We should not make it too expensive emotionally for others to try to communicate with us

"We ought to build a climate around us in which we are, in all situations, open to the comments of others. We should not make it too expensive emotionally for others to try to communicate with us. If it is too hard to do so, people will just pull back. If we are too well protected and too well defended, they are not going to extend themselves overmuch in an effort to communicate with us. It is difficult to say which is most dangerous—the mote in one's eye or the moat around his "castle" that keeps out the needed communications, involving correction, counsel, or commendation."

⁠— Neal A. Maxwell, as heard quoted on the Follow Him podcast, https://podscripts.co/podcasts/follow-him-a-come-follow-me-podcast/alma-43-52-part-2-david-boren-august-12-18-come-follow-me , and found more fully at https://qtmp.com/quote/9P3 on 11 Aug 2024

 "The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is, first, foremost, and forever, the source of lasting happiness, true peace, and joy for everyone in these latter days."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "The Savior of All, a Gospel for All," Liahona, March 2024

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/03/03-the-savior-of-all-a-gospel-for-all?lang=eng

Now is the time to change

 "If you are serious about helping to gather Israel and about building relationships that will last throughout the eternities, now is the time to lay aside bitterness. Now is the time to cease insisting that it is your way or no way. Now is the time to stop doing things that make others walk on eggshells for fear of upsetting you. Now is the time to bury your weapons of war. If your verbal arsenal is filled with insults and accusations, now is the time to put them away. You will arise as a spiritually strong man or woman of Christ."

- President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Peacemakers Needed," General Conference, April 2023

Receiving a testimony line upon line

“When I as a boy first started out in the ministry, I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess. And by this principle and power he will give to all the children of men a knowledge of the truth that will stay with them.”

- Joseph F. Smith, as quoted in https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/04/come-follow-me/20-receiving-revelation-until-our-faith-in-the-lord-becomes-unshaken?lang=eng 

The Savior holds our children blameless for our parental mistakes

 "As any parent can testify, the pain associated with our mistakes is not simply the fear of our own punishment but the fear that we may have limited our children’s joy or in some way hindered them from seeing and understanding the truth. The glorious promise of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is that as far as our mistakes as parents are concerned, He holds our children blameless and promises healing for them. And even when they have sinned against the light—as we all do—His arm of mercy is outstretched, and He will redeem them if they will but look to Him and live."

- Elder James R. Rasband, Of the Seventy, "Ensuring a Righteous Judgment," General Conference, April 2020

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/13rasband?lang=eng 

God answers prayer poem

 

I know not by what methods rare

But this I know, God answers prayer.

I know that He has given His Word,

Which tells me prayer is always heard,

And will be answered, soon or late.

And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessing sought

Will come in just the way I thought;

But leave my prayers with Him alone,

Whose will is wiser than my own,

Assured that He will grant my quest,

Or send some answer far more blest.

(Eliza M. Hickok, “Prayer,” The Best Loved Religious Poems, ed. James Gilchrist Lawson, New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1933, p. 160.)

As quoted in "Back to Gospel Basics" By Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference, April 1993

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1993/04/back-to-gospel-basics?lang=eng 

"Education involves the preparing of the person, and that is usually what matters—more than the particular calisthenics that are used."

- Neal A. Maxwell, Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Taking up the Cross", BYU Devotional, January 4, 1976

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell/taking-cross/

"How Do I Recognize the Spirit?"

The Liahona Magazine, June 2023

How Do I Recognize the Spirit?

Mark A. Mathews

President Russell M. Nelson taught, “It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now.”1 And yet many still wonder, how do I recognize the Spirit? This is a question that I have been asked repeatedly as a teacher at the missionary training center, for Seminaries and Institutes, and at Brigham Young University. Fortunately, the Lord Jesus Christ has answered this question in the scriptures and the teachings of modern prophets.

The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians that “the things of God knoweth no man, except he has the Spirit of God” (Joseph Smith Translation, 1 Corinthians 2:11 [in 1 Corinthians 2:11, footnote c]). Because spiritual truths are not typically seen with our natural eyes, they cannot be learned with our natural senses or intellect alone. As a result, we can only come to know them by the Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:9–10). The Holy Ghost must confirm them to us (see Moroni 10:4).

“The things of God knoweth no man, except he has the Spirit of God.”

This is why it is vital that each of us learn for ourselves how to recognize and rely on the Spirit to know the truth.2 As President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015), President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught, “If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much.”3

To guide us in recognizing His Spirit, the Lord has provided the following descriptions:

“Peace to your mind.” To help Oliver Cowdery recognize the Spirit, the Lord asked, “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:23).4 Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “The feeling of peace is the most common confirming witness that I personally experience. When I have been very concerned about an important matter, struggling to resolve it without success, I continued those efforts in faith. Later, an all-pervading peace has come, settling my concerns, as He has promised.”5

“In your mind and in your heart.” On another occasion, the Lord gave this description of revelation: “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost. … This is the spirit of revelation” (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3). Commenting on this, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “The Lord indicates [here] that revelation frequently comes as thoughts to the mind and feelings to the heart.”6

These inspired thoughts and feelings can “enlighten your mind” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13) and cause your heart to “be filled with joy” (Mosiah 4:20). The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the “first intimation of the spirit of revelation” is when you “feel pure intelligence flowing into you,” giving you “sudden strokes of ideas.”7

“Heart burn within us.” Reflecting on being taught by the resurrected Christ, two of His disciples said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). Similarly, Jesus Christ told Oliver Cowdery, “I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you” to confirm truth (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8; see also 3 Nephi 11:3). President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, explained that this “is not a feeling of caloric heat like combustion but a feeling of peace and warmth and serenity and goodness.”8

“Feel that it is right.” Jesus Christ taught Oliver Cowdery that he would know something was true by the Spirit because he would “feel that it is right” (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8). Elder Scott interpreted this to mean that “the answer comes as a feeling with an accompanying conviction.”9

“A still small voice.” The Lord taught Elijah that He does not usually speak dramatically through fire, whirlwinds, and earthquakes, but more often His spiritual communication is subtle through “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).10 This spiritual voice is like “a whisper” that pierces “to the very soul” (Helaman 5:30), and “even though it is described as a voice,” President Packer taught, “it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears.”11

“Thou hast received instruction of my Spirit.” Because the Spirit communicates in quiet and subtle ways, we can receive revelation and not even know it. The Lord explained to Oliver Cowdery, “As often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:14). The Lord was guiding him all along, but he didn’t recognize it at the time. Only in hindsight, when the Lord pointed it out, could he look back and see the Lord’s guidance. Likewise, we are also “living in the revelation”12 and may not recognize the Spirit until after He has guided us.

“I reflected on it again and again.” Joseph Smith described an experience with the Spirit he had while searching the scriptures, stating that a verse “seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again” (Joseph Smith–History 1:12). We too can identify the Spirit when scripture verses and prophetic teachings touch our hearts and inspire us to reread and ponder them.

“Line upon line.” Although we sometimes expect revelation to come all at once, the Lord has explained, “I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30). In other words, the Lord’s preferred method is to give incremental revelation, little by little, like seeing the gradual light of a sunrise rather than seeing light all at once after turning on a light.13 Often, this revelation is only recognized when viewed in the aggregate.

The Lord’s preferred method is to give incremental revelation, little by little, like seeing the gradual light of a sunrise.

“Leadeth to do good.” Some wonder if a prompting to do good is from the Spirit or just their own thoughts. Jesus Christ answered this when He taught Hyrum Smith how to recognize His Spirit: “Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good … ; and this is my Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:12). We should assume that spiritual promptings to do good are from the Spirit, and we should act on them.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes the Lord does not respond through His Spirit as quickly as we expect. This can be difficult and requires us to exercise faith in His direction to “be still and know that I am God” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16). President Nelson explained: “There may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek.”14 When we experience this divine silence, we should remember, as President Oaks has taught, “that the Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in His own time and in His own way. … We wait upon the Lord for His revelation.”15

Although these descriptions are helpful, they are ultimately still inadequate. As President Packer explained: “We do not have the words (even the scriptures do not have words) which perfectly describe the Spirit. The scriptures generally use the word voice, which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined spiritual communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears.”16 In the end, recognizing the Spirit is like tasting salt: difficult to describe in words but recognizable once you have personally experienced it.17

This is why we must learn to recognize the Spirit for ourselves. While we cannot force spiritual experiences, we can create a climate for them to happen. The Lord Jesus Christ has revealed some of the small and simple things we can do to learn to hear Him speak to us through His Spirit so we can better recognize that spiritual influence whenever He speaks to us.

Scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed that we can hear His spiritual voice speaking to us when we study the scriptures. He said:

“These words are not of men, … but of me; …

“For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them … ;

“Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36).

Explaining this principle, Elder Bednar taught: “One of the ways that I can hear Him is in the scriptures. The scriptures are the pre-recorded voice of the Lord. It is not hearing an audible voice per se, although that can happen. It is hearing the scriptures in a feeling—a feeling in my mind, a feeling in my heart. For me, the scriptures are key in receiving and recognizing those thoughts and feelings.”18

Temple. President Nelson taught that “we can also hear Him in the temple. The house of the Lord is a house of learning. … There we learn how to part the veil and communicate more clearly with heaven.”19 The Prophet Joseph Smith prayed for us to be able to learn to recognize the Spirit more fully in the temple when he prayed “that all those who shall worship in this house … may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost” (Doctrine and Covenants 109:14–15). When we consistently worship in the temple, we gain experience feeling the Spirit and we grow in our capacity to recognize His voice in our lives.

When we consistently worship in the temple, we gain experience feeling the Spirit and we grow in our capacity to recognize His voice.

Prophets. “Finally,” taught President Nelson, “we hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators.”20 As we regularly listen to the messages of our living prophets and apostles and act on their counsel, we invite the Holy Ghost to teach us. This is another important source of experience with the Spirit that can help us recognize His influence.

In addition, we can pray sincerely, serve faithfully in the Church, record spiritual impressions, and worthily partake of the sacrament. By doing these things with faith in Jesus Christ, the Spirit will come, and we will recognize Him by the descriptions of scripture, become familiar with His promptings by our own experience, and more confidently recognize His influence in all areas of our lives. “By learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus”21 and obtain “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Notes

1. Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Liahona, May 2020, 90.
2. See Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Liahona, May 2018, 95.
3. As quoted in David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” Liahona, Dec. 2006, 20.
4. Similarly, the Apostle Paul taught that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace” (Galatians 5:22).
5. Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Liahona, May 2007, 10.
6. David A. Bednar, “Teach Them to Understand” (Ricks College campus education week devotional, June 4, 1998), byui.edu.
7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 132.
8. Dallin H. Oaks, “In His Own Time, In His Own Way,” Liahona, Aug. 2013, 28.
9. Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” 9.
10. “Although its impact can be incredibly powerful, it most often comes quietly as a still, small voice” (Quentin L. Cook, “The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives,” Liahona, May 2020, 99).
11. Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 52.
12. David A. Bednar, in “Evening with a General Authority—Elder Bednar” (video), Feb. 2020, ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
13. See David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Liahona, May 2011, 88.
14. Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” 95–96.
15. Dallin H. Oaks, “In His Own Time, In His Own Way,” 24, 26.
16. Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” 52.
17. See Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” 51–52.
18. David A. Bednar, “‘Hear Him’ in Your Heart and in Your Mind,” Inspiration (blog), Apr. 21, 2020, ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
19. Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” 90.
20. Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” 90.
21. Teachings: Joseph Smith, 132; see also Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” 95.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/how-do-i-recognize-the-spirit?lang=eng

 "Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind."

- Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church, "We Can Do Better and Be Better," General Conference, April 2019

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/36nelson?lang=eng 

"every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ"

" My dear young brothers and sisters, these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!

When we speak of the gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They decide for themselves if they want to know more."

- President Russell M. Nelson, "Hope of Israel," New Era, Aug 2018

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2018/08-se/hope-of-israel?lang=eng

What in you is merely casualness may become hostility in your children

 "A very real danger of not enthusiastically supporting Children and Youth is the unintended message we would send to our children that the Church is a buffet where we can simply pick and choose which practices and commandments we want to follow and somehow opt out of the rest without consequence.

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles powerfully taught, 'What in you is merely casualness about Christianity may, in your children, become hostility; for what you have not defended, your children may reject angrily.'"

- Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President, Liahona, March 2022. quoting Neal A. Maxwell, Neal A. Maxwell, “Why Not Now?,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 12.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/03/united-states-and-canada-section/how-the-children-and-youth-program-strengthens-families?lang=eng

Neal A. Maxwell, “Why Not Now?,” October 1974 general conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1974/10/why-not-now?lang=eng 

Children and Youth program improves mental health

 “The best way to help youth improve their mental health is by engaging them in Children and Youth because of the consistent emphasis on growth in a variety of areas.

“Children who understand the wonders of the covenant path will not be looking for off-ramps. Through Primary and Children and Youth, the covenants and the milestones will be clear to them, especially when life gets confusing.”

- Dr. Sheldon Martin, mental health expert interviewed about the Children and Youth program, as quoted in "How the Children and Youth Program Strengthens Families" by By Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President, Liahona, Mar 2022

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/03/united-states-and-canada-section/how-the-children-and-youth-program-strengthens-families?lang=eng

Home-centered, Church-supported curriculum will dramatically change families

 "The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."

- President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church, "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints," General Conference, Oct 2018, https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/becoming-exemplary-latter-day-saints?lang=eng

The purpose of gospel habits is primarily to receive the Holy Ghost

 "everything the Savior’s gospel teaches us to do and become is intended to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

"Consider the reasons we pray and study the scriptures. Yes, we yearn to communicate in prayer with Heavenly Father in the name of His Son. And yes, we desire to obtain the light and knowledge available in the standard works. But please remember that these holy habits primarily are ways whereby we always remember Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son and are prerequisites to the ongoing companionship of the Holy Ghost.

"Reflect on the reasons we worship in the house of the Lord and in our Sabbath meetings. Yes, we serve our kindred dead in the temple—and our families and friends in the wards and branches in which we live. And yes, we enjoy the righteous sociality we find among our brothers and sisters. But we primarily gather together in unity to seek the blessings of and instruction from the Holy Ghost.

"Praying, studying, gathering, worshipping, serving, and obeying are not isolated and independent items on a lengthy gospel checklist of things to do. Rather, each of these righteous practices is an important element in an overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the Holy Ghost. The commandments from God we obey and the inspired counsel from Church leaders we follow principally focus upon obtaining the companionship of the Spirit. Fundamentally, all gospel teachings and activities are centered on coming unto Christ by receiving the Holy Ghost in our lives."

- Elder David A. Bednar, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Receive the Holy Ghost," General Conference, Oct 2010, https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/receive-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng 

The natural man is not what constitutes our individuality

 "Too often when we seek to excuse ourselves, it is, ironically, “the natural man” we are excusing. Yet scriptures inform us “the natural man” is to be “put off” (see Mosiah 3:19). “He” certainly should not be “kept on” because of a mistaken sense that the natural man constitutes our individuality."

- Elder Neal A Maxwell, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “In Him All Things Hold Together," BYU Devotional, 31 March 1991 

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell/in-him-all-things-hold-together/

Vulgarity and innuendo repel the Holy Ghost

 There are certain things you simply cannot do if you want to have the Holy Ghost with you. It is not possible to listen to vulgar lyrics, watch movies filled with sexual innuendo, tamper with pornography on the Internet (or anywhere else for that matter), take the name of the Lord in vain, wear revealing clothing, compromise in any way the law of chastity, or disregard the values of true manhood and womanhood and expect the Holy Ghost to remain with you. Whenever anyone participates in those kinds of activities, it should not be a surprise if feelings of loneliness, discouragement, and unworthiness follow. Do not make the choice to go it alone rather than have the Spirit of the Lord to guide, to protect, to prompt, to warn, and to fill you with peace. Repent if you need to so you can enjoy the companionship of the Spirit.

- M. Russell Ballard, "Here Am I, Send Me," https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/m-russell-ballard/send/

Conflict is inevitable, contention is a choice

 "Conflict is inevitable. It is a condition of mortality. It is part of our test. Contention, however, is a choice. It is one way that some people choose to respond to conflict.

"When we contend with others, we cause discord, dissension, resentment, and even rage. Harmful emotions almost always accompany contention: anger, hurt, jealousy, hostility, revenge, and malice—to name just a few.

...

"We cannot adjust the volume on others’ bitterness, wrath, or rage. We can, however, choose our response. We can choose a better way—the Lord’s way. Of course this is easy to say and difficult to do.

"To refrain from contending requires great discipline. But that’s what it means to be a disciple.

...

"We cannot force anyone to change. But we can love them. We can be an example of what the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. And we can invite all to come and belong.

"When others throw insults at us, do we return fire?

"There is a better way—the Lord’s way: To some, we say nothing. To others, we state with quiet dignity who we are, what we believe, and why we believe. We stand confident in our faith in God, trusting that He will uphold us in our trials.

"Let us emulate the gentle Christ. And we do that through learning to love God and reaching out to bless others. Yes, there will still be conflict. But our all-powerful Father in Heaven has promised that He will fight our battles for us."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Five Messages That All of God’s Children Need to Hear," 17 Aug 2021, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dieter-f-uchtdorf/five-messages-that-all-of-gods-children-need-to-hear/

As adapted in BYU Magazine, Winter 2022 issue, https://magazine.byu.edu/article/5-messages/

The Lord purposely chooses the humble and "not good enough"

"You say you’re not perfect? You’re not good enough? Well, welcome to the club! You may be just the person God is looking for.

...

The Lord chooses the humble and meek—partly because they are humble and meek. In this way, there is never a question regarding the reason for their success. These wonderful, ordinary people accomplish great things not because of who they are but because of who God is!

For “what is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27, NIV)

...

God does not need people who are flawless. He seeks those who will offer their “heart and a willing mind,” (D&C 64:34) and He will make them “perfect in Christ" (Moroni 10:32-33)."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Five Messages That All of God’s Children Need to Hear," 17 Aug 2021, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dieter-f-uchtdorf/five-messages-that-all-of-gods-children-need-to-hear/

If you try your best as a parent, that's all God expects

 "If you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She Is a Mother”, General Conference, April 1997 , https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng&abVersion=V02&abName=GLOB88 

Bishop Thomas S. Monson calls upon extended family for welfare help

 "Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared how Bishop Monson cared for the widows: “Many may know that young Bishop Monson took a week of his personal vacation time every Christmas season to visit all of those eighty-five widows in his ward. Many may not know that for the first several years the gift he would take them was one of the … hens raised and dressed out by him in his own poultry coops.”¹

"Bishop Monson recalled how he helped an elderly couple who needed to paint their home: “In a moment of inspiration I called, not upon the elders quorum or upon volunteers to wield paint brushes, but rather, following the welfare handbook, upon the family members who lived in other areas. Four sons-in-law and four daughters took brushes in hand and participated in the project.”² This inspiration helped the family reconnect and better care for each other."

- in "Ministering to Our Fellow Travelers," Liahona, Jul 2021, p. 37, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/07/come-follow-me/ministering-to-our-fellow-travelers?lang=eng 

(Footnotes: 

1. Jeffrey R. Holland, “President Thomas S. Monson: Man of Action, Man of Faith, Always ‘on the Lord’s Errand,’” Ensign, Feb. 1986, 12–13.

2. Thomas S. Monson, “The Bishop—Center Stage in Welfare,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 89. 

)

Where you put your heart is your god

 “Whatever thing a man sets his heart and his trust in most is his god, and if his god doesn’t also happen to be the true and living God of Israel, that man is laboring in idolatry.”

- President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) to Church members in 1976, quoted in Liahona, Aug 2021, page 27. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/08/knowing-how-and-what-we-worship?lang=eng

Repentance is the key to happiness

"Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

The Priesthood Is God’s Power

 The Priesthood Is God’s Power

God blesses us through the power of the priesthood. Priesthood blessings are

available to everyone.

The priesthood is the power of God. He uses this power to bless all of His children

and to help them return to live with Him. God has given priesthood power to His

children on earth. With this power, priesthood leaders can lead the Church, and

priesthood holders can perform sacred ordinances, like baptism, that help us come

closer to God. Every man and woman who worthily receives priesthood ordinances

and keeps the covenants (sacred promises) has access to the power of God.

Priesthood Power Was Given to Joseph Smith

When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He led His Church with priesthood power. He

also gave this power to His Apostles. In the centuries after they died, many

members fell away from the Church. They incorrectly changed the gospel and the

way the Church worked. The priesthood of God was no longer on the earth. In

1829, Jesus sent John the Baptist and the Apostles Peter, James, and John to give

Joseph Smith the priesthood. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the

only organization on earth with this authority from God.

Keys of the Priesthood

Priesthood keys are the authority to direct the use of the priesthood, such as giving

permission to perform ordinances. Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the priesthood.

The President of the Church is the only person on earth who can use priesthood

keys to direct the whole Church. Under his direction, others can use certain keys to

do God’s work. Leaders such as bishops and stake presidents use priesthood keys

to lead in their wards and stakes. Because callings to serve come from leaders with

priesthood keys, men and women who serve in callings exercise priesthood

authority as they do their duties.

Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood

The priesthood has two parts: the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic

Priesthood. Through the Melchizedek Priesthood, Church leaders direct all the

spiritual work of the Church, such as missionary and temple work. The Aaronic

Priesthood functions under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is used

to perform ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament.

Blessings of the Priesthood

Through covenants and ordinances, God makes priesthood blessings available to

all of His children. These blessings include baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the

sacrament, and temple ordinances. Men and women who are endowed in the

temple receive a gift of God’s priesthood power through their covenants. We can

also receive priesthood blessings of healing, comfort, and guidance.

What Do the Scriptures Say about the Priesthood?

The priesthood that existed in ancient days is the same that exists now (see Moses

6:7).

Priesthood keys help make sure that we accomplish the Lord’s work in an orderly

way (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:11).

Men who hold the priesthood can use it “only upon the principles of

righteousness” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:36).

Some of the duties of those who hold the priesthood are described in Doctrine and

Covenants 20:38–67.

(Liahona, August 2021, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/08/the-priesthood-is-gods-power?lang=eng )

Children and Youth goal setting help. "Action creates motivation"

 Motivating the Rising Generation

By Wendy Ulrich, PhD

As parents and leaders, we want to help children and youth become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ who are motivated from within to serve the Lord and fulfill their personal missions.

Children and Youth is a simple but powerful set of resources to help children and youth grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually, as the Savior did (see Luke 2:52). This can happen as they learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in meaningful and exciting service and activities, and set and achieve their own goals. Like the parents in the story below, however, we may already feel overburdened without adding someone else’s goals to our list. Or we may worry that our children won’t grow unless pushed.

Goal-Setting Conversation, Example 1:

Alana, 15, sat with her mother, Rachel, scanning a list they had made of potential goals that Alana could work on. Alana’s dad, Jeff, walked by. “Which of these should I do, Dad?” Alana asked.

Jeff looked at his watch, grimacing a little, and glanced at the list. “Um, this one looks easy. How about ‘Memorize a hymn’? You can get that one checked off pretty fast. What else looks easy?”

Rachel jumped in, remembering how reluctant Alana had been to try out for the school track team. “Actually, maybe you need to try something hard! How about something with exercise?” she suggested.

“Ugh,” mumbled Alana, reaching for her phone. “I think I’m done.”

How Can Parents and Leaders Help?

Parents and leaders can do a lot to help children and youth be motivated from within to adopt good values, make good choices, and enjoy both their progress and their accomplishments.

Think of a time when you were highly motivated to work toward a goal. What motivated you? Chances are you saw an opportunity or skill you really wanted or a problem you needed to solve. The example and support of others inspired you to try.

Likewise, children and youth will be more motivated from within when they (1) prayerfully decide what they want (not just what others want for them), (2) create a plan for getting it, (3) aren’t overly influenced by rewards or punishments, and (4) feel parents and leaders are on their side.

1. Help youth figure out what they want most

Everyone wants something: to make the team, get more sleep, feel less lonely, be closer to God. The Lord and His messengers often ask people, “What do you want?” (see Mark 11:24; 1 Nephi 11:1–2; Alma 18:15; 3 Nephi 27:1–2; Ether 2:23–25). But knowing what we want most, not just what we want right now, takes experience and self-reflection.

As you think of a child or youth you want to help, ask yourself:

• How could I introduce them to new experiences, values, and ideas in a context of positive relationships and fun?

• Do I let them experience the consequences of poor choices so they want to make better ones?

• When can I ask them about what they believe and value? (See the accompanying list, “Helpful Discovery Questions.”)

• How can I point out their strengths? (Try: “I see you being really good at ________________. How could you use that to serve the Lord?”)

2. Help youth create a plan

Once they settle on a goal, youth are often pretty good at figuring out a plan. Younger children may need more ideas. Add your suggestions only when they are stuck. But be excited, not defensive, if they like their ideas better than yours!

To help others create a plan, you could ask:

• What’s your goal? (Abstract goals like “Be nicer” are hard to define unless they include specific actions like “Compliment someone every day” or “Apologize when I get mad.”)

• Why is this goal important to you? (How will it help them live their values or become more like the Savior?)

• Is this a good time to work on this goal? (Why or why not?)

• What is a small, easy step you could take to get started? (Remind them that action creates motivation. Help them start, or start again, with something small and simple.)

• How could you set things up to support your plan? (Consider creating reminders, posting words of encouragement, making a chart or timetable to track progress, removing temptations, getting the right tools, or asking for help.)

• What obstacles might get in your way? How could you handle them? (Help them remember their plan, get curious about what went wrong, practice the hard parts more, try a new strategy, or adjust the goal.)

To help others through setbacks, you could share experiences from your life or family about people facing trials and being resilient. Also try asking:

• What have you tried? What else could you try?

• Who can help? How can I help?

• What ideas come to mind as you pray about this?

3. Be cautious with rewards or punishments

Small rewards can help people try something new, make a hard task more fun, or celebrate success. When overdone, however, rewards can actually undermine motivation. People who already enjoy a task will often do it less, not more, if they are paid for doing it, concluding that it isn’t worth doing just for the reward. And while children need to experience the consequences of poor choices, they learn to fear and avoid people who punish them rather than learning to internalize good values.

Of course, people expect to be paid at work, where bonuses or recognition can also provide helpful feedback. But when it comes to living the gospel and achieving personal goals, internal rewards are the most motivating in the long run. Internal rewards include:

• Feeling the Spirit.

• Feeling connected with parents, leaders, and friends.

• Living their values.

• Learning, trying new things, and solving problems.

• Having fun.

• Making a difference for good.

Help young people recognize and value these internal rewards. And occasionally provide a small related reward to celebrate a job well done!

4. Help youth feel your love

Loving relationships are one of the most important ways to influence others’ values, goals, and motivation. How have people communicated to you that they truly love and cherish you? How do you decide who is safe to be honest with about your mistakes or struggles? If you didn’t really feel loved at home, what do you think you needed that you didn’t get?

Your answers can help you know how to communicate to young people that they are cherished and safe with you.

With practice and heaven’s help, we can help motivate and influence the rising generation.

Goal-Setting Conversation, Example 2:

Alana, 15, sat with her mother, Rachel, scanning a list of goals Alana could work on when Alana’s dad, Jeff, walked by. “Which of these should I do, Dad?” Alana asked.

Jeff looked at his watch, grimacing a little, and glanced at the list. “Um, this one looks easy. How about ‘Memorize a hymn’? You can get that one checked off fast. What else looks easy?”

Jeff paused. Something didn’t feel right, so he took the time to think about what it was.

I’m late, he thought. I just want to get this over with. I’m not very good at this parenting stuff. Hmmm. He looked at his daughter and then realized he felt other feelings too. Hope. Delight. This was not just about checking things off. This was about her growth. And this was a chance to connect with her. A smile spread across his face.

“Let’s stop and think about this,” he said. “What if we each write down what we have felt prompted to work on lately?”

“Um, OK,” said Alana. Rachel found pencils and paper, and they spent a few minutes thinking and writing.

“OK,” said Rachel. “Now what?”

Alana remembered, “I think we’re supposed to pray about it and then choose a goal and make a plan. But Dad, do you really think Heavenly Father cares about what goal I choose?”

Jeff reflected. “You have lots of good ideas, so maybe Heavenly Father just wants you to choose one to start with. But I am absolutely sure of one thing. Heavenly Father cares about you.”

“I know you want to use your gifts to make a difference,” added Rachel, “so if one of these is more important, I’m sure Heavenly Father will help you feel that.”

Alana smiled, then remembered, “President Nelson asked the youth to do a thorough assessment of our lives. Can I go get what I wrote?”

“Sure!” said Jeff, smiling. He looked at his watch again. “Oops, I’ve got to run. Find what you wrote and let’s talk at dinner, OK? I have some questions that might help.”

“Great!” said Alana, smiling. “And, Dad? Mom? Thanks.”

Helpful Discovery Questions

To help children and youth find what they want most, discuss some of these questions with them:

• Whom do you admire? Why?

• How do you like to be treated? How do you want to treat others?

• What promises in the scriptures, teachings of prophets, or your patriarchal blessing seem important to your future?

• What would you like more or less of in your life?

• When are you happy and engaged with life? Doing what?

• What would you do with your life if you weren’t afraid to fail?

• What problem is bugging you these days?

• What do you think the Lord wants for you and from you?

• What would you like to try or learn this year? Why?

• What are your goals this week? Why might they matter to the Lord?

• As we talk, I hear you saying you want __________. Is that right? What else?

Ensign, Jan 2020, https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/01/motivating-the-rising-generation?lang=eng