D&C 4:6 (Patience)

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence."

*Patience*

Webster:

• 1: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient
• It is interesting to note that it is not only the capacity, but also the habit of being patient.
• Patient: 1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
• 2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
• This is an area I definitely need work on. I have zero patience when I am under "provocation" and most definitely when I am under "strain".
• 3: not hasty or impetuous
• I am becoming more patient as the years go by. I have seen so many times how my hastiness has resulted in lost time, money, etc. It is better to be patient and do things right the first time, rather than have to fix things later.
• 4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
• 5: able or willing to bear

Patience is a quality I pray for every single day. Every single morning I roll out of my bed and right onto my knees. I pray mightily that I will have patience that day with my children. Often, by the time I have the kids out of bed and I am trying to move them along in their morning routine, I have completely lost all of my patience. There will always be trials, provocation, frustration, and strain. I MUST learn to be patient despite all of these stumbling blocks. I must CHOOSE patience. It is absolutely amazing when I have had the presence of mind in the middle of a strenuous situation with my children to choose patience over frustration. Circumstances may be crazy around us, but we still need to be calm in the midst- just as Jesus was. The storms were raging, tossing the small boat to and fro. The apostles were frightened and yet Jesus slept. What a powerful example of not allowing the circumstances that swirl about us to dictate how we will respond.

D&C 4:6 (Temperance)

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence."

*Temperance*

The Topical Guide Scripture References:
(says "see also Self-mastery")

• glutton shall come to poverty
• tarry long at the wine
• full of extortion and excess
• man that striveth for the master is temperate in all things
• meekness, temperance; against such there is no law
• let your moderation be known unto all
• good men... just, holy, temperate
• to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience
• being temperate in all things
• be diligent and temperate in all things
• be sober, be temperate
• cast away your excess of laughter

Webster

• 1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint
• 2 a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
• b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages

We can never become perfect until we have mastered ourselves. Part of mastering oneself is to learn to live moderately. Going to excess in anything, even good things, is wrong. I love how Webster defines it as a "habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions". I need to make a habit of self-restraint in all areas of my life: anger, frustration, eating, exercising, sleeping, etc. By doing so, I will be able to better control my appetites and passions. It's like getting in shape. The more you exercise a muscle, the stronger it becomes and the easier it is to use it. The more you exercise restraint, the stronger your self-control becomes and the easier it is to abstain from indulgence.

D&C 4:6 (Knowledge)

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence."

*Knowledge*

(Bible Dictionary)

• One of the attributes of God
• K. of divine and spiritual things is absolutely essential for one's salvation; hence the gospel is to be taught to every soul- "How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14)
• not obtained all at once, even by revelation, but line upon line, precept upon precept (Isa. 28:9-10)
• The scriptures, and also living prophets, are given so that the people might have k. of things of God and "know how to worship, and know what you worship" (D&C 93:19)
• K. is one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost and one of the gifts of the Spirit
• Peter lists k. along with faith, patience, kindness, and virtue as necessary acquisitions for one who would seek for a divine nature
• No one can be saved in ignorance of the gospel
• One progresses only as fast as he gains k.
• Thus, the person who gains k. will have "the advantage in the world to come" (D&C 130:18-19)

(Webster)

• 2 a (1): the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association
• (2): acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique
• b (1): the fact or condition of being aware of something
• (2): the range of one's information or understanding
• c: the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning : cognition
• d: the fact or condition of having information or of being learned

I have always looked upon knowledge as a worldly acquisition- not in a bad way, though. I know that we are commanded to seek after knowledge but I always took that to mean that secular learning is important as well as spiritual learning. However, not once in the Bible Dictionary does it reference secular knowledge- only knowledge of "divine and spiritual things" is noted. It is intriguing to think that there is so much more spiritual knowledge available to me. Sometimes I feel like a teenager who thinks they know everything there is to know in this world. Yet, as a mom now, I shake my head, seeing clearly all that teenagers don't know or understand yet. I'm sure Heavenly Father feels the same way when He is looking down on me. He probably shakes his head and lovingly thinks, "Boy does she still have so much more to learn!" I went to the temple this morning with Lance. On the way up the stairs to the veil room, I noticed, not for the first time, the sign above the celestial room door, "The Glory of God is Intelligence". What a beautiful, simple statement posted in the house of learning.

D&C 4:6 (Virtue)

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence."

*Virtue*

(Webster) -

• 1 a: conformity to a standard of right : morality;
• b: a particular moral excellence;
• I love that- moral excellence!
• 2 plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy;
• 3: a beneficial quality or power of a thing;
• 4: manly strength or courage : valor;
• 5: a commendable quality or trait : merit;
• 6: a capacity to act : potency;
• 7: chastity especially in a woman
• The Lord delights in the chastity of women.

(Topical Guide - "see also")

• Chastity
• Cleanliness
• Goodness
• Holiness
• Modesty
• Purity
• Sacred

(Scriptures)

• Proverbs 12:4 - a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband
• Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
• Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• Moroni 9:9 - most precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue
• D&C 121:45 - Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

D&C 121:45 is one of my very favorite scriptures. My heart swells to imagine that I could stand in the presence of the Father in full confidence. Here He tells me how I can- "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly". There are so many times right now where I feel so weak and unworthy. I make so many mistakes! I am easily frustrated, angered, provoked, offended, and on and on and on... There isn't a single day where I don't end it on my knees, begging the Lord to forgive me of my trespasses that day. I often fall asleep, replaying the harsh words or impatience or sarcasm I poured out on my children or husband that day. Why is it, when I love them more than anything in this world, that I am often so hurtful and short-tempered with them??? It is often very discouraging but I must put my trust in Heavenly Father- in His promises to me that someday I can be perfect like He is. "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly..."

D&C 4:5 (Eye Single)

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."

*An eye single to the glory of God"

Psalms 25:15 - Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord...

Psalms 141:8 - But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust;leave not my soul destitute.

Matt. 6:22 - The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single [(JST) to the glory of God], thy whole body shall be full of light.

• single: GR healthy, sincere, without guile. TG Dedication

Morm. 8:15 - For none can have power to bring [the record] to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord.

Webster (Single):

• 5 a: frank , honest b: exclusively attentive 6: unbroken , undivided

Heavenly Father is asking us to have a sincere, undivided devotion to glorifying Him. We shouldn't allow ourselves to be distracted by the pleasures of the world or seek glory for ourselves. Our lives should be dedicated to bringing glory to God through our righteous actions. I love how Christ says in Matthew that if our eye is single, then our whole body will be full of light. If we are only seeking to glorify God, thereby losing ourselves in His service, ironically, we will be full of the light of Christ. The spirit will be with us. I can't imagine any other way for happiness. True and lasting happiness comes in and only through Jesus Christ.

D&C 4:5 (Love)

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."


*Love*


(Topical Guide - "see also's")

• Affection
• (Webster) 1: a moderate feeling or emotion; 2: tender attachment : fondness
• Benevolence
• (Webster) 1: disposition to do good; 2 a: an act of kindness, b: a generous gift
• Brotherhood
• (Webster) 2 : fellowship , alliance; 3 : an association (as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose
• Sisterhood
• (Webster) 3: the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns
• Charity
• the pure love of Christ, among so many other definitions
• Family, Love within
• Abraham loved Isaac; parents love their children
• Fellowshipping
• (Webster) a company of equals or friends : association
• Friendship
• God, Love of
• It is the love of God that brings us true happiness in this life. If we could but emulate that love, we would be doing well on the path to perfection.
• Grace
• It is through the grace (and/or love) of God that we are all saved.
• Kindness
• We should never be unkind to anybody, especially those that we claim to love.
• Marriage, Continuing Courtship in
• I found it so interesting that the Topical Guide has a section on the continuing courtship in marriage. Obviously, it is not just a popular idea but an important principle.
• Neighbor
• When Christ was asked what the greatest of all the commandments was, he said that it was to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. He then added quickly, that the second great commandment was to love thy neighbor as thyself. If we really put this into practice the world would be devoid of wars, divorces would be nonexistent, abuse of a spouse or loved one, in any shape or form, would never ever happen.

I often feel painfully inadequate as a mother. I am at a loss for discipline so many times. I don't always have the answers. I'm not sure many times which is the best route to take with my kids. Yet one thing I do know. I love my kids with all of my heart and soul. I guess that means that, despite all of my many shortcomings, I am qualified. :)

D&C 4:5 (Charity, cont'd)

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."

*Charity*

(Webster)

• 1: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity;
• When we have c., we have a general sense of goodwill toward everybody we know, and even those that we don't know- all mankind!
• 2: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering;
• C. entails being generous and helpful to others, especially to those that are poor or in need in other ways (depressed, friendless, etc).
• 3: lenient judgment of others
• This is one of my favorite definitions by Webster. When we are charitable, when we truly love others, we do not seek to pass critical judgement upon them. We seek only to help them and show kindness to them. There are times when judgement is necessary on our parts. However, we should never ever forget that judgement should always be done in love. We should also never forget the Savior's warning that the judgement with which we judge others will be the same standard of judgement by which we will be judged in the end.

D&C 4:5 (Charity)

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."

*Charity*

(Bible Dictionary)

The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive.

• 1 Cor. 8:1 -Knowledge puffeth up, but c. edifieth.
• 1 Cor. 13:1-3 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not c., I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling crystal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not c., I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,m and have not c., it profiteth me nothing.
• 1 Cor. 13:13 - And now abideth fiath, hope, c., these three; but the greatest of these is c.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (Characteristics of Charity)

• suffereth long
• is kind
• envieth not
• vaunteth not itself; is not puffed up
• doth not behave itself unseemly
• seeketh not her own
• is not easily provoked
• thinketh no evil
• rejoiceth not in iniquity
• rejoiceth in truth
• beareth all things
• believeth all things
• hopeth all things
• endureth all things
• never faileth

It is easy to get a little overwhelmed for a self-proclaimed perfectionist like myself when I look at all of the descriptions of charity. Yet, instead of throwing up my hands in futility, I am choosing to instead be humble and recognize that with the Lord, I can do all things. I have so many weaknesses and shortcomings. I too often find fault with others. I gossip at times. I am easily offended, easily provoked. Sometimes I envy; sometimes I am prideful. However, I do have a few redeeming qualities as well. I feel like I am kind. I do not rejoice in iniquity and truth causes my heart to soar. I bear and suffer much, endure much, believe all things, and have hope in all things. My thoughts are not generally evil either. :) Seeketh not her own... that is a tricky one. As a mother, by the very nature of that calling, I spend the majority of my day in selfless tasks. Yet there are times when I most definitely seek "my own"- whether it be time to myself, my way of doing things, or picking what I want to do. I need to give even more fully of myself, mentally and emotionally- not just my time. I will pray for charity in every prayer this week.

D&C 4:5 (Hope)

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work."

*Hope*

Webster: 1: to cherish a desire with anticipation ; 2 trust; 3: to desire with expectation of obtainment; 4: to expect with confidence

• Prov. 10:28 - h. of the righteous shall be gladness
• Hope is one of the keys of happiness!
• Prov. 13:12 - h. deferred maketh the heart sick
• Despair is the opposite of hope. When we defer hope, or despair, we become "heartsick"- depressed, downcast, downtrodden.
• Jer. 17:7 - Blessed is the man...whose h. the Lord is
• Rom. 4:18 - [Abraham] against h. believed in h.
• Rom. 5:2-5 - ...Rejoice in h. of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, h.: And h. maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
• These verses are rich in wisdom. We can rejoice in hope and "glory" in our trials! We are happy to have trials, as Paul of old, because trials bring patience. Patience brings experience. Experience then gives us hope because we know that things get better, that we can overcome hardships in our life.
• Rom. 8:24 - For we are saved by h.: but h. that is seen is not h.: for what a man seeth, why doeth he yet h. for?
• This seems to be one of the purposes of the veil. We have forgotten our premortal life with our Father that we may learn to trust in him or, in other words, to hope for the fulfillment of His promises to us.
• Rom. 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have h.
• Here is a tiny jewel of truth. The scriptures were written a long time ago- FOR OUR LEARNING. The scriptures, through our patience- or diligent study- will give us hope. I think this is because as we study the scriptures we learn the word of God, including His plan for us. As we learn that word, the Spirit bears witness to us that it is true. When we receive that witness, we then trust in the Lord's promises, or develop HOPE.
• Heb. 6:19 - Which h. we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast...
• In the tumultuous times in which we live, many are tossed about on the waves of uncertainty. Hope is the anchor of our soul that can keep us tied down, sure and steadfast, to the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Ether 12:4 - Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with a surety h. for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which h. cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
• When we are discouraged we can simply ask ourselves if we truly believe in God. If the answer is yes, we are promised that we can therefore hope for a better world than this, even a place at the right hand of God!
• Moro. 8:26 - Comforter filleth with h. and perfect love
• Hope is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Oftentimes, I get discouraged at the wickedness of the world. It seems that Satan is lurking in every corner. But when despair threatens to overwhelm me, I focus on my burning testimony that God lives, that He is in charge, and that He will conquer in the end. This testimony gives me the hope for the future that I need to keep pressing ever onward.