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.