Sunday, June 21, 2009

Words of Wisdom

Just a few quotes from, beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson:

“The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: ‘He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.’”
(
Hidden Wedges, Ensign, May. 2002, 19.)

“The battle for self-discipline may leave you a bit bruised and battered but always a better person. Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless. Should temporary setbacks afflict us, a very significant part of our struggle for self-discipline is the determination and the courage to try again....Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal, and self-discipline will surely be required if you are to achieve it.”
(
“Pathways to Perfection,” Ensign, May 2002, 100–101.)


“Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.”
(
“The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 55–56.)


“As parents, we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, ‘I want to follow my dad,’ or ‘I want to be like my mother’? Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes.”
(
“Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 65.)



3 comments:

Leslie said...

Good stuff, Anna. Thanks for sharing!

GeoWulf said...

Yeah that last one is particularly poigniant!

Valerie said...

Thanks, Anna. I've been trying to get over hard feelings from this ridiculous situation we are in with our landlords. The first quote was sort of like a whip for me, and even though I'm still not completely over it, I'm getting there. Life can be frustrating, and no matter how hard you try you just can't please everyone or make them understand.