Knowing for Yourself

Knowing for Yourself

“Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten and Beloved Son of God. He is our Creator. He is the Light of the World. He is our Savior from sin and death. This is the most important knowledge on earth, and you can know this for yourself.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Teachings of Jesus,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 93.

A Life-Changing Book

“Your copy of the Book of Mormon may be hidden from your view by cares and attention to all you have accumulated in your journey. I plead with you to drink deeply and often from its pages. It has in it the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the only way home to God.”

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 70–71.

To the Women of the Church

To the Women of the Church

“You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Forget Me Not,” Liahona and Ensign,Nov. 2011, 123; emphasis added.

The Effect of the Book of Mormon

Prophetic Promise

“The effect of the Book of Mormon on your character, power, and courage to be a witness for God is certain. The doctrine and the valiant examples in that book will lift, guide, and embolden you.

“Every missionary who is proclaiming the name and gospel of Jesus Christ will be blessed by daily feasting from the Book of Mormon. Parents who struggle to get a witness of the Savior into the heart of a child will be helped as they seek for a way to bring the words and the spirit of the Book of Mormon into the home and all the lives in their family.”

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 69.

A Generous Fast Offering

 “Be liberal in your giving, that you yourselves may grow. … I promise every one of you who will do it that you will increase your own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally.”

Marion G. Romney, “The Blessings of the Fast,”Ensign, July 1982, 4.

Fasting = Greater Power

 “Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Liahona,July 2001, 89; Ensign, May 2001, 73.

No Other Work

 “No work is more of a protection to this Church than temple work and the family history research that supports it. No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. … Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Liahona and Ensign, Oct. 2010, 35.

Having the Spirit Through Family History Work

As you participate in temple and family history work, you are certain to have the Spirit to comfort you in your challenges and guide you in the important decisions you are making.

Julie B. Beck, "This is Your Work," Ensign, Feb 2012, 44. 

Youth and Family History

Your technical skills are a partial fulfillment of this prophecy, and I hope you are feeling a sense of urgency about this work. You were born in this age to do temple and family history work. Your family needs your help. Your ward or branch needs your help in this important responsibility.

Julie B. Beck, "This is Your Work," Ensign, Feb 2012, 42. 

Simple and Clear

Simple and Clear

Photograph by Craig Dimond © IRI

“Remember, brothers and sisters, we’re not marketing a product. We’re not selling anything. We’re not trying to impress anyone with our numbers or our growth. We are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, empowered and sent forth by the Lord Himself to find, nourish, and bring safely into His Church those who are seeking to know the truth.

“Viewed from that eternal perspective, what we are to do seems so simple and clear.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 38.

Building Self Worth

Some build their sense of personal worth by comparing themselves to others. That approach can lead to feelings of inadequacy or superiority. It is preferable to look directly to our Father for our sense of self-worth.

Quentin L Cook, "The Doctrine of the Father," Ensign, Feb 2012, 35. 

How Our Heavenly Father Sees Us

Righteous parents not only make deliberate and loving choices to bring children into the world, but they also prepare, pray, and eagerly wait during the period of gestation, anticipating the birth of their child. After birth they delight in holding, talking to, caring for, and protecting their child. They learn the baby’s individual patterns and needs. They know the child better than the child knows himself or herself. Regardless of the number of children parents have, each is an individual to them.

Quentin L Cook, "The Doctrine of the Father," Ensign, Feb 2012, 34. 

God's Perfect Love

God’s Perfect Love

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. …

“Regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Liahonaand Ensign, Nov. 2009, 22–23.

The Priesthood is a Commission to Serve

President Thomas S. Monson said:

“Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.

“The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. …

“For those of us who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, our privilege to magnify our callings is ever present. We are shepherds watching over Israel. The hungry sheep look up, ready to be fed the bread of life. Are we prepared to feed the flock of God?”

Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power,” Ensign,Nov. 1999, 50.

The Priesthood is the Power of God

“[The priesthood] is nothing more nor less than the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God.”

Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (1986), 139–40.

Articles of Faith Memory Quest

Memorize the articles of faith by playing Articles of Faith Memory Quest at

https://www.lds.org/children/activities/articles-of-faith?lang=eng

10 Signs of Digital Overload

10 Signs of Digital Overload

1. 1. 
   Slipping away from activities with people to check e-mail or social networking sites.
2. 2. 
   Checking the same sites repeatedly within a short period of time.
3. 3. 
   Spending little time outside.
4. 4. 
   Finding it hard to complete a task such as writing a report without frequently breaking away to check e-mail or unrelated websites.
5. 5. 
   Spending little time in face-to-face interactions with friends.
6. 6. 
   Going online or using a digital device when you feel stressed or want to avoid an unpleasant task.
7. 7. 
   Family members spending most of their time at home in separate rooms interacting with screens.
8. 8. 
   Frequently using digital devices to entertain a child instead of talking, singing, playing, or reading with him or her.
9. 9. 
   Checking the computer first thing in the morning, or getting up during the night to use digital devices.
10. 10. 
    Spending long stretches of time surfing for content, often viewing content that is inappropriate or borderline.

10 Ways to Cut Back

1. 1. 
   Check and answer e-mail only once or twice a day, at scheduled times.
2. 2. 
   Use social networking sites only at scheduled times and for a set number of minutes.
3. 3. 
   Practice a “digital Sabbath”—setting aside one or two days each week to “unplug.”
4. 4. 
   Leave your cell phone in another room during time with family or friends.
5. 5. 
   Call instead of texting.
6. 6. 
   Invite children to help search the house for supplies that can be used in nondigital activities: children’s books, board games, art supplies, and equipment for outside play.
7. 7. 
   Organize a talent show, art show, or service project with family or friends.
8. 8. 
   Use Internet-blocking software to keep on task while working.
9. 9. 
   Limit recreational surfing; watch TV and videos selectively and intentionally.
10. 10. 
    Keep a gospel-centered perspective, using technology to uplift yourself and people around you.

Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20.

Be Careful in Cyberspace

Be Careful in Cyberspace

Photograph by Craig Dimond

“I raise an apostolic voice of warning about the potentially stifling, suffocating, suppressing, and constraining impact of some kinds of cyberspace interactions and experiences upon our souls. … I plead with you to beware of the sense-dulling and spiritually destructive influence of cyberspace technologies that are used to … promote degrading and evil purposes.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Things as They Really Are,” Ensign, June 2010, 20.

Technology Filter Questions

 These five filter questions can be a good first step to staying in tune and in balance:

1. 1. 
   Am I using this technology to learn or to teach?
2. 2. 
   Am I using it to build faith and testimony in myself and others?
3. 3. 
   Am I using it to entertain in uplifting ways?
4. 4. 
   Am I giving enough undistracted in-person time to family and friends?
5. 5. 
   Am I devoting enough time to work, school, Church callings, and physical exercise?
6. Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20. 

Technology Use

"It takes careful monitoring to make sure we’re not allowing our technology use to numb our minds and consume much of the precious time God has given us."

Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20. 

We All Have Work to Do

We All Have Work To Do

“We have to work together to make a family succeed. But it’s not something we can do by assignment. It’s a matter of the heart. Children and parents have to have in their hearts a desire to make each other happy.”

Elder D. Lee Tobler (served as a member of the Seventy from 1998 to 2003), “Homegrown Happiness,” New Era,Feb. 2004, 12.

Giving Each Other the Benefit of the Doubt

Giving Each Other the Benefit of the Doubt

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,”Ensign, May 1992, 19.

Choose the Best Things

Choose the Best Things

“We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 107.

Nothing Can Ever Go Permanently Wrong, IF...

President Howard W. Hunter taught, “I am aware that life presents many challenges, but with the help of the Lord, we need not fear. If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong.”

The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1997), 40.

Mealtime

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because mothers and fathers and children work at it.”

Parents can also take advantage of bedtime to increase quality time with their children. 

Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion (pamphlet, 1987).

Families are the Priority

We strengthen our families when we set aside undisturbed time to be together. Elder Oaks taught, “Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 105.

Increase Energy

Communicating with our Father in Heaven while at work is an often-overlooked way to increase energy.... frequent physical exercise increases our stamina and often gives us a boost throughout the day. Peaceful music can soothe the soul. Some people find talking to a friend to be energizing. A short nap is often invigorating. Having a few minutes alone in quiet solitude can rejuvenate the mind.

E. Jeffrey Hill, "Finding Harmony as We Struggle to Juggle," Ensign, Feb 2012, 12. 

Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?

Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?

“He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

“What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Love of God,” Liahona and Ensign,Nov. 2009, 22–23.

Law of Health - Things I Need to Remember

"The spirit of this law is to consume nutritious foods and to refrain from anything that is habit forming...
 A clean body is more receptive to the Holy Ghost....
We should also avoid anything that is harmful to our bodies, such as overeating or refusing to eat enough healthy foods to maintain our health."

"The Lord Has Given Us a Law of Health," Ensign, Feb 2012, 8. 

Guardians of the Hearth

“You are the guardians of the hearth,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) as he introduced “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” in the general Relief Society meeting in 1995. “You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 101.