the sum total of your accumulated years, experiences, and relationships. Your background has helped to shape you into the person you've become. You live and breathe today with all the hard-won wisdom and life lessons embedded in your soul. You wouldn't be you without all that is in your heart and head. All of this makes you uniquely qualified to conquer the challenges you now face. To quote a classic piece of homespun wisdom, "If all of our troubles were hung on a line, you'd take yours and I'd take mine."

Perhaps on a birthday we might wish we were a few years younger, and perhaps on stressful days we might wish we could live in another time. But each of us is here at this time and in this place for a purpose, and one thing that can keep us from fulfilling that purpose is wishing we were somewhere else. 

This is our time, our season. We can't really go back to another time or trade places with someone else, but we can enjoy the present and meet the future with faith. The wisdom of the Psalmist echoes through the ages: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24.

Lloyd D. Newell

He paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a debt we can never pay.

"Enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to eternal life. But when trials and challenges come our way, we are often told to simply 'hang in there.' ... To 'hang in there' is not a principle of the gospel. Enduring to the end means constantly coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him." 

Kevin Pearson

We almost certainly will fail—at least in the short term. But rather than be discouraged, we can be empowered because this understanding removes the pressure of being perfect right now. 

 Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection." 

Patricia T. Holland

"It is not possible for you to sink lower than
the infinite light of Christ's atonement shines." 

 Jeffrey R. Holland

"Those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him and personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle one piece at a time. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed." 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf