All That is Really Desirable . . .

"The world defines happiness as pleasure or fun, not the inner peace and joy that come from partaking of the fruit of the tree of life. Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) clearly explained the difference: 'Happiness includes all that is really desirable and of true worth in pleasure, and much beside. Happiness is genuine gold, pleasure but gilded brass. … Happiness is as the genuine diamond, which, rough or polished, shines with its own inimitable luster; pleasure is as the paste imitation that glows only when artificially embellished. … Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction.' "

Steven E. Snow, “Book of Mormon Principles: The Sweet Fruits of Obedience,” Ensign, Jan 2004, 24–27

The Contest of Priorities

"Some of our most important choices concern family activities. Many breadwinners worry that their occupations leave too little time for their families. There is no easy formula for that contest of priorities. However, I have never known of a man who looked back on his working life and said, 'I just didn't spend enough time with my job.'"

Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 104–8

A Small Act of Kindness . . .

I was reflecting on how Heavenly Father puts little things in our paths to let us know he cares and thought I'd share a neat experience I had.

Yesterday was an all-around bad day. Period. My husband got laid off, the kids were being holy terrors as we tried to kill time waiting for him to call us to go pick him up (we were killing time from 3:15 p.m. to almost 7 p.m.) and my stress level was really high. When the time came to go pick him up, my kids and I were at the library. As I went to open the door of my car, I found a small envelope tucked into the driver's side window. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't an ad for a local business like I thought it would be. Instead, the note on the front read, "To: Whoever finds this. You have an awesome smile - you TOTALLY deserve an ice cream!" Tucked inside was a coupon for a free ice cream cone from a local grocery store.

That may not seem like much, but after I got in the car, I was totally overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of the person who left it and completely in awe of Heavenly Father for knowing that I needed a small act of kindness right then. So thank you to whomever left that little note. I'm sure you didn't know how much I needed it.

Confronting the Complexities of Life . . .

"Ofttimes we become anxious and fearful as we confront the complexities of life. If we seek divine guidance and follow the gospel path, we will be led to our final destination. Sometimes adversity may seem so overwhelming that we feel powerless to continue. If we appeal for help with humility and faith, our Heavenly Father will provide a way to lovingly help us through."

Tai Kwok Yuen, “‘He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures’,” Ensign, May 1993, 86

A Force for Permanant Change . . .

"As we repent and live in accordance with the commandments of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ becomes a force for permanent change in our lives. We become more pure in heart and true disciples of the Master. Personal prayer, contributions of tithes and offerings, honoring the Sabbath day, and partaking of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper are all regular practices that protect us from the bondage of sin and bring us true freedom and joy."

Russell M. Nelson, “Combatting Spiritual Drift—Our Global Pandemic,” Ensign, Nov 1993, 102–8

A Powerful Idea . . .

"A powerful idea with immediate practical application is the reality that we can pray to our Heavenly Father, and he will hear our prayers and help us in the way that is best for us. Most of us have experienced the terrible empty feeling that comes from being separated from those who love us. If we remember that we can pray and be heard and helped, we can always withstand that feeling of emptiness. We can always be in touch with a powerful friend who loves us and helps us, in his own time and in his own way."

Dallin H. Oaks, “Powerful Ideas,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 25

I'm back!

Hey all! Sorry it's been so long, but I'm back! I'm doing rather well with my scripture reading goals, though it's really been an uphill battle to put them into a routine. Today's a new day! ^.^