Finding Joy in the Journey

President Thomas S. Monson has always been known for his many stories and love for literature. In this address, President Monson uses both to encourage us to love more, live in the now, and cultivate gratitude to God.

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”

For more than a decade, President Monson has fascinated me with his keen memory and love for service. I believe him to be a living Prophet and a faithful representative of Jesus Christ.

Finding Joy in the Journey:
Thomas S. Monson General Conference 10/05/2008

God is the Gardener

Speaking at BYU's 1968 graduation ceremony, Hugh B. Brown encouraged the recent graduates to entrust their lives to God.

Now some of you as you go forward are going to meet with disappointment, perhaps many disappointments, some of them crucial… I think I could not leave with you a better message than this: God is aware of you individually. He knows who you are and what you are and furthermore he knows what you are capable of becoming. Be not discouraged then if you do not get all the things you want just when you want them. Have the courage to go on and face your life.

Audio for this address can be found below as well as an alternate telling of President Brown's allegory of the currant bush.

God is the Gardener:
Hugh B. Brown BYU Graduation 05/31/1968

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence

Have you ever prayed for inspired guidance and received it? Such spiritual experiences assure us of God's love and certainly build faith. However, Jeffrey R. Holland warns that if Lucifer isn't successful in preventing such experiences, he may resort to attacking our very confidence in them—content to "get his licks in later if not sooner."

Don't assume that a great revelation, some marvelous illuminating moment, or the opening of an inspired path is the end of it. Remember, it isn't over until it's over.

In this address, Elder Holland teaches us how to combat our doubts and fears by maintaining confidence in the things God has revealed.

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence:
Jeffrey R. Holland BYU Devotional 03/02/1999

But if Not...

One of the most memorable sermons from the April 2004 General Conference was Dennis E. Simmons' address on faith. Elder Simmons taught that true faith involves trusting the Lord completely, even when our prayers aren't answered the way we'd like.

Faith is not bravado, not just a wish... Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does... Men accomplish marvelous things by trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments—by exercising faith even when they don't know how the Lord is shaping them.

Last year I performed disappointingly on my Law School Admission Test. After months of prayer and promising practice exams, my score was devastating. Though it was impossible to see then, I see now that the Lord had important lessons to teach me through that humbling LSAT experience. In this address, Elder Simmons explains the importance of such "But If Not..." moments in our lives.

But if Not…:
Dennis E. Simmons General Conference 04/04/2004

Children

In April General Conference 2002, Boyd K. Packer spoke on the beauty of children and the responsibility of parents to raise their children in righteousness.

Children are the past, the present, and the future all blended into one. They are consummately precious. Every time a child is born, the world is renewed in innocence.

For me, having a child has been both intimidating and rewarding, always challenging, and life changing. Elder Packer's sermon reminds me of the tremendous blessing it is to look after one of God's little ones.

Children:
Boyd K. Packer General Conference 04/06/2002

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The difficulties we face in life are overwhelming at times. In such circumstances, it can be easy to forget that a merciful and loving Heavenly Father watches over us. David A. Bednar reminds us that during these times the tender mercies of the Lord are still manifest.

I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us... Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives.

As the happy father of a beautiful brand new baby girl I have much to be thankful for. I appreciate Elder Bednar's encouragement to recognize, remember, and acknowledge the Lord's tender mercies in my life.

The Tender Mercies of the Lord:
David A. Bednar General Conference 04/03/2005

Eternal Marriage

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that eternal love is more than a poetic notion, it is God's greatest desire for His children. To qualify for this blessing, Latter-day Saints believe a husband and wife must work together as equal partners, serving each other and obeying the Lord. In this sermon, given at the April 2003 General Conference, F. Burton Howard celebrates the complete investment an eternal marriage requires.

If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it... You don't make it common or ordinary... It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.

Eternal Marriage:
F. Burton Howard General Conference 04/06/2003

Consecrate Thy Performance

Two years before concluding an eight year battle with Leukemia, Neal A. Maxwell addressed the Church on the subject of consecration. The address, given at the April General Conference 2002, hints at the vast wisdom Elder Maxwell gained during his lifetime of discipleship.

The best way to valiantly testify of Jesus is to become steadily more like Him...In striving for ultimate submission, our wills constitute all we really have to give God anyway. The usual gifts and their derivatives we give to Him could be stamped justifiably "Return to Sender," with a capital S.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said of Elder Maxwell, “I know of no other man who spoke in such an interesting and distinct manner. His genius was the product of diligence. He was a perfectionist determined to exact from every phrase and sentence vivid imagery that brought the gospel to life...I think we shall not see one like him again.”

Consecrate Thy Performance:
Neal A. Maxwell General Conference 04/06/2002

Making the Right Choices

As a husband and father, church leader, and nuclear engineer, Richard G. Scott knows the anxieties that accompany demanding roles. In this sermon given January 13th 2002, Elder Scott discusses how to overcome anxiety and worry by making choices inspired by God.

No matter how difficult the problems that surround you, the Lord knows how to resolve them. As you exercise faith, doing what you can, He will help you handle those things within your capability... Through the avenue of prayer and the path of inspiration, He will help you know what to do.

As one who was in attendance, I have often reflected on the powerful insights Elder Scott gave that night. Few things are more nagging than the recurrent worries that accompany uncertainty. Elder Scott's counsel has blessed me as I've tried to navigate through difficult choices with confidence.

Making the Right Choices:
Richard G. Scott CES Fireside 01/13/2002

How Do I Love Thee?

On February 15th 2000, Jeffrey R. Holland addressed an audience of Brigham Young University students on the subjects of love and romance.

I like Mormon and Paul's language that says one who truly loves is not "puffed up." Haven't you ever been with someone who was so conceited, so full of themselves that they seemed like the Pillsbury Doughboy? Fred Allen said once that he saw such a fellow walking down Lovers' Lane holding his own hand. True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves.

Elder Holland's sermon is honest, simple, and sweet. I recommend this 'talk' to couples and single individuals who could use some guidance in matters of the heart. Couldn't we all?

How Do I Love Thee?:
Jeffrey R. Holland BYU Devotional 02/15/2000