Crisis or transition of any kind reminds us of what matters most. In the routine of life, we often take our families-our parents and children and siblings-for granted. But in times of danger and need and change, there is no question that what we care about most is our families! It will be even more so when we leave this life and enter into the spirit world. Surely the first people we will seek to find there will be father, mother, spouse, children, and siblings.
M. Russell BallardThe central activity of leadership is teaching - first by example, second by precept.
M. Russell BallardFree and open expression coupled with visionary leadership generally encourages good decision-making.
M. Russell BallardWe must never ignore or pass by the prompting of the Spirit to render service to one another.
M. Russell BallardAnd fathers, . . . listen to [your returned missionary sons], and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk with them in depth about their feelings and desires. Pray with them and give them blessings as they face the important decisions in their future.
M. Russell BallardThe family is not just the basic unit of society; it is the basic unit of eternity.
M. Russell BallardI believe you can train yourself to become a positive thinker, but you must cultivate a desire to develop the skill of setting personal worthy and realistic goals. I am so thoroughly convinced that if we donโt set goals in our life and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When you learn to master the principle of setting a goal, you will then be able to make a great difference in the results you attain in this life.
M. Russell Ballard