"A scripture from the Book of Mormon concerning record keeping has had a profound impact on my writing…'Bring forth the record which ye have kept. And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid them before him, HE CAST HIS EYES UPON THEM.' (3 Nephi 23:7-8; emphasis added.) I sincerely believe that one day we too will be called to account for what we have written and taught. I want to be able to say to the Savior, when He casts His eyes on what I have written, that I endeavored to build the Kingdom and not tear it down. May we all so write!" (Regional Studies in Church History, New England, "Why Are We Here in New England," by Keith W. Perkins, p. 13)
Spencer W. Kimball
"Your own journal, like most others, will tell of problems as old as the world and how you dealt with them…Your journal should contain your true self rather than a picture of you when you are 'made up' for a public performance. There is a temptation to paint one's virtues in rich color and whitewash the vices, but there is also the opposite pitfall of accentuating the negative.
"…Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life…What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?
"…Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity. Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. Remember, the Savior chastised those who failed to record important events." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 350-1)