Young Single Adult Gems - 23 March 2009

Always Choose the Right

"You will have challenges and hard decisions to make throughout your life. Be determined now to always do what is right and let the consequence follow. The consequence will always be for your best good. You will learn that it is easiest over the long run to stand for what is right and do the difficult thing to begin with. Once you take that position, following through is not too hard. An individual who cuts corners and justifies some departure from true standards for whatever reason finds that seeds are planted that produce problems later. Those problems are far more difficult to overcome than taking a correct stand initially.

"Do what is right even though it seems you will be alone in so doing, that you are going to lose friends, that you will be criticized. What you will find is that by doing what is right, after a period of testing, the finest friends will be discovered and you can mutually support each other in your resolve to be obedient to all of the commandments of the Lord.

"I have never been sorry on any occasion when I stood for what was right—even against severe criticism. As you learn that truth, you will also discover that when you have taken a determined stand for right, when you have established personal standards and made covenants to keep them, when temptations come and you act according to your standards, you will be reinforced and given strength beyond your own capacity if that is needed. Difficulty comes when you enter the battle of temptation without a fixed plan. That is what Satan desires, for then you are ripe for defeat."

Richard G. Scott, "Do What Is Right," Ensign, June 1997, 53

Topics: Truth

Daily Gems - 20 March 2009

Stretched by Priesthood Service

"Most of you have discovered that your priesthood duties will stretch you to the point that you wonder if you can stretch that far. It may have happened when you were asked to speak in a stake conference before hundreds of people. For the recent convert, it may have been being asked to pray in public or teach a class for the first time. For some, it may have been trying to learn a language in a missionary training center . . . [or] on the streets of a strange city when your mission president charged you to speak to every person you met to testify of the Savior and of the Restoration of the gospel.

"You may have thought then, 'Once I finish my mission, being a faithful priesthood holder will get easier.' But in a few years you found yourself getting even less sleep at night, while trying to support a wife and a new baby, being kind and loving, scrambling to get some education, reaching out to the members of your elders quorum, perhaps even helping them to move their furniture, and trying to find time to serve your ancestors in the temple. You may have kept a smile on your face with the thought: 'When I get a little older, being a faithful priesthood holder will not require so much. It will get easier.'

"Those of you further down the road are smiling because you know something about priesthood service. It is this: the more faithful service you give, the more the Lord asks of you. Your smile is a happy one because you know that He increases our power to carry the heavier load."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Ye That Embark," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 57

Topics:

Church History Gems - 20 March 2009

A Testimony Sealed in Blood

“At Carthage, the time had come [for Hyrum Smith] to voluntarily lay down his life to glorify God and to ‘seal his testimony with his blood’—together with his beloved brother Joseph. As Associate President of the Church, Hyrum served as ‘a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto [the] church, as well as . . . Joseph.’ In this capacity he held the keys of the kingdom in concert with his brother. According to President Joseph Fielding Smith, ‘The sealing of the testimony through the shedding of blood would not have been complete in the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith alone; it required the death of Hyrum Smith who jointly held the keys of this dispensation’ (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56], 1:219).

“There is no doubt that Hyrum made a conscious decision to join his brother in martyrdom. . . . A week before the trip to Carthage, Joseph recorded that ‘I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family on the next steamboat and go to Cincinnati. Hyrum replied, “Joseph, I can’t leave you.” Whereupon I said to the company present, “I wish I could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to avenge my blood” ’ (History of the Church, 6:520).”

M. Russell Ballard, “Brothers Bound by Love and Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 1994, 65–66

Topics: Testimony

Family Gems - 20 March 2009

Home and Family Provide Refuge

“When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. ‘The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions’ (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

“Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one’s best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it’s the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64–65

Topics: Parenthood

Young Single Adult Gems - 20 March 2009

Do Not Take Counsel from Your Fears

"I urge you to not take counsel of your fears. I hope you will not say, 'I'm not smart enough to study chemical engineering; hence, I'll study something less strenuous.' 'I can't apply myself sufficiently well to study this difficult subject or in this comprehensive field; hence, I'll choose the easier way.' I plead with you to choose the hard way and tax your talents. Our Heavenly Father will make you equal to your tasks. If one should stumble, if one should take a course and get less than the 'A' grade desired, I hope such a one will not let it become a discouraging thing to him. I hope that he will rise and try again."

Thomas S. Monson, "Decisions Determine Destiny," New Era, Nov. 1979, 8

Topics: Faith

Youth Gems - 19 March 2009

Gift of the Holy Ghost

"Nothing in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing. With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and families are sealed together eternally (see D&C 132:7, 19). It is the power by which the Lord makes Himself manifest unto those who believe in Him (see 2 Nephi 26:13). Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Everything depends on that."

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

Topics: Holy Ghost

Daily Gems - 19 March 2009

Authority to Fulfill God's Work

"I wonder, brethren, how many of us seriously ponder the inestimable value of holding the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. When we consider how few men who have lived on earth have received the priesthood and how Jesus Christ has empowered those individuals to act in His name, we should feel deeply humble and profoundly grateful for the priesthood we hold.

"The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. That authority is essential to the fulfillment of His work on earth. The priesthood we hold is a delegated portion of the eternal authority of God. As we are true and faithful, our ordination to the priesthood will be eternal."

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 44

Topics: Melchizedek Priesthood, Jesus Christ, Aaronic Priesthood

Church History Gems - 18 March 2009

He Loveth That Which Is Right

“Brigham Young said that ‘Hyrum [Smith] was as good a man as ever lived. . . . His integrity was of the highest order. . . . I used to think, and think now, that an angel dwelling in the presence of the Father and the Son possessed no more integrity in their hearts than did Hyrum Smith’ (Address given by Brigham Young, Salt Lake City Bowery, 8 Oct. 1866, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City). John Taylor said that Hyrum was ‘a great and good man, and my soul was cemented to his. If ever there was an exemplary, honest, and virtuous man, an embodiment of all that is noble in the human form, Hyrum Smith was its representative’ (History of the Church, 7:107).

“The Lord Himself, however, gave the greatest tribute to Hyrum when He said, ‘Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord’ (D&C 124:15).

M. Russell Ballard, “Brothers Bound by Love and Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 1994, 65

Topics: Faith

Daily Gems - 18 March 2009

Rising to Zion's Standard

"Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, early members of the Church attempted to establish the center place of Zion in Missouri, but they did not qualify to build the holy city. . . .

"Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. Remember, 'the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them' (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 37–38

Topics: Zion, Righteousness

Church History Gems - 18 March 2009

Testimony unto Death

“The spiritual breadth of Hyrum [Smith]’s testimony [is] reflected in his sermons and teachings. . . . Said Hyrum: ‘I had been abused and thrust into a dungeon, and confined for months on account of my faith, and the “testimony of Jesus Christ.” However I thank God that I felt a determination to die, rather than deny the things which my eyes had seen, which my hands had handled, and which I had borne testimony to, wherever my lot had been cast; and I can assure my beloved brethren that I was enabled to bear as strong a testimony, when nothing but death presented itself, as ever I did in my life’ (“A History, of the Persecution, of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints in Missouri,” Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, p. 23).

“When death finally did present itself, Hyrum chose to accept it. . . . According to a First Presidency blessing given to him in 1835, Hyrum was promised power to escape his enemies if he so chose. Listen to the words of the blessing: ‘Thou shalt have power to escape the hand of thine enemies. Thy life shall be sought with untiring zeal, but thou shalt escape. If it please thee, and thou desirest, thou shalt have the power voluntarily to lay down thy life to glorify God’ (Kirtland High Council Minutes, Dec. 1832–Nov. 1837, typescript, p. 186, LDS Church Archives).”

M. Russell Ballard, “Brothers Bound by Love and Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 1994, 65

Topics: Testimony, Faith

Young Single Adult Gems - 18 March 2009

Faith and Character

"You must understand and use the power of the interaction of faith and character. God uses your faith to mold your character. Character is woven patiently from threads of doctrine, principle, and obedience. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Your character will be the yardstick that God will use to determine how well you have met your mortal probation. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and, when acted upon, will be confirmed as true.

"As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. No matter how strong your faith is, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather He will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. Your exercise of faith will forge strength of character available to you in times of critical need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is used."

Richard G. Scott, "Living Right," Ensign, Jan. 2007, 10, 12

Topics: Faith

Youth Gems - 17 March 2009

Sacrament

"During sacrament meeting—and especially during the sacrament service—we should concentrate on worship and refrain from all other activities, especially from behavior that could interfere with the worship of others. Even a person who slips into quiet slumber does not interfere with others. Sacrament meeting is not a time for reading books or magazines. Young people, it is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations. When we partake of the sacrament, we make a sacred covenant that we will always remember the Savior. How sad to see persons obviously violating that covenant in the very meeting where they are making it."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 18–19

Topics: Reverence, Sacrament, Covenants

Daily Gems - 17 March 2009

Be Believing

"I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children's battles, and [the battles of our] children's children' (D&C 98:37; emphasis added). And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. [Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 30

Topics: Prayer, Faith, Courage

Family Gems - 16 March 2009

Family Prayer Is Powerful

“Family prayer is a powerful and sustaining influence. During the dark days of World War II, a 500-pound bomb fell outside the little home of Brother Patey, a young father in Liverpool, England, but the bomb did not go off. His wife had died, so he was rearing his five children alone. He gathered them together at this very anxious time for family prayer. They ‘all prayed . . . earnestly and when they had finished praying, the children said: “Daddy, we will be all right. We will be all right in our home tonight.”

“ ‘And so they went to bed, imagine, with that terrific bomb lying just outside the door half submerged in the ground. If it had gone off it would have destroyed probably forty or fifty houses and killed two or three hundred people. . . .

“ ‘The next morning the . . . whole neighborhood was removed for forty-eight hours and the bomb was finally taken away. . . .

“ ‘On the way back Brother Patey asked the foreman of the A. R. P. Squad: “Well, what did you find?”

“ ‘ “Mr. Patey, we got at the bomb outside of your door and found it ready to explode at any moment. There was nothing wrong with it. We are puzzled why it did not go off” ’ (Andre K. Anastasiou, in Conference Report, Oct. 1946, 26). Miraculous things happen when families pray together.”

James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Liahona, July 2002, 68

Topics: Prayer

Church History Gems - 16 March 2009

We Honor the Prophet

“For his singular service as the prophet called to inaugurate this dispensation, Joseph Smith gave his life as a martyr at the young age of thirty-eight years. As we honor prophets of former days, so we honor the Prophet Joseph Smith. May I quote from an account written shortly after his martyrdom in 1844, penned by one of his contemporaries:

“ ‘In the short space of twenty years, he [the Prophet Joseph Smith] has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood’ (D&C 135:3).”

Russell M. Nelson, “Combating Spiritual Drift—Our Global Pandemic,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 105

Topics: Joseph Smith

Young Single Adult Gems - 16 March 2009

Birds of a Feather

"Now is the time to decide who your friends are and to become worthy of a righteous eternal companion. It is very simple, brethren. As my mother taught me, 'Birds of a feather flock together.' Your peer group can inspire you to do great things or tempt you into strange and miserable paths. True friends make it easier to live the gospel. They never make us choose between their ways and the Lord's ways. They help us be the kind of person that attracts other true friends. And they help us become the kind of person a righteous companion can choose to be with forever. If you want those kinds of friends, ask yourself: 'Am I that kind of friend to others? Am I the kind of person I want my eternal companion to be?' "

Robert D. Hales, "To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision," Ensign, May 2007, 49

Topics: Marriage

Daily Gems - 16 March 2009

A Glorious Future

"The things we hope for are often future events. If only we could look beyond the horizon of mortality into what awaits us beyond this life. Is it possible to imagine a more glorious future than the one prepared for us by our Heavenly Father? Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we need not fear, for we will live forever, never to taste of death again. Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. The Savior is the Author of our Salvation."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 22

Topics: Atonement, Hope, Plan of Salvation

Daily Gems - 13 March 2009

Gathering the Saints

"Today the Lord's people are gathering 'out from among the nations' as they gather into the congregations and stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are scattered throughout the nations. Nephi foresaw that these 'dominions' would be small but that the Lord's power would descend 'upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, . . . who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they [would be] armed with righteousness' (see 1 Nephi 14:12–14). The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 37

Topics: Mission of the Church, Righteousness

Young Single Adult Gems - 13 March 2009

Faith Brings Peace

"This world is in serious trouble. The fundamental values of our society are being undermined. There is a continual crumbling of principle, virtue, integrity, and religious values—the foundation stones of civilization and definitive ingredients of peace and happiness. I will share with you as simply and as clearly as I am able a pattern for success and happiness in life despite these conditions.

"God has given you the capacity to exercise faith so that you may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be rooted in something secure. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the willingness and power of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises."

Richard G. Scott, "Living Right," Ensign, Jan. 2007, 10

Topics: Faith

Family Gems - 13 March 2009

Noble Fatherhood Consists of Divine Attributes

“Brethren, noble fatherhood gives us a glimpse of the divine attributes of our Father in Heaven. A father should be many things. He should magnify his priesthood and be an example of righteousness. In companionship with his wife, he should be the source of stability and strength for the whole family. He should be the protector and the provider and the champion of the members of his family. Much of his love for his children should flow from his example of love, concern, and fidelity for their mother. By his uncompromising example he should instill character into his children.”

James E. Faust, “Them That Honour Me I Will Honour,” Liahona, July 2001, 53–56

Topics: Fatherhood