Friday, June 3, 2011

Important Words to Say



Keep your words soft and tender
because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
~Author Unknown


Never ruin an apology with an excuse. 



In some families, please is described as the magic word. 
In our house, however, it was sorry.


"In this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be "perfect" men and women in at least this one way now-by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today."

Jeffrey R. Holland




There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox



An apology is the superglue of life. 
It can repair just about anything.



Apology is a lovely perfume;
it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift.


Forgiveness does not change the past,
but it does enlarge the future.

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. 
That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.




For every minute you are angry,
you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
~Author Unknown



In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our sanctuary.
If we seek peace, we must come unto Him.
Joseph B. Wirthlin



Friendship isn't a big thing
- it's a million little things.
~Author Unknown




The most important trip you may take in life
is meeting people halfway. 

 

"May we show increased kindness toward one another
may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord."
Thomas S. Monson



"Marriage relationships can be enriched by better communication. One important way is to pray together. This will resolve many of the differences, if there are any, between the couple before sleep comes. I do not mean to overemphasize differences, but they are real, and make things interesting. Our differences are the little pinches of salt which can make the marriage seem sweeter. We communicate in a thousand ways, such as a smile, a brush of the hair, a gentle touch, and remembering each day to say 'I love you' and the husband to say 'You're beautiful.' Some other important words to say, when appropriate, are 'I'm sorry.'
Listening is excellent communication."

President James E. Faust

  
"The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn't really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: 'He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.'"

Thomas S. Monson

"Sometimes we can take offense so easily. On other occasions we are too stubborn to accept a sincere apology. Who will subordinate ego, pride, and hurt—then step forward with 'I am truly sorry! Let's be as we once were: friends. Let's not pass to future generations the grievances, the anger of our time'? Let's remove any hidden wedges that can do nothing but destroy."

Thomas S. Monson


"Those who grieve frequently find themselves alone. Missed is the laughter of children, the commotion of teenagers, and the tender, loving concern of a departed companion. The clock ticks more loudly, time passes more slowly, and four walls can indeed a prison make. I extol those who, with loving care and compassionate concern, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless. He who notes the sparrow's
fall will not be unmindful of such service."

Thomas S. Monson


"The battle for self-discipline may leave you a bit bruised and battered but always a better person. Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless. Should temporary setbacks afflict us, a very significant part of our struggle for self-discipline is the determination and the courage to try again....Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal, and self-discipline will surely be required if you are to achieve it."

Thomas S. Monson


"Remember that all men have their fears,
but those who face their fears with
dignity have courage as well."

Thomas S. Monson


"Our Heavenly Father has placed an upward reach in every one of us. The words of scripture speak loud and clear: 'Look to God and live' No problem is too small for His attention nor so large that He cannot answer the prayer of faith. Prayer surely is the passport to spiritual power. You can pray with purpose when you realize who you are and what Heavenly Father wants you to become. You will not find it difficult to approach Him with your sincere prayer as you remember the words of the Apostle Paul,
'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?'

Thomas S. Monson


"It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God's Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells."

Thomas S. Monson



"Faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith–and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith."

Thomas S. Monson


"Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it."

Thomas S. Monson


Thursday, June 2, 2011

Heart to Heart


"Needed are...souls filled with compassion, that we might communicate not only eye to eye, or voice to ear, but in the majestic style of the Savior, even heart to heart."

President Thomas S. Monson

"Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."

Joseph B. Wirthlin


"Though we cannot understand "the meaning of all things," we do "know that God loveth his children" because He has said, "Behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Heavenly Father is able to accomplish these two great goals-the immortality and eternal life of man-because He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father's perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as

His spirit children can and should emulate."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly,
He understands our suffering. He understands our grief.
We experience hard things so that we too may have increased
compassion and understanding for others."

Joseph B. Wirthlin

"As children of God we are somebody. He will build us,
mold us, and magnify us if we will but hold our heads up,
our arms out, and walk with him."

Marvin J. Ashton

"I have always found that when we do the little things
correctly, the Lord gives us the strength to accomplish big things...
You might not always understand the reasons for some rules or
 commandments, but if you will follow them even in the
little things you will have more strength to do big things...
And you will have the great blessing of knowing that you
are on the Lord's side and that He is on yours."

Donald L. Hallstrom

"However much faith to obey God we now have,
we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it
refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now
to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure.
Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys
to spiritual preparation.
Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies."

Henry B. Eyring

"The Savior's loving warmth and healing touch
lift us and give us strength to endure."


More Holiness Give Me


"Meekness is vital to becoming more Christlike. Without it one cannot develop other important virtues. . . Acquiring meekness is a process. . . More meekness does not translate to weakness, but it is the presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness. It reflects certitude, strength, serenity; it reflects a healthy self-esteem and a genuine self-control.
More meekness will allow us to be tutored by the Spirit."

H. David Burton

"At times many of us let that enemy of achievement--even the culprit 'self-defeat'--dwarf our aspirations, smother our dreams, cloud our vision, and impair our lives. The enemy's voice whispers in our ears, 'You can't do it.' 'You're too young.' 'You're too old.' 'You're nobody.' This is when we remember that we are created in the image of God. Reflection on this truth provides a profound sense of strength and power."

President Thomas S. Monson

"Holiness is the strength of the soul. It comes by faith and through obedience to God's laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy. When holiness is achieved by conforming to God's will, one knows intuitively that which is wrong and that which is right before the Lord. Holiness speaks when there is silence, encouraging that which is good or reproving that which is wrong."

James E. Faust



"Patience, a Key to Happiness"


"We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times."


Joseph B. Wirthlin



"Sometime in the eternities to come,
we will see that our trials were calculated to
cause us to turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and support.
Any affliction or suffering we are called upon to bear may be
directed to give us experience, refinement, and perfection."

Delbert L. Stapley



"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He "quickens" us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."

Elder Keith K. Hilbig

"Thoughts mold your features. Thoughts lift your soul heavenward or drag you toward hell. … As nothing reveals character like the company we like and keep, so nothing foretells futurity like the thoughts over which we brood. … To have the approval of your conscience when you are alone with your thoughts is like being in the company of true and loving friends. To merit your own self-respect gives strength to character. Conscience is the link that binds your soul to the spirit of God."

David O. McKay


"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."

"Filled with his love, we can endure pain, quell fear,
forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength,
and bless and help others."

Elder John H Groberg

"Pray for the strength to walk the high road,
which at times may be lonely but which will lead to peace and
 happiness and joy supernal."

President Gordan B Hinckley

"Do not allow yourself to be self-condemning.
Avoid discouragement. Teach yourself correct principles
and govern yourself with honor. Appropriately involve
yourself in helping others. As we develop proper
self-image in ourself and others, I promise you the "nobody"
 attitude will completely disappear. Ever remember wherever
you are today within the sound of my voice that you are someone."

Marvin J. Ashton
"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed."

L. Lionel Kendrick

"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort
 and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face.
He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles.
With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed.
Listen to His words of counsel and comfort: "Fear not,
little children, for you are mine, and
I have overcome the world and none of them that my Father
hath given me shall be lost."

L. Lionel Kendrick


"Some of our struggles involve making decisions,
while others are a result of the decisions we have made.
Some of our struggles result from choices others make that affect our lives.
We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life,
but we can control how we respond. Many struggles come as problems and
pressures that sometimes cause pain.
Others come as temptations, trials, and tribulations."

L. Lionel Kendrick

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Golden Threads of Charity


We don't seek out tests, trials, and tribulations. 
Our personal journey through life will provide
just the right amount for our needs. 
Many trials are just a natural part of our mortal existence,
but they play such an important role in our progress
Trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the Divine Nature.

Paul V. Johnson

 

 

"You and I have a spiritual destiny, and it does not allow us to ride passively in the back of the plane traveling through mortality. The Lord promised Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed He was speaking of the spiritual blessing brought to the world through us, whom He referred to as 'children of the covenant' Alma described some as called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God'

Neil L. Andersen

 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

 


A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

One joy scatters a hundred griefs.


Into the house where joy lives, happiness will gladly come.
  
A smile is a light in the window
of the soul indicating that the heart is at home.


Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

There may be peace without joy, and joy without peace,
but the two combined make happiness

        
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Let a joy keep you.
Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.

There are those who give with joy,
and that joy is their reward.
     

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.

The only way to have a friend is to be one.

Tell me your friends, and I'll tell you who you are.
Do not protect yourself by a fence,
but rather by your friends.


Since the foundation of the world, the cloth of righteous societies has ever been woven from the golden threads of charity.
H. David Burton