Daily Gems - 12 November 2009

Respect for Ourselves and Others

“Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics?

“As parents and leaders exemplify and teach respect for others, we confirm in the hearts of our children that each of us is truly a child of God and all are brothers and sisters through eternity. We will focus on the things we have in common—on the qualities of heart that bind the family of God together, rather than on our differences.”

Margaret S. Lifferth, “Respect and Reverence,” Ensign, May 2009, 11

Topics: Serving Others, Children of God

Young Single Adult Gems - 23 September 2009

The Lord Knows Us

“The Lord knows who we really are, what we really think, what we really do, and who we really are becoming.”

David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are,” CES fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Children of God

Daily Gems - 21 May 2009

Revelation a Constant Compass

"Continuing revelation is a fundamental feature of [the faith of our Father]. Joseph Smith's first prayer is a powerful testimony of this. Revelation is a constant compass that keeps us always true to the will and the faith of our Heavenly Father.

"Our Heavenly Father loves His children. He hears the prayers of the humble and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments. We joyously proclaim that the faith of our Father is on the earth today."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Faith of Our Father," Ensign, May 2008, 75

Topics: Children of God, Revelation, First Vision

Daily Gems - 1 April 2009

Creativity

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

"Everyone can create. You don't need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

"Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. .

". . . Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.

"But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy (see 2 Nephi 2:25). Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 118–19

Topics: God the Father, Creation, Children of God

Young Single Adult Gems - 2 January 2009

The Importance of the One

"We are becoming a great global society. But our interest and concern must always be with the individual. Every member of this church is an individual man or woman, boy or girl. Our great responsibility is to see that each is 'remembered and nourished by the good word of God' (Moro. 6:4), that each has opportunity for growth and expression and training in the work and ways of the Lord, that none lacks the necessities of life, that the needs of the poor are met, that each member shall have encouragement, training, and opportunity to move forward on the road of immortality and eternal life. This, I submit, is the inspired genius of this the Lord's work. The organization can grow and multiply in numbers, as it surely will. This gospel must be carried to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. There can never be in the foreseeable future a standing still or a failure to reach out, to move forward, to build, to enlarge Zion across the world. But with all of this there must continue to be an intimate pastoral relationship of every member with a wise and caring bishop or branch president. These are the shepherds of the flock whose responsibility it is to look after the people in relatively small numbers so that none is forgotten, overlooked, or neglected."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "This Work Is Concerned with People," Ensign, May 1995, 52–53

Topics: Children of God

Daily Gems - 18 December 2008

Each Motherhood Situation Unique

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be 'full-time moms,' at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 108

Topics: Motherhood, Children of God, Love

Family Gems - 21 July 2008

Opening the Door of Prayer to Our Children

"When we teach those we love that we are spirit children temporarily away from a loving Heavenly Father, we open the door of prayer to them.

"We lived in His presence before we came here to be tested. We knew His face, and He knew ours. Just as my earthly father watched me go away from him, our Father in Heaven watched us go into mortality."

Henry B. Eyring, "Write upon My Heart," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 86-87

Topics: Children of God, Prayer

Family Gems - 16 May 2008

Our Sisters Should Be Honored

"We who bear the holy priesthood have a sacred duty to honor our sisters. We are old enough and wise enough to know that teasing is wrong. We respect sisters--not only in our immediate families but all the wonderful sisters in our lives. As daughters of God, their potential is divine. Without them, eternal life would be impossible. Our high regard for them should spring from our love of God and from an awareness of their lofty purpose in His great eternal plan."

Russell M. Nelson, "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women," Ensign, May 1999, 39

Topics: Children of God, Exaltation

Young Single Adult Gems - 12 March 2008

Remember That Someone Always Cares

"At times some may think that no one cares--but someone always cares! Your Heavenly Father will not leave you to struggle alone, but stands ever ready to help."

Thomas S. Monson, "Three Gates to Open," CES Fireside for Young Adults, Jan. 14, 2001

Topics: Children of God, Adversity

Daily Gems - 6 March 2008

Remember

"God has known you individually, brethren, for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys! By the way, you have never seen an immortal star; they finally expire. But seated by you tonight are immortal individuals--imperfect but who are, nevertheless, 'trying to be like Jesus'!"

Neal A. Maxwell, "Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been," Ensign, May 2004, 46

Topics: Children of God, Immortality

Youth Gems - 29 January 2008

Your Divine Nature

"Your light has made a difference to me and many others. You have light because you are literally spirit daughters of Deity, 'offspring of exalted parents' (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 589) with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. You received your first lessons in the world of spirits from your heavenly parents. You have been sent to earth to 'prove' yourselves."

Julie Beck, "You Have a Noble Birthright," Ensign, May 2006, 106

Topics: Children of God

Youth Gems - 22 January 2008

God Is Our Father

"Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Need for Greater Kindness," Ensign, May 2006, 58

Topics: Children of God

Young Single Adult Gems - 3 December 2007

Sacred and Divine

"There has come to you as your birthright something beautiful and sacred and divine. Never forget that. Your Eternal Father is the great Master of the universe. He rules over all, but He also will listen to your prayers as His daughter and hear you as you speak with Him. He will answer your prayers. He will not leave you alone."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road," Ensign, May 2004, 112

Topics: Individual Worth, Prayer, Children of God

Young Single Adult Gems - 24 September 2007

The Lord Knows and Loves You Personally

"Did you know that Heavenly Father knows you personally--by name? . . .

"You may not have heard the Lord call you by name, but He knows each one of you and He knows your name. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said. 'I testify to you that God has known you individually . . . for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys!' ("Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been," Ensign, May 2004, 46)."

Elaine S. Dalton, "He Knows You by Name," Ensign, May 2005, 109-10

Topics: Children of God, Individual Worth

Youth Gems - 10 May 2007

Your Divine Nature

"Your light has made a difference to me and many others. You have light because you are literally spirit daughters of Deity, 'offspring of exalted parents' (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 589) with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. You received your first lessons in the world of spirits from your heavenly parents. You have been sent to earth to 'prove' yourselves."

Julie B. Beck, "You Have a Noble Birthright," Ensign, May 2006, 106

Topics: Children of God

Youth Gems - 27 February 2007

Are You a Standard for Others?

"My call to you is the same as Moroni's call: 'Awake, and arise . . . , O daughter[s] of Zion' (Moroni 10:31). He saw you. He saw this day. These are your days! It is up to you to decide that you will 'arise and shine forth.' I believe that as you awake and arise, your light will be a standard to the nations, but I also believe your standards will be a light to the nations. You are set apart. You distinguished yourselves in the premortal existence. Your lineage carries with it a covenant and promises. You have inherited the spiritual attributes of the faithful—even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Your very nature reflects your divine heritage and destiny."

Elaine S. Dalton, "It Shows in Your Face," Ensign, May 2006, 111

Topics: Children of God, Gospel Standards, Example

Youth Gems - 15 February 2007

God is Our Father

"Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Need for Greater Kindness," Ensign, May 2006, 58

Topics: Children of God

Young Single Adult Gems - 5 January 2007

Remembering That We Are the Offspring of God

"When we remember that each of us is literally a spirit son or daughter of God, we will not find it difficult to approach our Heavenly Father in prayer. He appreciates the value of this raw material which we call life. 'Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God' (D&C 18:10). His pronouncement inspires purpose in our lives."

Thomas S. Monson, "The Master's Blueprint," Ensign, Jan. 2006, 3

Topics: Children of God, Individual Worth