The Book of Mormon in our Homes

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness."

President Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 90; or Ensign, May 1980, 67.

Preparing for Eternal Life

“What can we do to better prepare our children spiritually for their eternal roles? Perhaps the most inclusive answer is: Teach them how to live the principles of the gospel. We prepare each day, right now, for eternal life. If we are not preparing for eternal life, we are preparing for something else, perhaps something for less.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Spiritual Development,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 65, 66.”

Come Unto Christ

"What can we learn from the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Wise Men, all of whom were favored to come and see the Christ child with their own eyes? As we ponder their faithful responses to the invitation to come to Christ, we can learn to more effectively life ourselves out of our own inversions, out of any gloom and confusion we may be experiencing , and bring ourselves into the clear, pure hope offered by the Light of the World. It is there, with Him, that we come to feel who we really are and where we git into the eternal picture. Our own inversions are reversed, and proper perspective is restored."

Elder Patrick Kearon, "Come Let us Adore Him," Ensign, Dec 2011, 31.

The Breadth of the Condescension

"The wonder of the Lord's condescension is most meaningful when we contemplate how far He descended. The irony of the Jews' rejection of of Him pierces more deeply when we contemplate who He had been for them before He came to earth.

"For example, before the Lord Omnipotent came to earth, He was known as "the Creator of all things from the beginning" (Mosiah 3:8; Helaman 14:12). Contrast that with the Jews' query, "Is not this the carpenter?" (Make 6:3). The Creator of all things became a carpenter.

"Similarly, consider the contrast between "Shepherd" and "Lamb." In the Old Testament the Lord was called the "Shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80:1). Isaiah described Him as the One who gathers His lambs with His arm (see Isaiah 40:11). In His earthly life, that lamb-gathering Shepherd became God's Lamb, sacrificed for Israel and for the whole world (see John 1:36).

"Consider this difference. Before Jesus came to earth He was called "the Father of heaven and earth" (Mosiah 3:8). On earth He was mistaken as "the son of Joseph" (John 6:42).

"When the Israelites were finally ready to enter the promised land, it was Jehovah who stopped the River Jordan and made it stand in its place so His people could cross on dry ground (see Joshua 3). Contrast His power in performing that miracle with His humility when, as Jesus of Nazareth, He was immersed by John in the same River Jordan (see Matthew 3:13-17).

"In ancient Israel, Jehovah spared thousands and thousands of first born sons on the night of the Passover (see Exodus 12). When He came to earth in the flesh , Jesus raised from the dead the only son of a widow (see Luke 7:12-15).

"The Lord saved thousands. The Lord saved one."

David L. Fischknecht, Curriculum Department, "The Condescension of Jesus Christ," Ensign, December 2011, 52.

Our Gift to Him at Christmas

"Considering all that the Savior has done--and still does--for us, what can we do for Him? The greatest gift we could give to the Lord at Christmas, or at any other time, is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy temple. And His gift to us will be the peace of knowing that we are prepared to meet Him, whenever that time comes....

"Indeed, wise men and women still adore Him."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, From a devotional address delivered at Brigham Young University on December 10, 2002.

No Room in the Inn

"At that time and place, an Asian inn was not like a modern Holiday or Bethlehem Marriott. A lodging place back then provided accommodations for traveling caravans, including people and their animals. Caravans stayed at what was then known (and is still known) as a caravansary, or a khan. The dictionary defines these terms as an inn surrounding a court in eastern (or Asian) countries where caravans rest at night.

"Such a facility was typically rectangular in shape, composed of a central courtyard for the animals, surrounded by walled cubicles where people rested. These cubicles allowed guests to be elevated slightly above their animals with open doorways so that owners could watch over their animals. The Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 2:7 indicates that there was no room for them in the "inns," suggesting that all of the cubicles of the caravansary were occupied....

"At an Asian caravansary, animals were secured for the night in the corner courtyard. In that courtyard would have been donkeys, dogs, sheep, possibly camels and oxen, along with all the animals' wastes and odors.

"Because the guest chamber surrounding the courtyard were filled, Joseph may have made the decision to care for Mary's delivery in the center courtyard of a caravansary, along with the animals. It is entirely possible that in such a lowly circumstance the Lamb of God was born."

Elder Russell M. Ballard, From a devotional address delivered at Brigham Young University on December 10, 2002.

A Decree to be Taxed

""And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed" (Luke 2:1).
This was really a capitation tax, a census, and an enrollment--a registration of the citizenry of the empire of Rome. King Herod had directed that people be counted in the land of their ancestors. Mary and Joseph, then living in Nazareth, had to travel southward to the city of David, a distance of approximately 90 miles. Perhaps they traveled even farther if they had to go around the hostile intermediate province of Samaria."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, From a devotional address delivered at Brigham Young University on December 10, 2002.

Strengthening Families by Increasing Spirituality

“There has grown in me an overwhelming testimony of the value of daughters of God. . . . I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes.

“The ability to quality for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord’s Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us. Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman’s life. Many answers to different questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation. . . . Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us.”

Julie B. Beck, “And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2010, 10, 11. 

The Achilles Heel

“The adversary knows the Achilles’ heel of your loved ones, your friends, your roommates, your brothers and sisters, and your parents. Do you understand your Achilles’ heel? Do you know the situations you have to stay away from and what your weaknesses are? The secret of a happy marriage is to protect the Achilles’ heel and not take advantage of the weaknesses of those you know that best, love the most, and ultimately can hurt the most.”

Elder Robert D. Hales, “A Little Heaven on Earth,” Ensign Sept 2011, 48.

Don’t Discount a Message Merely because It Sounds Familiar

“Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof…It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “General Conference – No Ordinary Blessing,” Ensign, Sept 2011, 4-5.

Free Genealogy Classes from FamilySearch

FamilySearch.org now offers more than 140 classes online free of charge to help people with family history. Courses ranging from beginning to expert skill level include half-hour filmed sessions taught by experts as well as electronic handouts.

Ensign, August 2011, 78.

Remember When?

Although our children are grown and have families of their own, my wife and I still look for ways to have meaningful family home evenings with them. One way we have found to do this is by holding a special family home evening once a year in which we invite all of the family members to share their memories.

Before they come to this special family home evening, we ask them to write down three stories from their lives. We call these “I remember when” stories. During family home evening, each family member takes a turn telling or reading their stories.

We laugh and cry for hours about the experiences. When we are done we collect the written stories and compile them in our family history book. It is a good way for us to continue building our relationships as a family while creating a family history at the same time.

Douglas Andrew, Ensign, August 2011, 73.

Suggestions for Lifelong Learning

· Read a good book.

· Take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.

· Attend wholesome cultural events.

· Study the assigned general conference talk or chapter in the Gospel Principles manual for Sunday lessons.

· Visit museums and historic sites.

· Observe the world around you: walk around your neighborhood, stargaze, watch animals in your area.

· Do family history work.

· Learn a new skill or sport.

· Visit the library to research a topic of interest.

Ensign, August 2011, 72.

Reach With a Rescuing Hand

“All of us need to be reminded of the past. It is from history that we gain knowledge which can save us from repeating mistakes and on which we can build for the future….

I take you back to the general conference of October 1856. On Saturday of that conference Franklin D. Richards and a handful of associates arrived in the [Salt Lake Valley]. They had traveled from Winter Quarters with strong teams and light wagons and had been able to make good time. Brother Richards immediately sought out President Young. He reported that there were hundreds of men, women, and children scattered over the long trail from Scottsbluff to this valley. Most of them were pulling handcarts. They were accompanied by two wagon trains which had been assigned to assist them. They had reached the area of the last crossing of the North Platte River. Ahead of them lay a trail that was uphill all the way to the Continental Divide with many, many miles beyond that. . . .

The next morning [President Young] came to the old Tabernacle which stood on [Temple Square]. He said to the people”

“. . . Many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them. . . .

“That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I poosess. It is to save the people.

“I shall call upon the Bishops this day. I shall not wait until tomorrow, nor until the next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen. I want good horses and mules. They are in this Territory, and we must have them. Also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, besides those that drive the teams.

“I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of your in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains.”

That afternoon, food, bedding and clothing in great quantities were assembled by the women. The next morning, horses were shod and wagons were repaired and loaded.

The following morning, Tuesday, 16 mule teams pulled out and headed eastward. By the end of October, there were 250 teams on the road to give relief.

Wonderful sermons have been preached from this pulpit, my brethren and sisters. But none has been more eloquent than that spoken by President Young in those circumstances.

. . . We have some of our own who cry out in pain and suffering and loneliness and hear. Ours is a great and solemn duty to reach out and help them, to lift them, to feed them if they are hungry, to nurture their spirits if they thirst for truth and righteousness.

There are so many young people who wander aimlessly and walk the tragic trail of drugs, gangs, immorality, and the whole brood of ills that accompany these things. There are widows who long for friendly voices and that spirit of anxious concern which speaks of love. There are those who were once warm in the faith but whose faith has grown cold. Many of them wish to come back but do not know quite how to do it. They need friendly hands reaching out to them. With a little effort, many of them can be brought back to feast again at the table of the Lord.

My brethren and sisters, I would hope, I would pray, that each of us . . . would resolve to seek those who need help, who are in desperate and difficult circumstances, and lift them in the spirit of love into the embrace of the Church where strong hands and loving hearts will warm them, comfort them, sustain them, and put them on the way of happy and productive lives.

I leave with you my beloved friends, my co-workers in this wonderful cause, my testimony of the truth of this work, the work of the Almighty, the work of the Redeemer of mankind.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference Address October 6, 1996.

Grateful for Tender Mercies

"We should be grateful for all the tender mercies that come into our lives. We are unavware of hosts of blessings that we receive from day to day. It is extremely important that we have a spitit of gratitude in our hearts."

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing," Ensign, Nov 2011, 105.

Gratitude

"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable."

Joseph B. Wirthlin "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8.

The Principal of Modesty

"Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us."

Elder Robert D. Hales, "Modesty: Reverence for the Lord," Liahona, Aug. 2008, 18; Ensign, Aug. 2008, 34.

Consistent Scripture Reading

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that… no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. “

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 67.

The Milk Cocktail

“I have found that if you live the way you should live, people notice and are impressed with your beliefs and you have an influence on the lives of others.

“I spent my career in the department store business. Because I was part of a management team, it was important for me to interact socially with local business organizations. The meetings with most of these organizations always started with a cocktail hour. It was a time to mix and get acquainted with the men who belonged to the organization. I have always felt uncomfortable in these social hours. At first I started asking for a lemon-lime soda. I soon discovered that lemon-lime soda looks like many of the other drinks. I could not build the impression I was a nondrinker with a clear soda in my hands. I tried root beer. It had the same problem.

“Finally I decided I had to have a drink that would clearly mark me as a nondrinker. I went to the bartender and requested a glass of milk. The bartender had never had such a request. He went into the kitchen and found a glass of milk for me. Now I had a drink that looked very different from the alcoholic beverages the others were drinking. Suddenly I was the center of attention. There were a lot of jokes made of my drink. My milk was a conversation piece. I met more business leaders that evening than I ever had before at a cocktail hour.

“Milk became my drink of choice at the cocktail hours. It soon became common knowledge I was a Mormon. The respect I received really surprised me, as did an interesting event that started to occur. Others soon joined me in a pure milk cocktail!

“Dare to be different. Live up to the standards we are taught in the gospel.”

Elder L. Tom Perry, From an address delivered on January 15, 2010, at Utah Valley University.

Improvements in your physical temple

“Go and stand in front of a temple. Study carefully the house of the Lord and see if it does not inspire you to make some improvements in the physical temple the Lord has given to you to house your eternal spirit. The Lord has established some basic standards for the governance of our physical bodies. Obedience to these standards remains as a requirement for ordination to the priesthood, for a temple recommend, and for holding a calling in the Church.”

Elder L. Tom Perry, From an address delivered on January 15, 2010, at Utah Valley University.

How Can We Find Peace and Hope in Troubled Times?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps answer this question in "This, the Greatest of All Dispensations" (Liahona, July 2007, 18; Ensign, July 2007, 53):

1. "Live as faithfully as we possibly can. . . . We must not be paralyzed just because [of events] ahead of us somewhere."

2. "Never let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living."

3. "Be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need."

A Declaration of the Living Christ

"I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian colleagues who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ. . . .

". . . The lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship. "

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1920-2008), "The Symbol of Our Faith," Liahona and Ensign, April 2005, 3.

The Tradition of a Balanced Life

“One fun tradition we practiced in our family had a lasting impression on us. When the children in the family reached the age of one, they were placed at one end of a room and the family at the other end. Where the family was gathered, four objects were placed on the floor: a baby’s milk bottle, a toy, a small savings bank, and the scriptures. The child was then encouraged to crawl to the objects and select one of them.

I selected the bank and turned out to be a financial executive. My brother Ted selected the scriptures, was a great lover of books all his life, and became a lawyer. My brother Bob was the well-rounded member of the family. He crawled up and sat on the scriptures, picked up the bottle in his mouth with one hand and held the toy in the other hand. He became an accountant. He lived a well-balanced life.”

Elder L. Tom Perry, From an address delivered on January 15, 2010, at Utah Valley University.

Deliverance: Only In God

"Are you struggling with some sin or weakness? It can be something as simple as not having the willpower to rise in the morning early enough to have time for scripture study and prayer. It can be something so powerful, such as Internet pornography or lack or moral self-control, that you feel you have been pulled down into an abyss and there is no hope for you. Do you find yourself hating what you are doing but not able to find the willpower to turn away from it? Then reach out and humble yourself. The Lord's enabling power is sufficient to change your heart, to turn your life, to purge your soul. But you must make the first move, which is to humble yourself and realize that only in God can you find deliverance."

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Be Strong in the Lord," Ensign, July 2004, 12.

What Does It Mean To Take Upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ?

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps answer this question in his general conference talk “Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ” (Ensign, May 1985, 80).

1. As we take the sacrament, we can willingly renew the covenant we made at baptism—to remember the Lord and keep His commandments.

2. We can proclaim our belief in Him to others (see D&C 18:21).

3. We can serve Him by doing the work of His kingdom (see Hebrews 6:10).

Free Yourselves From Bondage

"Since the beginnings of the Church, the Lord has spoken on [the] matter of debt. To Martin Harris through revelation He said: 'Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage' (D&C 19:35).

"President Heber J. Grant spoke repeatedly on this matter from this pulpit. He said: 'If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and in the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that on cannot meet' (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).

"We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the Church. Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others.

"In managing the affairs of the Church , we have tried to set an example. We have, as a matter of policy, stringently followed the practice of setting aside each year a percentage of the income of the Church against a possible day of need.

"I am grateful to be able to say that the Church in all its operations, in all its undertakings, in all of its departments, is able to function without borrowed money. If we cannot get along, we will curtail our programs. We will shrink expenditures to fit the income. We will not borrow.

"One of the happiest days in the life of President Joseph F. Smith was the day the Church paid off its long-standing indebtedness.

"What a wonderful feeling it is to be free of debt, to have a little money against a day of emergency put away where it can be retrieved when necessary....

"I urge you ... to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

"This is a part of the temporal gospel in which we believe. May the Lord bless you... to set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your [families] and peace in your hearts. That's all I have to say about it, but I wish with all the emphasis of which I am capable."

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) "To the Boys and to the Men" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 53-54

The Bible in the Hands in the Common People

“William Tyndale desired to put the Bile in the hands of the common people. Speaking to the clergy of his day, he said, “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough, shall know more of the Scripture than thou dost!” Tyndale achieved his goal, but in 1536 he was strangled, then burned at the stake as a heretic.

Nevertheless, much of Tyndale’s translation survived in the King James Bible, and his hope that the common people could study the Bible in English come to pass, as seen in the life of Joseph Smith, a young farm boy.”

Richard N. W. Lambert and Kenneth R. Mays, “400 Years of the King James Bible,” Ensign, August 2011, 45.

Putting the Lord First

As we take the sacrament, we promise to take the Savior's name upon us (see D&C 20:77). President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, explains: "That means we must see ourselves as His. We will put Him first in our lives. We will want what He wants rather than what we want or what the world teaches us to want."

"Be One," Liahona, Sept. 2008, 5; Ensign, Sept. 2008, 7).

The Bible Today

“It is not by chance or coincidence that we have the Bible today. Men like John Wycliffe, the courageous William Tyndale, and Johannes Gutenberg were prompted against much opposition to translate the Bible into language people could understand and to publish it in books people could read. I believe even the scholars of King James had spiritual promptings in their translation work.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Miracle of the Holy Bible,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 80.

Anchored in our Testimonies

“We’ve got o be so solidly anchored in our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ that, regardless of what may come next, we will not waffle; we will stand firm in our belief; we won’t question the doctrines that are part of our belief.”

Elder Ballard, “Treasure Truth,” 3.

Fear is the Opposite of Faith

“Your generation is filled with uncertainties. A life of fun and games and expensive toys has come to an abrupt end. We move from a generation of ease and entertainment to a generation of hard work and responsibility. We do not know how long that will last….

“It may seem that the world is in commotion; and it is! It may seem that there are wars and rumors of wars; and there are! It may seem that the future will hold trials and difficulties for you; and it will! However, fear is the opposite of faith. Do not be afraid! I do not fear.”

Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 52.

Receiving Help From Other Sources

A new calling can be overwhelming as you strive to learn your responsibilities. However, there are many resources you can turn to for help. These resources, along with praying for guidance and direction and direction from Heavenly Father, will help you know how to fulfill your calling and bless the lives of others as you serve.

· Handbooks. Handbooks help explain responsibilities. When you receive your calling, begin by studying the handbook information for your specific responsibility.

· The bishopric, branch presidency, or other leaders. Don’t be afraid to approach leaders to ask for help. This is a good way to learn what needs to be done.

· Someone who has previously served in that calling. These people may have experience or advice that will be useful to you. But remember that the calling is now yours and you can seek inspiration to help you serve effectively.

· Church websites. LDS.org includes a lot of information and resources. One place to start might be to select “Serving in the Church,” then click on “Handbook 2.”

Ensign, August 2011, 27.

Showing Our Love

“Brethren, let’s treat our wives with dignity and with respect. They’re our eternal companies. Sisters, honor your husbands. They need to hear a good word. They need a friendly smile. They need a warm expression of true love….

To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them.

President Thomas S. Monson “Abundantly Blessed,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 112.

The Ultimate Formula For Happiness

"The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden....It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the Universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel--a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Way of the Disciple," Liahona or Ensign, May 2009, 75."

Seeking Help From Heavenly Father

"I would urge all of us to pray concerning our assignments and to seek divine help, that we might be successful in accomplishing that which we are called to do. Someone has said that 'the recognition of power higher than man himself does not in any sense debase him.' He must seek, believe in, pray, and hope that he will find. No such sincere, prayerful effort will go unanswered: that is the very constitution of the philosophy of faith. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it."

President Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 67.

Healing From Him Who Loves Us Best

"Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, November 2006, 7-8

Seeking The Guidance of the Spirit

"A person must be called of God to serve in the Church (see Articles of Faith 1:5). Leaders seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call. They consider the worthiness that may be required for the calling. They also consider the member's personal or family circumstances. Each calling should benefit the people who are served, the member, and the member's family."

Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010), 19.1.1.