Learning by Faith

Quotes from Lorenzo Snow:

"In this system of religion that you and I have received there is something grand and glorious, and something new to learn every day, that is of great value. And it is not only our privilege but it is necessary that we receive these things and gather these new ideas."

"The whole idea of Mormonism is improvement—mentally, physically, morally and spiritually. No half-way education suffices for the Latter-day Saint."

"There are some who do not learn, and who do not improve as fast as they might, because their eyes and their hearts are not upon God; they do not reflect, neither do they have that knowledge which they might have; they miss a good deal which they might receive. We have got to obtain knowledge before we obtain permanent happiness; we have got to be wide awake in the things of God."

"Though we may now neglect to improve our time, to brighten up our intellectual faculties, we shall be obliged to improve them sometime. We have got so much ground to walk over, and if we fail to travel to-day, we shall have so much more to travel to-morrow."

Interesting thought....

“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that "my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."”
--Isaac Asimov


Worth thinking about as long as we are willing to apply humility to our knowledge.

Vote for Nat!

Natalie Hall bathroom design

Natalie is one of the finalist in the Dal Tile ASID student design competition.  The top ten receive a $1000 scholarship.  You can vote once a day for her project through Dec. 18.  Dal Tile ASID Contest/Facebook.  One vote per computer.  Thanks!!!

Yes! Let's do this...whatever your political persuasion!

SALT LAKE CITY — 

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement Tuesday:

We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.

After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process, which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors.

Our Eternal Life

                         
 My son-in-law, Ben is in the video/graphics business and did this beautiful little video for lds.org. 

 

True Love

John A. Widtsoe

 "The full and essential nature of love we may not understand, but there are tests by which it may be recognized.
Love and truth
"Love is always founded in truth . . . Lies and deceit, or any other violation of the moral law, are proofs of love's absence. Love perishes in the midst of untruth . . . Thus, the lover who falsifies to his loved one, or offers her any act contrary to truth, does not really love her.
Love does not injure
"Further, love does not offend or hurt or injure the loved one. By that test any human venture, past and present, may be measured for its real value. Cruelty is as absent from love . . . as truth is from untruth.
Love is a positive force
". . . love is a positive active force. It helps the loved one. If there is need, love tries to supply it. If there is weakness, love supplants it with strength . . . Love that does not help is a faked or transient love.
Love gives
"Good as these tests are, there is a greater one. True love sacrifices for the loved one . . . That is the final test. Christ gave of Himself, gave His life for us, and thereby proclaimed the reality of his love for his mortal brethren and sisters. The mother gives of her own flesh and blood, and jeopardizes her very life, for her child. In family relationships there must be mutual sacrifices among husband, wife, and children, else true love is not there." (Dr. John A. Widtsoe, An Understandable Religion, Ch. 8.)

John Andreas Widtsoe was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1921 until his death. Widtsoe was also a noted author, scientist, and academician. Wikipedia

Born: January 31, 1872, Froyen, Norway

Died: November 29, 1952, Salt Lake City

Books: Evidences and Reconciliations, Joseph Smith as Scientist, In The Gospel Net, Irrigation practices

Education: Harvard University, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Brigham Young College

Humorous Quote for Election Year

Calvin Woodward (AP) in writing about accusatory presidential campaign rhetoric:

"To the left and to the right, people who live in glass houses are throwing stones."   

It made me laugh which is a much needed thing during an election year.