Commonplace Book

 

"When we are keeping the commandments, we are living in revelation."
(Elder David A Bednar, RootsTech Leadership Training, 2/25/2021) 

"Only those who have the courage to make mistakes ever learn worthwhile lessons and truths.”
(Karl Maeser, as quoted in Saints, vol two, page 334)

 
"The Lord taught us the Gospel not with rule books or treatises on theology but by giving us scriptures full of life stories of real people - disciples' lives that show us by example how to live."
(Bruce C Hafen, A Disciple's Life, the Biography of Neal A Maxwell, Deseret Book 2002, 520)

 "Every thought or word or act we direct at this sacred work is pleasing to the Lord. Every hour spent on genealogical research, however unproductive it appears, is worthwhile. It is pleasing to the Lord. It is our testimony to Him that we accept the doctrine of the resurrection and the plan of salvation. It draws us close to those who have gone before. It welds eternal links of family associations and draws us closer to Him who is our Lord and stands in the presence of Him who is our Eternal Father."
(Boyd K Packer, The Holy Temple, Bookcraft 1980, pg 255)

 “Man can serve man by the spirit of man, but in order to be a servant of God we must have the spirit of God.”
(Rudger Clawson, October Conference 1899) 

"It should not surprise us that this glorious gospel message is more perfect than any of its messengers, save Jesus only. Nor should it surprise us that the gospel message is more comprehensive than the comprehension of any of its bearers or hearers, save Jesus only."
(Neal A Maxwell, The Book of Mormon: A Great Answer to "The Great Question", Symposium at BYU, October 10, 1986) 

"There is only one explanation for the war that is now concluding, and that is that the people of this world refused to honor God and keep His commandments … So we may know that war is the result of unrighteousness, not righteousness. All war that has ever occurred has happened because of unrighteousness."
(George Albert Smith, "Conference Address", Improvement Era, XLIX, Nov 1946, 762-763) 

"Today as I stand here, I realize that in this city, in the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist, the Baptist, the Episcopalian, and the other churches, I have brothers and sisters that I love. They are all my Father's children. …
"Let us not complain at our friends and our neighbors, because they do not do what we want them to do. Rather let us love them into doing the things that our Heavenly Father would have them do. We can do that"
(George Albert Smith, Closing Address, October Conference 1945) 

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
(Numbers 6:24-26) 

"I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless"
(D&C 38:30-31) 

"Some people wonder, “How do I know if a thought is from the Holy Ghost, or if it’s just me?” I don’t worry so much about that now. I’d suggest that it’s okay if it’s you, because your voice matters."
(Ben Fryar, Institutional Research & Assessment Managing Director, BYU-Idaho, The Power of Listening, BYU-I Devotional, 10 March 2020)

 "Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous."
(Albert Einstein) 

"We can even give thanks for our trials; from which we learn the things we would not know otherwise."
(Russell M Nelson, The Healing Power of Gratitude, 20 November 2020) 

"People who love to give need people willing to receive. It's a beautiful dance."
(Anonymous) 

"Be the kind of friend who makes it easier for others to obey the commandments when they are with you."
(Robert D Hales, If Thou Wilt Enter into Life, Keep the Commandments, April Conference 1996)

A Story to Tell

Recently we were visiting Blaubeere and I had the opportunity to ask her youngest, a marvelous young lady, about the book she was reading.  I like that she was willing to sit down and tell her Grandpa about it.  This young lady can be quite expressive and she does love to tell a story, so she settled in and launched into it.  We had plenty of time so she talked and talked, while I listened and listened.  It was a good time.

I got quite a detailed recounting of her book but that was perfectly okay, I enjoy listening to her.  And she does tell a good story.  So while everyone else was busy in the other room, I took the opportunity to listen to this sweet young child.  It was fun, I enjoyed it.

Little Boys and Haircuts

The other day, Schwarzbeere and his family came for a visit.  That's always nice, we like when that happens.  Anyway, we were sitting around and it was decided that his middle child needed a haircut.  Since he expressed his willingness to let his Grandma do it, it was decided that right then was as good a time as any.  You know, "Why not now?", to quote someone else we know and admire.  

So Grandma perched him on a tall stool, wrapped him up in a towel to catch the hair and try to keep him mostly clean, and got to work.

You know how little boys are, they have trouble holding still.  That can make giving them a haircut a challenge.  But this wasn't the first little boy Grandma had ever given a haircut so she knew all the tricks.  She persevered and kept at it, despite all the wiggles, giggles, and squirms.  Pretty soon, the deed was done.

In the end, it looked pretty good.  Of course, it helped that under all that long hair was a cute little kid.  And he was pretty happy with the results.  But most of all, he was happy to be off the stool.