Oscar Kirkham was one of the great men of the Church and among the Church’s most respected Scouters. He served in the First Council of the Seventy and was a significant presence wherever he went. Often in meetings he would rise to a “point of personal privilege” and then, when recognized, would proceed to say … Continue reading Your Name is Safe In Our Home
Quotes
Be Fair with Those in History
Matt Grow, a historian, said this about dealing with history. Be careful about [historical] sources of information that just seek to tear people down [or I might add using historical sources yourself to tear others down]. Look instead for sources of information that are based on records left by the people themselves, and that seek … Continue reading Be Fair with Those in History
“Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes”
A number of years ago I stumbled upon this classic speech by Sterling W. Sill, "Bottles and Books" (May 1, 1977) given at BYU. I've quoted some of it in this entry, Emotions vs. Intellect. I have listened to it half a dozen times. It was so inspiring it caused me to find one of his … Continue reading “Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes”
1820: Something Happened
William J. Bernstein, The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created (2004), 3-4. When we look at the [facts], it becomes crystal clear that something happened ... in the early nineteenth century. ... [Up] until approximately 1820, per capita world economic growth [the single best way of measuring human material progress] registered near … Continue reading 1820: Something Happened
Words
I very much believe this quote from Maya Angelou: “Words are things. You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Don’t do that. Some day we’ll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get … Continue reading Words
"As parenting declines, the need for policing increases. There will always be a shortage of police if there is a shortage of effective parents! Likewise, there will not be enough prisons if there are not enough good homes." "Society should focus anew on the headwaters—the family—where values can be taught, lived, experienced, and perpetuated. Otherwise, … Continue reading
I have seen this prophesy being fulfilled more and more throughout my lifetime. "For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:19-20) 2 Nephi 28
A great set of suggestions for Fathers, on Father's Day in Brazil, from Ezra Taft Benson. "With love in my heart for the fathers in Israel, may I suggest 10 specific ways that fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children: "1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your … Continue reading
Edge of Light
By Boyd K. Packer Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be … Continue reading Edge of Light
This is a talk that challenges us in many ways: "...we should all ...love our neighbor and avoid contention." "Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable." "When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries. In any event, we should be persons of goodwill … Continue reading
Kip on Character 