Memorizing Scripture
"Part of our learning at home also involved memorizing scriptures,
including the Articles of Faith, and the words of prophets, seers, and
revelators. My mother was someone who believed a mind would become weak
if it was not constantly exercised. She taught us as we would wash the
dishes, churn the butter, and help in many other ways. She did not
believe in letting idle thoughts enter her children’s minds, even when
they were engaged in physical labor."
L. Tom Perry
"Scriptures
are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to
guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open
the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son,
Jesus Christ.
The
scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when
they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not
limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed.
Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the
Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is
like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can
be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.
Great
power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is
to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who
can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source
of motivation for needed change.
Pondering
a scripture like that gives great direction to life. The scriptures can
form a foundation of support. They can provide an incredibly large
resource of willing friends who can help us. A memorized scripture
becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of
time.
Pondering
a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the
guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an
agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in
one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power
to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They
can accelerate physical healing.
Scriptures
can communicate different meanings at different times in our life,
according to our needs. A scripture that we may have read many times can
take on nuances of meaning that are refreshing and insightful when we
face a new challenge in life."
Richard G. Scott
Value of Doing Hard Things
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "A religion that does not require the
sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith
necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man,
the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never
could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was
through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men
should enjoy eternal life" (Lectures on Fairth, comp. N.B.
Lundwall [Salt Lake City; N.B. Lundwall, n.d.], p. 58).
Last general conference, I was called by President Monson to be
the new Young Women general president. As I stood in the presence of a
prophet of God and was given this sacred trust, I pledged that I would
serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Prior to this
calling, I had a small plate inscribed with a motto that read, “I can do
hard things.” That little plate bearing that simple motto gave me
courage. But now if I could change that motto, it would read: “In the
strength of the Lord, I can do all things.”
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It is on that strength that I rely today as I stand at this sacred pulpit.
Elaine S. Dalton
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