Family Gems - 31 July 2009

There Is a Great Need to Strengthen and Safeguard Our Families

“[A] very important message is the need to strengthen and safeguard our families. Far too many families are breaking up. This heartbreaking trend has an endless train of consequences. Happiness in marriage begins with husband and wife living together in love, kindness, and mutual respect, walking righteously and humbly before the Lord. It is contingent on being faithful to all vows and covenants.”

James E. Faust, “Did You Get the Right Message?” Ensign, May 2004, 67–68

Topics: Unity

Daily Gems - 31 July 2009

Opportunities in Differences

"God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better."

Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 70–71

Topics: Unity

Daily Gems - 29 July 2009

Heartfelt Invitation

"To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears."

Thomas S. Monson, "Looking Back and Moving Forward, Liahona and Ensign," May 2008, 90

Topics: Unity

Youth Gems - 14 May 2009

Unity

"At the end of July this year, young single adults from several countries in eastern Europe gathered outside Budapest, Hungary, for a conference. Among this group were 20 young men and women from Moldova who had spent days obtaining passports and visas and over 30 hours traveling by bus to get there. The conference program included some 15 workshops. Each person needed to select the two or three that he or she most wanted to attend. Rather than focus exclusively on their own interests, these Moldovan young adults got together and made plans so that at least one of their group would be in each class and take copious notes. Then they would share what they had learned with each other and later with the young adults in Moldova who could not attend. In its simplest form, this exemplifies the unity and love for one another that, multiplied thousands of times in different ways, will 'bring again Zion' (Isaiah 52:8)."

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

Topics: Unity

Youth Gems - 24 March 2009

Zion

"Zion is both a place and a people. Zion was the name given to the ancient city of Enoch in the days before the Flood. 'And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion' (Moses 7:19). This Zion endured for some 365 years (see Moses 7:68). The scriptural record states, 'And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled' (Moses 7:69). . . .

"The Lord called Enoch's 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). Elsewhere He said, 'For this is Zion—the pure in heart' (D&C 97:21)."

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

Topics: Unity, Zion

Daily Gems - 23 March 2009

United as Priesthood Holders

"As I speak to you tonight, truly you are a royal priesthood, assembled in many places but in unity. In all likelihood this is the largest assemblage of priesthood holders ever to come together. Your devotion to your sacred callings is inspiring. Your desire to learn your duty is evident. The purity of your souls brings heaven closer to you and your families."

Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 60

Topics: Unity, Duty

Youth Gems - 25 September 2008

Place for Imperfect People

"Some are lost because they have strayed. Except for the Lord, we have all made mistakes. The question is not whether we will trip and fall but, rather, how will we respond? Some, after making mistakes, stray from the fold. This is unfortunate. Do you not know that the Church is a place for imperfect people to gather together—even with all their mortal frailties—and become better? Every Sunday in every meetinghouse throughout the world, we find mortal, imperfect men, women, and children who meet together in brotherhood and charity, striving to become better people, to learn of the Spirit, and to lend encouragement and support to others. I am not aware of any sign on the door of our meetinghouses that reads 'Restricted Entrance—Perfect People Only.' "

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Concern for the One," Ensign, May 2008, 19

Topics: Repentance, Unity

Family Gems - 24 December 2007

True Marriage Requires Union of Minds and Hearts

"In true marriage there must be a union of minds as well as of hearts. Emotions must not wholly determine decisions, but the mind and the heart, strengthened by fasting and prayer and serious consideration, will give one a maximum chance of marital happiness."

Spencer W. Kimball, "The Importance of Celestial Marriage," Ensign, Oct. 1979, 3

Topics: Marriage, Unity

Family Gems - 19 September 2007

True Marriage Requires Union of Minds and Hearts

"In true marriage there must be a union of minds as well as of hearts. Emotions must not wholly determine decisions, but the mind and the heart, strengthened by fasting and prayer and serious consideration, will give one a maximum chance of marital happiness."

Spencer W. Kimball, "The Importance of Celestial Marriage," Ensign, Oct. 1979, 3

Topics: Unity, Marriage