Daily Gems - 23 April 2009

Improving the World around and within You

"Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. 'There is a great work for the Saints to do,' he said. 'Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ' (Deseret News, Aug. 8, 1860, 177).

"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119

Topics: Spirituality, Creation, Light of Christ

Daily Gems - 9 April 2009

Living the Gospel Courageously

"We must live courageously in accordance with the light and testimony that we have received. We are promised, 'He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (D&C 50:24). It takes real effort and sacrifice to live the gospel courageously. For some years temple worship for the Saints who live near Manaus, Brazil, has meant traveling two days in a crowded riverboat on the Amazon River, followed by two days' travel in buses through the hot topics to the Recife temple. . . . After several days of service to the Lord, they would make the long, difficult journey home. The words 'but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord' (Joshua 24:15) were beautifully reflected by their sacrificing actions.

"To be at peace in these wonderful yet challenging times, we must learn true doctrine, gain pure testimony, and live the truths of the gospel courageously. As we live in harmony with the light and truth taught by Jesus Christ and by His prophets, we will see more clearly our eternal destiny."

Robert R. Steuer, "The Power of Light and Truth," Ensign, May 2008, 100-101

Topics: Light of Christ, Courage, Testimony

Youth Gems - 3 February 2009

Light of Christ

In 1832 the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith a true and powerful doctrine about spiritual light, the Light of Christ:

“Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

“The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne.” (D&C 88:12–13).

President Boyd K. Packer reinforced this truth in saying: “The Light of Christ is also described in the scriptures as ‘the Spirit of Jesus Christ.’ … The Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind.” (“The Light of Christ,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 10).

Recent scientific thinking on the fundamental properties of light is indeed stunning. Today scientists even describe light as a “carrier” (See 2 Nephi 33:1; see also Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (1954–56), 1:54). or “messenger” (See D&C 45:9).or “mediator.” (See 2 Nephi 2:27–28). How profound are the doctrines of the Lord!

Robert R. Steuer, “The Power of Light and Truth,” Ensign, May 2008, 99–101

Topics: Light of Christ

Daily Gems - 20 January 2009

The Light Which Giveth Life

"In 1832 the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith a true and powerful doctrine about spiritual light, the Light of Christ:

" 'Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne" (D&C 88:12-13).

"President Boyd K. Packer reinforced this truth in saying: 'The Light of Christ is also described in the scriptures as "the Spirit of Jesus Christ." . . . The Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind' ("The Light of Christ," Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 10).

"Recent scientific thinking on the fundamental properties of light is indeed stunning. Today scientists even describe light as a 'carrier' (see 2 Nephi 33:1; see also Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 1:54) or 'messenger' (see D&C 45:9) or 'mediator' (see M. Russell Ballard, "Pure Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40-41). How profound are the doctrines of the Lord!"

Robert R. Steuer, "The Power of Light and Truth," Ensign, May 2008, 99-100

Topics: Light of Christ, Truth

Daily Gems - 24 December 2008

Light and Hope

"I delight in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Like Nephi, 'I glory in my Jesus' (2 Nephi 33:6), in His ministering and saving roles upon the earth. He provides light and hope and has given us the Holy Ghost for further guidance and comfort along the pathway we should go. It is only through Him that we can return to our Father. 'Salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ' (Mosiah 3:17)."

Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008, 81

Topics: Light of Christ, Holy Ghost

Youth Gems - 24 April 2008

How Do We Make Good Decisions?

"You want to make your own decisions, but you ought to make those decisions with an eternal perspective. With age, experience, and faith, you will have the wisdom to make good decisions and also to make the right ones. I believe you young people know where to go to get the right answers. In the words of Mormon, 'Ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ' (Moroni 7:18)."

James E. Faust, "Your Light—a Standard to All Nations," Ensign, May 2006, 112

Topics: Light of Christ

Youth Gems - 27 March 2008

Being an Example

"The theme for this conference is so appropriate: 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5). I see the light shining in your faces. That light comes from the Lord, and as you radiate that light, it will bless you as well as many others."

James E. Faust, "Your Light—a Standard to All Nations," Ensign, May 2006, 111

Topics: Example, Light of Christ

Youth Gems - 25 March 2008

Being an Example

"By the way you live the gospel, you reflect [the Savior's] light. Your example will have a powerful effect for good on the earth. 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5) is a call to each of you. It is a call to move to higher ground. It is a call to leadership—to lead out in decency, purity, modesty, and holiness. It is a call to share this light with others. It is time to 'arise and shine forth.' "

Elaine S. Dalton, "It Shows in Your Face," Ensign, May 2006, 109

Topics: Example, Light of Christ

Youth Gems - 12 July 2007

Being an Example

"The theme for this conference is so appropriate: 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5). I see the light shining in your faces. That light comes from the Lord, and as you radiate that light, it will bless you as well as many others."

James E. Faust, "Your Light—a Standard to All Nations," Ensign, May 2006, 111

Topics: Example, Light of Christ

Youth Gems - 10 July 2007

Being an Example

"By the way you live the gospel, you reflect [the Savior's] light. Your example will have a powerful effect for good on the earth. 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5) is a call to each of you. It is a call to move to higher ground. It is a call to leadership—to lead out in decency, purity, modesty, and holiness. It is a call to share this light with others. It is time to 'arise and shine forth.' "

Elaine S. Dalton, "It Shows in Your Face," Ensign, May 2006, 109

Topics: Light of Christ, Example

Youth Gems - 12 June 2007

Being an Example

"By the way you live the gospel, you reflect [the Savior's] light. Your example will have a powerful effect for good on the earth. 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5) is a call to each of you. It is a call to move to higher ground. It is a call to leadership—to lead out in decency, purity, modesty, and holiness. It is a call to share this light with others. It is time to 'arise and shine forth.' "

Elaine S. Dalton, "It Shows in Your Face," Ensign, May 2006, 109

Topics: Light of Christ

Youth Gems - 17 May 2007

Good Decisions?

"You want to make your own decisions, but you ought to make those decisions with an eternal perspective. With age, experience, and faith, you will have the wisdom to make good decisions and also to make the right ones. I believe you young people know where to go to get the right answers. In the words of Mormon, 'Ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ' (Moroni 7:18)."

James E. Faust, "Your Light—a Standard to All Nations," Ensign, May 2006, 112

Topics: Light of Christ

Young Single Adult Gems - 18 April 2007

The Gift of the Light of Christ

"A disturbed conscience can be temporarily masked by physical stimulation of the mind and body where one yields to the temptations of alcohol, drugs, pornography, and worse. All this at the cost of an increased appetite for false efforts to calm an aching conscience with the risk of incurring unrelenting addictions. There is a better way to restore peace of conscience.

"The ability to have an unsettled conscience is a gift of God to help you succeed in this mortal life. It results principally from the influence of the Light of Christ on your mind and heart. The Light of Christ is that divine power or influence that emanates from God through Jesus Christ. It gives light and life to all things. It prompts all rational individuals throughout the earth to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong. It activates your conscience."

Richard G. Scott, "Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 15

Topics: Light of Christ, Jesus Christ