--- title: "Best M. Russell Ballard Quotations" description: "Melvin Russell Ballard Jr. was an American businessman and religious leader who served as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 201..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/uploads/sms4s/authors/processed/b130/author-m-russell-ballard-3129.jpg" --- ![Portrait of M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/uploads/sms4s/authors/processed/b130/author-m-russell-ballard-3129.jpg) # M. Russell Ballard **139** quotes in **908** categories Rate this collection: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet Melvin Russell Ballard Jr. was an American businessman and religious leader who served as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 2018 until his death in 2023. ## Quick Facts About M. Russell Ballard Notable works Our Search for Happiness ## About M. Russell Ballard He had been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1985. Church members regarded him as a prophet, seer, and revelator. At the time of his death he was the third most senior apostle in the church. ## Quotes by M. Russell Ballard · Page 4 > [We cannot hope to build the Church and to bring hearts and souls to Christ without using every resource the Lord has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/we-cannot-hope-to-build-the-church-and-to-bring-hearts-and-souls-to/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Addresses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/addresses/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebc/m-russell-ballard-3129_addresses_we-cannot-hope-to-build-the-church-and-t_2048814.png) > [We cannot foresee what the Lord has in mind for us. Our only course of action is to be prepared and worthy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/we-cannot-foresee-what-the-lord-has-in-mind-for-us-our-only-course-of/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73c/m-russell-ballard-3129_action_we-cannot-foresee-what-the-lord-has-in-m_3012602.png) > [We need to commit to serve the Lord and our communities with the same diligence and faith that the pioneers had. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/we-need-to-commit-to-serve-the-lord-and-our-communities-with-the-same/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Abiding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abiding/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/231/m-russell-ballard-3129_abiding_we-need-to-commit-to-serve-the-lord-and_2407293.png) > [...We need to strive to keep things in proper balance. Good balance comes in doing things in a timely way and in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/we-need-to-strive-to-keep-things-in-proper-balance-good-balance-comes/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Balance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/balance/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0b/m-russell-ballard-3129_balance_we-need-to-strive-to-keep-things-in-prop_2307812.png) > [ In both the Holy Land of the New Testament and the promised land of the Book of Mormon, \[our Savior\] spent considerable… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testament-and-the-promised-land-of/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e41/m-russell-ballard-3129_bible_in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testame_660353.png) > [ And fathers, . . . listen to \[your returned missionary sons\], and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk with them… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-missionary-sons-and-connect-with/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Blessing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blessing/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/493/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessing_and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-miss_319973.jpg) > [The joy of motherhood comes in moments. ... Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-families-need-unstructured/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Being a mother](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/being-a-mother/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/m-russell-ballard-3129_being-a-mother_the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-f_2330166.png) > [Family councils, led by righteous, loving parents who are striving to teach their children to love and respect each other, can make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving-parents-who-are-striving-to/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/334/m-russell-ballard-3129_children_family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving_3132703.jpg) > [“Honey, we may not have much money or the other things that some people think are so important. But I have a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the-other-things-that-some-people/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Blessings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blessings/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessings_honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the_1276415.jpg) > [As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-genuine-charity-for-one/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Anxious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anxious/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/m-russell-ballard-3129_anxious_as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-g_2974585.jpg) > [I believe the entertainment industry cannot portray on film people gunned down in cold blood, in living color, and not have it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-cannot-portray-on-film-people/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Abuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abuse/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b85/m-russell-ballard-3129_abuse_i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-can_564664.png) > [Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-and/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Arms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arms/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44d/m-russell-ballard-3129_arms_let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-w_3088165.jpg) > [I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlasting-purpose-for-his-children/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80b/m-russell-ballard-3129_age_i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlast_2084437.jpg) > [It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-with-all-of-our-hearts-souls/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Able](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/able/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/m-russell-ballard-3129_able_it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-w_3120395.png) > [If we are one in purpose, spirit, principle and faith, then it doesn't really matter if we are always of the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principle-and-faith-then-it-doesn-t/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Altered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altered/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7a/m-russell-ballard-3129_altered_if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principl_2824496.jpg) > [Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/friends-and-family-are-vitally-important-for-an-individual-who-is/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/11b/m-russell-ballard-3129_christianity_friends-and-family-are-vitally-important_688303.png) > [The one-cylinder ward is one in which the bishop handles all the problems, makes all the decisions, follows through on all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/the-one-cylinder-ward-is-one-in-which-the-bishop-handles-all-the/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Assignments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assignments/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb1/m-russell-ballard-3129_assignments_the-one-cylinder-ward-is-one-in-which-th_879393.png) > [Clear declaration of truth makes a difference in people's lives. That is what changes hearts. That is what the Holy Ghost can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/clear-declaration-of-truth-makes-a-difference-in-people-s-lives-that/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81c/m-russell-ballard-3129_children_clear-declaration-of-truth-makes-a-diffe_2876642.png) > [Attitude is an important part of the foundation upon which we build a productive life. A good attitude produces good results, a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/attitude-is-an-important-part-of-the-foundation-upon-which-we-build-a/) [M. Russell Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/) [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39b/m-russell-ballard-3129_attitude_attitude-is-an-important-part-of-the-fou_1769737.png) ## M. Russell Ballard by topic [Love (21)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/m-russell-ballard/) [Christ (20)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christ/m-russell-ballard/) [Lord (19)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lord/m-russell-ballard/) [Parenting (17)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/m-russell-ballard/) [Father (17)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/father/m-russell-ballard/) [Children (17)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/m-russell-ballard/) [Needs (16)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/m-russell-ballard/) [Life (16)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/m-russell-ballard/) [Family (15)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family/m-russell-ballard/) [Time (14)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/m-russell-ballard/) [Religion (14)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/m-russell-ballard/) [Jesus (13)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jesus/m-russell-ballard/) [Inspirational (13)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/m-russell-ballard/) [Jesus christ (12)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jesus-christ/m-russell-ballard/) [Heart (12)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/m-russell-ballard/) [Spiritual (11)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual/m-russell-ballard/) [Ifs (11)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/m-russell-ballard/) [Heavenly father (11)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heavenly-father/m-russell-ballard/) [World (10)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/m-russell-ballard/) [Savior (10)](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/savior/m-russell-ballard/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-russell-ballard/#itemlist", "name": "M. 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Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "In both the Holy Land of the New Testament and the promised land of the Book of Mormon, [our Savior] spent considerable time teaching and instructing and training His councils and council leaders, and then He sent them forth to share what they had learned with others.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testament-and-the-promised-land-of/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e41/m-russell-ballard-3129_bible_in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testame_660353.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e41/m-russell-ballard-3129_bible_in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testame_660353.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e41/m-russell-ballard-3129_bible_in-both-the-holy-land-of-the-new-testame_660353.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“In both the Holy Land of the New Testament and the promised land of the Book of Mormon, [our Savior] spent…” — M. 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Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-missionary-sons-and-connect-with/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/493/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessing_and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-miss_319973.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/493/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessing_and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-miss_319973.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/493/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessing_and-fathers-listen-to-your-returned-miss_319973.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“And fathers, . . . listen to [your returned missionary sons], and connect with them in regular, focused…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The joy of motherhood comes in moments. ... Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-families-need-unstructured/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/m-russell-ballard-3129_being-a-mother_the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-f_2330166.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/m-russell-ballard-3129_being-a-mother_the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-f_2330166.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/m-russell-ballard-3129_being-a-mother_the-joy-of-motherhood-comes-in-moments-f_2330166.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The joy of motherhood comes in moments. ... Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Family councils, led by righteous, loving parents who are striving to teach their children to love and respect each other, can make a difference in creating a sense of discipline, order and loving cooperation in the home.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving-parents-who-are-striving-to/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/334/m-russell-ballard-3129_children_family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving_3132703.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/334/m-russell-ballard-3129_children_family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving_3132703.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/334/m-russell-ballard-3129_children_family-councils-led-by-righteous-loving_3132703.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Family councils, led by righteous, loving parents who are striving to teach their children to love and…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 9, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Honey, we may not have much money or the other things that some people think are so important. But I have a feeling that of the four men on that plane, I was the happiest and, in a way, the richest. I have blessings that money simply cannot buy. And I have the satisfaction of knowing that the things that are most important to me—you, our family, and my love of God—can endure forever.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the-other-things-that-some-people/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessings_honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the_1276415.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessings_honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the_1276415.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57a/m-russell-ballard-3129_blessings_honey-we-may-not-have-much-money-or-the_1276415.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Honey, we may not have much money or the other things that some people think are so important. But I have a…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 10, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our own lives. This charity is essential in missionary work, but we must never allow ourselves to treat our neighbors only as potential converts. We have had the sad experience of seeing members of the Church who attempted to convert their neighbors and friends and, when they did not respond, withdrew their friendship and neighborliness. We must not be so anxious to share the gospel that we become insensitive to the feelings of others.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-genuine-charity-for-one/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/m-russell-ballard-3129_anxious_as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-g_2974585.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/m-russell-ballard-3129_anxious_as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-g_2974585.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/771/m-russell-ballard-3129_anxious_as-disciples-of-christ-we-need-to-feel-g_2974585.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 11, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I believe the entertainment industry cannot portray on film people gunned down in cold blood, in living color, and not have it affect the attitudes and thoughts of some of the people who see it... I believe that the desensitizing effect of such media abuses on the hearts and souls of those who are exposed to them results in a partial fulfillment of the Savior's statement that 'because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold'.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-cannot-portray-on-film-people/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b85/m-russell-ballard-3129_abuse_i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-can_564664.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b85/m-russell-ballard-3129_abuse_i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-can_564664.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b85/m-russell-ballard-3129_abuse_i-believe-the-entertainment-industry-can_564664.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I believe the entertainment industry cannot portray on film people gunned down in cold blood, in living…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 12, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than to know that if we are faithful and true, we will one day be safely encircled in the arms of His love (see D&C 6:20). He is always there to give encouragement, to forgive, and to rescue. Therefore, as we exercise faith and are diligent in keeping the commandments, we have nothing to fear from the journey.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-and/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44d/m-russell-ballard-3129_arms_let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-w_3088165.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44d/m-russell-ballard-3129_arms_let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-w_3088165.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44d/m-russell-ballard-3129_arms_let-us-remember-that-the-savior-is-the-w_3088165.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 13, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word ‘atonement’ is the word ‘one.’ If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlasting-purpose-for-his-children/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80b/m-russell-ballard-3129_age_i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlast_2084437.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80b/m-russell-ballard-3129_age_i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlast_2084437.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80b/m-russell-ballard-3129_age_i-believe-our-heavenly-father-s-everlast_2084437.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 14, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service... When this pure love of Christ-or charity-envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-with-all-of-our-hearts-souls/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/m-russell-ballard-3129_able_it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-w_3120395.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/m-russell-ballard-3129_able_it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-w_3120395.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/m-russell-ballard-3129_able_it-is-only-when-we-love-god-and-christ-w_3120395.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 15, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If we are one in purpose, spirit, principle and faith, then it doesn't really matter if we are always of the same opinion. Opinions change and can be easily altered by time, experience, and circumstance. But principles, purposes, spirituality, and faith are enduring values that can bind us as one despite disagreement or dispute.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principle-and-faith-then-it-doesn-t/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7a/m-russell-ballard-3129_altered_if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principl_2824496.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7a/m-russell-ballard-3129_altered_if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principl_2824496.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f7a/m-russell-ballard-3129_altered_if-we-are-one-in-purpose-spirit-principl_2824496.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If we are one in purpose, spirit, principle and faith, then it doesn't really matter if we are always of the…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 16, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a person must refrain from judging. They must do all they can to show love.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. Russell Ballard" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-russell-ballard/friends-and-family-are-vitally-important-for-an-individual-who-is/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/11b/m-russell-ballard-3129_christianity_friends-and-family-are-vitally-important_688303.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/11b/m-russell-ballard-3129_christianity_friends-and-family-are-vitally-important_688303.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/11b/m-russell-ballard-3129_christianity_friends-and-family-are-vitally-important_688303.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path…” — M. Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 17, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The one-cylinder ward is one in which the bishop handles all the problems, makes all the decisions, follows through on all the assignments, and faces every challenge. Then, like any other overworked cylinder, he starts to sputter and behave erratically. Eventually, he burns out altogether.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. 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Russell Ballard", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 18, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Clear declaration of truth makes a difference in people's lives. That is what changes hearts. That is what the Holy Ghost can confirm in the hearts of God's children.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "M. 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