Praying to recognize those in need

"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the “amen” is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, “How did you know?” The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."

Elder David A. Bednar, "Quick to Observe", December Ensign, 2006

Blessings of Book of Mormon Study

“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” (Marion G Romney, Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

Book of Mormon

“There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. … When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign,Nov. 1986, 7).

True doctrine changes attitudes and behavior

True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.

The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.

Boyd K Packer, "Little Children", Ensign November 1986

Abundance and the lack of abundance

Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.” <sup>6 

President Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", October 2008 General Conference, Quoting Sarah Ban Brethnach in John Cook, comp., The Book of Positive Quotations, 2nd ed. (2007), 342.</sup> 

The Abundant Life by President Spencer W. Kimball

“Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!

Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!

Jesus’ teachings help us to have a correct view of life and our circumstances. Sometimes the solution is not to change our circumstance, but to change our attitude about that circumstance and its difficulties so that we see more clearly our opportunities for more abundant service.

God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other. There is great security in spirituality, and we cannot have spirituality without service!” (“The Abundant Life”, Ensign, October 1985)

Lifting Souls

"You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul."

"Stand Ye in Holy Places", President Harold B. Lee

Family Traditions

"Make the honoring of family traditions and the development of new ones a priority throughout your lives.  Holiday traditions, birthday traditions, Sunday traditions, dinner-time traditions- honor them, write them down and make certain you follow them.  Studies show that the reason young people join gangs is for the tradition and ritual of belonging to something larger than self.  This is what a family should be.  Be certain you are creating a rich environment for your family to look forward to these special times of the year when traditions hold you together as an eternal family unit. 

Please understand this is neither a simple nor an easy solution.  Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither are family traditions.  Family traditions can offer the basic and lasting support, but there's a lot that must be build around them.  Perhaps, family traditions only work when they create a role for every member of the family, and there is united effort to build them.  This means family members need to spend time together and also learn how to work together.  When it comes to families, there is no such thing as quality time without a certain quantity of time."
Elder L. Tom Perry, BYU-Idaho Devotional, January 24, 2012.

The Great Commandment- Love the Lord by Pres. Benson

"We must put God in the forefront of everything else in our lives. He must come first, just as He declares in the first of His Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3).

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities."

This quote has influenced me for years.  When life starts to feel overwhelming & out of balance this little quote helps me re-prioritize.  I clearly haven't mastered the concept, but the reminder always does me good.