RIP Elder Scott

Yesterday Elder Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the 12 apostles died. That's three apostles who have died since the last General Conference. The last time three new apostles were called was 1906.

When I think of Elder Scott I think of prayer. He always had really good quotes on prayer and gave many talks on the subject. I also think of missionary work. Another subject which was dear to his heart. Without his dear sweet wife's encouragement, he would not have served a full-time mission. For that he is eternally grateful to her. His mission had such a positive effect on his life and dramatically altered his future. As it does for all of us who have served full-time missions.

I'm happy that he is finally reunited with his beloved wife Jeanine, whom he spoke of often. She died in 1995. He also had two children die before him who he is now reunited with.

The Deseret News had some quotes from Elder Scott that I copied and pasted here. RIP Elder Scott!

The following quotes are all attributed to Elder Richard G. Scott. (Emphasis added)

"There is no burden he cannot lift. There is no heart he cannot purify and fill with joy. There is no life he cannot cleanse and restore when one is obedient to his teachings."

"We exercise faith by doing. Joseph Smith said that 'faith (is) the principle of action and of power.' "

“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit.”

"Recognize the good in others, not their stains.  At times a stain needs appropriate attention to be cleansed, but always build on his or her virtues."

"If it were possible to make your road very easy, you wouldn’t grow in strength.  If you were always forgiven for every mistake without effort on your part, you would never receive the blessings of repentance. If everything were done for you, you wouldn’t learn how to work, or gain self-confidence, or acquire the power to change."

"The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy."

"When you feel you can do no more, temporarily lay your challenges at His feet."

"Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each of us can become clean, and the burden of our rebellion will be lifted. Remember, repentance is not punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future."

"To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done."

"You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be."

"When you pray with real conviction, 'Please let me know Thy will' and 'May Thy will be done,' you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving father."

"When your beacon is focused on self, it does little more than blind your vision. When turned outward through acts of kindness and love, it will light your path to happiness and peace."

"Stay on the Lord's side and you will win every time."

"Because he respects your agency, Father in Heaven will never force you to pray to him. But as you exercise that agency and include him in every aspect of your daily life, your heart will begin to fill with peace, buoyant peace. That peace will focus an eternal light on your struggles. It will help you to manage those challenges from an eternal perspective."

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.  Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming."

"Be obedient to the prophetic teachings Christ would have you follow. Don’t rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles. Remember: Little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings."

"Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life."

"Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good."

"Most important, all that I now hold dear in life began to mature in the mission field. Had I not been encouraged to be a missionary, I would not have the eternal companion or precious family I dearly love. I am confident that I would not have had the exceptional professional opportunities that stretched my every capacity. I am certain that I would not have received the sacred callings with opportunities to serve for which I will be eternally grateful. My life has been richly blessed beyond measure because I served a mission."

"If you are a young man wondering whether you ought to fulfill a full-time mission…I know that a mission will provide extraordinary blessings for you now and throughout your life. I urge you not to pray to know whether you should go; rather, ask the Lord to guide you in whatever may be necessary to become a worthy, empowered full-time missionary. You will never regret serving a mission, but you most probably will regret not serving if that is your choice.”

"I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face."

I hope you enjoyed these quotes. Elder Scott was a remarkable man. RIP Elder Scott!