President Ezra Taft Benson, Chapter 3 "Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle" & Chapter 4 "Living Joyfully in Troubled Times"

Sisters,

This Sunday we have the privilege of studying two lessons from President Benson! We will be discussing Chapter 3 "Freedom of Choice, an Eternal Principle" and Chapter 4 "Living Joyfully in Troubled Times". I love these principles and I particularly love how well the dovetail together. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from these lessons.

"We are free to choose, but we are not free to alter the consequences of those choices. Clearly, there would be little trial of faith if we received our full reward immediately for every goodly deed, or immediate retribution for every sin. But that there will be an eventual reckoning for each, there is no question."

"Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God's laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight."

"The real issues of today are, therefore, not economic or political. They are spiritual -- meaning that man must learn to conform to the laws which God has given to mankind."

"Happiness must be earned from day to day. But it is worth the effort."

"Do we realize that happiness here and now consists in freely, lovingly, joyfully acknowledging God's will for us -- and doing it in all ways and all affairs big and small? To live perfectly is to live happily. To live happily is to grow in spiritual strength toward perfection. Every action performed in accord with God's will is part of that growth."

"We will never be alone if we live as we should, because our Father will always be with us to bless us. He wants us to be successful. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to achieve the good goals we set. He will do His part if we do our part."

Please read and ponder these lessons and come prepared to discuss the parts that touched your hearts! See you Sunday!

Stephanie Johnson