Our brother's keeper

Photo by Marianne Holman

GOOD ASSOCIATION: "We tend to become like those whom we admire ... associate with those who are striving for those things that matter most — even eternal objectives."

"God bless all who endeavor to be their brother's keeper, who give to ameliorate suffering, who strive with all that is good within them to make a better world. Have you noticed that such individuals have a brighter smile? Their footsteps are more certain. They have an aura about them of contentment and satisfaction — even dedication — for one cannot participate in helping others without experiencing a rich blessing himself." — "Our Brother's Keeper," BYU Management Society and BYU Alumni Association, Bay Area Chapter, Feb. 12, 1999

Receiving direction

"A blessing you can qualify to receive is your patriarchal blessing. Your parents and your bishop will know when the time is right for you to receive it. A patriarchal blessing contains chapters from your life's book of possibilities. To you it will be as a lighthouse on a hill, warning of dangers and directing you to the tranquility of safe harbors. It is a prophetic utterance from the lips of one called and ordained to provide you such a blessing." — "Your Celestial Journey," General Young Women Meeting, March 27, 1999

Victory

"Ahead is the open road. Those who walk it successfully ignore irrelevant attractions and refrain from activities which do not contribute to attainment of their purpose. They disregard the billboards designed to divert them into this or that blind alley of ease and pleasure. They stand on their own feet, set their own goals, and win their own victories." — "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," BYU Commencement, April 22, 1999

Eternal objectives

"We tend to become like those whom we admire. … We adopt the mannerisms, the attitudes — even the conduct of those whom we admire, and they are usually our friends. Do not associate with those who are planning for temporary convenience, shallow goals or narrow ambition; rather, associate with those who are striving for those things that matter most — even eternal objectives." — "In Pursuit of Perfection," CES Fireside for young adults, Feb. 7, 1999

A happy home

"Three of the many hallmarks of a happy home.

"Hallmark number one: Kneel down to pray. I would suggest a return to the old-fashioned practice of family prayer.

"Hallmark number two: Step up to serve. Service is part and parcel of that stirring word — namely DUTY. Stepping up to serve is duty in action.

"Hallmark number three: Reach out to rescue. On the journey along the pathway of life, there are casualties. Indifference, carelessness, selfishness and sin all take their costly toll in human lives. Fractured families and shattered homes need the binding band — even the healing balm — of love." — "The Family Must Endure," International Year of the Family Conference, March 19, 1995

Heaven-sent response

"We learn to pray by praying. One can devote countless hours to examining the experiences of others, but nothing penetrates the human heart as does a personal, fervent prayer and its heaven-sent response." — "Teach the Children," October general conference 1997

Purpose in our lives

"When we remember that each of us is literally a spirit son or daughter of God, we will not find it difficult to approach our Father in Heaven. He appreciates the value of this raw material which we call life. 'Remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.' His pronouncement finds lodgment in our souls and inspires purpose in our lives." — "Building a house for eternity," BYU Hawaii devotional, Jan. 22, 1999.