The Shield

Your armor should be personally, spiritually custom/retro-fitted, steel-plated, masterlocked/hummved to protect ones' heart. A mighty breastplate worn. If you do, then:

4    And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time-they that are faithful and diligent before me. Doctrine & Covenants 59:

Posts

Scripture Man posts are hoped to inspire you, like this applied quote:

Should we not cherish the light posts He has given that guide us through the darkness and the trials of mortality? They mark the way back to our heavenly home! 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Rip experience

Personal journal entries can be boring. Like this one from me today:

"Began chartering for the Troop today. And sat down to review my scoring table duties for the 2015 high school lacrosse season. I did two loads of laundry, and folded one load. I took the kids to their orthodontic appointment. I helped prepared tacos for dinner."

I recommend finding a small notebook, and write periodic entries.  My notebook is a small 3 X 3 size. They come in red, black and blue colors from OfficeMax. These little notebooks fit perfectly in my shirt pocket. Sometimes more inspiring entries come, or even a thought or statement becomes inspirational, "jotting" noteworthy. Like this scripture reference: "I am the bread of life" John 6:35- spoken by Jesus.

Disconnect

Some days are plugs and sockets; just not connecting.

Halloween quote

“The face of sin today often wears the Halloween mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived. Behind that facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that truth. The character of transgression remains the same. If your so called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong, you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There’s no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness…”

President Thomas S. Monson
Priesthood Session, April 2008 Conference
In his first address as President of the LDS Church

Learning from Church

After hearing the chicken and eagle story:

You are not born as a chicken, but as an Eagle to soar.

We should seek and live this scripture:

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. (Book of Mormon, Moroni, Moroni 7)

And live this quote by Elder Nelson:

"Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities. Our sustaining is an oath-like indication that we recognize their calling as a prophet to be legitimate and binding upon us."

Two, Rip Experience

I was asked to present the High Priest discussion on The Resurrectiom- April 2014 Elder Christofferson today. I was asked on Friday. I prayed and pondered about this opportunity, that all would go well. I felt good of my preparation. I prayed that my preparation would affirm to me that the outcome of the lesson would be as the Lords will and witness to those attending. After the meeting, I thanked the Lord for what I felt was affirmation of my desire.

7 ....And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. 3 Nephi 18:

Rip Dive Experience

Today I am going to give 4 "build up" statements- to build, and to plant. This inspired to me by my Daniel scripture references:

10    See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. Jeremiah 1:

 8      But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself; Daniel 1:

Monthly List

I found this great list. Actually two lists in one:

"Daniel was a man of perception, purpose, principle, prayer, purity and power. He was touched five times by heavenly beings: (1) to make him see (8:18-19); (2) to give him skill (9:21-22); (3) to make him stand (10:10-11); (4) to make him speak (10:16); and (5) to make him strong." Biblehub.com

I believe lists help us see things a little more clearer- reading and living them. It paints a broader and expansive view on how to live and walk through life. Perhaps, through someone's life perspective rather than your own.

Rewriting

Another way to memorize a scripture is to called rewriting. First write your verse, then rewrite the verse with the same words yet in a different sequence. Rewrite the verse 4-5 times. Like this:

-He would not defile himself, because his heart was purposed.

-Because of his purposes here, he defiled not himself.

-Daniel, he not himself defiled in his heart.

-In his heart, he defiled not.

-Daniel told himself, and sealed in his heart, that he would do nothing that would destroy his honor.

Daniel 1:8, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself;

Jacks

Pretend to throw all the key words of the scripture on the ground. As you pick up the word, say the scripture and reference to that point. Do this until all the key words are picked up. I Nephi 1:20; show, tender mercies, faith, mighty, power, deliverance. Now repeat until all the words are picked up again.

"I Nephi will show unto you the tender mercies of the lord; and to those who are faithful, I will make them mighty unto the power of deliverance."

Scrambler

Over the next few days we are going to be to reviewing the three scripture references we have memorized this month. Then we will be doing "rip dive" experiences toward the end of the month.

Three keys to memorizing scriptural references are identifying patterns, keep it small, and repetition. It also helps if you have identified scriptures that have meaning to you. 

35 I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (New Testament, John, John 6)

Do a silly scrambler exercise to memorize this scripture: thirst, never, hunger, cometh to, believeth on, life, bread. Now as you look at the scrambled words in the scripture, think of where the word is in the scripture as you repeat the verse in your mind. Before each word, say the reference: John 6:35.

Learned At Church

 "I have wondered if their "religion" would "tie them back" only to some kind of a bouncing ball."  Russell M. Nelson

Have you ever played the paddle with the string and ball attached to it.  You have to apply effort with your arm to keep the ball going up and down with the paddle. If you don't apply such an continuous or desired effort the ball will just dangle- without purpose.

Jesus applied this teaching to such an effort and purpose in this parable:

Luke 10:25-37

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

GAP

Happiness is seeing a granddaughter wearing a GAP sweatshirt.

Scripture Memorization

35 I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (New Testament, John, John 6)

Consideration

"In other words, all that has been revealed for the salvation of man from the beginning to our own time is circumscribed, included in, and a part of these two great laws. If we love the Lord with all the heart, with all the soul, and with all the mind, and our neighbors as ourselves, then there is nothing more to be desired. Then we will be in harmony with the total of sacred law. If we were willing to live in harmony with these two great commandments—and we must do so eventually if we are worthy to live in the presence of God"
Joseph Fielding Smith

Thoughts

Heaven's manna bears forth constant nourishment through mortality, and yields unseen provenderance through immortality.

I can think of three experiences when I thought and felt of heaven:

When I first saw Jennifer wearing a pink sweater, and her mission picture with a child in Argentina. Of these moments I knew she was the special one for me.

When I endured my last year working at Macy's. It had been 10 years, and stocking and getting around began more difficult with my physical condition.

And my complete whiteout/wipeout sit skiing down treasure hollow at Park City. I swear I blacked out and saw heaven for a second or two with all my equipment sprawled all over the trail.

The love of heaven makes one heavenly.

William Shakespeare

Treasure

Heaven is the direction we work towards in life, and a station rewarded for us in eternity. A station, supposively reaching to other vast destinations. 

If you read John chapter 6 further, Heavens understanding is heightened:

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (New Testament, John, John 6)

Topic Dive- Heaven

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (New Testament, John, John 6)

40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. (Old Testament, Psalms, Psalm 105)

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Book of Mormon, Mosiah, Mosiah 2)

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 121)

37 And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. (Pearl of Great Price, Moses, Moses 1)

1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 131)

This hymn brings the sounds of heaven's peace (heaven's manna) to me every time I hear it:

My Shepherd, Will Supply My Need

1 My Shepherd, you supply my need, most holy is your name; in pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream. You bring my wand'ring spirit back, when I forsake your ways; you lead me, for your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.

2 When through the shades of death I walk, your presence is my stay; one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. Your hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; my cup with Blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.

3 Your sure provisions gracious God; attend me all my days; oh, may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. Here would I find a settled rest,while others go and come; no more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.

Hear this hymn by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, October 12, 2014 Broadcast; :12

Topic

I am choosing the topic this week of Heaven. So much can be thought about regarding this topic. Thomas S. Monson brought the topic to my mind with this message, "We look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course." Heaven is a direction to work towards in life, and a station rewarded for us in eternity. A station, I suppose reaching to other vast destinations.

Memorizing Plug

This came from my niece in Finland serving a mission.

"One of the biggest things this week that has impacted me I mentioned briefly last time, was from the women’s session, the talk which talked about memorizing the Living Christ, so my companion and I decided to do it in Finnish, I mostly finished memorizing it this morning, the last paragraph is still just a bit rough. It's been a really amazing experience, and keeps our thoughts even more focused on the Savior. It's so nice to have that running through my mind as we are walking or as I’m falling asleep at night... I’m just now wondering if I ever recite it in my sleep haha... but it's been super cool way to help me be better at keeping that promise I made at baptism to ALWAYS remember him. Anyways, it's really impacted me deeply this week memorizing the prophet’s and apostle’s testimony of Christ, and it's something I’m determined to ALWAYS keep memorized, by continually going through it in my head when I have different quiet moments. I'd invite ALL of you to start working on memorizing it too, except probably don’t try and do it in Finnish, that wouldn't do most of you any good :) but really, the words of it bring a power to the read, and having it will memorized bring a special power in your lives."

Learned at Church, Leaven

The larger impact of the ingredients to produce a hot loaf of bread is its smaller mortzel and power, influence of leaven. Leaven spreads its power throughout the larger portion of flour.  May each of us spread, be as leaven of Christ Jesus, to a hungering world. However small we are in this vast and immense world large are impact can be.

"We should be persons of goodwill toward all."

Loving Others, Living with Differences

Dallin Oakes

Topic Scripture Memorization

This is the scripture I am going to memorize:

7 ....And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. 3 Nephi 18:

The sacrament as a new ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ is a covenant with a promise. Elder Melvin J. Ballard once stated, "that we should consistently, weekly, repair ourselves at the sacrament table."

Treasure, Story

Years ago, as a young boy I played little league soccer. Our team was called "the dudes"- we had blue and white team uniforms. Each week a player was asked to take the team uniforms home to wash. After a muddy game and losing 25-0, I was assigned to wash duty. Well, my washing failed as the uniforms came out pink and white. Imagine now the "dudettes".

Like this failed washing, our Saviour washes us clean when we fall short, and then gives us a newness, new testament- if you will, or fresh start at our sacramental worship; like a new color (blue, muddy, clean uniforms, then pink). After a completed week or game, into another; our weekly personal sanctification process by partaking of the emblems of the sacrament continues.

26 ¶And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, (New Testament, Matthew, Matthew 26)

Time-out

It is important to remember that a dive through any resource can yield great treasures.  I am in the process of diving through the recent general conference messages, hoping to capture a dozen or so quotes I can memorize until the next conference. Here is a sampling of them:

"We need a constantly renewed stream; We need not just one flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God."

"And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience."

"The constant water balloon volleys from the sidelines may occasionally get you wet, but they need never, never extinguish your burning fire of faith."

"A steward managing the field must, with all his or her power, nourish that which is good and make it so strong and beautiful the tares will have no appeal either to the eye or the ear."

As an exercise, go to the conference messages, lds.org, and dive or explore who said these above quotes. 

A Recent Blessing

In the Book of Mormon, Amulek was directed by an angel to come to the aid of Alma. This is what he said about the blessing of Alma to his home- General Conference I believe brings forth the same depiction of such blessings to our homes:

10 And again, I know that the things whereof he hath testified are true; for behold I say unto you, that as the Lord liveth, even so has he sent his angel to make these things manifest unto me; and this he has done while this Alma hath dwelt at my house.
11 For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake.
(Book of Mormon, Alma, Alma 10)

Such a recent blessing was given as we viewed the Prophet in our home:

"As we leave this conference, I invoke the blessings of heaven upon each of you. May you who are away from your homes return to them safely and find all in order. May we all ponder the truths we have heard, and may they help us to become even more valiant disciples than we were when this conference began.

Until we meet again in six months’ time, I ask the Lord’s blessings to be upon you and, indeed, upon all of us, and I do so in His holy name—even Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior—Amen." Thomas S. Monson

My Dive-Sacrament

My dive took me to multiple references. I found these under the Sacrament, and Jesus Christ, Taking the Name of, plus Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory.

Jesus took bread … and said, Take, eat; this is my body: Matt. 26:26 ; (Topical Guide, Sacrament)

he took the cup … saying, Drink ye: Matt. 26:27 ; (Topical Guide, Sacrament)

continued steadfastly … breaking of bread: Acts 2:42 ; (Topical Guide, Sacrament)

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 59)

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (New Testament, 1 Peter, 1 Peter 2)

James J. Hamula said:

"When we commit ourselves to these principles, we are promised in the sacramental prayers that we will “have his Spirit to be with [us]...the Spirit is the agent who cleanses and purifies us from sin and transgression.

Regular and earnest participation in this sacred ordinance helps us continue to embrace and live the doctrine of Christ after baptism and thereby pursue and complete the process of sanctification; and receive the fulness of the Father in the same way Jesus did, grace for grace."

An Apostle's Dive

President Boyd K. Packer demonstrates the scripture dive experience as given in his October 2014 General Conference address:

The following year we returned to Oxford to present a beautifully bound set of the standard works for the library at Christ’s College. It seemed a bit awkward for Dr. Poppelwell. Perhaps he thought we were not really Christians. So he called for the college chaplain to receive the books.

Before handing the scriptures to the chaplain, I opened the Topical Guide and showed him one subject: 18 pages, very fine print, single-spaced, listing references to the subject of “Jesus Christ.” It is one of the most comprehensive compilations of scriptural references on the subject of the Savior that has ever been assembled in the history of the world—a testimony from the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

“However you follow these references,” I told him, “side to side, up and down, book to book, subject after subject—you will find that they are a consistent, harmonious witness to the divinity of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ—His birth, His life, His teachings, His Crucifixion, His Resurrection, and His Atonement.”

After I shared with the chaplain some of the teachings of the Savior, the atmosphere changed, and he gave us a tour of the facility, including a recent excavation revealing murals which dated to Roman days.

Among the references listed in the Topical Guide is this one from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: “We preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).

In His own words, the Savior has declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

And from the Book of Mormon, He declares: “Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters” (Ether 3:14).

There are many, many other references throughout the standard works which proclaim the divine role of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of all who have ever been or ever will be born into mortality.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are all redeemed from the Fall of man, which occurred when Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, as stated in 1 Corinthians: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

The Book of Mormon teaches, “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made … , or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement … an infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:9–10).

He continues...see conference talk lds.org

Topic: Sacrament

The topic this week is Sacrament. The sacrament is the most important event we can participate in each week. May we be prepared- actively participating mentally, to be renewed, and receive of its strength and power. To move us forward through our week, prepared and nourished to face our challenges and hopes through Christ Jesus. I am glad he stands with me.

Cheryl Esplin said this regarding the sacrament:

"Don't you hate making the same errors over and over? Christ can stop this defeating habit and pattern."

"Don't forget Christ's enabling power - power to do what we need to do and be what we need to be."

Topical Guide

Boyd K. Packer emphasized in his October 2014 General Conference address of the topical guide headings of Jesus Christ in the LDS Bible edition. Of the amount placed therein- nearly, over 60. This is a major emphasis of Scripture Man-using the topics therein for a tri-monthly scriptural "diving" experience. This emphasis may direct me to one of many Jesus Christ topics or related for my next dive in October.

Conference Scavenger Hunt

As I listened to conference, I heard these items:

A cover of a hatchet, the mighty Bismarck- war ship, lifeboats, life jackets, water balloons, oxygen masks, currents, rip tides, ointment, rudders, lighthouse, ports, river guides, passports, manna, oil in a cruze, mirror, heart surgery, and stamps....more to come.

Sunday, Home Church-184

Wa watched general conference, ate german pancakes, and followed tweets on #ldsconf.

Purpose Experience

I am helping Joey to obtain his Eagle Scout Award before his eighteenth birthday.

It is time to take the cover off our hatchets and go to work! Alan Packer

Memorize

Daniel1:8 "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself;"

"Never extinguish your burning fire of faith".
Neil L. Andersen

184

For Scripture Man, General Conference is my "spiritual kryptonite". It will bring me enhanced personal spiritual power.

I usually select 15 quotes from my favorite messages and memorize them until the next conference.

Here were my selections from last conference:

1 The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home.

2 Our protection is as simple as deciding individually to follow the Savior, making certain that we faithfully remain on His side.

3 Those who rely on themselves and follow only their own desires and self inclinations are so limited when compared to those who follow God and tap into His insight, power and gifts.

4 set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.

5 It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us; but we also need  to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to enliven us — not only to guide but also to strengthen and heal us.

6 is one's load producing the "spiritual traction" needed to press forward with faith in christ.

7 This life is your four minutes; essential — check points which move us through our spiritual performance on earth. These spiritual markers are the essential God-given ordinances of the gospel.

8 If we follow up, the lord will not let us down.

9 He made your spirit strong, and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life.

10 Faith is the antedote of fear. Day after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny, increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show!

11 courage is needed — the courage to say ‘No’ when we should, the courage to say ‘Yes’ when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right.

12 Families can hold a "FamilyTree Gathering".

13 There is no up or down in the lords service, there is only forward or backward.

Treasures found

"Nebuchadnezzar, one of the most capable of ancient rulers, expected to have in his regime the best talent his new empire could provide. He found none equal to Daniel the statesman. Daniel was a man of perception, purpose, principle, prayer, purity and power. He was touched five times by heavenly beings: (1) to make him see (8:18-19); (2) to give him skill (9:21-22); (3) to make him stand (10:10-11); (4) to make him speak (10:16); and (5) to make him strong (10:18).

What God thought of Daniel is revealed when he is addressed as “highly esteemed” by heavenly beings (Daniel 9:23; 10:11, 19). Daniel stands as one of the most admirable of God’s servants in the OT. From boyhood through old age, Daniel never compromised his faith in God. He was a man of conviction and courage to the end. He dared to be a Daniel!"(Daniel decoded)°

This treasure I found from reading my Daniel reference.  I like how he was "touched five times by heavenly beings"-"1) to make him see (8:18-19); (2) to give him skill (9:21-22); (3) to make him stand (10:10-11); (4) to make him speak (10:16); and (5) to make him strong (10:18)". Plus, "Daniel was a man of perception, purpose, principle, prayer, purity and power". May we have such devotion and faith as Daniel of old manifested.

This chapter begins in chaismus form, the Book of Daniel- Chapter 1. Thus leading to the emphasis or point of the poem format from verse 1 to verse 8, and then descending back to verse 16 and 17. With this written format, the main point must be important- verse 8. See the distinguishing verse below:

8 ¶But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Old Testament, Daniel, Daniel 1)

Dive: Purpose

These references I found.  I thought it was interesting that I liked the ones that were consecutively ordered from Daniel to Ephesians. I highlighted the one I really liked.

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself: Dan. 1:8 ;
with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: Acts 11:23 ;
that the purpose of God … might stand: Rom. 9:11 ;
for this same purpose have I raised thee up: Rom. 9:17 ;
as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give: 2 Cor. 9:7 ;
eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ: Eph. 3:11

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." - John F. Kennedy

"True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." - Helen Keller

Topic: Purpose

Little babies are so cute.  I love how our twin grandgirls use their hands in responding to questions. You asked where is their beanies on their heads and they point there. You say thank you to them and they gesture their hands to their mouths. Then you watch them do "head, shoulders, knees and toes", and they point there. It is fun to watch each of them do this together. Instinctively doing the gestures independent of the others recognition of the requested actions. Purely and quickly, they respond in complete meekness, faith, innocence, and belief. Do I have or each of us have that type of purifying purpose in our living?

So many sermons could be written about little children.

Isaiah 48:

17    Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
18    O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Thus the topic: Purpose

"And let thy preserving care be with all those who seek thy face and who walk before thee in the integrity of their souls, that they may be lights to the world, instruments in thy hands to bring to pass thy purposes on earth. ("A Witness and a Blessing," Ensign, June 1971, 110.) Joseph Fielding Smith