Commonplace Book

A Commonplace Book. “Commonplace”, from the Latin 'locus communis', meaning “a theme or argument of general application.”  For me, it is a collection of thoughts, ideas, anecdotes, poems, observations, and quotes that stood out and caught my attention, some with comment, some without. Essentially a scrapbook, a repository of thoughts too good to just pass over and let go.

"As we consider our commitment to the Savior, are we careful or casual? Because of our mortal nature, don’t we sometimes rationalize our behavior, at times referring to our actions as being in the gray, or mixing good with something that’s not so good? Anytime we say, “however,” “except,” or “but” when it applies to following the counsel of our prophet leaders or living the gospel carefully, we are in fact saying, “That counsel does not apply to me.” We can rationalize all we want, but the fact is, there is not a right way to do the wrong thing!"

(Becky Craven, Careful versus Casual, April Conference 2019) 

"The atonement of Jesus Christ is both redemptive and enabling."

(Stake President, 6/23/2019)

"It seems to me that the essence of our lives is distilled down to these two brief elements in these opening scenes of the Savior’s mortal ministry. One element is the question, to every one of us, “What seek ye? What do you want?” The second is his answer as to how to get that. Whoever we are, and whatever our problems, his response is always the same, forever: “Come unto me.” Come see what I do and how I spend my time. Learn of me, follow me, and in the process I will give you answers to your prayers and rest to your souls."

(Jeffrey R Holland, Come Unto Me, BYU Devotional, 2 March 1997) 

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works"

(Hebrews 10:24) 

"What's one thing you would do if your spiritual house was completely in order? Do it anyway."

(Zandra Vranes, Facebook post as Sistas in Zion, 30 June 2019) 

"While basic guidelines can be helpful when they’re accurate, human health is far too complicated to be reduced to a long chain of numerical imperatives."

(Amanda Mull, What 10,000 Steps Will Really Get You, The Atlantic, May 31, 2019) 

"Some people feel the rain — others just get wet."

(Roger Miller, 1936-1992, American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor) 

"Prayer is not just for times of trouble."

(Thomas S Monson, We Never Walk Alone, October Conference 2013)