Choice
Choice
I am struck by the faithfulness of three very young men who were called in their youth as prophets of God. Joseph (who was sold into Egypt), Nephi, and Joseph Smith were all just boys when they began having manifestations which ultimately positioned them to become powerful leaders. All three thereafter experienced terrific hardships which might have discouraged and broken lesser men, yet there is no indication that any of them ever faltered, murmured, or complained. Instead of succumbing to their troubles (which they could easily have done), they chose to believe that their situations had a purpose, and that things would work out. Their optimism and steadfastness seem almost super-human.
Read MorePriesthood Foreordination
I was reading in my son’s history book about young men in the Greek city-state of Sparta. At birth baby boys were examined. Those that were judged unfit were placed on the mountain and left to die. Boys were taken from their families at age 7 and placed in the care of military trainers whose job was to make them tough and mean. They slept on a mat of rushes and lived lives devoid of comforts.
Read MoreMake Your Decision Just Once
Some important choices for fulfillment and happiness should be made only once and then, having been made, never have to be made again.
Read MorePeer Pressure and Bad Choices
Sometimes we make poor choices when we yield to peer pressure. Kieth Merrill had such an experience when he was a young man. He and his friends were diving from sheer rock walls at the East Canyon Reservoir, northeast of Salt Lake City.
Read MoreAct Instead of React
Many years ago, while on vacation with my family, I had an experience that taught me a great lesson. On a Saturday, my wife and I decided to take the children for a drive and to do some shopping.
Read MoreMission President’s CTR Pin
On a recent trip to New Zealand, I met with a mission president who wore a beautiful tie tack with the inspiring CTR, or “Choose the Right,” emblem. I had the impression that there must be a story behind this unique CTR pin.
Read MoreCan I Skip Church?
[Go] with me to a scene on a Saturday night in a ranch home kitchen, where a boy who has just answered the telephone nervously approaches his mother with a question: “Mom,” he says, “Bob is on the phone.
Read MoreThe Winds of Fate—Poem
One ship drives east and another drives west
With the selfsame winds that blow.
‘Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales