tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72441918598035320722024-03-13T21:42:04.667-07:00Simply in the MomentAshleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-38587606734951740152012-07-18T05:42:00.002-07:002012-07-18T05:42:57.551-07:00This is gonna be a long one. I am taking an online class while I am
in Alaska. Teaching of the Living Prophets. We got to make an
Inspirational Quote Book during the semester and so here is my finished
product. Well hopefully it is never finished but here is what I have
thus far. I have had such a wonderful experience studying the words of
the living prophets on these different subject. It
has made my time in Alaska more meaningful. I am surrounded by so much
beauty. God truly does bless you and helps you grow in every situation
you are in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Inspirational Quote Book</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Family</u></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>That is because the greatest joys and the
greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from
putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is. And the
sorrow comes primarily from selfishness, which is the absence of love. The
ideal God holds for us is to form families in the way most likely to lead to
happiness and away from sorrow. A man and a woman are to make sacred covenants
that they will put the welfare and happiness of the other at the center of
their lives. Children are to be born into a family where the parents hold the
needs of children equal to their own in importance. And children are to love
parents and each other. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring
“Our Perfect Example” Nov 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Each family prayer, each episode of family
scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of
our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just
as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and
produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small
things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in
well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small
things proceedeth that which is great” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/64/33#33" target="contentWindow">D&C 64:33</a>).
Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our
individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">David A. Bednar “More Diligent and
Concerned at Home” Nov 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In these last days it is essential- even
critical- that parents and children listen to and learn from one another. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “Mothers and Daughters”
May 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One hundred years ago, President Joseph F.
Smith connected happiness directly to the <span class="highlight">family</span>
and admonished us to focus our efforts there. He said: “There can be no genuine
happiness separate and apart from the home. … There is no happiness without
service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into
a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves <span class="highlight">family</span>
life. … The home is what needs reforming” (<i>Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Joseph F. Smith</i> [1998], 382, 384). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That the Lost May Be Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The family unit is fundamental not only to
society and to the Church but to our hope for eternal life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “The Family” Ensign Feb 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We need to make our homes a place of refuge from
the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest
openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls
of our homes. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L. Tom Perry “The
Importance of the Family” April 2003</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The key to strengthening our families is having
the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be
on the strait and narrow path. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D.
Hales “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty” April 1999</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>While we may despair when, after all we can do,
some of our children stray from the path of righteousness, the words of Orson
F. Whitney can comfort us: “Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the
Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of
Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold.
Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to
pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a
thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a
loving and forgiving [mother’s and] father’s heart and home, the painful
experience will not have been in vain. Pray for [our] careless and disobedient
children; hold on to them with [our] faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the
salvation of God” (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110).</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great
variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to
safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2003/05/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">family</span></span></a>. They are important because the <span class="highlight">family</span> has the opportunity at the start of a child’s
life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters,
grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by
the bonds of love that are the very nature of a <span class="highlight">family</span>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Help Them on Their Way
Home” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A study of the scriptures will help our
testimonies and the testimonies of our <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2003/05/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">family</span></span></a> members. Our children today are growing up
surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue,
instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the
gospel of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>, a
testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are
susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and
protect them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Three
Goals to Guide You” Oct 2007</i> </li>
</ul>
<u><b>Agency</b></u><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>There’s a fine balance between agency and
inspiration. We’re expected to do everything in our power and then to seek an
answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we’ve reached the right
conclusion; and sometimes, happily, in addition, we get added truths and
knowledge that we hadn’t even supposed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce
R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?” Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God grant us wisdom in these things. God grant
us the courage and the ability to stand on our own feet and use our agency and
the abilities and capacities we possess; then let’s be sufficiently humble and
amenable to the Spirit to bow our will to his will, to get his ratifying,
confirming seal of approval, to get in our lives in that way the spirit of
revelation. And if we so do, there’s no question about the result; it’s peace
in this life; it’s glory and honor and dignity in the life to come. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?”
Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The cost of the Atonement was borne by the Lord
without compulsion, for agency is a sovereign principle. According to the plan,
agency must be honored. It was so from the beginning, from Eden. There was too
much at issue to introduce man into mortality by force. That would contravene
the very law essential to the plan. The plan provided that each spirit child of
God would receive a mortal body and each would be tested. Adam saw that it must
be so and made his choice. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they
might have joy” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/2_ne/2/25#25" target="contentWindow">2 Nephi 2:25</a>).<a href="" name="45"></a> Adam and Eve ventured
forth to multiply and replenish the earth as they had been commanded to do. The
creation of their bodies in the image of God, as a separate creation, was
crucial to the plan. Their subsequent Fall was essential if the condition of
mortality was to exist and the plan to proceed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boyd K. Packer “Who is Jesus Christ?” Mar 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Few concepts have more potential to mislead us
than the idea that choice, or agency, is an ultimate goal. For Latter-day
Saints, this potential confusion is partly a product of the fact that moral
agency—the right to choose—is a fundamental condition of mortal life. Without
this precious gift of God, the purpose of mortal life could not be realized. To
secure our agency in mortality we fought a mighty contest the book of
Revelation calls a “war in heaven.” This premortal contest ended with the devil
and his angels being cast out of heaven and being denied the opportunity of
having a body in mortal life (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/rev/12/7-9#7" target="contentWindow">Rev. 12:7–9</a>).<a href="" name="17"></a> But our war to secure agency was won. The test in this postwar
mortal estate is not to secure choice but to use it—to choose good instead of
evil so that we can achieve our eternal goals. In mortality, choice is a
method, not a goal. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dallin H. Oaks
“Weightier Matters” Devotional Feb 9, 1999</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>It is no ordinary blessing to live in these
latter days. These are glorious times foreseen by ancient prophets and attended
by watchful, angelic hosts. The Lord is mindful of His Church. He is also
mindful of those who follow the promptings of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng">Holy Ghost</a> and
join with their brothers and sisters the world over in helping to bring forth
this great work of God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F.
Uchtdorft “The Great Work of God” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>with the <i>right</i> of choice comes the <i>responsibility</i>
to choose. We cannot be neutral; there is no middle ground. The Lord knows
this; Lucifer knows this. As long as we live upon this earth, Lucifer and his
hosts will never abandon the hope of claiming our souls. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a
trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging
principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith,
obedience, and the proper use of <span class="highlight">agency</span>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation
and Inspiration For Your Personal Life” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The essential doctrine of <span class="highlight">agency</span>
requires that a testimony of the restored gospel be based on faith rather than
just external or scientific proof. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin
L. Cook “In Tune with the Music of Faith” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Some challenges result from the <span class="highlight">agency</span> of others. <span class="highlight">Agency</span> is
essential for individual spiritual growth and development. Evil conduct is an
element of <span class="highlight">agency</span>. Captain Moroni explained this
very important doctrine: “The Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his
justice and judgment may come upon the wicked.” He made it clear that the
righteous are not lost but “enter into the rest of the Lord their God.”<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-songs-they-could-not-sing?lang=eng&query=agency#22-PD50029123_000_5070"><sup>22</sup></a>
The wicked will be held accountable for the atrocities they perpetrate. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L. Cook “The Songs They Could Not
Sing” Oct 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His
name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal
life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Agengy: Essential
to the Plan of Life” Oct 2010</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Atonement</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>For some reason, we think the Atonement of
Christ applies <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">only</span></em> at the end of mortal life to
redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It
is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or
harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While
we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can
experience “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boyd K. Packer “Touch of the Masters Hand”
July 2001</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Thought it
scarcely worth his while</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">To waste
much time on the old violin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But held it
up with a smile:</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“What am I
bidden, good folks,” he cried,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Who’ll
start the bidding for me?”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“A dollar, a
dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Two dollars,
and who’ll make it three?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Three
dollars, once; three dollars, twice;</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Going for
three—” But no,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">From the
room, far back, a gray-haired man</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Came forward
and picked up the bow;</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Then, wiping
the dust from the old violin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And
tightening the loose strings,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He played a
melody pure and sweet</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As a
caroling angel sings.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></li>
<li><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The music ceased, and the auctioneer,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">With a voice
that was quiet and low,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Said, “What
am I bid for the old violin?”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And he held
it up with the bow.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“A thousand
dollars, and who’ll make it two?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Two
thousand! And who’ll make it three?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Three
thousand, once, three thousand, twice,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And going,
and gone!” said he.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The people
cheered, but some of them cried,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“We do not
quite understand</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What changed
its worth.” Swift came the reply:</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“The touch
of a master’s hand.”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></li>
<li><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And many a man with life out of tune,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And battered
and scarred with sin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Is auctioned
cheap to the thoughtless crowd,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Much like
the old violin.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A “mess of
pottage,” a glass of wine,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A game—and
he travels on.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He’s “going”
once, and “going” twice,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He’s “going”
and almost “gone.”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But the
Master comes, and the foolish crowd</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Never can
quite understand</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The worth of
a soul and the change that’s wrought</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">By the touch
of the Master’s hand. </span>Boyd K. Packer “Touch of the Masters Hand” July
2001</em></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Understanding what we can of the Atonement and
the Resurrection of Christ helps us to obtain a knowledge of Him and of His
mission. Any increase in our understanding of His atoning sacrifice draws us
closer to Him. Literally, the Atonement means to be “at one” with Him. The
nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so unfathomable, and so
profound that it lies beyond the knowledge and comprehension of mortal man. I
am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace. Many people think
they need only confess that Jesus is the Christ and then they are saved by
grace alone. We cannot be saved by grace alone, “for we know that it is by
grace that we are saved, <em>after</em> all we can do. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James E. Faust “The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope” Jan 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Brothers and sisters, one of the great
consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long,
lonely path utterly alone, <em>we</em> do not have to do so. His solitary
journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful
care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son,
the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both
sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of
these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of
the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from
the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor
unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us
all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you
[and abide with you].” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jeffery<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. Holland “And None Were With Him” May 2009</i>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our <span class="highlight">agency</span>—our
ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan.
Without <span class="highlight">agency</span> we would be unable to make right
choices and progress. Yet with <span class="highlight">agency</span> we could
make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly
Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins
and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about
“the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Through the power of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>, our natures can
be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough
to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “O Ye That Embark” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery and
happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the infinite <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of the Savior, which He worked out through pain we could not bear and which we
can only faintly comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Eyring “Adversity” April 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Heavenly Father’s love for His children is the
core message of the plan of happiness, which plan is made active through the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span> of Jesus Christ—the greatest expression of
love the world has ever known. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Love of God” Oct 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of
His Son, <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#11-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>11</sup></a>
He came to redeem God’s children.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#12-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>12</sup></a>
Because of the Lord’s <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>, <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2000/05/resurrection?lang=eng">resurrection</a> (or
immortality) became a reality.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#13-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>13</sup></a>
Because of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>, eternal life became a
possibility for all who would qualify. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Thanks Be to God.” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>That gift of immortality became a reality
because of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span> of Jesus Christ.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/scriptural-witnesses?lang=eng&query=atonement#37-"><sup>37</sup></a>
This important word—<span class="highlight"><i>atonement</i></span>—in any of its
forms, is mentioned only <i>once</i> in the King James Version of the New
Testament!<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/scriptural-witnesses?lang=eng&query=atonement#38-"><sup>38</sup></a>
In the Book of Mormon, it appears 39 times! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Scriptural Witnesses” Oct 2007</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Pornography</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>[Pornography] is like a raging storm, destroying
individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and
beautiful. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “A Tragic
Evil Among Us” Nov 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We have the capacity and the responsibility to
stand as a bulwark between all we hold dear and the fatal contamination of the
pornography beetle. May I suggest three specific steps in our battle plan:<a href="" name="34"></a> First, a return to righteousness. An understanding of who we are
and what God expects us to become will prompt us to pray—as individuals and as
families. Such a return reveals the constant truth: “Wickedness never was
happiness.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote6">
6</a> Let not the evil one dissuade. We can yet be guided by that still, small
voice—unerring in its direction and all-powerful in its influence.<a href="" name="35"></a>
Second, a quest for the good life. I speak not of the fun life, the
sophisticated life, the popular life. Rather, I urge each to seek eternal
life—life everlasting with mother, father, brothers, sisters, husband, wife,
sons, and daughters, forever and forever together.<a href="" name="36"></a> Third, a
pledge to wage and win the war against pernicious permissiveness. As we
encounter that evil carrier, the pornography beetle, let our battle standard
and that of our communities be taken from that famous ensign of early America,
“Don’t tread on me.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote7">
7</a> <a href="" name="37"></a>Let us join in the fervent declaration of Joshua: “Choose
you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote8">
8</a> Let our hearts be pure. Let our lives be clean. Let our voices be heard.
Let our actions be felt. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson
“Pornography-The Deadly Carrier” First Presidency Message Nov 2001</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The world around you is not equipped to provide
the help you need to make it through this often-treacherous journey. So many in
our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted
from the harbor of peace. Permissiveness, immorality, <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng">pornography</a>,
drugs, the power of peer pressure—all these and more—cause many to be tossed
about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities,
forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure” Broadcast</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stay completely away from </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pornography</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which
is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other
drugs, also addictions which you would be hard pressed to conquer. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Priesthood Power” April
2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We hope that our parents and leaders will not
tolerate <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">pornography</span></span></a>. It is really garbage, but today is peddled
as normal and satisfactory food. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spencer
W. Kimball “God Will Not Be Mocked” Oct 1974</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Satan has become a master at using
the addictive power of </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pornography</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of
pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused
great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the
most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page,
movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering
personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely
damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the 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. For
many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so
familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is
justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to
anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper,
with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral,
addictive habit exercises its vicious control. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance” Oct 2009</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I plead with you boys tonight to keep yourselves
free from the stains of the world. You must not indulge in sleazy talk at
school. You must not tell sultry jokes. You must not fool around with the
Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance
telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">pornography</span></span></span></a> of any
kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. Stay away from <span class="highlight">pornography</span> as you would avoid a serious disease. It is
as destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they
cannot leave it alone. It is addictive. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon
B. Hinckley “Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry” April 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The girl you marry is worthy of a husband whose
life has not been tainted by this ugly and corrosive material. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Living Worthy of the
Girl You Will Someday Marry” April 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>While<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>matter of which I speak was a problem<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the</span>n, it<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> is </span>a much
more serious problem now. It grows increasingly worse. It<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> is </span>like a
raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was
once wholesome and beautiful. I speak of <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">pornography</span></span></span></a> in all of
its manifestations. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “A
Tragic Evil Among Us” Oct 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>thful<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n your marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age covenants<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n thought,
word, and deed. <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">Pornography</span></span></span></a>, fl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rtat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ons, and
unwholesome fantas<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>es erode one’s character and str<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ke at<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>foundat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>a happy
marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age.
Un<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ty
and trust w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>n a marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age are<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the</span>reby
destroyed. One who does not control h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s thoughts and thus comm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ts adultery<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s heart,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>f he does
not repent, shall not have<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>Sp<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t, but shall deny<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th and
shall fear (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.23?lang=eng#22">D&C
42:23</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/63.16?lang=eng#15">D&C
63:16</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Howard W. Hunter “Being A
Righteous Husband and Father” Oct 1994</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Marriage/dating</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>How do you choose a wife? I’ve heard a lot of
young people from Brigham Young University and elsewhere say, “I’ve got to get
a feeling of inspiration. I’ve got to get some revelation. I’ve got to fast and
pray and get the Lord to manifest to me whom I should marry.” Well, maybe it
will be a little shock to you, but never in my life did I ever ask the Lord
whom I ought to marry. It never occurred to me to ask him. I went out and found
the girl I wanted; she suited me; I evaluated and weighed the proposition, and
it just seemed a hundred percent to me as though this ought to be. Now, if I’d
done things perfectly, I’d have done some counseling with the Lord, which I
didn’t do; but all I did was pray to the Lord and ask for some guidance and
direction in connection with the decision that I’d reached. A more perfect
thing to have done would have been to counsel with him relative to the decision
and get a spiritual confirmation that the conclusion, which I by my agency and
faculties had arrived at, was the right one. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?” Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Knowledgeable observers report that dating has
nearly disappeared from college campuses and among young adults generally. It
has been replaced by something called “hanging out.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ca5be2270ed6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote3">
3</a> You young people apparently know what this is, but I will describe it for
the benefit of those of us who are middle-aged or older and otherwise
uninformed. Hanging out consists of numbers of young men and young women
joining together in some group activity. It is very different from dating.<a href="" name="7"></a> For the benefit of some of you who are not middle-aged or older, I
also may need to describe what dating is. Unlike hanging out, dating is not a
team sport. Dating is pairing off to experience the kind of one-on-one
association and temporary commitment that can lead to marriage in some rare and
treasured cases. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dallin H. Oaks “Dating
Verses Hanging Out” CES Fireside May 1, 2005</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“Do you want capability, safety, and security in
dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus.
Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your
faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate
dating from discipleship at your peril. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World,
is the only lamp by which you can successfully see the path of love and happiness.
How should I love thee? As He does, for that way ‘never faileth. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jeffery R. Holland “How Do I Love Thee?” Oct
2003</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“I would admonish you to maintain an eternal
perspective. Make certain that the marriage in your future is a temple
marriage. There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special
day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy. Be alert; do
not permit temptation to rob you of this blessing.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Whom Shall I Marry?” Oct 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A proper home, of course, is not created
automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same
virtues that were taught in pioneer homes—faith, courage, discipline, and
dedication—to make a marriage successful. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L.
Tom Perry “The Strength of Our Heritage” July 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Beg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>to prepare for a temple<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> marriage </span>as
well as for a mission. Proper <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span></span>
is a part of that preparation.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> In </span>cultures where <span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>
is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teenagers need
to date or even want to. … When you<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> be</span>g<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span><span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>,
go<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>groups
or on double dates. … Make sure<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> your </span>parents meet [and<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> be</span>come acqua<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ted
with] those you date.”<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> Be</span>cause <span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>
is a preparation for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> marriage</span>, “date only those who have high
standards. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Preparation
Brings Blessings” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Let us relish life<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>s we live
it, find joy in the journey,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd sh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>re our love with friends<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>mily. One d<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>y e<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ch of us
will run out of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to</span>morrows. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “Finding Joy in the Journey” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The subject of <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s debated
across the world, where var<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ous arrangements ex<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>st for
conjugal l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng. My
purpose<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n
speak<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng
out on th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s
top<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>c<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s to
declare, as an Apostle of the Lord,<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query=marriage#3-PD00009501_000_030">3</a>
</sup>that <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span> between a man and a woman<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s sacred—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s orda<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ned of God.<sup>
<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query=marriage#4-PD00009501_000_030">4</a>
</sup><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">I </span>also
assert the v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rtue
of a temple <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span>.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> I</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s the h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ghest and most endur<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng type of <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span> that our Creator can offer to H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ldren. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct
2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>[The] proclamat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on on the
fam<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ly
helps us real<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ze
that celest<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>al
marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age
br<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ngs
greater poss<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>b<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>es for happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ness than
does any other relat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>onsh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>p. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile,
mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage. In fact, each marriage
starts with two built-in handicaps. It involves two imperfect people. Happiness
can come to them only through their earnest effort. Just as harmony comes from
an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in marriage
also requires a concerted effort. That effort will succeed if each partner will
minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Russell M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct
2008</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Education</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>When we have examined our own interests and
abilities and when we have taken counsel from those who know and love
us—especially the Lord—we need to seek both education and experience in our
chosen career field. Education and training are among the most worthwhile
investments anyone can make.<a href="" name="16"></a> Learn to love learning. Just as it
is important to continue making deposits to a savings account, it is important
to continue educating yourself in your chosen profession or career so that your
skills will always be marketable. Just as a sailor keeps an eye on the horizon
for changing weather, keeping up-to-date in your career will help you spot
changing conditions in your field and make necessary course corrections. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H. David Burton “The Blessings of Work” Dec
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Why worry about education? Because learning is
how we prepare to serve both now and in eternity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Education For Real Life” Oct 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our first priority should go to spiritual
learning. For us, reading the scriptures would come before reading history
books. Prayer would come before memorizing those Spanish verbs. A temple
recommend would be worth more than standing first in our graduating class. But
it is also clear that spiritual learning would not replace our drive for
secular learning. To keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have
to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a
conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary. Never. That will lead
to tragedy. Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life
but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual
learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work
harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Real-Life Education” April
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is clear that for us to have that
gift and to be given that trust, we must be transformed through making
righteous choices where that is hard to do. We are prepared for so great a
trust by passing through trying and testing experiences in mortality. That
education can come only as we are subject to trials while serving God and
others for Him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity”
April 2009</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Trials</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One of the essential doctrines illuminated by
the Restoration is that there must be opposition in all things for
righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is not always easy, nor was it
meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. As we read in Abraham, “And
we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the
Lord their God shall command them.”Elder Harold B. Lee taught, “Sometimes the
things that are best for us and the things that bring eternal rewards seem at
the moment to be the most bitter, and the things forbidden are ofttimes the
things which seem to be the more desirable. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quinten
L. Cook “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time” Nov 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Believe that remaining strong and faithful to
the truths of the gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure”
April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I cannot promise an end to your
adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you
to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that
they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop. There are
reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can
give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their
perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with
Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry
B. Eyring “Mountains to Climb” April 2012</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many kinds of challenges.
Some give us necessary experiences. Adverse results in this mortal life are not
evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven’s
overall plan. The refiner’s fire is real, and qualities of character and
righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify
us and prepare us to meet God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L.
Cook “The Songs They Could Not Sing” Oct 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You were prepared for the
circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality… your memory of
premortal life would be kept from you so it would be a valid test. But there
would be guidance to show you how to live. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard
G. Scott</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Mortality i<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>a period of te<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st</span>ing, a
time to prove our<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">se</span>lve<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>worthy to return to the pre<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">se</span>nce of
our Heavenly Father. In order to be te<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st</span>ed, we mu<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">so</span>metime<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>face challenge<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>and
difficultie<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s. </span>At time<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>there appear<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>to be
no light at the tunnel’<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>end—no dawn to break the night’<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>darkne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">ss</span>. We
feel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> su</span>rrounded
by the pain of broken heart<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s, </span>the di<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sa</span>ppointment of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> sh</span>attered
dream<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s, </span>and
the de<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sp</span>air
of vani<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sh</span>ed
hope<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s. </span>We
join in uttering the biblical plea “I<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>there no balm in Gilead?”<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng&query=faith#6-PD00009475_000_031">6</a>
</sup>We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the
distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you
find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly
Father in <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">faith</span></span>.
He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from
you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you
face. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Looking Back and
Moving Forward” April 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>My beloved bro<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>rs<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd sisters, communic<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion
with our F<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>He<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ven—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>clud<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g our pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>yers to
Him<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
His<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>spir<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion to
us—is necess<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ry<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>order for us to we<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>storms<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd <span id="searchQueryTerm"><span class="highlight">tri<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ls</span></span> of life.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> The </span>Lord<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>vites us,
“Dr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>w
ne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>r
unto me<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
I will dr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>w
ne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>r
unto<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span>;
seek me diligently<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd ye sh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ll f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>d me.”<sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/stand-in-holy-places?lang=eng&query=trials#7-PD50029123_000_4060">7</a></sup><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> A</span>s we do
so, we will feel His Spirit<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>our lives, provid<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g us<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>desire<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>cour<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ge to st<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nd strong<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd firm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>righteousness—to
“st<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nd
…<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>holy
pl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ces,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd be
not moved. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Stand in
Holy Places” Oct 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In stories, as in life, adversity
teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth
of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us
in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition,
can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “ Your Happily Ever After” Broadcast</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Even when you feel the truth of that capacity
and k<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>dness
of the Lord to deliver you<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>your <span class="highlight">trials</span>,
it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet <a href="http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/">Joseph Smith</a> cried out<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>agony<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>a
dungeon: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hid<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g place? “How
long shall thy hand be stayed, and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the
eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e ear be
penetrated with their cries?”<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/adversity?lang=eng&query=trials#2-PD50015887_000_009">2</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>The Lord’s reply h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as </span>helped
me and can encourage us all<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>times of darkness. Here it is “My son,
peace be unto thy soul; th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> adversity </span>and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e
afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God
shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do
stand by thee, and they shall hail thee aga<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>with warm hearts and friendly hands. “Thou
art not yet<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> as </span>Job; thy friends do not contend aga<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>st thee,
neither charge thee with transgression,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> as </span>they did Job. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity” April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I bear you my testimony that <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng">God the Father</a>
lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with
Him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity” April
2009</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Forgiveness and Judgment</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Forgiveness</span></span></a> for <i>our</i> sins comes with conditions.
We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught:
“Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the
Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin”<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng&query=forgiveness#3-10485_000_41uchtd"><sup>3</sup></a>
and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Merciful Obtain
Mercy” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can
overcome us unless we allow such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one
to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by
relating it to himself. Said he: “If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track,
and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but
Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be
blamed.” He continued: “This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint.
Salvation is an individual operation. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery and
happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the infinite <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of the Savior, which He worked out through pain we could not bear and which we
can only faintly comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Eyring “Adversity” April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>My earnest prayer is that you will have the
courage required to refrain from judging others, the courage to be ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as</span>te and
virtuo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>,
and the courage to stand firm for truth and righteo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>ness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “May You Have Courage”
April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The only difference between a saint and a sinner
is the saint has a past and the sinner has a future. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery
and happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ess,
sickness and health, the sadness from s<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ite Atonement of the Savior, which He worked
out through pa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>we could not bear and which we can only fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>tly
comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity”
April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">Forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>veness</span></span></span></a> of one another<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s essent<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>al to th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s un<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ty. Jesus sa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>d, “<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">I</span>, the Lord,
w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ll
forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve
whom<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> I </span>w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ll forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve, but of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s requ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>red to forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve all men”
(<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64.10?lang=eng#9">D&C
64:10</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D.Todd Christofferson “Come
To Zion” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Ponder on that for a moment. Have you realized
that? There can be no <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">forgiveness</span></span></span></span></a>
without real and total repentance <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spencer
W. Kimball “To Bear the Priesthood Worthily” April 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are suffering from feelings
of guilt or remorse, bitterness or anger, or loss of faith, I invite you to
seek relief. Repent and forsake your sins. Then, in prayer, ask God for <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged
you. Forgive yourself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">C. Scott Grow “The
Miracle of the Atonement” April 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow
forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in
no other way. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Forgiveness”
Oct 2005</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I wish today to speak of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">forgiveness</span></span></span></a>. I think it
may be the greatest virtue on earth, and certainly the most needed. There is so
much of meanness and abuse, of intolerance and hatred. There is so great a need
for repentance and <span class="highlight">forgiveness</span>. It is the great
principle emphasized in all of scripture, both ancient and modern. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Forgiveness” Oct 2005</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Personal Revelation</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The message of the restored gospel of Jesus
Christ is that we can and must become better as long as we live. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Our Perfect Example” Nov
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring
anything to our remembrance. That should not weaken our determination to record
impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His
communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to
recall revelation. Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected
from loss or intrusion by others. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard
G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life”
April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because He came, there is meaning to
our mortal existence. Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in
trouble or distress, wherever they may be. Because He came, death has lost its
sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came. Because He
came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Because He Came” Nov 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our
eternal journey without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him
God-given guidance to assist in our safe return at the end of mortal life. I
speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice
within each of us, and I do not overlook the holy scriptures, written by
mariners who successfully sailed the seas we too must cross. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice”
Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to
ask? Because that is how revelation is received. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your
Personal Life” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>As you seek to live the gospel and doctrine of
Christ, the Holy Ghost<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> will </span>guide you and your family. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That the Lost May Be
Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A sure test<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>mony<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span><a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus
Chr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>st</a>
and<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s res<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">to</span>red gospel
takes more than knowledge—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t requ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>res <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">personal revelat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on</span></span>, conf<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rmed
through honest and ded<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>cated appl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>cat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>gospel pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nc<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ples. The Prophet <a href="http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/">Joseph Sm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th</a> expla<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ned that
the pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>esthood<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s a
“channel through wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch the Alm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ghty commenced reveal<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s glory at
the beg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nn<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>the creat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s earth,
and through wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch He has cont<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nued<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>reveal H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>mself<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>the ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ldren<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>men<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>the
present t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>me.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Your Potential, Your
Privilege” April 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In our le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>rning, let us not neglect the fount<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>revel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion. The
scriptures<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
the words<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>modern-d<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>y<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>postles<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd prophets<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>re the
sources<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>wisdom,
divine knowledge,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">person<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>l revel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion</span></span> to help us find<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nswers to<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>ll the ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>llenges in
life. Let us le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>rn<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">Christ</span>; let us seek out th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>t knowledge
which le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ds
to pe<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ce,
truth,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
the sublime mysteries<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>eternity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Two Principles for Any Economy” Oct 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span class="highlight">Personal revelation</span>
is the way Heavenly Father helps<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> us </span>know Him and His Son, learn and live the
gospel, endure to the end<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>righteo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>ness, and qualify for eternal life—to return
back<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>to
Their presence. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Personal
Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct 2007</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span class="highlight">Personal revelation</span>
is the way we know for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our</span>selves the most important truths of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our </span>existence:
the liv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g
reality of God,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our </span>Eternal Father, and His Son, <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jes<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us </span>Christ</a>; the truthfulness of the restored
gospel; and God’s purpose and direction for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> us</span>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert
D. Hales “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct
2007</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We prepare to receive <span class="highlight">personal
revelation</span> as the prophets do, by study<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g the
scriptures, fast<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g, pray<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g, and build<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g faith.
Faith is the key. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Personal
Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct 2007</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Faith</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We reach toward the unknown, but faith lights
the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinkley “We Walk by Faith” July
2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Faith is the very fiber that gives strength to
this work. Wherever this Church is established across this broad world, it is
evident. It is not limited to one country or one nation or one language or one
people. It is found everywhere. We are a people of faith. We walk by faith. We
move forward on our eternal journey, one step at a time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “We Walk by Faith” July 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>It is never too late to strengthen the
foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can
repent and plead for <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is
someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone
and deserted you may feel. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Erying</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>How grateful we should be that a wise Creator
fashioned an earth and placed us here, with a veil of forgetfulness of our
previous existence so that we might experience a time of testing, an
opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has
prepared for us to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Race of Life” April
2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Miracles are everywhere to be found when the
priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is
exerted. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Willing and
Worthy to Serve” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Believe that you are a daughter of Heavenly
Father, that He loves you, and that you are here for a glorious purpose—to gain
your eternal salvation. Believe that remaining strong and faithful to the
truths of the gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure”
April 2012 Broadcast</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear
the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study
of the scriptures. I was deeply touched years ago that a beloved prophet,
Spencer W. Kimball, emphasized the need to continually read and study the
scriptures. He said: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with
divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice
is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the
distance narrows and the spirituality returns. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L. Cook “In Tune with the Music of Faith” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>t the
tender mercies<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>the Lord<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>re over<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>ll those whom he h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>th
chosen, bec<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>use<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>their <span class="highlight">f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ith</span>,
to m<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ke
them mighty even unto the power<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>deliver<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nce” (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1.20?lang=eng#19">1 Nephi
1:20</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L. Tom Perry “The Power of
Deliverance” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Remove any of your fear with <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">faith</span></span>. Trust the power
of God to guide you. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That
the Lost May Be Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You are a believer in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>gospel
of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> You </span>believe
enough<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>come
here<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>hear
His servants and have enough <span id="searchQueryTerm"><span class="highlight">faith</span></span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>hope
that something<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you </span>will hear or feel will move<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">to</span>ward a
better life.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> You </span>felt in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span>r heart that following Jesus <a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/">Christ</a> w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the </span>way<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>greater
happiness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “A Living
Testimony” Broadcast</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I extol you who, with loving care
and compassionate concern, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the
homeless. He who notes the sparrow’s fall will not be unmindful of such
service. The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to
give come from a heart filled with love. Serve willingly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Three Goals to Guide You” Oct 2007</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pres<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>dent Thomas S. Monson has sa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>d: “To f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nd real happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ness, we
must seek for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">
i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n
a focus outs<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>de
ourselves. No one has learned the mean<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng of l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng unt<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>l he has surrendered h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s ego to
the serv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ce
of h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s
fellow man. Serv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ce to others<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s ak<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>n to duty—the fulf<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>llment of wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch br<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ngs true
joy.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Russell M. Nelson “Celestial
Marriage” Oct 2008</i></div>
Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-91897777050536826512012-07-18T05:42:00.000-07:002012-07-18T05:42:06.962-07:00Teachings of the Living ProphetsThis is gonna be a long one. I am taking an online class while I am in Alaska. Teaching of the Living Prophets. We got to make an Inspirational Quote Book during the semester and so here is my finished product. Well hopefully it is never finished but here is what I have thus far. I have had such a wonderful experience studying the words of the living prophets on these different subject. It
has made my time in Alaska more meaningful. I am surrounded by so much
beauty. God truly does bless you and helps you grow in every situation
you are in.<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Inspirational Quote Book</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Family</u></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>That is because the greatest joys and the
greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from
putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is. And the
sorrow comes primarily from selfishness, which is the absence of love. The
ideal God holds for us is to form families in the way most likely to lead to
happiness and away from sorrow. A man and a woman are to make sacred covenants
that they will put the welfare and happiness of the other at the center of
their lives. Children are to be born into a family where the parents hold the
needs of children equal to their own in importance. And children are to love
parents and each other. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring
“Our Perfect Example” Nov 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Each family prayer, each episode of family
scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of
our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just
as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and
produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small
things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in
well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small
things proceedeth that which is great” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/64/33#33" target="contentWindow">D&C 64:33</a>).
Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our
individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">David A. Bednar “More Diligent and
Concerned at Home” Nov 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In these last days it is essential- even
critical- that parents and children listen to and learn from one another. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “Mothers and Daughters”
May 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One hundred years ago, President Joseph F.
Smith connected happiness directly to the <span class="highlight">family</span>
and admonished us to focus our efforts there. He said: “There can be no genuine
happiness separate and apart from the home. … There is no happiness without
service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into
a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves <span class="highlight">family</span>
life. … The home is what needs reforming” (<i>Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Joseph F. Smith</i> [1998], 382, 384). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That the Lost May Be Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The family unit is fundamental not only to
society and to the Church but to our hope for eternal life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “The Family” Ensign Feb 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We need to make our homes a place of refuge from
the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest
openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls
of our homes. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L. Tom Perry “The
Importance of the Family” April 2003</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The key to strengthening our families is having
the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be
on the strait and narrow path. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D.
Hales “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty” April 1999</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>While we may despair when, after all we can do,
some of our children stray from the path of righteousness, the words of Orson
F. Whitney can comfort us: “Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the
Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of
Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold.
Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to
pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a
thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a
loving and forgiving [mother’s and] father’s heart and home, the painful
experience will not have been in vain. Pray for [our] careless and disobedient
children; hold on to them with [our] faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the
salvation of God” (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110).</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great
variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to
safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2003/05/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">family</span></span></a>. They are important because the <span class="highlight">family</span> has the opportunity at the start of a child’s
life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters,
grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by
the bonds of love that are the very nature of a <span class="highlight">family</span>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Help Them on Their Way
Home” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A study of the scriptures will help our
testimonies and the testimonies of our <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2003/05/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">family</span></span></a> members. Our children today are growing up
surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue,
instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the
gospel of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>, a
testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are
susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and
protect them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Three
Goals to Guide You” Oct 2007</i> </li>
</ul>
<u><b>Agency</b></u><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>There’s a fine balance between agency and
inspiration. We’re expected to do everything in our power and then to seek an
answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we’ve reached the right
conclusion; and sometimes, happily, in addition, we get added truths and
knowledge that we hadn’t even supposed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce
R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?” Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God grant us wisdom in these things. God grant
us the courage and the ability to stand on our own feet and use our agency and
the abilities and capacities we possess; then let’s be sufficiently humble and
amenable to the Spirit to bow our will to his will, to get his ratifying,
confirming seal of approval, to get in our lives in that way the spirit of
revelation. And if we so do, there’s no question about the result; it’s peace
in this life; it’s glory and honor and dignity in the life to come. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?”
Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The cost of the Atonement was borne by the Lord
without compulsion, for agency is a sovereign principle. According to the plan,
agency must be honored. It was so from the beginning, from Eden. There was too
much at issue to introduce man into mortality by force. That would contravene
the very law essential to the plan. The plan provided that each spirit child of
God would receive a mortal body and each would be tested. Adam saw that it must
be so and made his choice. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they
might have joy” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/2_ne/2/25#25" target="contentWindow">2 Nephi 2:25</a>).<a href="" name="45"></a> Adam and Eve ventured
forth to multiply and replenish the earth as they had been commanded to do. The
creation of their bodies in the image of God, as a separate creation, was
crucial to the plan. Their subsequent Fall was essential if the condition of
mortality was to exist and the plan to proceed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boyd K. Packer “Who is Jesus Christ?” Mar 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Few concepts have more potential to mislead us
than the idea that choice, or agency, is an ultimate goal. For Latter-day
Saints, this potential confusion is partly a product of the fact that moral
agency—the right to choose—is a fundamental condition of mortal life. Without
this precious gift of God, the purpose of mortal life could not be realized. To
secure our agency in mortality we fought a mighty contest the book of
Revelation calls a “war in heaven.” This premortal contest ended with the devil
and his angels being cast out of heaven and being denied the opportunity of
having a body in mortal life (see <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/rev/12/7-9#7" target="contentWindow">Rev. 12:7–9</a>).<a href="" name="17"></a> But our war to secure agency was won. The test in this postwar
mortal estate is not to secure choice but to use it—to choose good instead of
evil so that we can achieve our eternal goals. In mortality, choice is a
method, not a goal. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dallin H. Oaks
“Weightier Matters” Devotional Feb 9, 1999</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>It is no ordinary blessing to live in these
latter days. These are glorious times foreseen by ancient prophets and attended
by watchful, angelic hosts. The Lord is mindful of His Church. He is also
mindful of those who follow the promptings of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng">Holy Ghost</a> and
join with their brothers and sisters the world over in helping to bring forth
this great work of God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F.
Uchtdorft “The Great Work of God” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>with the <i>right</i> of choice comes the <i>responsibility</i>
to choose. We cannot be neutral; there is no middle ground. The Lord knows
this; Lucifer knows this. As long as we live upon this earth, Lucifer and his
hosts will never abandon the hope of claiming our souls. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a
trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging
principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith,
obedience, and the proper use of <span class="highlight">agency</span>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation
and Inspiration For Your Personal Life” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The essential doctrine of <span class="highlight">agency</span>
requires that a testimony of the restored gospel be based on faith rather than
just external or scientific proof. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin
L. Cook “In Tune with the Music of Faith” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Some challenges result from the <span class="highlight">agency</span> of others. <span class="highlight">Agency</span> is
essential for individual spiritual growth and development. Evil conduct is an
element of <span class="highlight">agency</span>. Captain Moroni explained this
very important doctrine: “The Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his
justice and judgment may come upon the wicked.” He made it clear that the
righteous are not lost but “enter into the rest of the Lord their God.”<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-songs-they-could-not-sing?lang=eng&query=agency#22-PD50029123_000_5070"><sup>22</sup></a>
The wicked will be held accountable for the atrocities they perpetrate. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L. Cook “The Songs They Could Not
Sing” Oct 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His
name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal
life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Agengy: Essential
to the Plan of Life” Oct 2010</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Atonement</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>For some reason, we think the Atonement of
Christ applies <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">only</span></em> at the end of mortal life to
redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It
is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or
harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While
we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can
experience “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boyd K. Packer “Touch of the Masters Hand”
July 2001</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Thought it
scarcely worth his while</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">To waste
much time on the old violin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But held it
up with a smile:</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“What am I
bidden, good folks,” he cried,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Who’ll
start the bidding for me?”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“A dollar, a
dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Two dollars,
and who’ll make it three?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Three
dollars, once; three dollars, twice;</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Going for
three—” But no,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">From the
room, far back, a gray-haired man</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Came forward
and picked up the bow;</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Then, wiping
the dust from the old violin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And
tightening the loose strings,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He played a
melody pure and sweet</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">As a
caroling angel sings.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></li>
<li><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The music ceased, and the auctioneer,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">With a voice
that was quiet and low,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Said, “What
am I bid for the old violin?”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And he held
it up with the bow.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“A thousand
dollars, and who’ll make it two?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Two
thousand! And who’ll make it three?</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Three
thousand, once, three thousand, twice,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And going,
and gone!” said he.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The people
cheered, but some of them cried,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“We do not
quite understand</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">What changed
its worth.” Swift came the reply:</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“The touch
of a master’s hand.”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></li>
<li><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And many a man with life out of tune,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And battered
and scarred with sin,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Is auctioned
cheap to the thoughtless crowd,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
<br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Much like
the old violin.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A “mess of
pottage,” a glass of wine,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A game—and
he travels on.</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He’s “going”
once, and “going” twice,</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He’s “going”
and almost “gone.”</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But the
Master comes, and the foolish crowd</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Never can
quite understand</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The worth of
a soul and the change that’s wrought</span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <br />
</i><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">By the touch
of the Master’s hand. </span>Boyd K. Packer “Touch of the Masters Hand” July
2001</em></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Understanding what we can of the Atonement and
the Resurrection of Christ helps us to obtain a knowledge of Him and of His
mission. Any increase in our understanding of His atoning sacrifice draws us
closer to Him. Literally, the Atonement means to be “at one” with Him. The
nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so unfathomable, and so
profound that it lies beyond the knowledge and comprehension of mortal man. I
am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace. Many people think
they need only confess that Jesus is the Christ and then they are saved by
grace alone. We cannot be saved by grace alone, “for we know that it is by
grace that we are saved, <em>after</em> all we can do. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James E. Faust “The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope” Jan 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Brothers and sisters, one of the great
consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long,
lonely path utterly alone, <em>we</em> do not have to do so. His solitary
journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful
care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son,
the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both
sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of
these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of
the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from
the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor
unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us
all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you
[and abide with you].” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jeffery<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. Holland “And None Were With Him” May 2009</i>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our <span class="highlight">agency</span>—our
ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan.
Without <span class="highlight">agency</span> we would be unable to make right
choices and progress. Yet with <span class="highlight">agency</span> we could
make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly
Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins
and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about
“the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Through the power of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>, our natures can
be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough
to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “O Ye That Embark” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery and
happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the infinite <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of the Savior, which He worked out through pain we could not bear and which we
can only faintly comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Eyring “Adversity” April 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Heavenly Father’s love for His children is the
core message of the plan of happiness, which plan is made active through the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span> of Jesus Christ—the greatest expression of
love the world has ever known. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Love of God” Oct 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of
His Son, <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#11-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>11</sup></a>
He came to redeem God’s children.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#12-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>12</sup></a>
Because of the Lord’s <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>, <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2000/05/resurrection?lang=eng">resurrection</a> (or
immortality) became a reality.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement#13-10485_000_42nelso"><sup>13</sup></a>
Because of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>, eternal life became a
possibility for all who would qualify. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Thanks Be to God.” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>That gift of immortality became a reality
because of the <span class="highlight">Atonement</span> of Jesus Christ.<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/scriptural-witnesses?lang=eng&query=atonement#37-"><sup>37</sup></a>
This important word—<span class="highlight"><i>atonement</i></span>—in any of its
forms, is mentioned only <i>once</i> in the King James Version of the New
Testament!<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/scriptural-witnesses?lang=eng&query=atonement#38-"><sup>38</sup></a>
In the Book of Mormon, it appears 39 times! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Scriptural Witnesses” Oct 2007</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Pornography</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>[Pornography] is like a raging storm, destroying
individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and
beautiful. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “A Tragic
Evil Among Us” Nov 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We have the capacity and the responsibility to
stand as a bulwark between all we hold dear and the fatal contamination of the
pornography beetle. May I suggest three specific steps in our battle plan:<a href="" name="34"></a> First, a return to righteousness. An understanding of who we are
and what God expects us to become will prompt us to pray—as individuals and as
families. Such a return reveals the constant truth: “Wickedness never was
happiness.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote6">
6</a> Let not the evil one dissuade. We can yet be guided by that still, small
voice—unerring in its direction and all-powerful in its influence.<a href="" name="35"></a>
Second, a quest for the good life. I speak not of the fun life, the
sophisticated life, the popular life. Rather, I urge each to seek eternal
life—life everlasting with mother, father, brothers, sisters, husband, wife,
sons, and daughters, forever and forever together.<a href="" name="36"></a> Third, a
pledge to wage and win the war against pernicious permissiveness. As we
encounter that evil carrier, the pornography beetle, let our battle standard
and that of our communities be taken from that famous ensign of early America,
“Don’t tread on me.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote7">
7</a> <a href="" name="37"></a>Let us join in the fervent declaration of Joshua: “Choose
you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=18b42eb2162eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote8">
8</a> Let our hearts be pure. Let our lives be clean. Let our voices be heard.
Let our actions be felt. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson
“Pornography-The Deadly Carrier” First Presidency Message Nov 2001</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The world around you is not equipped to provide
the help you need to make it through this often-treacherous journey. So many in
our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted
from the harbor of peace. Permissiveness, immorality, <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng">pornography</a>,
drugs, the power of peer pressure—all these and more—cause many to be tossed
about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities,
forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure” Broadcast</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stay completely away from </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pornography</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which
is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other
drugs, also addictions which you would be hard pressed to conquer. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Priesthood Power” April
2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We hope that our parents and leaders will not
tolerate <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">pornography</span></span></a>. It is really garbage, but today is peddled
as normal and satisfactory food. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spencer
W. Kimball “God Will Not Be Mocked” Oct 1974</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Satan has become a master at using
the addictive power of </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pornography</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of
pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused
great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the
most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page,
movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering
personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely
damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the 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. For
many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so
familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is
justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to
anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper,
with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral,
addictive habit exercises its vicious control. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance” Oct 2009</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I plead with you boys tonight to keep yourselves
free from the stains of the world. You must not indulge in sleazy talk at
school. You must not tell sultry jokes. You must not fool around with the
Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance
telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">pornography</span></span></span></a> of any
kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. Stay away from <span class="highlight">pornography</span> as you would avoid a serious disease. It is
as destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they
cannot leave it alone. It is addictive. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon
B. Hinckley “Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry” April 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The girl you marry is worthy of a husband whose
life has not been tainted by this ugly and corrosive material. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Living Worthy of the
Girl You Will Someday Marry” April 1998</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>While<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>matter of which I speak was a problem<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the</span>n, it<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> is </span>a much
more serious problem now. It grows increasingly worse. It<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> is </span>like a
raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was
once wholesome and beautiful. I speak of <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">pornography</span></span></span></a> in all of
its manifestations. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “A
Tragic Evil Among Us” Oct 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Be fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>thful<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n your marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age covenants<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n thought,
word, and deed. <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">Pornography</span></span></span></a>, fl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rtat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ons, and
unwholesome fantas<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>es erode one’s character and str<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ke at<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>foundat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>a happy
marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age.
Un<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ty
and trust w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>n a marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age are<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the</span>reby
destroyed. One who does not control h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s thoughts and thus comm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ts adultery<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s heart,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>f he does
not repent, shall not have<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>Sp<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t, but shall deny<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th and
shall fear (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.23?lang=eng#22">D&C
42:23</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/63.16?lang=eng#15">D&C
63:16</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Howard W. Hunter “Being A
Righteous Husband and Father” Oct 1994</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Marriage/dating</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>How do you choose a wife? I’ve heard a lot of
young people from Brigham Young University and elsewhere say, “I’ve got to get
a feeling of inspiration. I’ve got to get some revelation. I’ve got to fast and
pray and get the Lord to manifest to me whom I should marry.” Well, maybe it
will be a little shock to you, but never in my life did I ever ask the Lord
whom I ought to marry. It never occurred to me to ask him. I went out and found
the girl I wanted; she suited me; I evaluated and weighed the proposition, and
it just seemed a hundred percent to me as though this ought to be. Now, if I’d
done things perfectly, I’d have done some counseling with the Lord, which I
didn’t do; but all I did was pray to the Lord and ask for some guidance and
direction in connection with the decision that I’d reached. A more perfect
thing to have done would have been to counsel with him relative to the decision
and get a spiritual confirmation that the conclusion, which I by my agency and
faculties had arrived at, was the right one. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruce R. McConkie “Agency or Inspiration?” Jan 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Knowledgeable observers report that dating has
nearly disappeared from college campuses and among young adults generally. It
has been replaced by something called “hanging out.”<a href="http://classic.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ca5be2270ed6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#footnote3">
3</a> You young people apparently know what this is, but I will describe it for
the benefit of those of us who are middle-aged or older and otherwise
uninformed. Hanging out consists of numbers of young men and young women
joining together in some group activity. It is very different from dating.<a href="" name="7"></a> For the benefit of some of you who are not middle-aged or older, I
also may need to describe what dating is. Unlike hanging out, dating is not a
team sport. Dating is pairing off to experience the kind of one-on-one
association and temporary commitment that can lead to marriage in some rare and
treasured cases. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dallin H. Oaks “Dating
Verses Hanging Out” CES Fireside May 1, 2005</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“Do you want capability, safety, and security in
dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus.
Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your
faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate
dating from discipleship at your peril. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World,
is the only lamp by which you can successfully see the path of love and happiness.
How should I love thee? As He does, for that way ‘never faileth. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jeffery R. Holland “How Do I Love Thee?” Oct
2003</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“I would admonish you to maintain an eternal
perspective. Make certain that the marriage in your future is a temple
marriage. There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special
day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy. Be alert; do
not permit temptation to rob you of this blessing.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Whom Shall I Marry?” Oct 2004</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A proper home, of course, is not created
automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same
virtues that were taught in pioneer homes—faith, courage, discipline, and
dedication—to make a marriage successful. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L.
Tom Perry “The Strength of Our Heritage” July 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Beg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>to prepare for a temple<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> marriage </span>as
well as for a mission. Proper <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span></span>
is a part of that preparation.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> In </span>cultures where <span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>
is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teenagers need
to date or even want to. … When you<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> be</span>g<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span><span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>,
go<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>groups
or on double dates. … Make sure<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> your </span>parents meet [and<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> be</span>come acqua<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ted
with] those you date.”<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> Be</span>cause <span class="highlight">dat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g</span>
is a preparation for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> marriage</span>, “date only those who have high
standards. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Preparation
Brings Blessings” April 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Let us relish life<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>s we live
it, find joy in the journey,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd sh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>re our love with friends<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>mily. One d<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>y e<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ch of us
will run out of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to</span>morrows. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “Finding Joy in the Journey” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The subject of <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s debated
across the world, where var<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ous arrangements ex<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>st for
conjugal l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng. My
purpose<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n
speak<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng
out on th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s
top<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>c<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s to
declare, as an Apostle of the Lord,<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query=marriage#3-PD00009501_000_030">3</a>
</sup>that <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span> between a man and a woman<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s sacred—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s orda<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ned of God.<sup>
<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query=marriage#4-PD00009501_000_030">4</a>
</sup><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">I </span>also
assert the v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rtue
of a temple <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span>.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> I</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s the h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ghest and most endur<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng type of <span class="highlight">marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age</span> that our Creator can offer to H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ldren. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct
2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>[The] proclamat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on on the
fam<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ly
helps us real<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ze
that celest<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>al
marr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>age
br<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ngs
greater poss<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>b<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>es for happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ness than
does any other relat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>onsh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>p. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Russell
M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile,
mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage. In fact, each marriage
starts with two built-in handicaps. It involves two imperfect people. Happiness
can come to them only through their earnest effort. Just as harmony comes from
an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in marriage
also requires a concerted effort. That effort will succeed if each partner will
minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Russell M. Nelson “Celestial Marriage” Oct
2008</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Education</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>When we have examined our own interests and
abilities and when we have taken counsel from those who know and love
us—especially the Lord—we need to seek both education and experience in our
chosen career field. Education and training are among the most worthwhile
investments anyone can make.<a href="" name="16"></a> Learn to love learning. Just as it
is important to continue making deposits to a savings account, it is important
to continue educating yourself in your chosen profession or career so that your
skills will always be marketable. Just as a sailor keeps an eye on the horizon
for changing weather, keeping up-to-date in your career will help you spot
changing conditions in your field and make necessary course corrections. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H. David Burton “The Blessings of Work” Dec
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Why worry about education? Because learning is
how we prepare to serve both now and in eternity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Education For Real Life” Oct 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our first priority should go to spiritual
learning. For us, reading the scriptures would come before reading history
books. Prayer would come before memorizing those Spanish verbs. A temple
recommend would be worth more than standing first in our graduating class. But
it is also clear that spiritual learning would not replace our drive for
secular learning. To keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have
to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a
conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary. Never. That will lead
to tragedy. Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life
but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly, you will put spiritual
learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work
harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Real-Life Education” April
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is clear that for us to have that
gift and to be given that trust, we must be transformed through making
righteous choices where that is hard to do. We are prepared for so great a
trust by passing through trying and testing experiences in mortality. That
education can come only as we are subject to trials while serving God and
others for Him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity”
April 2009</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Trials</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One of the essential doctrines illuminated by
the Restoration is that there must be opposition in all things for
righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is not always easy, nor was it
meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. As we read in Abraham, “And
we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the
Lord their God shall command them.”Elder Harold B. Lee taught, “Sometimes the
things that are best for us and the things that bring eternal rewards seem at
the moment to be the most bitter, and the things forbidden are ofttimes the
things which seem to be the more desirable. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quinten
L. Cook “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time” Nov 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Believe that remaining strong and faithful to
the truths of the gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure”
April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I cannot promise an end to your
adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you
to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that
they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop. There are
reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can
give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their
perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with
Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry
B. Eyring “Mountains to Climb” April 2012</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many kinds of challenges.
Some give us necessary experiences. Adverse results in this mortal life are not
evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven’s
overall plan. The refiner’s fire is real, and qualities of character and
righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify
us and prepare us to meet God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L.
Cook “The Songs They Could Not Sing” Oct 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You were prepared for the
circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality… your memory of
premortal life would be kept from you so it would be a valid test. But there
would be guidance to show you how to live. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard
G. Scott</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Mortality i<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>a period of te<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st</span>ing, a
time to prove our<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">se</span>lve<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>worthy to return to the pre<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">se</span>nce of
our Heavenly Father. In order to be te<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st</span>ed, we mu<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">st </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">so</span>metime<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>face challenge<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>and
difficultie<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s. </span>At time<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>there appear<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>to be
no light at the tunnel’<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>end—no dawn to break the night’<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>darkne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">ss</span>. We
feel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> su</span>rrounded
by the pain of broken heart<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s, </span>the di<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sa</span>ppointment of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> sh</span>attered
dream<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s, </span>and
the de<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sp</span>air
of vani<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">sh</span>ed
hope<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s. </span>We
join in uttering the biblical plea “I<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">s </span>there no balm in Gilead?”<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng&query=faith#6-PD00009475_000_031">6</a>
</sup>We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the
distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you
find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly
Father in <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">faith</span></span>.
He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from
you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you
face. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Looking Back and
Moving Forward” April 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>My beloved bro<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>rs<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd sisters, communic<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion
with our F<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>He<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ven—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>clud<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g our pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>yers to
Him<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
His<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>spir<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion to
us—is necess<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ry<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>order for us to we<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the</span>r<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>storms<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd <span id="searchQueryTerm"><span class="highlight">tri<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ls</span></span> of life.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> The </span>Lord<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>vites us,
“Dr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>w
ne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>r
unto me<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
I will dr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>w
ne<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>r
unto<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span>;
seek me diligently<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd ye sh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ll f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>d me.”<sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/stand-in-holy-places?lang=eng&query=trials#7-PD50029123_000_4060">7</a></sup><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> A</span>s we do
so, we will feel His Spirit<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>our lives, provid<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g us<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>desire<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>cour<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ge to st<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nd strong<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd firm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>righteousness—to
“st<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nd
…<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>holy
pl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ces,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd be
not moved. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Stand in
Holy Places” Oct 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In stories, as in life, adversity
teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth
of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us
in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition,
can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “ Your Happily Ever After” Broadcast</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Even when you feel the truth of that capacity
and k<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>dness
of the Lord to deliver you<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>your <span class="highlight">trials</span>,
it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet <a href="http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/">Joseph Smith</a> cried out<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>agony<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>a
dungeon: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hid<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g place? “How
long shall thy hand be stayed, and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the
eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e ear be
penetrated with their cries?”<sup> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/adversity?lang=eng&query=trials#2-PD50015887_000_009">2</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>The Lord’s reply h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as </span>helped
me and can encourage us all<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>times of darkness. Here it is “My son,
peace be unto thy soul; th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> adversity </span>and th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>e
afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God
shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do
stand by thee, and they shall hail thee aga<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>with warm hearts and friendly hands. “Thou
art not yet<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> as </span>Job; thy friends do not contend aga<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>st thee,
neither charge thee with transgression,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> as </span>they did Job. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity” April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I bear you my testimony that <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng">God the Father</a>
lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with
Him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity” April
2009</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Forgiveness and Judgment</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Forgiveness</span></span></a> for <i>our</i> sins comes with conditions.
We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught:
“Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the
Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin”<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng&query=forgiveness#3-10485_000_41uchtd"><sup>3</sup></a>
and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Merciful Obtain
Mercy” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can
overcome us unless we allow such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one
to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by
relating it to himself. Said he: “If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track,
and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but
Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be
blamed.” He continued: “This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint.
Salvation is an individual operation. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas
S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice” Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery and
happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the infinite <span class="highlight">Atonement</span>
of the Savior, which He worked out through pain we could not bear and which we
can only faintly comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Eyring “Adversity” April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>My earnest prayer is that you will have the
courage required to refrain from judging others, the courage to be ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as</span>te and
virtuo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>,
and the courage to stand firm for truth and righteo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>ness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “May You Have Courage”
April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The only difference between a saint and a sinner
is the saint has a past and the sinner has a future. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In this education we experience misery
and happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ess,
sickness and health, the sadness from s<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>and the joy of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
That forgiveness can come only through the<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>ite Atonement of the Savior, which He worked
out through pa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in </span>we could not bear and which we can only fa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>tly
comprehend. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Adversity”
April 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">Forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>veness</span></span></span></a> of one another<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s essent<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>al to th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s un<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ty. Jesus sa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>d, “<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">I</span>, the Lord,
w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ll
forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve
whom<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> I </span>w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ll forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve, but of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s requ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>red to forg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ve all men”
(<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64.10?lang=eng#9">D&C
64:10</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D.Todd Christofferson “Come
To Zion” Oct 2008</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Ponder on that for a moment. Have you realized
that? There can be no <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">forgiveness</span></span></span></span></a>
without real and total repentance <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spencer
W. Kimball “To Bear the Priesthood Worthily” April 1975</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are suffering from feelings
of guilt or remorse, bitterness or anger, or loss of faith, I invite you to
seek relief. Repent and forsake your sins. Then, in prayer, ask God for <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged
you. Forgive yourself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">C. Scott Grow “The
Miracle of the Atonement” April 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow
forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in
no other way. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Forgiveness”
Oct 2005</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I wish today to speak of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span class="highlight"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span id="searchQueryTerm">forgiveness</span></span></span></a>. I think it
may be the greatest virtue on earth, and certainly the most needed. There is so
much of meanness and abuse, of intolerance and hatred. There is so great a need
for repentance and <span class="highlight">forgiveness</span>. It is the great
principle emphasized in all of scripture, both ancient and modern. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “Forgiveness” Oct 2005</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Personal Revelation</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The message of the restored gospel of Jesus
Christ is that we can and must become better as long as we live. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “Our Perfect Example” Nov
2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring
anything to our remembrance. That should not weaken our determination to record
impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His
communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to
recall revelation. Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected
from loss or intrusion by others. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard
G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life”
April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because He came, there is meaning to
our mortal existence. Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in
trouble or distress, wherever they may be. Because He came, death has lost its
sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came. Because He
came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Because He Came” Nov 2011</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our
eternal journey without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him
God-given guidance to assist in our safe return at the end of mortal life. I
speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice
within each of us, and I do not overlook the holy scriptures, written by
mariners who successfully sailed the seas we too must cross. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Three Rs of Choice”
Oct 2010</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to
ask? Because that is how revelation is received. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard G. Scott “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your
Personal Life” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>As you seek to live the gospel and doctrine of
Christ, the Holy Ghost<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> will </span>guide you and your family. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That the Lost May Be
Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A sure test<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>mony<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span><a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus
Chr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>st</a>
and<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s res<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">to</span>red gospel
takes more than knowledge—<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>t requ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>res <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">personal revelat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on</span></span>, conf<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>rmed
through honest and ded<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>cated appl<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>cat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>gospel pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nc<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ples. The Prophet <a href="http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/">Joseph Sm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>th</a> expla<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ned that
the pr<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>esthood<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s a
“channel through wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch the Alm<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ghty commenced reveal<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s glory at
the beg<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nn<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>the creat<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>on<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s earth,
and through wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch He has cont<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nued<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>reveal H<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>mself<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>the ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ldren<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>men<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>the
present t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>me.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Your Potential, Your
Privilege” April 2011</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>In our le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>rning, let us not neglect the fount<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>revel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion. The
scriptures<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
the words<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>modern-d<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>y<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>postles<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd prophets<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>re the
sources<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>wisdom,
divine knowledge,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">person<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>l revel<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>tion</span></span> to help us find<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nswers to<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>ll the ch<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>llenges in
life. Let us le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>rn<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">Christ</span>; let us seek out th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>t knowledge
which le<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ds
to pe<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ce,
truth,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>nd
the sublime mysteries<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>eternity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Two Principles for Any Economy” Oct 2009</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span class="highlight">Personal revelation</span>
is the way Heavenly Father helps<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> us </span>know Him and His Son, learn and live the
gospel, endure to the end<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in </span>righteo<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us</span>ness, and qualify for eternal life—to return
back<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> in</span>to
Their presence. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Personal
Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct 2007</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span class="highlight">Personal revelation</span>
is the way we know for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our</span>selves the most important truths of<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our </span>existence:
the liv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g
reality of God,<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> our </span>Eternal Father, and His Son, <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jes<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">us </span>Christ</a>; the truthfulness of the restored
gospel; and God’s purpose and direction for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> us</span>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert
D. Hales “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct
2007</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We prepare to receive <span class="highlight">personal
revelation</span> as the prophets do, by study<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g the
scriptures, fast<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g, pray<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g, and build<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">in</span>g faith.
Faith is the key. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Robert D. Hales “Personal
Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets” Oct 2007</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Faith</b></u></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We reach toward the unknown, but faith lights
the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinkley “We Walk by Faith” July
2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Faith is the very fiber that gives strength to
this work. Wherever this Church is established across this broad world, it is
evident. It is not limited to one country or one nation or one language or one
people. It is found everywhere. We are a people of faith. We walk by faith. We
move forward on our eternal journey, one step at a time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gordon B. Hinckley “We Walk by Faith” July 2002</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>It is never too late to strengthen the
foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can
repent and plead for <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/forgiveness?lang=eng">forgiveness</a>.
There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is
someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone
and deserted you may feel. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B.
Erying</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>How grateful we should be that a wise Creator
fashioned an earth and placed us here, with a veil of forgetfulness of our
previous existence so that we might experience a time of testing, an
opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has
prepared for us to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “The Race of Life” April
2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Miracles are everywhere to be found when the
priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is
exerted. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Willing and
Worthy to Serve” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Believe that you are a daughter of Heavenly
Father, that He loves you, and that you are here for a glorious purpose—to gain
your eternal salvation. Believe that remaining strong and faithful to the
truths of the gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Believe, Obey, and Endure”
April 2012 Broadcast</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear
the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study
of the scriptures. I was deeply touched years ago that a beloved prophet,
Spencer W. Kimball, emphasized the need to continually read and study the
scriptures. He said: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with
divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice
is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the
distance narrows and the spirituality returns. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quentin L. Cook “In Tune with the Music of Faith” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you th<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>t the
tender mercies<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>the Lord<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>re over<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> a</span>ll those whom he h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>th
chosen, bec<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>use<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>their <span class="highlight">f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ith</span>,
to m<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>ke
them mighty even unto the power<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> of </span>deliver<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">a</span>nce” (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1.20?lang=eng#19">1 Nephi
1:20</a>). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">L. Tom Perry “The Power of
Deliverance” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Remove any of your fear with <span class="highlight"><span id="searchQueryTerm">faith</span></span>. Trust the power
of God to guide you. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">M. Russell Ballard “That
the Lost May Be Found” April 2012</i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You are a believer in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> the </span>gospel
of <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> You </span>believe
enough<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>come
here<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>hear
His servants and have enough <span id="searchQueryTerm"><span class="highlight">faith</span></span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>hope
that something<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you </span>will hear or feel will move<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">to</span>ward a
better life.<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> You </span>felt in<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> you</span>r heart that following Jesus <a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/">Christ</a> w<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">as </span><span id="dtx-highlighting-item">the </span>way<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> to </span>greater
happiness. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry B. Eyring “A Living
Testimony” Broadcast</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I extol you who, with loving care
and compassionate concern, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the
homeless. He who notes the sparrow’s fall will not be unmindful of such
service. The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to
give come from a heart filled with love. Serve willingly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thomas S. Monson “Three Goals to Guide You” Oct 2007</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pres<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>dent Thomas S. Monson has sa<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>d: “To f<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>nd real happ<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ness, we
must seek for<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">
i</span>t<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>n
a focus outs<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>de
ourselves. No one has learned the mean<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng of l<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>v<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ng unt<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>l he has surrendered h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s ego to
the serv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ce
of h<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>s
fellow man. Serv<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ce to others<span id="dtx-highlighting-item"> i</span>s ak<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>n to duty—the fulf<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>llment of wh<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ch br<span id="dtx-highlighting-item">i</span>ngs true
joy.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Russell M. Nelson “Celestial
Marriage” Oct 2008</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-67891417947115362002011-01-11T15:30:00.000-08:002011-01-11T15:47:47.868-08:00Fun Fun FunI love being off track and living in Rexburg. Life is still just as busy. I am so excited for my Relief Society this semester. The sisters are amazing and I am so lucky to be apart of their experience here. Sunday we had a combined Relief Society because the other President hadn't been called yet and Bishop Pence decided to have a testimony meeting. All I can say is wow! It was so beautiful. I know that is what I needed to start off this semester. My ward is going to be so great this semester!!! <div>So I have been thinking more about me and who I am.. I feel like I have fallen into a bottomless lake.. I have no idea what I want to do with my life.. I find myself asking who am I often..</div><div>I love to listen to good music.. I love to dance in the rain.. I laugh at stupid jokes.. I can get lost in the night sky.. Love the stars!! I am not as adventurous as I thought I once was.. I like being comfortable.. Even though I am from Idaho I hate being cold!! Love the snow but hate my feet being cold all the time.. I still want to be a princess even though I am 21 years old.. why not right..</div><div>I have decided that taking life one day at a time is better than worrying about what might come tomorrow.. when I worry about tomorrow I forget to live today.. </div><div>"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. <b>It goes on</b>." ~Robert Frost</div><div><br /></div>Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-87542513820387376312011-01-03T18:39:00.001-08:002011-01-03T19:00:09.644-08:00This is Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So I am at a point in my life where it feels like the my life is going a hundred miles and hour and I am holding on for dear life.. kind of like I am on a collision course but I am not quite sure where I am headed. 2010 went by so fast and I feel like I left some goals behind and didn't quite accomplish some other things that I wanted to. Life goes by so fast and sometimes when you stop and look at where you are things look quite a bit different. Life is crazy and beautiful and simply put.. hard. I get so caught up in the giant aspect of things that I forget to look at the small details that matter so much more. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">As I reflect on my life and who I have become these are somethings that I have learned about myself:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I don't know what I want to do when I grow up.. there is so much to do and to see and yet I don't really like change.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I do know that I love the gospel and have a passion for teaching it.. I didn't realize this until I was a gospel doctrine teacher a couple of semesters ago and the gospel is beautiful and rich and full of amazing things that we only need to take advantage of because it has already been given to us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I am a dreamer.. I am an optimist.. I hope for the best so sometimes my world gets rocked when life doesn't end with happily ever after</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I am lazy but driven.. I get an A in procrastination but have so much passion for life and learning new things and that drives me to be better </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I am shy but love to get to know people.. I can be the life of the party but I would rather sit back and just watch people and how they interact with others</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I am creative even though I don't feel like it.. I have gifts and talents that are amazing and I let what I think others opinions are get in the way of me sharing them</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I am stubborn.. I like things my way and am working on being better at compromising :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">-I love life.. even with all the struggles</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Life is about letting go of things that seem important and realizing what is truly of worth. I am excited to be living in Rexburg and am very excited for this up coming semester. I am excited to be able to better fulfill my calling as a Relief Society president and am so excited to get to know the girls in my relief society better. I am excited for my old roommates and for my new ones. I am excited for this stage of life I am in and for all the experiences that are coming my way. </span></div>Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-86971595953958617262010-08-17T20:57:00.000-07:002010-08-17T21:05:16.532-07:00This crazy life I am inSo just decided that I am going to start this again! Pretty excited even though I have no idea what I am doing or how to work this. Glad I have people that do... (KARA) :)<br />Life up to now has been busy. Currently I am getting ready to head back to school in the fall as a junior!! Wow where has the time gone!!!! Life has its ups and downs and I am loving every minute.. or at least trying to!!<br />This past Sunday we had a going away party for Taylor. He officially leaves for Iraq Sept. 14 and will be gone for 12 months. It was really fun and everyone had a blast!! Most of my sibs officially met Travis and everyone likes him which is great!!<br />So here is to a new start!! Oh this crazy life I am living!!!!Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-77371757266632813962009-06-05T11:37:00.000-07:002009-06-05T11:41:30.505-07:00IT"S BEEN A WHILEHey all it has been a while since I have blogged. I just got back from Nauvoo and it was amazing!! We left on Thursday and stopped at Carthage and Liberty Jail. We visited old Nauvoo and were able to baptisms on Saturday night. We stopped at Winter Quarters and Martins Cove on the way home. It was definatly an experience I will always remember. More about it later and pictures to go with.Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7244191859803532072.post-84339453834527999632009-05-17T19:35:00.000-07:002009-05-17T19:55:00.937-07:00First Time Blogging!!<div align="center">Hey all~ </div><div align="center"><div><div>So this is my very first blog. It is new and strange so just work with me. My roommate Kara is the one who got me to start a blog so congrats goes to her. I am loving life and enjoying every second of it! I am currently attending Brigham Young University Idaho. I absolutely love it! Today we invited our big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FHE</span> family over for chicken noodle soup. It was a success. There was 15 of us here. We missed those who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weren't</span> able to come. Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FHE</span> brothers brought dessert and it was delicious. I have amazing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">roommates</span> and I am very grateful for them. Life is wonderful! These are some pics of today. Isn't my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FHE</span> family cute?</div><div> </div><div>the "other" table<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990009159153122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA4Oh-FzcX3QohRhfoK86F1-dbxwM9MsRPa9IG_-S2HWpLEsvPAUKFDgV8xs_KTFRiDIKNzmH3x7M8wGNkvs2qBRa2xCA4NKSY5RVpJqBD_r4DdXKz2Hb8VEEEWIVXAWDn8-5bc2LLzs/s320/078.JPG" border="0" />The soup was tasty!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990004950054146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2Vw7E2tY4rSKgKb6qmDLQ5yeDPM8HZ6BWSKA_yhhX1wFN1xsS2f_GScz6zAdoy7BWIqkApitC8YPe-pkcE6-_VDUy7jZXLrL25rj4JBTgfvOIAjtmc0l7yhUdAXGDqxAYf3G9eVk3ws/s320/072.JPG" border="0" />My wonderful FHE sisters<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990740771176994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lPRu0KUY3Ju8L7WG3yQzVSTyM8_Z279_bIX40XgTyQ9Rxi8ZdgqzX_l0Ob_mmdLsaBCBS0N9greRk-RBSB_riXujk4p7cAwUYt3SPuwYEWpvwaVso_mdfbUuFPFC9cF_OLsgZEXkGqk/s320/073.JPG" border="0" />This pot was big enough to fit a baby in it<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990000776335858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHubItF6MTvHE9EHz0eibcnAkFBxHWCxVrQbwBWyKcfmT0mHy7-s6a2tMPOYEetlVJuLAn3A9EyfXWlRxi3iIgWM6FqXeQrBRAmkFzF-uQbhHrCUpUU4wSX-_DiGaC53aJklFa1GgqPXM/s320/071.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336990019180339666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGLgyq_FjHpwCyGJgOx5GWolHWqIPBfkimFHyvMAoyed9Ds6IjrLZsbWBxHyjlOoEQAzjwW9MICagAWt9DusLEqqQQbk9upY0RL3dKn9VZgLQy98_8i-0HJ8z6nd3L_cmdR3GTDTCWy8/s320/080.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">This was the "cool" table...</p>Ashleybeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246698406763088482noreply@blogger.com1