Author: Chuck Lucas

I am the Editor and Founder of https://principlesneverfail.us/ a blog dedicated to principle centered personal development. The social, intellectual, physical, and spirtual challenges facing individuals and the communities in which we live in 2020 and beyond will require the best that is within us. True principles anchor us to the truths previously discovered. We can move forward into the future with confidence on the correct path if we do not forsake the truths we already know. My over 50 year quest has been to discover true principles and seek to understand and strive to apply them in my life. My hope is that some of what I have found may be of value to my family, friends, and to you.

“Inspiration comes sporadically sometimes.” 📖James McCauley

Inspiration can be sporadic and mysterious.

Sometimes inspiration comes from a single ray of sunshine.

Occasionally inspiration comes from the darkest moments in life.

Often times inspiration comes from life experience.

Without aspirations, inspiration is a sporadic emotion, fading in and out of focus.

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unusual places.

Inspiration comes up the ladder, and it comes down the ladder.

Inspiration comes to us just as freely and as liberally as our hearts are open to receive it.

“Inspiration comes from prayer.” (D&C 63:64.) Ezra Taft Benson

“Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.” Boyd K. Packer

“Not all inspiration comes from God.” (see D&C 46:7). Boyd K. Packer

“Inspiration comes more quickly when we need it to help others than when we are concerned about ourselves.” Boyd K. Packer

“Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings.” Boyd K. Packer

Preparation usually precedes inspiration.

“Answers are found while searching the scriptures because inspiration comes from studying the Lord’s own words. They are an unfailing source of light and inspiration.” Robert J. Matthews

“Inspiration comes not to the inactive, the inert, the sluggard (the mentally lazy), but to the plodder.” Improvement Era 1914

“It is by the mercy of heaven that inspiration comes to guide our eternal souls.” Improvement Era 1937

I cannot succeed with sporadic little flashes of effort.

Constant and valiant living is necessary. . .

Remember, faith is not a magical formula. It requires that I make a deliberate decision to do good and then carry out my decision. Do it. Simply do it, and do it long enough that I can experience success, no matter how hard it may seem. My victory over self brings communion with God and results in happiness-lasting and eternal happiness. JACK H. GOASLIND (adapted)

Not shrinking is much more important than surviving!

As we confront our own lesser trials and tribulations, we too can plead with the Father, just as Jesus did, that we “might not … shrink”—meaning to retreat or to recoil (D&C 19:18). Not shrinking is much more important than surviving! Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell
October 1997 General Conference

Life is tasteless without progress. 🌎John A. Widtsoe

Progress is active and increasing.

Our actual achievements count for little compared with the efforts for progress we put forth. 🏆John A. Widtsoe

Progress is measured by milestones.

What many good people lack are markers that might tell them how they are actually doing. Goals can become a ritual or a fetish, but in the right measure they can give us some much needed reference points. No wonder some seem discouraged! Minus such milestones, we often feel “minus” in our lives.