How many did you help?

Photo by Sarah Jane Weaver

THE LORD'S HELP: "Remember when you are on the Lord's errand, you are entitled to the Lord's help."

When we have eyes that see and ears that hear, and hearts that know and feel, we will recognize current trends and current needs of our fellow beings among us who cry out for help.

How do they eat — without food? How do they keep warm — without clothing? Without shelter? How do they live — without means? How do they get well — without doctors, medicines and hospitals?

I believe that when we face our Maker, we will not be asked, "How many positions did you hold," but rather, "How many people did you help?" — From Coalition for Utah's Future, Common Good Awards Luncheon, Oct. 25, 2000

Take care of the poor

I recalled my boyhood days, when my mother would take me to the toy land of each Salt Lake City department store at Christmas time. At the entrance to each store, there was situated a man or woman bundled up against the frigid air of winter. Each held a bell in hand, the sound of which directed attention to the kettle suspended in the air by a triangle frame. On one occasion, my mother opened her purse and placed, I believe, a silver dollar in the kettle. She then turned to me and said, "Tommy, do you have any money you would like to put in the kettle? It goes to take care of the poor at Christmas time."

These were Depression times. I reached in my pocket and produced two nickels, which represented all I had, and dropped them into the kettle — first one and then the other. I have remembered ever since how warm and happy I felt after doing so. — From Coalition for Utah's Future, Common Good Awards Luncheon, Oct. 25, 2000

The Lord's help

President (Harold B.) Lee was a dear personal friend, a mentor, a tutor. When Frances and I were called to go to Canada, we were very young, just 31. I had not even been on a mission; rather, I had served in the Navy at the close of World War II. However, I had been a bishop and served in a stake presidency. President Lee stood and put his arms around us, and he said, "Remember when you are on the Lord's errand, you are entitled to the Lord's help." Another thought he left with us: "Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." And away we went to Canada." — From dedication of the BYU Harold B. Lee Library, Nov. 15, 2000

Tithing

Always be active in the Church. I will give you a formula which will guarantee to a large extent your success in fulfilling that commitment. It is simple. It consists of just three words: Pay your tithing. Every bishop could tell you from his personal experience that when the members of the Church pay tithing, honestly, faithfully, they have very little difficulty keeping the other commandments of God. It is a benchmark commandment. — From CES Fireside, Sept. 7, 2003

Young adults

This is your time. What will you do with it? Are you where you want to be with your life? If not, what are you going to do about it? To help us focus our answers, we may wish to consider this formula for success:

• Be where we ought to be.

• Be what we ought to be.

• Say what we ought to say.

• Do what we ought to do. — From CES Fireside, Ricks College, Jan. 14, 2001