Russell M. Nelson on morning prayer and study

Elder Nelson (1924- ) has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve since 1984.

"Spiritual self-esteem begins with the realization that each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another (see Mosiah 2:21).
"Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude. Scripture so counsels: 'Pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto [you]: and [you] shall see his face with joy' (Job 33:26; see also Alma 34:21; Alma 37:37).
"I did not fully appreciate the significance of prayerful greetings until I became a father myself. I am so grateful that our children never gave their mother or dad the silent treatment. Now I sense how our Heavenly Father may appreciate our prayers, morning and night. But I can imagine the pangs of his sorrow because of silence from any of his children....
"I learned long ago that a period of uninterrupted scriptural study in the morning brings enduring enrichment. I feel as did Jeremiah: 'Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart' (Jer. 15:16). Sacred scriptures have been repeatedly described as 'glad tidings of great joy' (Hel. 16:14; Mosiah 3:3; Alma 13:22; see also Luke 2:10). As we learn and abide their teachings, that joy becomes part of our lives."
- Russell M. Nelson, "Joy Cometh in the Morning," Ensign, November 1986, p. 67; Click here to read the full talk

I've been an "early riser" all my life, and appreciate the blessing of the quiet early hours. But like many, I've had my "ups and downs" when it comes to the regularity of good habits. It's always beneficial to reconsider how precious time is being used.  Starting the day with the proper acknowledgement of our blessings and gifts from God is a critical step.

I think Elder Nelson's analogy about how it must feel to Heavenly Father to be given "the silent treatment" is very thought-provoking.

And of course, what better way to use the quiet morning hours than in "a period of uninterrupted scriptural study" with the promise of "enduring enrichment."  Why would I ever pass up that opportunity?

Neal A. Maxwell: Offering our best to God

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Our perfect Father does not expect us to be perfect children yet. He had only one such Child. Meanwhile, therefore, sometimes with smudges on our cheeks, dirt on our hands, and shoes untied, stammeringly but smilingly we present God with a dandelion—as if it were an orchid or a rose! If for now the dandelion is the best we have to offer, He receives it, knowing what we may later place on the altar. It is good to remember how young we are spiritually."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "That Ye May Believe," p. 100

This is one of my favorite quotes.  Elder Maxwell always spoke with such sensitivity and poetic power.  The tender imagery of this quotation reminds us that we're still very much in the process of growing and learning.  All our loving Father asks of us is the best we have to offer; the challenge most of us have is truly giving Him our best.

It's good to think of this principle as it applies to our relationships with each other.  I believe we are blessed to gratefully and sincerely acknowledge the efforts others contribute, even if we sometimes consider them less than ideal.  In so doing, we may be encouraging better future efforts that can be "laid on the altar" as greater spiritual maturing occurs. Or, we may realize that the lack of spiritual maturity lies with us and not the other, and the gift is more than we originally judged!

George Q. Cannon on New Year Resolutions

President George Q. Cannon (1827-1901) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1860. He served as counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young beginning in 1873, and then to the next three presidents, until his death in 1901.

"Among Latter-day Saints there ought to be no occasion for what is called 'swearing-off' or for the general making of resolutions of improvement on New Year's day. Every day should witness with them a determination to lay aside weaknesses and take on more of the graces of godliness. Each day furnishes opportunity to look closely into one's habits, to examine and discard the worthless and cleave unto that which is elevating and holy.

"The partaking of the Sacrament in the Sunday Schools and Ward meetings, when done worthily, of itself implies an earnest endeavor towards improvement. Every time a true Saint, whether old or young, kneels in prayer, he or she should consider anew the duty of leading a better life, one more in conformity with the precepts and example of our Great Master. Not alone on New Year's, therefore, but on every day, should people seek to effect an improvement in their habits of life."

- George Q. Cannon, Jan. 1, 1897, JI 32:23; Gospel Truth, 1:164-165

As many consider our "New Year's Resolutions" at the beginning of 2015, this reminder from years ago is still very applicable.  It's interesting that the custom of resolutions appears to have been common well over a century ago.  But President Cannon's reminders should give us cause to ponder.

We have a number of opportunities each week, each day when we should be considering our progress and improvements.  The partaking of the Sacrament is such a time, a critical opportunity to review and recommit.  So is each time we pause to pray!

So while we might appreciate the "milestone" opportunity a new year presents for establishing some new goals, we should not neglect the power that comes in frequently reminding ourselves of our desire to grow and improve, in deepening our resolve with personal covenants, and in inviting Divine assistance in that process.

Spencer W. Kimball on using time wisely

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve from 1943 to 1974, and as Church President from 1974 to 1985.

"Jesus also taught us how important it is to use our time wisely. This does not mean there can never be any leisure, for there must be time for contemplation and for renewal, but there must be no waste of time. How we manage time matters so very much, and we can be good managers of time without being frantic or officious. Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. The tyranny of trivia consists of its driving out the people and moments that really matter. Minutia holds momentous things hostage, and we let the tyranny continue all too often. Wise time management is really the wise management of ourselves."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Jesus: The Perfect Leader," address to the Young Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977; see Ensign, Aug 1979, p. 6
Click here to read the full talk.

President Kimball's message is a great one — he often used words so beautifully.  "The tyranny of trivia" threatens to engulf us (today more than ever), and we must choose carefully and wisely how to use our time to ensure that "momentous things" aren't held hostage.  Leisure has its place, but should be carefully considered in the midst of other responsibilities and opportunities.  "Wise time management" is a wonderful topic to ponder.

In his remarks, Pres. Kimball didn't elaborate about which teachings of Jesus he had in mind that offered this counsel. From the New Testament record of the Savior's life and teachings, there are candidates:

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 9:4)

We might consider that there are implications of how we choose to use our time in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) or the teachings about helping strangers in need (Matthew 25:31-46).

If Pres. Kimball was assuming the Savior was the teacher in modern revelation, there are some more clear and explicit examples, such as:

"Thou shalt not idle away thy time.” (D&C 60:13)

"Cease to be idle... cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." (D&C 88:124)

 And perhaps choices and priorities are best summed up in the Savior's reminder:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on resolving to avoid regret

President Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"One day we will take that unavoidable step and cross from this mortal sphere into the next estate. One day we will look back at our lives and wonder if we could have been better, made better decisions, or used our time more wisely.
"To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today. Therefore, let us:
"- Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
"- Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
"- Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.
"It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today....
"The path toward fulfilling our divine destiny as sons and daughters of God is an eternal one. My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, we must begin to walk that eternal path today; we cannot take for granted one single day. I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions," Ensign, November 2012, pp. 21-24
Click here to read the full article.

What marvelous counsel!  Of course, any day is a good day to resolve to spend time with those we love, to follow God, and to be happy.  But there's a sense of urgency in not postponing those decisions.

Why not start today, to both resolve and do—to make real, specific effort to improve!

Jeffrey R. Holland on the start of a new year

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (1940- ) has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve since 1994.

"The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and see where we are going, measured against the backdrop of where we have been. I don't want to talk about New Year's resolutions, but I do want to talk about the past and the future, with an eye toward any time of transition and change in our lives--and those moments come virtually every day....
"You can remember just enough to avoid repeating the mistake, but then put the rest of it all on the dung heap Paul spoke of to the Philippians (3:7-12). Dismiss the destructive, and keep dismissing it until the beauty of the Atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future and the bright future of your family, your friends, and your neighbors. God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go....
"This is an important matter to consider at the start of a new year--and every day ought to be the start of a new year and a new life. Such is the wonder of faith, repentance, and the miracle of the gospel of Jesus Christ....
"Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the 'high priest of good things to come' (Hebrews 9:11).
"Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever. That is a New Year's resolution I ask you to keep."
- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Best is Yet to Be," BYU devotional given January 13, 2009; see Ensign, January 2010, pp. 22-27
Read the full talk here.

Today is January 1, 2015.  Elder Holland notes that "every day ought to be the start of a new year," but we tend to emphasize the accustomed calendar boundaries.  As I "take stock" of my life this morning, I appreciate Elder Holland's encouragement to learn from the past but not dwell on it, allowing the "beauty of the Atonement of Christ" to guide me to the future.

This profound excerpt ought to be engraven on every heart:

That's the New Year's resolution to focus on, keeping our eyes on our dreams and ensuring we are claiming "His help" as offered for every step.  And then, as promised, we will each witness "the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life."