Posts Tagged ‘inspiration’
The Naming
BY CARL L. BANKSTON III They woke in a wood of leaf overlapped by leaf. Eyes unfocused, they saw all things and none in wakefulness not yet distinct from sleep. Their uncombed hair twisted in rays of sun wrapped about their heads in crazy wreaths of light and dark completely interwoven. Their feet touched earth, the same dirt on their [...]
More Sure Word of Prophesy
THAT FAITH MIGHT INCREASE, WITH STEVE FARRELL Sometimes we suppose that faith is empty, that material witnesses are of a higher sort than what comes into a mans heart from God. Not so. Peter stated as clearly as it anything may be stated: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that [...]
Squeezing The Artificiality Out of Us
Daily Dabble in the Classics, Neal A. Maxwell Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what we really are and clarifying what we really yearn for. Source: Neal A. Maxwell. "Things as They Really Are," 1978.
John F. Kennedy, And In God We Trust
American Minute with Bill Federer Navy torpedo boat PT 109 was rammed AUGUST 2, 1943, by a Japanese destroyer and sunk. The commander sustained permanent back injuries yet helped survivors swim miles to shore, which unfortunately was behind enemy lines in the Solomon Islands. After a daring rescue, he was awarded the Medal of heroism. Though [...]
Continue in the Things Which Thou Hast Learned
Old World Witness For Christ But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, [...]
That Shining City Upon a Hill — Ronald Reagan
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, Ronald Reagan And let us all renew our commitment. Renew our pledge to day by day, person by person, make our country and the world a better place to live. Then when the nations of the world turn to us and say, "America, you are the model of freedom and prosperity." We can turn to them and say, "you ain't seen [...]
You Are My Hands — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Way of Life, Dieter F. Uchtdorf A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives. Experts were able to repair most [...]
A Sacred Obligation — Ezra Taft Benson
Prophet Statesmen, Ezra Taft Benson If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and . . . character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity. We have the obligation to maintain what those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred [...]
Diligence — Henry B. Eyring
A Way of Life, Henry B. Eyring The other experience that led me to speak of diligence to you tonight was watching a man near the end of his priesthood service in this life. He had been a bishop twice. His first call as a bishop, years before I met him, had been when he was young. Now he was old, released for the second time as a bishop. [...]
Waiting Can Be Hard — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Way of Life, Dieter F. Uchtdorf Waiting can be hard. Children know it, and so do adults. We live in a world offering fast food, instant messaging, on-demand movies, and immediate answers to the most trivial or profound questions. We don’t like to wait. Some even feel their blood pressure rise when their line at the grocery store moves [...]
Why Is Lust Such A Deadly Sin? — Jeffrey R. Holland
A Way of Life, Jeffrey R. Holland Why is lust such a deadly sin? Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality—the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring [...]
What Is To Be Done? — Steve Farrell
By Steve Farrell In response to the question, "What is to be done?" Or more to the point, 'What is to be done to save the Republic from the grasp of the Establishment and its drive toward domestic and international socialism?' Barry Goldwater, in his 1994 book, "The Conscience of a Conservative," advised: "The ancient and tested truths that [...]
The Bumps and Bruises of The Easy Way — Bruce A. Carlson
A Way of Life, Bruce A. Carlson The story is told of two outdoor enthusiasts who hired a bush plane to fly them to a remote lake for their annual fishing trip. Following a successful outing, the pilot returned to retrieve them. However, he quickly informed the fishermen that his small plane would not support them, their equipment, and the added [...]
It’s Over The Top Time — Phil Brennan
Perspectives with Phil Brennan Informed Views from Outside the Beltway Marine Sgt. Maj Dan Daly won the Medal of Honor twice in WWI but he's probably better known for his battle cry when his 5th Marines attacked the entrenched enemy at Belleau Wood on June 6, 1918. "Come on, you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?" he shouted at his [...]
It was my pleasure, Sir. — T.F. Stern
By T.F. Stern, A fellow called my office this morning to unlock a car, the key sitting on the front seat just out of reach. The car belonged to their care-giver; the woman attends his aging wife with Alzheimer’s disease. I wrote down the address and phone number and drove to a nice patio home community, mostly retired folks enjoying their [...]
Remembering A Marine — Phil Brennan
Perspectives with Phil Brennan Informed Views from Outside the Beltway I've been watching NBC's "The Pacific" - series which follows the storied First Marine Division from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, with special focus on the career of Medal of Honor winner Sgt. John Basilone. I didn't know Manila John even though he was a fellow member of the 5th [...]
Icebound: The Story of Shackleton’s Antarctic Voyage
by Dennis Behreandt Frank Worsley, his muscles tensed and his face etched in grim determination, tossed uncomfortably in his sleep. In his mind surreal images tormented him. Giant blocks of ice tinged with a primordial blue jostled and bucked their way down Burlington Street, which was, in the dream, weirdly flooded. The monstrous floes of [...]
We Felt To Rejoice — Wilford W. Andersen
A Way of Life, Wilford W. Anderson Years ago I visited Nauvoo, Illinois, with my family. There the early Saints had come seeking refuge. Many had lost their homes and their farms, and some had lost their loved ones to the growing persecution. In Nauvoo they gathered and built a new and beautiful city. But the persecution was relentless, and by [...]
Moral Virtue and Republicanism — Richard Henry Lee
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, Richard Henry Lee (with commentary by Steve Farrell) A corrupted people and republicanism cannot co-exist. - Richard Henry Lee Richard Henry Lee (1732 to 1794) was a statesman from Virginia, noted for his motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain. This [...]
John Elliot: Apostle to the Indians
Americanist History, 1624-1655, William J. Jackman The Puritans had long desired to carry the gospel to the Indians. John Eliot, the devout and benevolent pastor of the church in Roxbury, in addition to his pastoral labors, gave them regular instruction in Christianity. He learned their language that he might preach to them; he translated the [...]
Definining Duty — Keith B. McMullin
A Way of Life, Keith B. McMullin What is this thing called duty? The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be. It is a moral imperative summoning forth from individuals and communities that which is right, true, and honorable. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it [...]
If One Wishes To Win — Leonard Read
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, Leonard E. Read If one wishes to win, never choose teammates who are intent on losing the contest. Indeed, such folks should be scrupulously avoided as partners. -- (From Read's: "Anything That's Peaceful: The Case for the Free Market," p. 14.) Liberty Letters is a project of The Moral Liberal. Compiled, and [...]
They Thanked God With All Their Hearts — William P. Jackman
Americanist History, William P. Jackman As "Thanksgiving" has now become a national festival, the manner in which it was first instituted has a peculiar interest. In the autumn of 1623, after the fruits of the harvest were gathered in, Governor Bradford sent out a company for game, to furnish dainty materials for a feast. God had blessed their [...]
Pilgrim Faith and Determination, William Jackman
Americanist History, William Jackman When the Mayflower left for England, not one of these heroic men and women desired to leave the land of their adoption. They had now a government; they had a church covenant; they had a constitution under which their rights were secured, and each one according to his individual merit could be respected and [...]
American Pride, Gratitude, and Work — Steve Farrell
The Moral Liberal with Steve Farrell TheNewAmerican.com. I’ve always been proud to be an American, proud about her independent spirit, her inspired — even Providential — founding, her many heroes during those difficult early days and the difficult days and years that followed, proud of all those men and women of vision, virtue, and [...]
Glorious Advocates for Liberty — Jonathan Mayhew
Political Sermons, Founding Era (1763), Jonathan Mayhew And tho' he did not fall at last as a martyr directly for true religion; yet he fell as one of the most glorious advocates for LIBERTY, that the world ever saw: An honor next to that of suffering martyrdom for religion; and, in some sort, the same thing; true religion comprising in it the [...]
We Are Made In God’s Image — T.F. Stern
By T.F. Stern, Watching the shenanigans going on in Washington of late, I’m reminded of the Biblical story, Noah and the Ark; how God nearly eradicated mankind from off the earth save for a few obedient souls. What a disappointment it must be for our Creator to watch what is being done within a nation He’s invested so much in. Our [...]
Out of Small Beginnings — American Minute — William Bradford
American Minute with Bill Federer When Shakespeare was 26-years-old, William Bradford was born, MARCH 19, 1590. At age 17, Bradford fled for Holland with persecuted Pilgrims. At age 30, he sailed with them to America. In 1621, William Bradford was chosen governor and reelected 30 times till his death. In his History of the Plymouth Plantation, [...]
St. Patrick: Missionary to Ireland — American Minute
American Minute with Bill Federer MARCH 17, around 461 AD, St. Patrick died. As a teenager, the Roman Legions guarding his community in Britain were withdrawn to defend Rome from invading tribes such as the Huns. Unprotected, Britain was attacked by raiders, who carried away thousands. Patrick was captured and sold as a slave in Ireland, which [...]
John Ericsson: Serving God & Country Is Pay Enough — American Minute
American Minute with Bill Federer The Confederate iron-plated ship Merrimac destroyed two Union boats during the Civil War. The Union responded with the ironclad Monitor. Dedicating a statue to the Monitor's designer, John Ericsson, May 29, 1926, President Calvin Coolidge stated: When the ironclad Merrimac went out on the morning of MARCH 9, [...]
The Dignity of Man — Nathanael Emmons
Founding Era Political Sermons, 1787, Nathanael Emmons Shew thyself a Man. 1 Kings 2.2 David closed the scene of life, with that propriety of conduct, and that composure of mind, which at once displayed the beauty of religion, and the dignity of human nature. When the time of his departure drew nigh, he had nothing to do to prepare for [...]
Hoping Against Hope — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Way of Life, Dieter F. Uchtdorf Toward the end of World War II, my father was drafted into the German army and sent to the western front, leaving my mother alone to care for our family. Though I was only three years old, I can still remember this time of fear and hunger. We lived in Czechoslovakia, and with every passing day, the war came [...]
The Best Is Yet To Be — L. Tom Perry
A Way of Life, L. Tom Perry Those of us who have been around a while—and Elder Wirthlin and I have been around for a long time—have recognized certain patterns in life’s test. There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated [...]
Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Courage Amidst Tyranny
American Minute with Bill Federer Jimmy Carter, in his book Sources of Strength, 1997, wrote: "Rev. Niebuhr urged Dietrich Bonhoeffer to remain in America for his own safety. Bonhoeffer refused. He felt he had to be among the other Christians persecuted in Germany. So he returned home, and ... in resistance to Hitler ... preached publicly against [...]
All Creatures of Our God and King — Steven Montgomery
by Steven Ray Montgomery When David became King he: * Prepared a place for the Ark of God and pitched a tent for it (1 Chronicles 15:1) * Appointed certain Levites to “minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 16:4) Among these Levites were Chenaniah, which 1 [...]
The Four Chaplains — Sacrifice At Sea
American Minute with Bill Federer On the frigid night of FEBRUARY 3, 1943, the Allied ship Dorchester plowed through the waters near Greenland. At 1:00am, a Nazi submarine fired a torpedo into its flank, killing many in the explosion and trapping others below deck. It the ensuing chaos, four chaplains: a priest, a rabbi and two protestant [...]
Come Unto Him — Thomas S. Monson
A Way of Life, Thomas S. Monson Remember that you do not walk alone. … As you walk through life, always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind you. … As I have turned to the scriptures for inspiration, a particular word has stood out time and time again. The word is ‘come.’ The Lord said, ‘Come unto me.’ He [...]
Promises to Keep — Robert Frost
Liberty Alerts with Bill Federer "I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference" wrote Robert Frost in "The Road Not Taken." He first published poems in his high school bulletin and graduated co-valedictorian with the [...]
Great Talents for Great Occasions — Johnathan Mayhew
Political Sermons: Founding Era, May 23, 1766, Johnathan Mayhew ... For, surely, great talents were given for great occasions; to be employed in defense of the innocent and feeble. God made some men strong, on purpose to “bear the infirmities of the weak”; that they might be able to assist and support them in their dangers and extremities; [...]
Find the Time to Serve, to Lift, to Love — Thomas S. Monson
A Way of Life, Thomas S. Monson The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for [...]
He Lives! — Joseph Smith Jr.
A Way of Life, Joseph Smith By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—even those things which were from the beginning before the world was, which were ordained of the Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, even from [...]
Live Godly Lives — Brigham Young
A Way of Life, Brigham Young So live that when you wake in the spirit-world you can truthfully say, “I could not better my mortal life, were I to live it over again.” I exhort you, for the sake of the House of Israel, for the sake of Zion which we are to build up, to so live, from this time, henceforth, and forever, that your characters may [...]
God Has Not Left Us Alone — Ann M. Dibb
A Way of Life, Ann M. Dibb In the scriptures there are very few stories of individuals who lived in blissful happiness and experienced no opposition. We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness. I’ve been strengthened by President Thomas S. Monson’s endless confidence in our Heavenly Father [...]
Better Than Psychology — Boyd K. Packer
A Way of Life, Boyd K. Packer We have great concern for young people who grow up without values on which to base their conduct. I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior. The study of behavior is greatly improved when linked to standards and [...]
Love and Law — Dallin H. Oaks
A Way of Life, Dallin H. Oaks Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks October 2009 General Conference Address Love and Law. onsider the love of God, described so meaningfully this morning by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” the Apostle Paul asked. Not tribulation, not persecution, not peril or the sword (see [...]
Why Should We Love God? — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Way of Life, Dieter F. Uchtdorf God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God [...]
Rich Rewards to Strenuous Strugglers — Jorge F. Zeballos
A Way of Life, Jorge F. Zeballos Excerpt from Jorge F. Zeballos' October 2009 General Conference address, Attempting the Impossible. he Lord has said, “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” With all our [...]
Hold On A Little Longer — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A Way of Life, Dieter F. Uchtdorf Excerpt from Dieter F. Uchtdorf's January 2010 First Presidency Message, Hold On a Little Longer. President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) taught: "Testimony isn't something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to [...]
