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Led by Divine Design: Seeking for and Recognizing the Spirit
Every Sunday during sacrament meeting we hear the promise that we may "always have his Spirit to be with us" (D&C 20:77). But what does it mean to always have the Lord's Spirit with us? And how can we recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives?
Paired with both inspirational and personal photography, this new book brings together some of Elder Ronald A. Rasband's greatest stories and counsel about recognizing the divine hand of the Lord in our lives. Get to know Elder Rasband and his teachings as he draws upon personal experiences from his younger life and his ministry as an Apostle. Through his own experience, he helps us learn first how to seek the Spirit and then how to recognize and respond to divine guidance in our families, with friends and colleagues, in our Church service, and during times of trial.
Each of these short quotes, heartfelt stories, and brief messages is an important reminder that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. He is interested in our success and eternal happiness, and He has provided the Holy Ghost to offer divine guidance and lead us back to Him.
Paired with both inspirational and personal photography, this new book brings together some of Elder Ronald A. Rasband's greatest stories and counsel about recognizing the divine hand of the Lord in our lives. Get to know Elder Rasband and his teachings as he draws upon personal experiences from his younger life and his ministry as an Apostle. Through his own experience, he helps us learn first how to seek the Spirit and then how to recognize and respond to divine guidance in our families, with friends and colleagues, in our Church service, and during times of trial.
Each of these short quotes, heartfelt stories, and brief messages is an important reminder that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. He is interested in our success and eternal happiness, and He has provided the Holy Ghost to offer divine guidance and lead us back to Him.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2018
23 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 9, 2019
I LOVED this! The photographs are lovely and there is great counsel in the book.
Here are some of the things that I especially loved or that stood out:
"The Holy Ghost is crucially important in our lives. Our Father in Heaven knew that in mortality we would face challenges, tribulation and turmoil; He knew we would wrestle with questions, disappointments, temptations and weaknesses. To give us mortal strength and divine guidance, He provided the Holy Spirit, another name for the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost binds us to the Lord. By divine assignment, He inspires, testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in the light of the Lord. We have the sacred responsibility to learn to recognize His influence in our lives and respond." (p. 4)
"President Thomas S. Monson taught, "As we pursue the journey of life, let us learn the language of the Spirit." The Spirit speaks words that we feel. These feelings are gentle: a nudge to act, to do something, to say something, to respond in a certain way. If we are casual or complacent in our worship, drawn off and desensitized by worldy pursuits, we find ourselves diminished in our ability to feel." (p.10)
"A key element in having the Spirit with us in our lives is remaining true to the light we have received." (p. 37)
"...start where we are and seek the Lord's help to lift us to where He wants us to go. Being true to our authentic self requires continual effort to increase our light, knowledge and understanding." (p. 38)
"When you feel completely and perfectly loved, it is much easier to love others and to see them the way the Savior does. Please turn to our Savior in prayer and ask to receive His pure love both for yourself and for others. He has promised that you will feel His love if you ask in faith." (p. 38) **I really love this and believe it to be true!!
"...there is a masterpiece within each one of us, and when spiritually nurtured, carefully mentored, and loyally engaged in building up our families and the Lord's kingdom, all things are possible." (p. 45)
"Generations are affected by the choices we make. Share your testimony with your family; encourage them to remember how they felt when they recognized the Spirit in their lives and to record those feelings in journals and personal histories so that their own words may, when needed, bring to their remembrance how good the Lord has been to them." (p. 47)
*I love the chapter on the spirit of the temple. I also love the chapter on being spiritual first responders and responding to first promptings. This is something I'm working on but not very good at yet.
In regards to family history work, he writes "The spirit attends this work and will fill the lives of those who engage in it." (p. 54)
He writes about those who have mentored us and what lessons we've learned from them that have been life changing. He then encourages us to mentor others. This is something I'd like to make the time to write about in my journal.
He encourages us to develop skills that will allow us to establish righteous traditions in our homes and families. Then he says, "Skill is important, but hearts guide hands."
He reminds us that Jesus is our truest friend, and that though we may not see Him beside us, He is always there.
"As you learn to be led by the Spirit, may I suggest that you FIRST seek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you." (I added the emphasis...I'd never really considered the relationship between recognizing our talents/spiritual gifts and being able to recognize and be led by the spirit. He then cautions us to use those talents to build up the church and to always acknowledge God's hand in our successes.
"As experiences accumulate in our lives, they add strength and support to each other. Just as the building blocks of our homes support the rest of the structure, so too do our personal life experiences become building blocks for our testimonies and add to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (pg. 110-111)
"Faith is increasing among God's covenant people, and I believe it is through having a personal treasury of such valued experiences that an increase of faith can happen for each of us." (pg. 111)
He encourages us to remember spiritual experiences...when times of crisis or doubt come, to reflect on the times when our testimony was strong and remember the spiritual foundations we have built. He also says, "In the midst of life's greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God or your eternal destiny to one day return to live with Him, which will surpass anything the world has to offer." (p. 117)
"Questions are an indication of a further desire to learn, to add to those truths already in place in our testimonies, and to be better prepared to 'press forward with steadfastness in Christ.' (2 Nephi 31:20) The restoration of the gospel began with a youth, Joseph Smith, asking a question. Many of the Savior's teachings in His ministry began with a question. Remember His question to Peter: 'Whom say ye that I am?' (Matthew 16:15) And Peter's response: 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Matthew 16:16) We need to help each other find Heavenly Father's answers through the guidance of the Spirit." (p. 119)
Blessings of temple attendance: refine natures, peel off selfish shell in which we live, sanctify, make us better men and women, less selfishness, less contention, less demeaning of others, greater spirituality, greater love for one another, greater obedience, new spirit and confidence, Lord will cradle and hold you and lead you step by step, protection, peace, blessings, safety. (p. 126-128)
"Know that you can draw upon the power of God to always have His Spirit with you on this journey. 'Come,' He will say to you with outstretched hand. That doesn't mean He will change the circumstances; you may still be out on the swirling water, but His Atonement will lift you to higher ground." (135)
"Our hardships will be brief--in eternal terms--and the Lord will be right there. ...Think for a minute what it means to you to know you have someone standing right by you, someone you can trust to be your friend on good days and bad, someone who values you and supports you even when the two of you are apart. In that regard, our most prized friend is Jesus Christ Himself." (p. 140)
"The Lord's revelations are broad and far reaching for all in mortality. But each one of us--individually--has a place in the Lord's great plan of happiness. In small and seemingly simple ways He reaffirms that he is with us. He has promised, 'I the Lord am with you and will stand by you' (D&C 68:6). That doesn't mean He changes our circumstances or even rights wrongs of everyday life. But He brings peace to us in troubled times and to fractured lives." (p. 141)
"Recognize the responsibility to not leave anyone behind. There will be many you encounter with broken hearts and broken dreams. Lift them, help them move forward, boost their confidence in their ability, and renew their faith that the Lord is watching over them. He sent you." (p. 150)
"I witness to you that our Heavenly Father lives, that He knows you, and that He loves you personally. He stands ready to help you. He has revealed His plan to us not only so that we can return and live with Him forever but also that we can be blessed and be happy in this life. As you follow His teachings and as you reach out in love and consideration to others, you will feel even more His power and His love." (p. 153)
*****"To all of you who have challenges, concerns, disappointments, or heartaches with a dear one, know this: with infinite love and everlasting compassion, God our Heavenly Father loves your afflicted one, and He loves you!" (p. 162)
"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another--if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives." (p. 172)
"One day we will stand as a witness of our whole-souled devotion to works of righteousness." (p. 173)
"Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts." (p. 183)
"When our Father in Heaven said, 'This is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39), He was talking about all of His children-you in particular." (p. 186)
"The Lord's hand is guiding you. By divine design, He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones. As it says in Proverbs, 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;...and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3: 5-6). He will bless you, sustain you and bring you peace." (186)
Here are some of the things that I especially loved or that stood out:
"The Holy Ghost is crucially important in our lives. Our Father in Heaven knew that in mortality we would face challenges, tribulation and turmoil; He knew we would wrestle with questions, disappointments, temptations and weaknesses. To give us mortal strength and divine guidance, He provided the Holy Spirit, another name for the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost binds us to the Lord. By divine assignment, He inspires, testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in the light of the Lord. We have the sacred responsibility to learn to recognize His influence in our lives and respond." (p. 4)
"President Thomas S. Monson taught, "As we pursue the journey of life, let us learn the language of the Spirit." The Spirit speaks words that we feel. These feelings are gentle: a nudge to act, to do something, to say something, to respond in a certain way. If we are casual or complacent in our worship, drawn off and desensitized by worldy pursuits, we find ourselves diminished in our ability to feel." (p.10)
"A key element in having the Spirit with us in our lives is remaining true to the light we have received." (p. 37)
"...start where we are and seek the Lord's help to lift us to where He wants us to go. Being true to our authentic self requires continual effort to increase our light, knowledge and understanding." (p. 38)
"When you feel completely and perfectly loved, it is much easier to love others and to see them the way the Savior does. Please turn to our Savior in prayer and ask to receive His pure love both for yourself and for others. He has promised that you will feel His love if you ask in faith." (p. 38) **I really love this and believe it to be true!!
"...there is a masterpiece within each one of us, and when spiritually nurtured, carefully mentored, and loyally engaged in building up our families and the Lord's kingdom, all things are possible." (p. 45)
"Generations are affected by the choices we make. Share your testimony with your family; encourage them to remember how they felt when they recognized the Spirit in their lives and to record those feelings in journals and personal histories so that their own words may, when needed, bring to their remembrance how good the Lord has been to them." (p. 47)
*I love the chapter on the spirit of the temple. I also love the chapter on being spiritual first responders and responding to first promptings. This is something I'm working on but not very good at yet.
In regards to family history work, he writes "The spirit attends this work and will fill the lives of those who engage in it." (p. 54)
He writes about those who have mentored us and what lessons we've learned from them that have been life changing. He then encourages us to mentor others. This is something I'd like to make the time to write about in my journal.
He encourages us to develop skills that will allow us to establish righteous traditions in our homes and families. Then he says, "Skill is important, but hearts guide hands."
He reminds us that Jesus is our truest friend, and that though we may not see Him beside us, He is always there.
"As you learn to be led by the Spirit, may I suggest that you FIRST seek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you." (I added the emphasis...I'd never really considered the relationship between recognizing our talents/spiritual gifts and being able to recognize and be led by the spirit. He then cautions us to use those talents to build up the church and to always acknowledge God's hand in our successes.
"As experiences accumulate in our lives, they add strength and support to each other. Just as the building blocks of our homes support the rest of the structure, so too do our personal life experiences become building blocks for our testimonies and add to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (pg. 110-111)
"Faith is increasing among God's covenant people, and I believe it is through having a personal treasury of such valued experiences that an increase of faith can happen for each of us." (pg. 111)
He encourages us to remember spiritual experiences...when times of crisis or doubt come, to reflect on the times when our testimony was strong and remember the spiritual foundations we have built. He also says, "In the midst of life's greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God or your eternal destiny to one day return to live with Him, which will surpass anything the world has to offer." (p. 117)
"Questions are an indication of a further desire to learn, to add to those truths already in place in our testimonies, and to be better prepared to 'press forward with steadfastness in Christ.' (2 Nephi 31:20) The restoration of the gospel began with a youth, Joseph Smith, asking a question. Many of the Savior's teachings in His ministry began with a question. Remember His question to Peter: 'Whom say ye that I am?' (Matthew 16:15) And Peter's response: 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Matthew 16:16) We need to help each other find Heavenly Father's answers through the guidance of the Spirit." (p. 119)
Blessings of temple attendance: refine natures, peel off selfish shell in which we live, sanctify, make us better men and women, less selfishness, less contention, less demeaning of others, greater spirituality, greater love for one another, greater obedience, new spirit and confidence, Lord will cradle and hold you and lead you step by step, protection, peace, blessings, safety. (p. 126-128)
"Know that you can draw upon the power of God to always have His Spirit with you on this journey. 'Come,' He will say to you with outstretched hand. That doesn't mean He will change the circumstances; you may still be out on the swirling water, but His Atonement will lift you to higher ground." (135)
"Our hardships will be brief--in eternal terms--and the Lord will be right there. ...Think for a minute what it means to you to know you have someone standing right by you, someone you can trust to be your friend on good days and bad, someone who values you and supports you even when the two of you are apart. In that regard, our most prized friend is Jesus Christ Himself." (p. 140)
"The Lord's revelations are broad and far reaching for all in mortality. But each one of us--individually--has a place in the Lord's great plan of happiness. In small and seemingly simple ways He reaffirms that he is with us. He has promised, 'I the Lord am with you and will stand by you' (D&C 68:6). That doesn't mean He changes our circumstances or even rights wrongs of everyday life. But He brings peace to us in troubled times and to fractured lives." (p. 141)
"Recognize the responsibility to not leave anyone behind. There will be many you encounter with broken hearts and broken dreams. Lift them, help them move forward, boost their confidence in their ability, and renew their faith that the Lord is watching over them. He sent you." (p. 150)
"I witness to you that our Heavenly Father lives, that He knows you, and that He loves you personally. He stands ready to help you. He has revealed His plan to us not only so that we can return and live with Him forever but also that we can be blessed and be happy in this life. As you follow His teachings and as you reach out in love and consideration to others, you will feel even more His power and His love." (p. 153)
*****"To all of you who have challenges, concerns, disappointments, or heartaches with a dear one, know this: with infinite love and everlasting compassion, God our Heavenly Father loves your afflicted one, and He loves you!" (p. 162)
"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another--if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives." (p. 172)
"One day we will stand as a witness of our whole-souled devotion to works of righteousness." (p. 173)
"Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts." (p. 183)
"When our Father in Heaven said, 'This is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39), He was talking about all of His children-you in particular." (p. 186)
"The Lord's hand is guiding you. By divine design, He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones. As it says in Proverbs, 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;...and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3: 5-6). He will bless you, sustain you and bring you peace." (186)
February 28, 2019
A quick read, mostly a compilation of thoughts and stories from past general conferences. There were a few new stories that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed the book, but I think I was wishing for a bit more doctrine, and definitely a heavier read. I think it took me about an hour to read the whole thing. It is a beautiful book, however, with lots of beautiful photos and call out quotes.
September 4, 2023
How to know and feel the Holy Ghost. I loved his personal stories and his insight.
February 4, 2019
This book is filled with inspirational stories that confirm my belief and remind us, our Heavenly Father is aware of each of us. Rasband shares his miraculous personal experiences and ability to serve, which reminds someone like me, (a no one from a small town by the sea), understand and know I can be part of a Devine Design.
April 5, 2019
This was a perfect evening devotional. Every night, I’d read and ponder a chapter. I found the counsel on how to recognize, seek for, and have the companionship of the spirit helpful. None of this feels new, but it was really easy to read and the life examples helped to conjure something tangible. I found myself thinking about what I’d read throughout the next day.
January 31, 2019
A quick but strengthening read that is a reminder that each of us have an intricate plan of salvation and all the “coincidences” we experience form a tapestry of divine design in our lives. He is in the details of our lives. This book coincides with a recent conference message on the same topic. I love the quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell that Elder Rasband references in both: “None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You and I may call these intersectings ‘coincidence.’ This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but … by ‘divine design.’”
Looking for these patterns in our life assists us in being grateful in all things.
Looking for these patterns in our life assists us in being grateful in all things.
Read
January 19, 2024"I was privileged to bestow an apostolic blessing… though I was standing at the front of the room, it was as if my hands were upon each of their heads, and I felt the words of the Lord pouring forth."
"We must be confident in our first promptings."
(After sharing the story of John Chislet and the handcart companies):
"Recognize the responsibility to not leave anyone behind. There will be many you encounter with broken hearts and broken dreams. Lift them. Help them move forward. Boost their confidence in their ability, and renew their faith that the Lord is watching over them. He sent you."
"If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help, or would it be better to just jump in and save them…?"
"We must be confident in our first promptings."
(After sharing the story of John Chislet and the handcart companies):
"Recognize the responsibility to not leave anyone behind. There will be many you encounter with broken hearts and broken dreams. Lift them. Help them move forward. Boost their confidence in their ability, and renew their faith that the Lord is watching over them. He sent you."
"If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help, or would it be better to just jump in and save them…?"
March 9, 2025
I didn’t realize it when I started this book, but this might be an accompaniment book to go with a larger book by the same title, but without the sun title.
Nevertheless, this was a very sweet account of examples from his life and how he learned to recognize the prompting and teachings of the Holy Spirit and how we can learn to do the same. There are two stories that for me are noteworthy. The first was his obtaining a job with John Huntsman, which began just two months prior to his graduation from college and how that decision was made. The second was asking young Joseph Apiah from Ghana to pray at a large mission conference while Elder Rasband was mission president and Joseph was a young missionary.
Nevertheless, this was a very sweet account of examples from his life and how he learned to recognize the prompting and teachings of the Holy Spirit and how we can learn to do the same. There are two stories that for me are noteworthy. The first was his obtaining a job with John Huntsman, which began just two months prior to his graduation from college and how that decision was made. The second was asking young Joseph Apiah from Ghana to pray at a large mission conference while Elder Rasband was mission president and Joseph was a young missionary.
November 16, 2020
Great
It took me longer than normal to finish this simple book. I was reading it tonight and trying to finish it before a hectic week. I read one part in particular that really resonated with me. It made me sit, ponder and reflect on where I am in life. I am grateful that the Lord places simple, yet reassuring words of comfort when he knows I needed it most. This is a book inspired by God.
It took me longer than normal to finish this simple book. I was reading it tonight and trying to finish it before a hectic week. I read one part in particular that really resonated with me. It made me sit, ponder and reflect on where I am in life. I am grateful that the Lord places simple, yet reassuring words of comfort when he knows I needed it most. This is a book inspired by God.
August 31, 2020
This is a great heartfelt book that should almost be read devotionally. Elder Rasband fills it with great stories, examples, and quotes. The only reason I downgraded it to 4 stars revolves around the use of the many quotes from the "Doctrines and Covenants" which to a non-LDS reader will have little meaning. On the other hand, it might motivate them to get a copy and read it for themselves.
December 16, 2018
This book was quite delightful and definitely just what I needed. Normally I’m not a big fan of apostle’s books, especially if they’re a compilation on talks, but I loved the personal stories and reality of God’s hand in his life and how it reminded me of how often I see God in mine too.
January 24, 2019
This book contained beautiful pictures, inspiring words, and true life experiences from Elder Ronald A. Rasband. I loved that the book also included pictures of his family and people he has met throughout the years.
March 4, 2021
Devine design
Elder Rasband reminds us who we are and about the great plan in which we all play an important part. I love the simple yet power manner we are presented with truth that creates those ah ha moments! In this book you feel the love of an Apostle of the Lord.
Elder Rasband reminds us who we are and about the great plan in which we all play an important part. I love the simple yet power manner we are presented with truth that creates those ah ha moments! In this book you feel the love of an Apostle of the Lord.
February 9, 2023
This is a lovely book with text set with beautiful pictures. The text gave me a lot to reflect and ponder on. I'm going to reread it, slowly, as I did my first time through. It would make a great gift book.
February 18, 2019
This book helped me more fully understanding both how to recognize God’s hand in my life and also gave me more insight into this apostle. Life changing.
February 19, 2019
Great book! Had some great advice and stories on revelation. I especially loved the last few chapters.
March 7, 2019
Comforting, gentle reminders, illustrated by Elder Rasband's personal experiences, that God is mindful of us and can guide us through the Spirit.
The audio version is read by the author.
The audio version is read by the author.
May 13, 2019
Great book filled with short stories and counsel from Elder Rasband.
October 28, 2019
There’s no such thing as a coincidence. God is in the details of our lives, even if and when we don’t even see it ourselves.
November 26, 2019
Excellent read from Living Apostle of Jesus Christ
Resonates, simple, relevant, practical and true; I recommend it to all earnest disciples of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Resonates, simple, relevant, practical and true; I recommend it to all earnest disciples of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
February 21, 2020
I recognized a lot of the stories from talks he has given. Good messages.
July 16, 2021
Inspiring, an uplift to my personal testimony of life's deeper meanings & truths. It is a book that could be read multiple times, for me at least.
October 3, 2021
Inspirational
This is a must read. Very
uplifting and thought provoking. It brought peace to my soul in a time that I needed to hear
This is a must read. Very
uplifting and thought provoking. It brought peace to my soul in a time that I needed to hear
June 8, 2024
This was a short audiobook; I like that it was narrated by the author. Nothing revolutionary but the stories were good and the concepts were helpful to review.
January 28, 2021
This was lovely and inspiring. I hope he writes more. :)
September 12, 2020
A faithful Life
This book didn't really seem to be about seeking for the Spirit but it was about a life that has been guided by the Spirit and the abundant blessings of the Spirit.
This book didn't really seem to be about seeking for the Spirit but it was about a life that has been guided by the Spirit and the abundant blessings of the Spirit.
February 5, 2023
Inspiring teachings and stories by Elder Ronald Rasband. Uplifting.
340-read
April 2, 2019This was counsel of what Elder Rasband has found to help the spirit be a bigger part in our lives.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews