Wednesday, July 24, 2013
BEING HAPPY, AS A 'SINGLE' MEMBER OF THE CHURCH
Reading everything that I could on this topic made it quite clear what I needed to do for myself. Instead of feeling deeply discouraged, I need to forget myself and go to work. I know my Heavenly Father has promised me certain blessings, and I am too impatient. Almost every talk given it says to serve, develop your talents, and that you play a vital role in the Church. I am very grateful for the talents my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I also see His hand helping me to create new talents, where there wasn't before. Very simply, I need to remember the words of Gordon B. Hinckley's father, when President Hinckley was discouraged on his mission, "Forget yourself and go to work."
"We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available- all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. "This is the day which the Lord hath made..." the Psalmist wrote. "Rejoice and be glad in it."
2012 October General Conference, Of Regrets and Resolutions, Saturday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"I feel sorry for any man who hasn't yet made the choice to seek an eternal companion, and my heart weeps for the sisters who haven't had the opportunity to marry. Some of you may feel lonely and unappreciated and cannot see how it will be possible for you to have the blessings of marriage and children or your own family. All things are possible to the Lord, and He keeps the promises He inspires His prophets to declare. Eternity is a long time. Have faith in those promises and live to be worthy of them so that in His time the Lord can make them come true in your life. With certainty, you will receive every promised blessing for which you are worthy."
2011 April General Conference, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Sunday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"I close with a final example of a desire that should be paramount for all men and women-those who are, currently married and those who are single. All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity. Those who already have a temple marriage should do all they can to preserve it. Those who are single should desire a temple marriage and exert priority efforts to obtain it. Youth and young singles should resist the politically correct but eternally false concept that discredits the importance of marrying and having children"
2011 April General Conference, Desire, Saturday afternoon session- Dallin H Oaks
"Some of you, unfortunately, will never marry in this life. That turns out to be the case sometimes. If that happens, do not spend you life grieving over it. The world still needs your talents. It needs your contribution. The Church needs your faith. It needs your strong, helping hand. Life is never a failure until we call it such. There are so many who need your helping hands, your loving smile, your tender thoughtfulness. I see so many capable, attractive, wonderful women whom romance has passed by. I do not understand it, but I know that in the plan of the Almighty, the eternal plan which we call God's plan of happiness, there will be opportunity and reward for all who seek them."
2003 October General Conference, To the Women of the Church, General Relief Society Meeting- Gordon B. Hinckley
"The prophets of the Lord have repeatedly promised that no blessing will be denied to the righteous single sisters of the Church if, through no fault of their own, they have not been married in this life and sealed to a worthy priesthood holder. They will be able to enjoy that blessing, forever in the next world. "On occasions when you ache for that acceptance and affection which belong to family life on earth, please know that our Father in Heaven is aware of your anguish, and that one day he will bless you beyond your capacity to express."
2002 October General Conference, You Are All Heaven Sent, General Relief Society Meeting- James E. Faust
"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies."
2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Saturday afternoon session- Quentin L. Cook
"But even though we may feel lost amidst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light- He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness."
2013 April General Conference, The Hope of God's Light, Sunday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"You are just as important as any others in the scheme of our Father in Heaven, and under His mercy no blessing to which you otherwise might be entitled will forever be withheld from you. You are precious and important to Him. You are precious and important to the Church. You are precious and important to all of us."
1989 June, Single Adults fireside satellite broadcast, To Single Adults- Gordon B. Hinckley
"Permit me now to say a word to those who have never had the opportunity to be married. I assure you that we are sensitive to the loneliness that many of you feel. Loneliness is a bitter and painful thing. Our hearts reach out to you with understanding and love....There are so many out there who need you. You are needed. There are young people to be taught in the organizations of the Church. Refine your skills. Accept every challenge and assignment. Put time and effort into the preparation of your lessons. Keep your spiritual batteries at full charge and light the lamps of others. It is better to light one candle than curse the dark."
1989 June, Single Adults fireside satellite broadcast, To Single Adults- Gordon B. Hinckley
"The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. To you wonderful young women I send a charge to reach beyond the routine of your daily work to serve in the Church, in the community, in the society of which you are a part. Though your talents be meager, polish them. Increase your skills, extend you love to help those who need you lifting hand."
1989 June, Single Adults fireside satellite broadcast, To Single Adults- Gordon B. Hinckley
REACHING FOR THE FUTURE WITH HOPE
We need to be happier. The adversary would have us be discouraged and depressed all the time. In that sort of state, it's easy to blame everyone else for your trials and woes. We were put on the earth to be happy! Our Heavenly Father wouldn't want it otherwise. Sometimes our paths do get dark, but there are others who are put in our way with light, to help guide us through. We need not sit and think of all the wrongs in our lives. Turn around and count all the happy times instead. We are divine beings; eternal creations of an omnipotent Father. We were sent here to fulfill a wonderful purpose. There are so many blessings and so much joy in store!
"We need not live in fear of the future. We have every reason to rejoice and little reason to fear. If we follow the promptings of the Spirit, we will be safe, whatever the future holds. We will be shown what to do."
2009 April General Conference, The Cloven Tongues of Fire, Saturday morning session- Boyd K. Packer
"Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."
2012 October General Conference, Of Regrets and Resolutions, Saturday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Be obedient to the prophetic teachings Christ would have you follow. Don't rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles. Remember: little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings."
2013 April General Conference, For Peace at Home, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"I see so many good people everywhere—and there’s so much of good in them. And the world is good. Wonderful things are happening in this world. This is the greatest age in the history of the earth. …
"We need not live in fear of the future. We have every reason to rejoice and little reason to fear. If we follow the promptings of the Spirit, we will be safe, whatever the future holds. We will be shown what to do."
2009 April General Conference, The Cloven Tongues of Fire, Saturday morning session- Boyd K. Packer
"Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."
2012 October General Conference, Of Regrets and Resolutions, Saturday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Be obedient to the prophetic teachings Christ would have you follow. Don't rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts instead of applying sound gospel principles. Remember: little things lead to big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big problems. More importantly, simple, consistent good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings."
2013 April General Conference, For Peace at Home, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"I see so many good people everywhere—and there’s so much of good in them. And the world is good. Wonderful things are happening in this world. This is the greatest age in the history of the earth. …
We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes. … You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen"
1995 June Ensign, Stalwart and Brave He Stands- Gordon B Hinckley
Sunday, July 21, 2013
SELF WORTH
One of the quotes I liked the most from this section, was the one by President Uchtdorf, that states that we need to have a relationship with ourselves. It is very true, yet not talked about too much. I think it is so said when people "can't get along with themselves" They become over critical and demeaning at times. We are not perfect. We are here to try to become perfect. Nothing happens overnight. We each have talents and someone needs you! We are His instruments. We need to use our talents to help and lift one another. There is so much joy in serving others. I know that if we do that, help one another using our strengths, our cups will overflow with blessings. By reaching out, you will actually find who you are. You will feel value, love, and acceptance. Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. We all play a very vital role. You are valued and needed.
God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s simple statement: “By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance”. By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires.
2010 October General Conference, Reflections on a Consecrated Life, Saturday morning session- D. Todd Christofferson
"I know what it is to love a daughter of God with grace and devotion served with the full feminine splendor of her righteous womanhood. As a husband, consistently tell your wife how much you love her. It will bring her great happiness. As a son, tell your mother how you love her. It will give her great joy. Let us be grateful to our Father in Heaven for His precious daughters. Let us help them as much as we can. Then let us encourage every woman who questions her value to turn her Heavenly Father and His glorified Son for a supernal confirmation of her immense individual worth. I testify that as each woman seeks it in faith and obedience, the Savior will continually prompt her through the Holy Ghost. That guidance will lead her to fulfillment, peace, and a consuming joy through magnifying her divinely appointed, sacred womanhood."
2000 April General Conference, The Sanctity of Womanhood, Priesthood session- Richard G. Scott
"When you feel worthless, "remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself- there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses."-
2006 October General Conference, The Great and Wonderful Love, Sunday morning session- Anthony D. Perkins
"The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can't get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God's creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you- as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."
2010 October General Conference, Of Things That Matter Most, Saturday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God."
2010 October General Conference, Reflections on a Consecrated Life, Saturday morning session- D. Todd Christofferson
"Sometimes the unfortunate actions and unkind comments of others can diminish our feelings of self-worth. Many adults experience the emotional turmoil that follows personal rejection or fractured relationships. Some worry that they are simply "not good enough, " a feeling that may be reinforced by carping comments from unkind and unthinking spouses....The adversary is also at work. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression." The adversary knows that if he can prevent us from recognizing our divine potential, he will have scored a major victory."
2007 August Ensign, Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy- David S. Baxter
"A characteristic of a depressed spirit is an over concentration on cares and concerns- an unwise wallowing in feelings of foreboding. What a difference it would make if, instead, we took account of our strengths, raised our eyes off the ground, and gave ourselves credit for how far we have already come and how much we have already achieved. Let us recognize and make use of our talents, abilities, skills, and capacity instead of allowing these traits to be buried through self-criticism, forgetfulness, and disuse. Let us name our blessings one by one."
2007 August Ensign, Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy- David S. Baxter
"I know what it is to love a daughter of God with grace and devotion served with the full feminine splendor of her righteous womanhood. As a husband, consistently tell your wife how much you love her. It will bring her great happiness. As a son, tell your mother how you love her. It will give her great joy. Let us be grateful to our Father in Heaven for His precious daughters. Let us help them as much as we can. Then let us encourage every woman who questions her value to turn her Heavenly Father and His glorified Son for a supernal confirmation of her immense individual worth. I testify that as each woman seeks it in faith and obedience, the Savior will continually prompt her through the Holy Ghost. That guidance will lead her to fulfillment, peace, and a consuming joy through magnifying her divinely appointed, sacred womanhood."
2000 April General Conference, The Sanctity of Womanhood, Priesthood session- Richard G. Scott
"When you feel worthless, "remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself- there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses."-
2006 October General Conference, The Great and Wonderful Love, Sunday morning session- Anthony D. Perkins
"The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can't get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God's creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you- as His precious daughter or son with divine potential."
2010 October General Conference, Of Things That Matter Most, Saturday morning session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God."
2010 October General Conference, Reflections on a Consecrated Life, Saturday morning session- D. Todd Christofferson
"Sometimes the unfortunate actions and unkind comments of others can diminish our feelings of self-worth. Many adults experience the emotional turmoil that follows personal rejection or fractured relationships. Some worry that they are simply "not good enough, " a feeling that may be reinforced by carping comments from unkind and unthinking spouses....The adversary is also at work. President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression." The adversary knows that if he can prevent us from recognizing our divine potential, he will have scored a major victory."
2007 August Ensign, Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy- David S. Baxter
"A characteristic of a depressed spirit is an over concentration on cares and concerns- an unwise wallowing in feelings of foreboding. What a difference it would make if, instead, we took account of our strengths, raised our eyes off the ground, and gave ourselves credit for how far we have already come and how much we have already achieved. Let us recognize and make use of our talents, abilities, skills, and capacity instead of allowing these traits to be buried through self-criticism, forgetfulness, and disuse. Let us name our blessings one by one."
2007 August Ensign, Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy- David S. Baxter
Monday, July 1, 2013
PERSONAL REVELATION
To receive personal revelation, I think it comes down to those plain and simple principles of the gospel; prayer, scripture study, and attending church meetings. I think it's so important to keep your mind clear and free of "clutter", in order to receive revelation. Pray and scripture study are a wonderful way to invite the Spirit in. By inviting Him in, you also want to keep things out. I find that if I'm having trouble and need answers to prayers on a trial I'm having, keep my mind open by not busying it with too much T.V., loud music, or spending to much time on the computer. Although they can be good things, to me it would be like calling for an ambulance and not answering the door when they came. Though answers to prayer come on the Lord's time, we need to show that we are ready and willing to receive it.
"Let us earnestly seek the light of personal revelation. Let us plead with the Lord to endow our mind and soul with the spark of faith that will enable us to receive and recognize the divine ministering of the Holy Spirit for our specific life situations and for our challenges and priesthood duties."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Think of what a glorious thing it is to reach beyond our earthly limitations, to have the eyes of our understanding opened and receive light and knowledge from celestial sources! It is our privilege and opportunity as bearers of the priesthood to seek personal revelation and to learn how to know the truth for ourselves through the sure witness of the Holy Spirit."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger of hurt defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"If we are not seeking to use this channel of revelation, we are living beneath our priesthood privileges. For example, there are those who believe but don't know that they believe. They have received various answers by the still, small voice over an extended period of time, but because this inspiration seems so small and insignificant, they do not recognize it for what it really is. As a result, they allow doubts to keep them from fulfilling their potential as priesthood holders."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"I emphasize the phrase, "apply unto it" in relation to the spirit of revelation. In the scriptures, the influence of the Holy Ghost frequently is described as "a still small voice" and a "voice of perfect mildness". Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the Spirit."
2011 April General Conference, The Spirit of Revelation, Sunday morning session - David A. Bednar
"In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to al the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth, and the sublime, mysteries of eternity."
2009 October General Conference, Two Principles for Any Economy, Priesthood Session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law. It never contradicts His doctrine. It is facilitated by proper reverence for Deity."
2009 October General Conference, Ask, Seek, Knock, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to "ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ." "Real intent" means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given. The next requirement is to study that matter diligently. This concept was taught to leaders of this restored Church when they were first learning how to gain personal revelation. The Lord instructed them, "I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."
2009 October General Conference, Ask, Seek, Knock, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"Let us earnestly seek the light of personal revelation. Let us plead with the Lord to endow our mind and soul with the spark of faith that will enable us to receive and recognize the divine ministering of the Holy Spirit for our specific life situations and for our challenges and priesthood duties."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Think of what a glorious thing it is to reach beyond our earthly limitations, to have the eyes of our understanding opened and receive light and knowledge from celestial sources! It is our privilege and opportunity as bearers of the priesthood to seek personal revelation and to learn how to know the truth for ourselves through the sure witness of the Holy Spirit."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger of hurt defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration."
2012 April General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration in Your Personal Life, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"If we are not seeking to use this channel of revelation, we are living beneath our priesthood privileges. For example, there are those who believe but don't know that they believe. They have received various answers by the still, small voice over an extended period of time, but because this inspiration seems so small and insignificant, they do not recognize it for what it really is. As a result, they allow doubts to keep them from fulfilling their potential as priesthood holders."
2011 April General Conference, Your Potential, Your Privilege, Priesthood session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"I emphasize the phrase, "apply unto it" in relation to the spirit of revelation. In the scriptures, the influence of the Holy Ghost frequently is described as "a still small voice" and a "voice of perfect mildness". Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the Spirit."
2011 April General Conference, The Spirit of Revelation, Sunday morning session - David A. Bednar
"In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to al the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth, and the sublime, mysteries of eternity."
2009 October General Conference, Two Principles for Any Economy, Priesthood Session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law. It never contradicts His doctrine. It is facilitated by proper reverence for Deity."
2009 October General Conference, Ask, Seek, Knock, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to "ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ." "Real intent" means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given. The next requirement is to study that matter diligently. This concept was taught to leaders of this restored Church when they were first learning how to gain personal revelation. The Lord instructed them, "I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."
2009 October General Conference, Ask, Seek, Knock, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
Thursday, June 6, 2013
PORNOGRAPHY
Pornography exudes evilness. It is absolutely heartbreaking when I hear of someone getting lured in and falling down the slippery slope. I witnessed it almost break up a marriage of a most beloved family member. I am so grateful for the Atonement. That couple was able to get out of the trap of the adversary. They are one of the greatest examples in my life. I look up to them and for them to get past a boulder, such as pornography, is very very inspiring. Pornography is as easy as a mouse click away. It's a very accessible, scary, scary thing. Just like any other drug, at first seems innocent "I just wanted to see what it was like", and addiction quickly sets in. Unlike drugs, it is relatively free. To me, it's one of the scariest things out there. Be like Joseph of Egypt, FLEE!
" Modern prophets and apostles have spoken often and clearly about the plague of pornography. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "Pornography is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful...The time has come for any one of us who is so involved to pull himself out of the mire" If you are tempted to violate the law of chastity in any form, follow Joseph of Egypt's example, who "fled, and got him out."
2012 October General Conference, Beware Concerning Yourselves, Priesthood Session-By Anthony D Perkins
" Some of you may have been deceived by thinking that you can find excitement by dabbling in drugs, alcohol, pornography, and illicit sex. I warn you that such enticements as these are slippery and dangerous like the rocks by the Devil's Throat, and they will only lead you into Satan's territory. The way out of that kind of danger is difficult and will leave you with far more than a few scrapes and scratches"
2003 April General Conference, The Devil's Throat, Priesthood session.- James E Faust
"In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God in their lives. Those evils, so highly destructive of divine potential, are to be strictly shunned by children of God."
2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Saturday Morning Session- Russell M. Nelson
"Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good. Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure."
2009 April General Conference, Becoming Provident Providers: Temporally and Spiritually, Saturday morning session- Robert D. Hales
Why is lust such a deadly sin? Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality-the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring children into a family intended to be forever. Someone said once that true love must include the idea of permanence. True love endures. But lust changes as quickly as it can turn a pornographic page or glance at yet another potential object for gratification walking by, male or female.
2010 April General Conference, Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul, Saturday Afternoon session- Jeffrey R Holland
Remember that those young wives said that their husbands' infidelity began with an attraction to pornography, but immoral activity is not just a man's problem, and a husbands aren't the only ones offending. The compromise available at the click of a mouse-including what can happen in a chat room's virtual encounter- is no respecter of persons, male or female, young or old, married or single. And just to make sure that temptation is ever more accessible, the adversary is busy extending his coverage, as they say in the industry, to cell phones, video games, and MP3 players.
2010 April General Conference, Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul, Saturday Afternoon session- Jeffrey R Holland
Parents, the days are long past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord. With President Monson's announcement this morning, it is essential that this be faithfully accomplished in homes which are places of refuge where kindness, forgiveness, truth, and righteousness prevail. Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies, and music. ...Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes. My hope is that no one will leave this conference without understanding that the moral issues of our day must be addressed by the family.
2012 October General Conference, Can Ye Feel So Now?, Saturday morning session- Quentin L. Cook.
Satan is assaulting virtue and marriage with an avalanche of obscenity. When the Lord warned adulterers to "beware and repent speedily, " His definition extended beyond the physical act of adultery to the lustful thoughts that precede it. Modern prophets and apostles have spoken often and clearly about the plague of pornography. President Gordon B Hinckley taught: "Pornography is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful.... The time has come for any one of us who is so involved to pull himself our of the mire." If you are tempted to violate the law of chastity in any form, follow Joseph of Egypt's example, who "fled, and got him out."
2012 October General Conference, Beware Concerning Yourselves, Priesthood session- Anthony D. Perkins.
We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace (ironically being of the world while not being in the world).
2012 October General Conference, Brethren, We Have Work to Do, Priesthood session- D. Todd Christofferson
"One of the most damning influences on earth, one that has caused uncountable grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages is the onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind, heart, and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so, will become addicted to its immoral destructive influence."
2000 April General Conference, The Sanctity of Womanhood, Priesthood session- Richard G Scott
GENEALOGY
I love Genealogy. I feel a deep connection to my ancestors. I want to know all about them. But, to be honest, I don't know what I'm doing. Researching the topic to find these quotes has inspired me again to keep plugging away. There are so many people in the church that are willing to help. So many that have a great talent for it. But, I often forget the other half family history work. Learning all about them and finding dates and such are wonderful and marvelous accomplishments. The part I often forget is that our kindred dead are waiting on us! They need their work done. They need the blessings of the temple just like we do. I picture myself sometimes meeting them in heaven and knowing that I didn't do enough, that I failed them. I want to be able to do my part, to do all I can. It is an untapped talent I have, I can feel it. Like President Faust said, "we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect.
"This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2012 October General Conference, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead, Sun. Afternoon Session
"I have learned that those who engage in family history research and then perform the temple ordinance work for those whose names they have found will know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2012 October General Conference, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead, Sun. Afternoon Session
" The great work of providing saving ordinances for our kindred dead is a vital part of the threefold mission of the Church. We do this work for a purpose, which is to redeem our dead ancestors. Temple work is essential for both us and our kindred dead who are waiting for those saving ordinances to be done for them. It is essential because "we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect." They need saving ordinances, and we need to be sealed to them. For this reason it is important that we trace our family lines so that no one is left out."
-By James E. Faust, 2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood Session
"It is a joy to become acquainted with our forebears who died long ago. Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you young men can work on.
Each of us has to begin this work somewhere, and it can be done by young or old."
-By James E. Faust, 2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood Session
"In many ways each of us is the sum total of what our ancestors were. The virtues they had may be our virtues, their strengths our strengths, and in a way their challenges could be our challenges. Some of their traits may be our traits."
2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
"Consider the spiritual connections that are formed when a young woman helps her grandfather enter family information into a computer or when a young man sees the name of his great-grandfather on a census record. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel apart of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."
2010 April General Conference, Generations Linked in Love, Sunday afternoon session- Russell M Nelson
"The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." New technology makes it easier than every to fulfill that responsibility. Temple and family history work is now facilitated by a system known as the "newFamilySearch." This internet based system helps members identify their ancestors, determine what ordinance work needs to be done for them, and prepare their names for the temple. It can be accessed from home, a family history center, or wherever the Internet is available. The steps are easy to follow."
2010 April General Conference, Generations Linked in Love, Sunday afternoon session- Russell M Nelson
"This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2012 October General Conference, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead, Sun. Afternoon Session
"I have learned that those who engage in family history research and then perform the temple ordinance work for those whose names they have found will know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2012 October General Conference, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead, Sun. Afternoon Session
" The great work of providing saving ordinances for our kindred dead is a vital part of the threefold mission of the Church. We do this work for a purpose, which is to redeem our dead ancestors. Temple work is essential for both us and our kindred dead who are waiting for those saving ordinances to be done for them. It is essential because "we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect." They need saving ordinances, and we need to be sealed to them. For this reason it is important that we trace our family lines so that no one is left out."
-By James E. Faust, 2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood Session
"It is a joy to become acquainted with our forebears who died long ago. Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you young men can work on.
Each of us has to begin this work somewhere, and it can be done by young or old."
-By James E. Faust, 2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood Session
"In many ways each of us is the sum total of what our ancestors were. The virtues they had may be our virtues, their strengths our strengths, and in a way their challenges could be our challenges. Some of their traits may be our traits."
2003 October General Conference, The Phenomenon That Is You, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
"Consider the spiritual connections that are formed when a young woman helps her grandfather enter family information into a computer or when a young man sees the name of his great-grandfather on a census record. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel apart of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."
2010 April General Conference, Generations Linked in Love, Sunday afternoon session- Russell M Nelson
"The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." New technology makes it easier than every to fulfill that responsibility. Temple and family history work is now facilitated by a system known as the "newFamilySearch." This internet based system helps members identify their ancestors, determine what ordinance work needs to be done for them, and prepare their names for the temple. It can be accessed from home, a family history center, or wherever the Internet is available. The steps are easy to follow."
2010 April General Conference, Generations Linked in Love, Sunday afternoon session- Russell M Nelson
FAMILY
"Throughout the world, the family is increasingly under attack. If families fail, many of our political, economic, and social systems will also fail. And if families fail, their glorious eternal potential cannot be realized."
-By Russell M. Nelson, 2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Sat. Morning Session
"Children need the emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals."
-By Dallin H Oaks, 2012 October General Conference, Protect the Children, Sat. Afternoon Session
"As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel there. Welcome such friends into your home. They will blossom in that Christ-centered environment. Become friends with your children's friends. Be a worthy example to them."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2013 April General Conference, For Peace At Home, Sat. Afternoon Session
"I'm sure you can identify the fundamental principles that center your home on the Savior. The prophetic counsel to have daily personal and family prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home evening are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home. Without these regular practices it will be difficult to find the desired and much-needed peace and refuge from the world."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2013 April General Conference, For Peace At Home, Sat. Afternoon Session
"We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual. The family, the fundamental organization in time and eternity, is under attack from forces seen and unseen. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury. If he can weaken and destroy the family, he will have succeeded."
- By Boyd K. Packer, 2013 April General Conference, These Things I Know, Sat. Morning Session
"Parents, the days are past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord. With President Monson's announcement this morning, it is essential that this be faithfully accomplished in homes which are places of refuge where kindness, forgiveness, truth and righteous prevail. Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies, and music. Parents must say no, defend truth, and bear powerful testimony. Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes."
2012 October General Conference, Can Ye Feel So Now?, Saturday Morning Session- Quentin L Cook.
"Live the gospel as conspicuously as you can. Keep the convenants your children know you have made. Give priesthood blessings. And bear your testimony! Don't just assume your children will somehow get the drift of your beliefs on their own. The prophet Nephi said near the end of his life that they had written their record of Christ and preserved their convictions regarding His gospel in order "to persuade our children....that our children may know [and believe], the right way."
2013 April General Conference, A Prayer for the Children, Sunday afternoon session- Jeffrey R. Holland
"Brethren, do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home? Do you tell your wife often how very much you love her? It will bring her great happiness. I've heard men tell me when I say that, "Oh, she knows." You need to tell her. A woman grows and is greatly blessed by that reassurance. Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful. Don't withhold those natural expressions of love. And it works a lot better if you are holding her close while you tell her."
2011 April General Conference, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Sunday Afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"Pure love is an incomparable potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother's love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child's trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child's special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower."
2011 April General Conference, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Sunday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families. As my wife, Karen, and I have increased our temple service, our love for each other and for our children has increased. And it doesn't stop there. It extends to parents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, forebears, and especially our grandchildren! This is the Spirit of Elijah, which is the spirit of family history work; and when inspired by the Holy Ghost, it prompts the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Because of the priesthood, husbands and wives are sealed together, children are sealed to their parents for eternity so the family is eternal and will not be separated at death."
2006 October General Conference, The Temple Is about Families, Saturday Morning session- Richard H. Winkel
"There are surely cases when a divorce is necessary for the good of the children, but those circumstances are exceptional. In most marital contests the contending parents should give much greater weight to the interests of children. With the help of the Lord, they can do so. Children need emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals. As one who was raised by a widowed mother, I know firsthand that this cannot always be achieved, but it is the ideal to be sought whenever possible."
2012 October General Conference, Protect the Children, Saturday afternoon session- Dallin H. Oaks
-By Russell M. Nelson, 2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Sat. Morning Session
"Children need the emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals."
-By Dallin H Oaks, 2012 October General Conference, Protect the Children, Sat. Afternoon Session
"As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel there. Welcome such friends into your home. They will blossom in that Christ-centered environment. Become friends with your children's friends. Be a worthy example to them."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2013 April General Conference, For Peace At Home, Sat. Afternoon Session
"I'm sure you can identify the fundamental principles that center your home on the Savior. The prophetic counsel to have daily personal and family prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home evening are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home. Without these regular practices it will be difficult to find the desired and much-needed peace and refuge from the world."
- By Richard G. Scott, 2013 April General Conference, For Peace At Home, Sat. Afternoon Session
"We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual. The family, the fundamental organization in time and eternity, is under attack from forces seen and unseen. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury. If he can weaken and destroy the family, he will have succeeded."
- By Boyd K. Packer, 2013 April General Conference, These Things I Know, Sat. Morning Session
"Parents, the days are past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord. With President Monson's announcement this morning, it is essential that this be faithfully accomplished in homes which are places of refuge where kindness, forgiveness, truth and righteous prevail. Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies, and music. Parents must say no, defend truth, and bear powerful testimony. Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes."
2012 October General Conference, Can Ye Feel So Now?, Saturday Morning Session- Quentin L Cook.
"Live the gospel as conspicuously as you can. Keep the convenants your children know you have made. Give priesthood blessings. And bear your testimony! Don't just assume your children will somehow get the drift of your beliefs on their own. The prophet Nephi said near the end of his life that they had written their record of Christ and preserved their convictions regarding His gospel in order "to persuade our children....that our children may know [and believe], the right way."
2013 April General Conference, A Prayer for the Children, Sunday afternoon session- Jeffrey R. Holland
"Brethren, do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home? Do you tell your wife often how very much you love her? It will bring her great happiness. I've heard men tell me when I say that, "Oh, she knows." You need to tell her. A woman grows and is greatly blessed by that reassurance. Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful. Don't withhold those natural expressions of love. And it works a lot better if you are holding her close while you tell her."
2011 April General Conference, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Sunday Afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"Pure love is an incomparable potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother's love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child's trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child's special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower."
2011 April General Conference, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Sunday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families. As my wife, Karen, and I have increased our temple service, our love for each other and for our children has increased. And it doesn't stop there. It extends to parents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, forebears, and especially our grandchildren! This is the Spirit of Elijah, which is the spirit of family history work; and when inspired by the Holy Ghost, it prompts the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Because of the priesthood, husbands and wives are sealed together, children are sealed to their parents for eternity so the family is eternal and will not be separated at death."
2006 October General Conference, The Temple Is about Families, Saturday Morning session- Richard H. Winkel
"There are surely cases when a divorce is necessary for the good of the children, but those circumstances are exceptional. In most marital contests the contending parents should give much greater weight to the interests of children. With the help of the Lord, they can do so. Children need emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals. As one who was raised by a widowed mother, I know firsthand that this cannot always be achieved, but it is the ideal to be sought whenever possible."
2012 October General Conference, Protect the Children, Saturday afternoon session- Dallin H. Oaks
ENDURING TO THE END
"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack or war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies. The Lord's answer to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail brings solace to the heart: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.""
-By Quentin L Cook, 2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Sat. Afternoon Session
"Brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father has reached out to us through the Atonement of our Savior. He invites all to "come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of His salvation, and the power of his redemption" (Omni 1:26) He has taught us that it is through our faithful adherence to gospel principles, through receiving the saving ordinances that have been restored, through continual service, and by enduring to the end that we can return to His sacred presence. What possible thing in the whole world is remotely as important as to know this?"
2004 April General Conference, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, Sunday afternoon session- M. Russell Ballard
"My purpose today is to describe what I know of how we can lay that unshakable foundation. I do it with great humility for two reasons. First, what I say could discourage some who are struggling in the midst of great adversity and feel their foundation of faith crumbling. And second, I know that ever-greater tests lie before me before the end of my life. Therefore, the prescription I offer you has yet to be proven in my own life through enduring to the end."
2012 April General Conference, Mountains to Climb, Saturday morning session- Henry B. Eyring
"How did they successfully endure to the end? We know that they were "distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end."
2009 October General Conference, Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change, Sunday afternoon session- Dale G. Renlund
"Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives firmly on gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the Church, humble serving our fellow men, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants. Those who endure are balanced, consistent, humble, constantly improving, and without guile. Their testimony is not based on worldly reasons- it is based on truth, knowledge, experience and the Spirit."
2004 October General Conference, Press On, Sunday afternoon session- Joseph B. Wirthlin
"The gospel of Jesus Christ includes enduring to the end as one of its bedrock doctrines. Jesus taught, "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." And, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." Some think of enduring to the end as simply suffering through challenges. It is so much more than that- it is the process of coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him."
2004 October General Conference, Press On, Sunday afternoon session-Joseph B. Wirthlin
"The Savior's mortal ministry includes everything else that He did-His teachings, expressions of love, attention to ordinances, patters of prayer, perseverance, and more. He lived to be our Exemplar, which He also equated to the gospel in His ministerial statement. "This is my gospel, " He said, "...for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do." Thus, faith; repentance; baptism by water, fire, and of the Holy Ghost; the gathering of the elect; and enduring to the end are all part of the gospel. All of us can emulate the Lord's example. regardless of age, status, or location."
2004 October General Conference, Senior Missionaries and the Gospel, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual. These include love, virtue, integrity, compassion, and service to others. Your spirit, coupled with and housed your body, is able to develop and manifest these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression. Spiritual progress is attained through steps of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, including the endowment and sealing ordinances of the holy temple."
2012 April General Conference, Thanks Be to God, Sunday morning session- Russell M Nelson
"In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior and Redeemer did not shrink from drinking the bitter cup of the Atonement. And on the cross He suffered again to do His Father's will, until at last He could say, "It is finished." He had endured to the end. In response to the Savior's perfect obedience in standing strong, our Heavenly Father declared, "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name."
2013 April General Conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places, Priesthood Session- Robert D. Hales
"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies. The Lord's answer to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail brings solace to the heart: "My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high."
2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Saturday afternoon session- Quentin L. Cook
-By Quentin L Cook, 2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Sat. Afternoon Session
"Brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father has reached out to us through the Atonement of our Savior. He invites all to "come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of His salvation, and the power of his redemption" (Omni 1:26) He has taught us that it is through our faithful adherence to gospel principles, through receiving the saving ordinances that have been restored, through continual service, and by enduring to the end that we can return to His sacred presence. What possible thing in the whole world is remotely as important as to know this?"
2004 April General Conference, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, Sunday afternoon session- M. Russell Ballard
"My purpose today is to describe what I know of how we can lay that unshakable foundation. I do it with great humility for two reasons. First, what I say could discourage some who are struggling in the midst of great adversity and feel their foundation of faith crumbling. And second, I know that ever-greater tests lie before me before the end of my life. Therefore, the prescription I offer you has yet to be proven in my own life through enduring to the end."
2012 April General Conference, Mountains to Climb, Saturday morning session- Henry B. Eyring
"How did they successfully endure to the end? We know that they were "distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end."
2009 October General Conference, Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change, Sunday afternoon session- Dale G. Renlund
"Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives firmly on gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the Church, humble serving our fellow men, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants. Those who endure are balanced, consistent, humble, constantly improving, and without guile. Their testimony is not based on worldly reasons- it is based on truth, knowledge, experience and the Spirit."
2004 October General Conference, Press On, Sunday afternoon session- Joseph B. Wirthlin
"The gospel of Jesus Christ includes enduring to the end as one of its bedrock doctrines. Jesus taught, "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." And, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." Some think of enduring to the end as simply suffering through challenges. It is so much more than that- it is the process of coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him."
2004 October General Conference, Press On, Sunday afternoon session-Joseph B. Wirthlin
"The Savior's mortal ministry includes everything else that He did-His teachings, expressions of love, attention to ordinances, patters of prayer, perseverance, and more. He lived to be our Exemplar, which He also equated to the gospel in His ministerial statement. "This is my gospel, " He said, "...for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do." Thus, faith; repentance; baptism by water, fire, and of the Holy Ghost; the gathering of the elect; and enduring to the end are all part of the gospel. All of us can emulate the Lord's example. regardless of age, status, or location."
2004 October General Conference, Senior Missionaries and the Gospel, Sunday morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual. These include love, virtue, integrity, compassion, and service to others. Your spirit, coupled with and housed your body, is able to develop and manifest these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression. Spiritual progress is attained through steps of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, including the endowment and sealing ordinances of the holy temple."
2012 April General Conference, Thanks Be to God, Sunday morning session- Russell M Nelson
"In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior and Redeemer did not shrink from drinking the bitter cup of the Atonement. And on the cross He suffered again to do His Father's will, until at last He could say, "It is finished." He had endured to the end. In response to the Savior's perfect obedience in standing strong, our Heavenly Father declared, "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name."
2013 April General Conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places, Priesthood Session- Robert D. Hales
"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies. The Lord's answer to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail brings solace to the heart: "My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high."
2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Saturday afternoon session- Quentin L. Cook
ATONEMENT
"To be saved-or to gain salvation-means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him."
-By Russell M. Nelson, 2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Sat. Morning Session
"Broken law from sin or transgression causes anguish of mind and heart from an offended conscience. Knowing that all of His spirit children save His Only Begotten, Jesus Christ, would unintentionally or intentionally violate His laws, our Eternal Father provided a means to correct the consequences of such acts. Whether the violation be great or small, the solution is the same: full repentance through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement with obedience to His commandments."
2004 October General Conference, Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind, Saturday morning session, Richard G Scott.
"Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional- conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance. "Wherefore, " commands the Lord, "teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in His presence."
2013 April General Conference, Redemption, Sunday afternoon session- D. Todd Christofferson
"As Elder Dallin H Oaks has taught: "Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us." All that will come may be "clasped in the arms of Jesus." All souls can be healed by His power. All pain can be soothed. In Him, we can "find rest unto our souls." Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm."
2011 April General Conference, The Atonement Covers All Pain, Saturday Morning session- Kent F. Richards
"It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes- if we have made choices that we now regret- there is the precious gift of Christ's Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears or regret and remove the burden of our sins. His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart, and a determination to do better and especially to become better."
2012 October General Conference, Of Regrets and Resolutions, Saturday Morning Session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Brothers and sisters, amid the violate and vexing cares of the world, let us, as instructed, care for the "life of the soul." Thanks to Jesus' glorious Atonement, the life of that immortal soul outlasts the stretching longevity of any star and hence the short span of passing mortal events, even if grim!"
2013 April General Conference, Care for the Life of the Soul, Sunday morning session- Neal A. Maxwell
"Today, war clouds here and there rain upon the just and the unjust, but Christ's glorious gift of the great Resurrection will be showered upon us all! Just as the whitecaps do not disclose the deep sea changes underway, so in the case of the Atonement, things global and eternal in their significance were happening in a small garden and upon an obscure hill."
2013 April General Conference, Care for the Life of the Soul, Sunday morning session- Neal A. Maxwell
"To be saved- or to gain salvation- means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him."
2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Saturday Morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"I testify that I know victims of serious abuse who have successfully made the difficult journey to full healing through the power of the Atonement....As you conscientiously study the Atonement and exercise your faith that Jesus Christ has the power to heal, you can receive the same blessed relief. During your journey to recovery, accept His invitation to let Him share your burden until you have sufficient time and strength to be healed."
2008 April General Conference, To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"Moral agency is a vital element in our Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. He understood that some of His spirit children would use that agency improperly, causing serious problems to others. Some would even violate sacred trust, such as a father or family member abusing an innocent child. Since our Heavenly Father is completely just, there has to be a way of overcoming the tragic consequences of such damaging use of agency for both the victim and the perpetrator. That secure healing comes through the power of the Atonement of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to rectify that which is unjust. Faith in Jesus Christ and in His power to heal provides the abused to overcome the terrible consequences of another's unrighteous acts. When combined with complete repentance, the Atonement also affords the perpetrator a way to avoid the severe punishment the Lord has decreed for such acts."
2008 April General Conference, To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
-By Russell M. Nelson, 2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Sat. Morning Session
"Broken law from sin or transgression causes anguish of mind and heart from an offended conscience. Knowing that all of His spirit children save His Only Begotten, Jesus Christ, would unintentionally or intentionally violate His laws, our Eternal Father provided a means to correct the consequences of such acts. Whether the violation be great or small, the solution is the same: full repentance through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement with obedience to His commandments."
2004 October General Conference, Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind, Saturday morning session, Richard G Scott.
"Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional- conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance. "Wherefore, " commands the Lord, "teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in His presence."
2013 April General Conference, Redemption, Sunday afternoon session- D. Todd Christofferson
"As Elder Dallin H Oaks has taught: "Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us." All that will come may be "clasped in the arms of Jesus." All souls can be healed by His power. All pain can be soothed. In Him, we can "find rest unto our souls." Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm."
2011 April General Conference, The Atonement Covers All Pain, Saturday Morning session- Kent F. Richards
"It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes- if we have made choices that we now regret- there is the precious gift of Christ's Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears or regret and remove the burden of our sins. His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart, and a determination to do better and especially to become better."
2012 October General Conference, Of Regrets and Resolutions, Saturday Morning Session- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Brothers and sisters, amid the violate and vexing cares of the world, let us, as instructed, care for the "life of the soul." Thanks to Jesus' glorious Atonement, the life of that immortal soul outlasts the stretching longevity of any star and hence the short span of passing mortal events, even if grim!"
2013 April General Conference, Care for the Life of the Soul, Sunday morning session- Neal A. Maxwell
"Today, war clouds here and there rain upon the just and the unjust, but Christ's glorious gift of the great Resurrection will be showered upon us all! Just as the whitecaps do not disclose the deep sea changes underway, so in the case of the Atonement, things global and eternal in their significance were happening in a small garden and upon an obscure hill."
2013 April General Conference, Care for the Life of the Soul, Sunday morning session- Neal A. Maxwell
"To be saved- or to gain salvation- means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him."
2008 April General Conference, Salvation and Exaltation, Saturday Morning session- Russell M. Nelson
"I testify that I know victims of serious abuse who have successfully made the difficult journey to full healing through the power of the Atonement....As you conscientiously study the Atonement and exercise your faith that Jesus Christ has the power to heal, you can receive the same blessed relief. During your journey to recovery, accept His invitation to let Him share your burden until you have sufficient time and strength to be healed."
2008 April General Conference, To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
"Moral agency is a vital element in our Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. He understood that some of His spirit children would use that agency improperly, causing serious problems to others. Some would even violate sacred trust, such as a father or family member abusing an innocent child. Since our Heavenly Father is completely just, there has to be a way of overcoming the tragic consequences of such damaging use of agency for both the victim and the perpetrator. That secure healing comes through the power of the Atonement of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to rectify that which is unjust. Faith in Jesus Christ and in His power to heal provides the abused to overcome the terrible consequences of another's unrighteous acts. When combined with complete repentance, the Atonement also affords the perpetrator a way to avoid the severe punishment the Lord has decreed for such acts."
2008 April General Conference, To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Saturday afternoon session- Richard G. Scott
AGENCY
"Agency is essential to the plan of happiness. It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth, and experience necessary for our eternal progression. This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others. The very War in Heaven was waged over our moral agency and is essential to understanding the Savior's earthly ministry."
-By Quentin L Cook, 2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Sat. Afternoon Session
"The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours. Each one of you has to decide for yourself if you are going to ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes and tragic pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, experiencing for yourself the devastating consequences of bad choices. How much better your life will be if you will follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith, and the stalwart pioneers-and choose, as they did, to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."
2009 April General Conference, Learning the Lessons of the Past, Saturday afternoon session- M. Russell Ballard
"Moms and dads can do everything right and yet have children who stray. Moral agency still obtains. But even in such painful hours it will be comforting for you to know that your children knew of your abiding faith in Christ, in His true Church, in the keys of the priesthood and in those who hold them. It will be comforting then for you to know that if your children choose to leave the straight and narrow way, they leave it very conscious that their parents were firmly in it. Furthermore, they will be much more likely to return to that path when they come to themselves and recall the loving example and gentle teachings you offered them there.
2003 April General Conference, A Prayer for the Children, Sunday afternoon session- Jeffrey R. Holland
"Some of you young men may be letting others set your standards. You defend yourselves by saying,"who said we shouldn't do this or we shouldn't do that?" There are so many shades of right and wrong that each of you has to decide where the line will be. I strongly urge you that if there is any question in your minds or hearts about whether your personal conduct is right or wrong, don't do it. Each of us has moral agency, and the gift of the Holy Ghost will sharpen our impressions of what is right and wrong, true or false. It is the responsibility of the prophets of God, not to spell out every jot and tittle of human conduct. If we are conscientiously trying to avoid not only evil but they very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon."
2003 April General Conference, The Devil's Throat, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
"Life is not that way. Yes, moral agency allows you to choose what you will, but you cannot control the outcome of those choices. Unlike the false creations of man, our Father in Heaven determines the consequences of your choices. Obedience will yield happiness, while violation of His commandments will not."
2004 April General Conference, How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil, Sunday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"As we look into the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people "call evil good, and good evil". We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel. Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."
2004 April General Conference, Choices, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
" I have heard a few parents state that they don't want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are. Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them. Parents should consider how the adversary approaches their children. He and his followers are not promoting objectivity but are vigorous, multimedia advocates of sin and selfishness."
2009 October General Conference, Moral Discipline, Sunday afternoon session- D. Todd Christofferson
" As we press forward along the strait and narrow path, we build progressive spiritual strength- strength in using our agency to act for ourselves. For both young men and young women, this growth is aided as they learn doctrine and share their testimonies through the new online curriculum, Come Follow Me."
2013 April Conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places, Priesthood session- Robert D. Hales
"There have always been two great competing forces in the world. These began before the world was created. These opposing forces are the forces between good and evil. Between those two powerful forces each of us is caught in a tug of war. In simple terms, that which is good comes from God, that which is evil comes from the devil. You can't have it both ways, you are only deceiving yourselves. It doesn't work that way. It never has, It never will."
2003 April General Conference, The Devil's Throat, Priesthood Session- James E Faust
-By Quentin L Cook, 2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Sat. Afternoon Session
"The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours. Each one of you has to decide for yourself if you are going to ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes and tragic pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, experiencing for yourself the devastating consequences of bad choices. How much better your life will be if you will follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith, and the stalwart pioneers-and choose, as they did, to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."
2009 April General Conference, Learning the Lessons of the Past, Saturday afternoon session- M. Russell Ballard
"Moms and dads can do everything right and yet have children who stray. Moral agency still obtains. But even in such painful hours it will be comforting for you to know that your children knew of your abiding faith in Christ, in His true Church, in the keys of the priesthood and in those who hold them. It will be comforting then for you to know that if your children choose to leave the straight and narrow way, they leave it very conscious that their parents were firmly in it. Furthermore, they will be much more likely to return to that path when they come to themselves and recall the loving example and gentle teachings you offered them there.
2003 April General Conference, A Prayer for the Children, Sunday afternoon session- Jeffrey R. Holland
"Some of you young men may be letting others set your standards. You defend yourselves by saying,"who said we shouldn't do this or we shouldn't do that?" There are so many shades of right and wrong that each of you has to decide where the line will be. I strongly urge you that if there is any question in your minds or hearts about whether your personal conduct is right or wrong, don't do it. Each of us has moral agency, and the gift of the Holy Ghost will sharpen our impressions of what is right and wrong, true or false. It is the responsibility of the prophets of God, not to spell out every jot and tittle of human conduct. If we are conscientiously trying to avoid not only evil but they very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted upon."
2003 April General Conference, The Devil's Throat, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
"Life is not that way. Yes, moral agency allows you to choose what you will, but you cannot control the outcome of those choices. Unlike the false creations of man, our Father in Heaven determines the consequences of your choices. Obedience will yield happiness, while violation of His commandments will not."
2004 April General Conference, How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil, Sunday afternoon session- Richard G Scott
"As we look into the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people "call evil good, and good evil". We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel. Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."
2004 April General Conference, Choices, Priesthood session- James E. Faust
" I have heard a few parents state that they don't want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are. Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them. Parents should consider how the adversary approaches their children. He and his followers are not promoting objectivity but are vigorous, multimedia advocates of sin and selfishness."
2009 October General Conference, Moral Discipline, Sunday afternoon session- D. Todd Christofferson
" As we press forward along the strait and narrow path, we build progressive spiritual strength- strength in using our agency to act for ourselves. For both young men and young women, this growth is aided as they learn doctrine and share their testimonies through the new online curriculum, Come Follow Me."
2013 April Conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places, Priesthood session- Robert D. Hales
"There have always been two great competing forces in the world. These began before the world was created. These opposing forces are the forces between good and evil. Between those two powerful forces each of us is caught in a tug of war. In simple terms, that which is good comes from God, that which is evil comes from the devil. You can't have it both ways, you are only deceiving yourselves. It doesn't work that way. It never has, It never will."
2003 April General Conference, The Devil's Throat, Priesthood Session- James E Faust
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