"If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.

Is there not wisdom in his giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified?

If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith." -Spencer W. Kimball

Be Thankful

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."  ~Doctrine & Covenants 78:19

"Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive?  Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love"  (Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, p. 126). ~Thomas S. Monson

 

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Matthew 7:21

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

This is one of my favorite scriptures because it teaches me so much in one sentence.
I have often thought about those who think all they have to do to go to heaven is to just say they believe in Jesus, then go back to the status quo of their lives.  This scripture makes it clear to me
that the verb "doeth" is the key to entering into the kingdom of heaven.
It doesn't matter what you say; it's what you DO.