- “We are here on earth to be tested, to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ, to repent regularly, to learn, and to progress.” Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference
- May 9, 1995 – Tuesday – Quito Ecuador… “Today was another spiritually uplifting day. We talked with President Farnsworth for about 4 hours! …..He also explained that the “Discussions are there to wake up what the investigators learned in the Pre-mortal life.” So the chosen are going to listen & remember only by the Spirit. The investigators that progress are chosen, those that don’t….we shouldn’t waste our time. He gave us a lot of advice & knowledge today…..I could see the importance of this missionary work. We need to find the chosen – and quick!!! I realize how important and urgent it is to inform the people. I also realized that the Lord was telling me to get prepared to not forget the changes I’d made here in the mission and to keep growing daily – spiritually. Man, I have a deep desire to learn more about the gospel and live it. Now I need to apply it. The desire doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t act on it. I pray I can live up to the calling I have now as a missionary and plus my calling I have in my life.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
- “I meet so many people who constantly complain about the burden of their responsibilities. Of course the pressures are great. There is much, too much, to do. There are financial burdens to add to all of these pressures, and with all of this we are prone to complain, frequently at home, often in public. Turn your thinking around. The gospel is good news. Man is that he might have joy [see Nephi 2:25]. Be happy! Let that happiness shine through your faces and speak through your testimonies. You can expect problems. There may be occasional tragedies. But shining through all of this is the plea of the Lord: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).” Manual, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 3, Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism