Nothing Beyond His Healing Touch

Nothing beyond His Healing Touch

“No grief is so great, no pain so profound, no burden so unbearable that it is beyond His healing touch.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Special Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2001, 9.

Most Important Anchor

Your testimony of Jesus Christ is the most important anchor that you can have to help hold you, steadfast and immovable, to principles of righteousness, regardless of the challenges and temptations that may come in the future” (“Steadfast in Christ,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 52).

Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Steadfast in Christ," Ensign, Dec. 1993, 52. 

Those Who Struggle

"Elder B. H. Roberts of the Seventy (1857–1933) said that “those who have to contend with difficulties, brave dangers, endure disappointments, struggle with sorrows, eat the bread of adversity and drink the water of affliction, develop a moral and spiritual strength, together with a purity of life and character, unknown to the heirs of ease, and wealth and pleasure.” 

^{The Gospel: An Exposition of Its First Principles (1965), 278.}

The Temple is the Catalyst

 “The temple is the catalyst whereby the self is revealed to the self.” 

Truman G. Madsen, The Highest in Us (1978), 98.

When Prayers Go Unanswered...You Can Pray:

“I don’t understand, but I know that You do. I love You and I trust You. Please guide me to know how to do what I must do.”

Diane Terry Woolf, "Putting My Hand in the Lord's," Ensign, Jan 2009, 37. 

Don't Shrink From Your Duty

After the tar and feathering...

"I cannot begin to imagine the pain and discomfort the Prophet Joseph must have endured. He had ample excuse not to preach the following morning, but this and many other experiences of similar or worse consequence did not cause him to shrink from his responsibility. How, then, can we feel justified if we shrink from our duty because of a minor discomfort or inconvenience?"

Elder Michael John U. Teh, "Confidence in the Presence of God," Ensign, Jan 2009, 30. 

James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

This passage provides a great insight into the kind of relationship each of us should have with our Father in Heaven. Indeed, this verse expresses the tender mercies and inclinations of our loving Father toward a son who came to Him with a question. The Father does not generally answer prayers with visions, as He did in the Sacred Grove, but He does provide answers that bring much comfort and peace. Such is His promise to us—to give liberally and not upbraid, or chastise.

Elder Michael John U. Teh, "Confidence in the Presence of God," Ensign, Jan 2009, 28. 

Each Can Return

 "From studying the promises of Malachi, Moroni’s initial visit with Joseph, the Savior’s words to the Nephites, and the visit of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, I learn that God loves His children and has provided a way for each to return to Him."

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, "Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Jan 2009, 22. 

God's Love and the Book of Moses

"One of the most beautiful of all the apostolic lessons that came to Joseph Smith in this revelation [Book of Moses] was the confirmation of God’s love. It was so different from the harsh, unforgiving, and judgmental personage so many believed God to be..."

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, "Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Jan 2009, 21. 

The Foundation for Every Important Decision

“The foundation for every important decision and choice you will make is your testimony of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith."

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 2, 4.

How can I make family home evening a priority?

“While you are working to strengthen your family and cultivate peace, remember … weekly family home evening. Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day. Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,”Ensign, Nov. 2014, 94.

Hymns Console the Mourning

“Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.”

“First Presidency Preface,” Hymns, ix.

Personal Benchmarks

We hear much about benchmarks. A benchmark is “a standard of excellence [or] achievement … against which similar things [are] measured or judged.”¹⁰ There are four benchmarks that can help each of us know if our personal faith in Christ is being “made perfect” by our works. These benchmarks are:

1. 1. 
   The choices we make
2. 2. 
   The devotion we exhibit
3. 3. 
   The obedience we practice
4. 4. 
   The service we give

Bishop Keith B. McMullin, "Faith & Works in a Secular Society," Ensign, Apr 2015, 63.

Prepare a Talk - I Need to DO THIS!

Sometimes I like to pretend that I have been assigned a talk for sacrament meeting. The best part is that I get to assign myself the topic, so I choose something of special interest to me or that might help me overcome a challenge. I study and research the topic, then write the talk—just as if it were the real thing. I save my “talks” in a binder and if appropriate use them for family home evening lessons or in case I’m actually asked to speak in church.

Kristen G. Walton, "13 Ways to Study the Scriptures," Ensign, Apr 2015, 59. 

The Influence of a Righteous Woman

 “There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Mothers and Daughters,”Ensign, May 2010, 18.

Love Our Fellow Travelers

“We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Love—the Essence of the Gospel,” Ensign, May 2014, 91.

Bless Our Fellow Travelers

As we seek to become even as He is, with a sincere desire to bless “our fellow travelers,” we will be provided opportunities to forget self and lift others. These opportunities may often be inconvenient, testing our true desire to become more like the Master, whose greatest service of all, His infinite Atonement, was anything but convenient....

We may see needs around us but feel inadequate to respond, assuming that what we have to offer is not sufficient. As we seek to become even as He is and as we see needs in our fellow travelers through spiritual eyes, we must trust that the Lord can work through us, and then we must act.

Elder W. Christopher Waddell, "Pure Religion," Ensign, Apr 2015, 46-47.

Optimism and Surety

Meet each of life’s challenges with optimism and surety, and you will have the peace and faith to sustain you now and in the future.

Boyd K. Packer, "The Savior's Selfless and Sacred Sacrifice," Ensign, Apr 2015, 41. 

Temple Brings Peace

“As we go to the holy house, … we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives. It brings peace to our souls.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Blessings of the Temple,”Ensign, Oct. 2010, 15.

Families - Read the Book of Mormon

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, [families] will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, … mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. … Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives.”

President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), First Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, May 1980, 67.

Power to Avoid Temptation

“I promise you … that if you will study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,”Ensign, May 2009, 68.

Miracles are Wrought Through Prayer

“To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. … Miracles are wrought through prayer.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Be Your Best Self,”Ensign, May 2009, 68.

Pray for Forgiveness

“As you pray for forgiveness, you will find yourself forgiving others. …

“One way you will be changed by such fervent prayer is, I promise you, that you will feel truly that you are a child of God.”

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Priesthood Man,” Ensign, May 2014, 64.

Best Qualities for Couples and Parents

Brethren, preserving and enhancing the spiritual strength you developed (or will yet develop) as a missionary or in other righteous service is your best asset in becoming a desirable husband and father. Sisters, spiritual sensitivity, faith, and courage to follow Jesus Christ are among your best qualities as a wife and mother.

Elder Anthony D. Perkins, "Go Forth in Faith," Ensign, Apr 2015, 20.

Blessing of Forgiving Others - This Needs to Be My Mantra

“If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being.”

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign, May 2007, 68.

Music and Revelation

“Music can set an atmosphere of worship which invites [the] spirit of revelation, of testimony."

Boyd K. Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation,”Ensign, Nov. 1991, 22.