Perspective in times of Stress

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth." -- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life", Ensign May 1996

I love the idea of taking a step back during times of stress, economic or otherwise, to truly see the big picture. It's hard to remember sometimes that truly turning our lives over to the Lord is really the only important thing. We think that work or money or entertainment is more important than our relationship with God.

But I believe the stresses remind us - to depend on God and He will help us. Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Just my thoughts over the past few weeks... and I thought I'd share.

Quote: Changing the World

"Never believe that a few caring people cannot change the world. For, indeed, they are the only ones who ever have." -- Margaret Mead

LDS Family Values

"It is good for people to know . . . how family centered our theology and our lifestyles are. . . ."Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago."

Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures."

Latter day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. . . ."

The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children as a support to the family. . . .

-- M. Russell Ballard, "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 26

Quote: Changing the World

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, they are the only ones who ever have." -- Margaret Mead

Great Quote for the Week

"My richness consists not in the extent of my possessions; but in the fewness of my wants." -- J. Brotherton

Quote: Procrastination

"There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today, and to live most fully today, we must do that which is of greatest importance. Let us not procrastinate those things which matter most."

-- Thomas S. Monson, "Treasure of Eternal Value", Ensign , April 2008, 4–9

Thought from Oprah

"It makes no difference how many peaks you reach if there was no pleasure in the climb." -- Oprah

I liked this thought for today -- and thought I'd share. I realize that sometimes I get so busy and caught up in work, that I forget to really "live" -- or put off living until I get such-and-such done... "then things will be good." But the reality is -- this is it. So it's nice to be reminded that we should take time to enjoy the process.

Quote for Today

"We become what we think about all day long. The question is, what do you think about?" Dr. Wayne Dyer

Quote: Preparing for the Second Coming

"If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear? If we would do those things then, why not now?" -- Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming", Ensign, May 2004, 7

In business, it becomes apparent that there is much to challenge us. It could be a dishonest employee, or lack of integrity or work-ethic. It might be the issues of trust that are questioned. Or even personal attacks. No matter the problem, it seems that if we can maintain the eternal perspective -- it is easier to not allow those things to influence our personal peace. I loved this quote and thought it was perfect for today.

Great Quote from Oprah

I really liked this quote -- and thought I'd share:

"It makes no difference how many peaks you reach if there was no pleasure in the climb." -- Oprah

I've been really busy taking over LDS Media during the past month. It's very exciting and I love the business -- but there is much to be done. LDS Media / Infobase Media Corp. runs LDS Library and LDS Audio. I've been working long hours - so haven't been blogging much -- but I've realized this week, that I have to take a little bit of time for myself every day -- and enjoy the journey. The quote by Oprah today was another reminder.

Quote: Trials

I liked this quote and thought I'd share it.

"Rather than simply passing through trials, we must allow trials to pass through us in ways that sanctify us." -- Elder Neal Maxwell, "Enduring Well", April 1997 Ensign

Quote: Gaining Eternal Life

"Some men are willing to die for their faith but will not fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. By walking in his steps and through his atonement we can gain the greatest gift of all -- eternal life -- which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One, our Father in heaven." -- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ -- Gifts and Expectations, BYU Devotional", 10 December 1974

Purpose for Our Trials

I love this quote -- it's been something that I've been thinking about and experiencing myself. I really believe that the Lord loves us enough to allow us to suffer, so that we may turn to Him and become more like Him. So, I thought I'd share.

"Sometime in the eternities to come, we will see that our trials were calculated to cause us to turn to our Heavenly Father for strength and support. Any affliction or suffering we are called upon to bear may be directed to give us experience, refinement, and perfection." -- Delbert L. Stapley, "The Blessings of Righteous Obedience", Ensign, Nov. 1977

Thought for Today - from Oprah

"Life isn't just about what you can have; it's about what you have to give." -- Oprah