Messages of inspiration from President Monson
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Open book
As parents, we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, "I want to follow my dad," or "I want to be like my mother"? Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes. — "Dedication Day," October 2000 general conference
Do something
(Regarding humanitarian service) When we work together cooperatively to lift the level of life for so many people, we can accomplish anything. When we do so, we eliminate the weakness of one person standing alone and substitute the strength of many serving together. While we may not be able to do everything, we can and must do something. — "Our Brother's Keeper," BYU Management Society and BYU Alumni Association, Feb. 12, 1999
Self-discipline
Our Heavenly Father has given to each of us the power to think and reason and decide. With such power, self-discipline becomes a necessity.
Each of us has the responsibility to choose. You may ask, "Are decisions really that important?" I say to you, decisions determine destiny. You can't make eternal decisions without eternal consequences.
Some foolish persons turn their backs on the wisdom of God and follow the allurement of fickle fashion, the attraction of false popularity and the thrill of the moment. Courage is required to think right, choose right and do right, for such a course will rarely, if ever, be the easiest to follow.
The battle for self-discipline may leave you a bit bruised and battered but always a better person. Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless. Should temporary setbacks afflict us, a very significant part of our struggle for self-discipline is the determination and the courage to try again.
Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal, and self-discipline will surely be required if you are to achieve it. — "Pathways to Perfection," General Young Women Meeting, April 2002
Best example
For the finest example of service, we turn to the life of the Lord. Like a glowing searchlight of goodness is the life of Jesus as He ministered among men. He brought strength to the limbs of the cripple, sight to the eyes of the blind, hearing to the ears of the deaf and life to the body of the dead.
His parables preach power. With the good Samaritan, He taught: "Love thy neighbor." Through His kindness to the woman taken in adultery, He taught compassionate understanding. In His parable of the talents, He taught each of us to improve himself and to strive for perfection. Well could He have been preparing us for our role in building a family. — Interfaith Conference on the American Family, American Mothers' Event, Sept. 13, 2003
Sanctuaries
It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed.
Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God's Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells. — "Becoming Our Best Selves," October 1999 general conference
Ready hands
There are many out there who plead and pray for help. There are those who are discouraged, those who are beset by poor health and challenges of life which leave them in despair.
Let us have ready hands, clean hands and willing hands, that we may participate in providing what our Heavenly Father would have others receive from Him. — "Priesthood Power," priesthood session, October 1999 general conference
