February 7, 2026

Just heard this quote - "the best kept secret in the church is the gospel". It was shared in the context of a bishop having all these members saying they would never make it to the celestial kingdom and he quoted Lehi talking to Jacob saying "I know you are redeemed because of the righteousness of your Redeemer".

We will never make it. It's not our job to make it. Christ made it for us. It is our job to love God and love our neighbor. We CAN do that.

"Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth."

"Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return."

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness." -Elder Richard G. Scott

Finding Joy in Lifehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/04/finding-joy-in-life?lang=eng

Danny Ricks - we don't deserve mercy, by it's definition we cannot deserve it otherwise it would be justice not mercy.