Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

This is a continuation of previous posts. I have been sharing quotes from each chapter of a favorite book I've been reading, "Standing for Something" by, Gordon B. Hinckley. This chapter is called: Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

"We are creatures of our thinking. We can talk ourselves into defeat, or we can talk ourselves into victory."

"There will doubtless be challenges of all varieties. No one can avoid them all. But we must not despair or give up. We must look for the sunlight through the clouds."

"Criticism and pessimism destroy families, undermine institutions of all kinds, defeat nearly everyone, and spread a shroud of gloom over entire nations."

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

"What I am asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our culture and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live; that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults: that optimism replace pessimism; that uncertainty and worry be pushed aside by an enduring feeling of hope."

Gratitude: A Sign of Maturity

A grateful person is so inspiring to be around. Ever notice how uplifting it is to talk to someone who focuses on all the blessings they have? It's contagious! One of the sisters in my church has this wonderful quality. Her name is Cami, she's amazing and I love her dearly.

Anyway, I am reading about the virtue of gratitude in my book "Standing for Something." I thought I would share a few things that Gordon B. Hinckley writes:

"Gratitude is a sign of maturity. It is an indication of sincere humility. It is a hallmark of civility. And most of all, it is a divine principle. I doubt there is anything in which we more offend the Almighty than in our tendency to forget His mercies and to be ungrateful for that which He has given us."

"Where there is appreciation, there is also courtesy and concern for the rights and property of others. Without these, there is arrogance and evil. Where there is gratitude, there is humility instead of pride, generosity rather than selfishness."

"When we walk with gratitude, we do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, but rather with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to us and will bless our lives. We should all be thankful to the Almighty for His wonderful blessings upon us."

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship - thanksgiving to the God of Heaven, who has given us all that we have that is good."

"Above all else, I am grateful for my belief in God and in His Beloved Son, the Redeemer of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament. In all of human history there is nothing to compare with the Savior's gracious gift of atoning sacrifice."

Thrift and Industry

We live in a time of uncertainty.

This post is part of a series of favorite quotes from a book I've been re-reading entitled, "Standing for Something" by, Gordon B. Hinckley. If you would like to view other quotes from this book click on the label, "Standing for Something". Great book! I highly recommend it!

I found this chapter very encouraging to me because my husband is attending school full time and trying to support a family of 6 on less than 30 hrs. a week. He has a grant that helps with tuition but doesn't cover all of it and certainly doesn't pay our rent and other bills. He forked out almost $1,000 for just his books alone. The ever increasing gas and grocery prices don't help the situation very much either. But amidst all of this I am happy to say we are completely free of debt.

Here are some quotes from chapter 7 of "Standing for Something":

"I believe in the gospel of work. Work is the miracle by which talent is brought to the surface and dreams become reality. There is simply no substitute under the heavens for productive labor."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Children who are taught to work and to enjoy the fruits of that labor have a great advantage as they grow toward maturity. The process of stretching our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands lifts us from the stagnation of mediocrity."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Nothing of real substance comes without work. Nothing happens in this world until there is work. Our pioneer forebears could never plow a field by turning it over in their minds."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, a community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent.... Bankruptcy generally is the bitter fruit of debt, over extension, and uncontrolled appetites. It is a tragic culmination of a simple process of borrowing more than one can repay. I deplore waste. I deplore unnecessary and uncontrolled extravagance. I value thrift. I believe in temporal prudence and conservatism."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Seductive advertising strives to persuade us that we deserve to have it all and to have it now, regardless of the cost. There is a lack of self-discipline and financial self-control that promises future doom."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"The time has come to get our houses in order. Too many people are living on the very edge of their incomes or beyond.... There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Ours is a wasteful generation. Our pioneer forebears lived by the motto: "Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Today, the obsession with riches cankers and destroys and leads to irresponsible financial decisions."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"We would do well to look to the condition of our personal finances, to be modest and prudent in our expenditures, to discipline our purchasing and avoid debt to the extent possible, to pay off the debt quickly, and to free ourselves from the bondage of others."- Gordon B. Hinckley

"May we set our houses in order. If we have paid our debts, if we have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about our heads, we will have shelter for our families and peace in our hearts."- Gordon B. Hinckley

The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy

Chapter 6:

Wow! I really enjoyed this Chapter in Standing for Something. The principle isn't new. All through the scriptures we are taught to follow the Savior's example of love and forgiveness. These virtues are ones I feel are so much easier "said" than "done," at least that's how it is with me. I can preach it until my face is blue... but that doesn't mean I live it. Pride gets in my way. These virtues, for me, are obtained only as I earnestly seek them through much struggle and prayer and through the great Mercy and Forgiveness from a loving Father in Heaven. I stand in awe of the Savior's life and how perfectly He gave us an example of these twin virtues.

Here are some quotes that I really liked from this chapter in Standing for Something, by Gordon B. Hinckley:

"We have need of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. The whole world has need of them, for they are of the essence of goodness. We need these qualities in homes where tiny molehills of misunderstanding grow into mountains of argument, and where parents and children sometimes hang on to an old grievance for years and even a lifetime. We need them among neighbors whose insignificant differences lead to undying bitterness. We need them among business associates who quarrel and refuse to compromise or forgive when, in most instances, a willingness to sit down together, exercise compassion, and speak quietly one to another could resolve the matter to the blessing of all.

Too often, too many people spend their days blaming others, nurturing grudges, and planning retribution." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Painting: "The Prodical Son" by- Clark Kelley Price

"We are prone to brood on the evil done us, and that brooding becomes as a gnawing and destructive canker.... it takes neither strength nor intelligence to brood in anger over wrongs suffered, to go through life with a spirit of vindictiveness, to dissipate one's abilities in planning retribution, or to press a grievance when someone else is 'down.' There is no genius or peace in the nursing of a grudge." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day, a time marked by litigious proceedings and heated exchanges, than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?" - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Our Redeemer reaches out to us in forgiveness and mercy, but in so doing He commands that we repent of our wrongdoings. A true and magnanimous spirit of forgiveness will become an expression of that required repentance." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"So many of us are prone to say we forgive, when in fact we are unwilling to forget. If the Almighty is willing to forget the sins of the repentant, then why are so many of us inclined to bring up the past again and again? Here is a simple but great lesson we all need to learn: There is no true forgiveness without forgetting." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Let us bind up the wounds - oh, the many wounds that have been caused by cutting words, by stubbornly cultivated grievances, by scheming plans to 'get even' with those who may have wronged us. We all have a little of this spirit of revenge in us. Fortunately, we all also have the power to rise above it." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Painting: "The Good Samaritan" by, Walter Rane

"I plead for a stronger spirit of compassion in all of our relationships, a stronger element of mercy, for if we are merciful we shall obtain mercy from the Ultimate Judge." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"The degree to which we are able to extend mercy is evidence of our commitment to Him who is our Master. He practiced what He preached, for it was He who, while hanging on the cross in dreadful agony, cried out, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34)." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"How great a thing is mercy! Most often it is quiet and unassuming. It receives few headlines. It is the antithesis of vengeance and hatred, of greed and egotism." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Let us be more merciful. Let us get the arrogance out of our lives, the conceit, the egotism. Let us be more compassionate, gentler, filled with more forbearance, patience, forgiveness, and a greater measure of respect one for another. In so doing, our very example will cause others with whom we associate to be more merciful, and we shall have greater claim upon the mercy of God who in His love will be generous toward us." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Learning: "With All Thy Getting - Get Understanding"

These are a few quotes from Chapter five of the book I've been reading by the late President Gordon B. Hinkley, "Standing for Something." This is such an awesome book - I hope sharing these quotes inspires people to go get the book and read it for themselves. To view the other chapters, click on the label "Standing for Something" on the left of the screen.

This chapter is on learning and education:

"No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve- and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence."

"I believe that the glory of God is intelligence, and that the Almighty takes delight in our efforts to improve and enrich and enhance our minds."

"May I be so bold as to suggest that far too many people spend far too much time mesmerized by the mindless drivel that too often inhabits television airwaves, videos, and other forms of electronic media. What a great contrast it is, a refreshing and liberating contrast to read the great literature of the ages, or the word of God as recorded in sacred books of scripture."

".... we must never stop learning. The more we learn, the more we are in a position to learn. I urge parents everywhere to make a determined effort to create and cultivate within their homes an atmosphere of learning and the growth that will come of it."

"None of us can assume that we have learned enough. I have lived long enough now to say with certainty that as the door closes on one phase of life, it opens on another. It therefore behooves us, and is our charge , to grow constantly toward eternity in what must be a ceaseless quest for truth. And as we search for truth, let us look for the good, the beautiful and the positive."

"The Savior taught, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' (Matt 5:14-16) It is not enough just to live, just to survive. It is incumbent on each of us to equip ourselves to do something worthwhile in society- to acquire more and more light, so that our personal light can help illuminate a darkened world."

- all quotes by Gordon B. Hinckley

"Our Fading Civility"

I have shared quotes from the 3 previous chapters of this book I've been reading called, "Standing for Something." You can click on the label with that title to view the other chapters. Today I am sharing from Chapter 4 - "Our Fading Civility." This chapter is intriguing to me because it doesn't take a genius to see how much we are losing simple common courtesy and gentle behavior in our society and throughout the world.
God Bless You!
Thank you for visiting my blog!
Alicia

These are the quotes I'd like to share today. All of the below are from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"It is not enough just to be good. We must be good for something. We must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for our presence. And the good that is in us must be spread to others. This is the measure of our civility."

"Civility is the root of the word civilization. It carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. How very much of it we have lost in our contemporary society! All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of serving as a good Samaritan, of being men and women who look beyond our own selfish interests to the good of others."

"This is the essence of civility - to extend, without price, a helping or lifting hand to those in need; to anxiously look for ways to strengthen those who may have less than we do."

"We are sons and daughters of God, each a member of the divine family. As surely as He is our Father, we are all brothers and sisters. We simply must work unitedly to remove from our hearts and to drive from our society all elements of hatred, bigotry, racism, and other divisive actions and words that limit a person's ability to progress, learn , and be fully accepted. Snide remarks or racial slurs, hateful epithets, malicious gossip, and mean and vicious rumormongering have no place among us."

"None of us needs someone who only points out our areas of weakness and the ways in which we have fallen short. We need someone who encourages us to go forward, to try again, to reach a little higher this time. Excellence is difficult to achieve in a vacuum."

"Imagine how our own families, let alone the world, would change if we vowed to keep faith with one another, strengthen one another, look for and accentuate the virtues in one another, and speak graciously concerning one another. Imagine the cumulative effect if we treated each other with respect and acceptance, if we willingly provided support. Such interactions practiced on a small scale would surely have a rippling effect throughout our homes and communities and, eventually, society at large."

"There are few things more delightful than participating in a conversation with bright and happy people who have something to say, whose dialogue is witty, scintillating, and punctuated not only by good humor but by thoughtful dialogue about serious and important topics.... There is plenty of humor in the world without resorting to dirty jokes or uncouth language."

"Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves. By and large, if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves. For many years, there was a sign on the wall of a shoe shop I patronized that read: 'I complained because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet.' The most effective medicine for the sickness of self-pity is to lose ourselves in the service of others."

"I don't suppose that many of us will be remembered a thousand years from now. But in this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, we can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. We can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right and good, and we can lend our efforts and our resources to helping those who have been saddled with handicaps and burdens."

"Caring for others, seeing and reaching beyond our own wants and comforts, cultivating kindness and gentility toward others from all of life's situations and circumstances - these are of the essence of civility, a virtue to be admired, a virtue to be acquired."

- All of the above are quoted from the book by President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Standing for Something."

Making a Case for Morality

I've mentioned in a previous post that I'm re-reading a book I read about 9yrs. ago. It's entitled, "Standing for Something." It was written by the late President Gordon B. Hinckley (Prophet from 1995-2008).

These are quotes I'd like to share from the 3rd Chapter, "Making a Case for Morality."

"A great moral reformation will occur only as reformation takes place in the hearts, minds, and lives of each of us"

"Paul counseled Timothy, 'Keep thyself pure' (1 Tim 5:22) Those are simple words. But they are ever so important. Paul is saying, in effect: Stay away from those things that undermine and eventually destroy the soul."

"The challenge to recognize evil and oppose it is one that every moral, virtuous person must accept... It all begins with our own personal virtue. Reformation of the world begins with reformation of self. We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of moral virtue unless we live lives of virtue."

"It is naive to believe that a steady diet of blatant immorality, played out nightly in our living rooms, has no effect on people...Apparently, a host of advertisers felt confident that in thirty seconds' time they could influence their viewers to buy the products or services they were peddling. Are we really to believe that hours, leading to years of television viewing will not affect attitudes about everything from family life to appropriate sexual relations?"

"In too many homes and lives, [pornography] is now regarded as a legitimate slice of entertainment. Pornography robs its victims of self-respect and of an appreciation of the beauties of life. It tears down those who indulge and pulls them into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly evil deeds. It seduces, destroys, and distorts the truth about love and intimacy. It is more deadly than a foul disease. Pornography is as addictive and self-destructive as illicit drugs, and it literally destroys the personal relationships of those who become its slaves.
Not one of us can afford to partake of this rubbish. We cannot risk the damage it does to the most precious of relationships- marriage- and to other interactions within the family. We cannot risk the effect it will have on our spirit and soul. Salacious videotapes, 900 telephone numbers, the filth found on the Internet, sensual magazines and movies- all are traps to be avoided like the deadliest of plagues."

"Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life."

"The violation of moral virtues in this age, as in any other age, brings only regret, sorrow, loss of self-respect, and, in many cases, tragedy."

"Self-discipline is not necessarily easy. It requires effort and strength. It requires thought and prayer. In the long run, however, self-discipline is a far easier path than is blatant indulgence, which leads to a corrosion of heart and spirit."

"Any self-justification is only self-deception and a miserable fraud. It was said of old that 'he that governeth himself is greater than he that taketh a city.' Can there really be peace in the heart or freedom in the life of any man who has left only misery as the bitter fruit of his indulgence? Can anything be more false or dishonest than gratification of passion without acceptance of responsibility?"

"Legal restraints against immoral behavior are eroding under legislative enactments and court opinions. This is done in the name of freedom- freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of choice in so-called personal matters. But the abuse of these freedoms has yielded enslavement to degrading habits, and behavior that leads only to destruction."

Love, Love, Love

As I shared from my last post, I've just begun to read again a wonderful book called, Standing for Something - (10 neglected virtues that will heal our hearts and homes), by Gordon B. Hinckley

The love I want to talk about is not how the world describes it. The world's definition of love is skewed, twisted, and often portrayed in a very opposite way and is better described as "lust".

The true definition of love, is "the pure love of Christ"... or in other words, "charity."

I desire to share with you a few bits and pieces of the first chapter of this wonderful book I've been reading,

Love: The Lodestar of Life:

" If the world is to be improved, the process of love must make a change in the hearts of humans. It can do so when we look beyond self to give our love to God and others, and do so with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds."

"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness."

Painting: "The Prodigal Son" by- Clark Kelley Price

"Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue."

"There is nothing as energizing, as confidence-building, as sustaining as the power of love. How substantial is its influence on the human mind and heart! How great and magnificent is its power in overcoming fear and doubt, worry and discouragement!"

Painting: "The Good Samaritan" by- Walter Rane

"He who most beautifully taught this everlasting truth was the Son of God, the one perfect exemplar, teacher, and embodiment of love. His coming to earth was an expression of His Father's love. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved' (John 3:16-17). In the ultimate expression of love, He did something for us that we could not do for ourselves."

"Now, to all of us who would be His disciples, He has given the great commandment, 'A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another' (John 13:34)"

Painting: "Washing the Apostles' Feet" by- Ford Madox Brown

"Love is like the Polar Star. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is something that, when sincere, never moves. It is the very essence of the teachings of Christ. It is the security of the home. I t is the safeguard of community life. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress."

"Admittedly, it is not always easy to follow the Polar Star of love. It requires a discipline almost beyond the power of many to observe. I think it is the most difficult and also the most important of all commandments. But out of its observance come a remarkable discipline and a refining influence that are wonderful to experience."

"The virtue of love changes lives- ours as well as those of every one with whom we come in contact. It is the virtue that has embedded within it precincts the power to have the most lasting good."

Quotes from "Standing for Something- by Gordon B. Hinckley"

God bless you!

Alicia

The Secularization of America

"If we are to continue to have the freedoms that came of the inspiration of the Almighty to our Founding Fathers, we must return to the God who is their true Author."- Gordon B. Hinckley

About 8 years ago I read a book written by Gordon B. Hinckley called, "Standing for Something." I couldn't put it down! I read it in just about 3 days! I loved it!!

I have just begun to read this book again and recommend it to people of all faiths who believe in God.

There is an illness that is spreading across our nation and it can be remedied, it can be healed if we turn again our hearts to God and live these 10 neglected virtues.

No nation can be greater than the strength of its individual homes or the virtue of its people. Sadly, many today would say ours is a nation in crisis. Families are splintering around us, our children are becoming alienated from their great cultural heritage, and our leaders seem increasingly out of touch. Yet according to (the late) Gordon B. Hinckley, (former) President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (and living Prophet of God), one cannot lose hope.

The solution lies not within our governments, schools, or symbols of popular culture, but rather within ourselves, our families, and our faith. The Chapter's of this book include:

Forward by Mike Wallace

Introduction: The Secularization of America

Part One - The 10 Virtues

1. Love: The Lodestar of Life

2. Where there is Honesty, Other Virtues Will Follow

3. Making a Case for Morality

4. Our Fading Civility

5. Learning: "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding"

6. The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy

7. Thrift and Industry: Getting Our Houses in Order

8. Gratitude: A Sign of Maturity

9. Optimism in the face of Cynicism

10. Faith: Our Only Hope

Part 2- The Guardians of Virtue

Marriage: What God Hath Joined Together

The Family: We Can Save Our Nation by Saving Our Homes

Some of which I read today in the introduction, I would like to share with you:

"Can we expect peace and prosperity, harmony and goodwill, when we turn our backs on the Source of our Strength?..."

"I would hope that all of us, within our hearts would then resolve to live nearer to God and the commandments He has given us as a guide in our lives; to walk with gratitude before Him for His generous mercies; to incorporate virtue in its many forms into our lives; to recognize that someday we all must give an accounting of our lives to Him; to strengthen and defend the home; and seek His strength, His wisdom, His inspiration, and His love as we serve in the great society of which each of us is a part..."

"Those who are committed to, and have patterned their lives after, a Higher Power need not rely on public opinion, which is often blatantly skewed. Here is the answer to the conflicts that beset us. Here is the answer to the evils of pornography, abortion, drugs, and the squandering of our resources on evil pursuits. Here is the answer to the great epidemic of litigation that consumes time, saps our financial strength, and shackles our entrepreneurial spirit. Here is the answer to tawdry politics that place selfish interests and pursuits above the common good."

"Let all houses of worship ring with righteousness. Let people everywhere bow in reverence before the Almighty who is our one true source of strength. Let us look inward and adjust our priorities and standards, recommitting ourselves to time-honored virtues that embrace right and shun wrong. Let us look outward in the spirit of the Golden Rule. Let us work tirelessly to defend and strengthen the family, which is the fundamental unit of society." - Gordon B. Hinckley