The After Effect

The tree of life in Lehi's dream.  Most of us have read it several times, just because its in the very beginning of the Book of Mormon.  Boyd K. Packard wrote a talk called "Finding ourselves in Lehi's dream".  Here's a little background for those who haven't read it. Lehi has a dream where he sees a tree of life, and the fruit of it makes everybody who eats it happy.  There is an iron rod that leads people to the tree.  That is the word of God.  But then, across the way there is a giant building and the people in it make fun of those that eat the fruit.  They point their fingers and laugh and scorn.  In President Packard's talk he says the we should pay special attention to the word after because it was after the people found the fruit that they were ashamed and walked away.
Once we have something good, we should make sure not to let it go.  There is no reason to be ashamed for going to church, reading your scriptures, praying, or not lowering your standards.  There is no joy in that.  Never, should we be embarrassed about what we do as followers of Christ, or for trying to do the "right" thing.  Romans 1:16 states "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth".  Do what you know to be right, because you know it to be right.  Stand up for what you believe in.  Don't allow the world to convince you that sin is happiness and that you are unhappy because you do the right thing.  Once we find the fruit of the tree, pay no attention to those who laugh and make scorn.   We will be guided by the Spirit and find more and more happiness in this life if we continue to hang on the fruit after we have it, and not walk away from a good thing. 
_Elder Halbert

Clean Language

Language seems like it is such a small thing, and that it doesn't matter what really comes out of our mouth.  But what comes out is truly a reflection of what is within.  On the subject of how we speak with one another, James says

 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the  governor listeth.

 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

If we can't learn to control our tongue, than why would the Lord trust us with greater things?  Controlling our tongue means not only swear words but also just respectfully with those around us.  Our comments to others should uplift and encourage instead of belittle or put down.  In the home is where we spend the most time around those we love yet it is often where our behavior is the most casual, often resulting in rudeness and disrespect. Let us learn to better control our words, especially  in the home where we are around those we love the most.  When we do, the Lord will bless us and trust us all the more.
_Elder Halbert