It is our homes and families that need reforming in this increasingly materialistic and secular world. M. Russell Ballard More Quotes by M. Russell Ballard More Quotes From M. Russell Ballard It is almost impossible for children and youth to find their way through the seas of life without the guiding light of a good example. M. Russell Ballard lightlifechildren There is great power in prayer. I strongly encourage personal and family prayer, which are important in building strong families. I'm wondering if many of you parents, you couples, have lost that essential moment of kneeling together at the end of the day, just the two of you, holding hands and saying your prayers. If that has slipped away from your daily routine, may I suggest you put it back-beginning tonight! M. Russell Ballard couplestrongprayer Spend your energy on things that make a difference. M. Russell Ballard making-a-differencedifferencesenergy Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them. M. Russell Ballard agencymistakethinking Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. M. Russell Ballard diversityappreciateunderstanding If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times. M. Russell Ballard understandingjesuschrist Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a person must refrain from judging. They must do all they can to show love. M. Russell Ballard importantjudgingstruggle The Lord needs women who will step forward in righteousness and say, 'Here am I, send me.' M. Russell Ballard lordstepsneeds We cannot foresee what the Lord has in mind for us. Our only course of action is to be prepared and worthy for whatever he requires. We must govern our actions every day with our future in mind. M. Russell Ballard our-actionslordmind When the Spirit is present, people are not offended when you share your feelings about the gospel. M. Russell Ballard missionaryfeelingspeople As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our own lives. This charity is essential in missionary work, but we must never allow ourselves to treat our neighbors only as potential converts. We have had the sad experience of seeing members of the Church who attempted to convert their neighbors and friends and, when they did not respond, withdrew their friendship and neighborliness. We must not be so anxious to share the gospel that we become insensitive to the feelings of others. M. Russell Ballard churchlightfeelings In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help. Stay focused, just like the honeybees focus on the flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before realized were possible. M. Russell Ballard prayerspiritualmorning We must prepare ourselves to assist the missionaries in finding those of our Heavenly Father's children who will embrace the message of the Restoration. M. Russell Ballard missionaryfatherchildren And fathers, . . . listen to [your returned missionary sons], and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk with them in depth about their feelings and desires. Pray with them and give them blessings as they face the important decisions in their future. M. Russell Ballard blessingfatherson Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting M. Russell Ballard divine-guidancegoalpraying We must be prepared to keep pace with our leaders, stride for their every lengthened stride. M. Russell Ballard preparationpaceleader There is a big difference between an honest mistake made in a moment of spiritual weakness and a willfull decision to disobey persistently the commandments of God. Those who deliberately choose to violate God's commandments or ignore the standards of the Church, even when promising themselves and others that someday they will be strong enough to repent, are stepping into a dangerously slippery slope upon which many have lost their spiritual footing. M. Russell Ballard strongspiritualmistake There is no such thing as unlawful censorship in the home. Movies, magazines, television, videos, the Internet, and other media are there as guests and should only be welcomed when they are appropriate for family enjoyment. M. Russell Ballard videomediahome One who lays claim to special privilege through the priesthood doesn't understand the nature of his authority. M. Russell Ballard privilegeauthorityspecial Free and open expression coupled with visionary leadership generally encourages good decision-making. M. Russell Ballard visionariesdecisionexpression
