Missionary Work

There is no better work than missionary work.  The Lord has commanded us to go forth and serve.  It is our responsibility and duty to serve the Lord and our neighbors. We as Heavenly Father’s children need to find the Lords lost sheep and bring them back to the fold.  As we perform missionary work, we will be blessed and we will bless the lives of our lost brothers and sisters.  Doing missionary work brings a great happiness to our souls and fills are hearts with joy.  The field is white and ready to harvest, so let’s get to work!

"Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world's temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

"There are few things in life that bring as much joy as the joy that comes from assisting another improve his or her life."

 - Elder Richard G. Scott

"...the single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve is to become a missionary long before you go on a mission."

- Elder David A. Bednar

"Fundamental to becoming good teachers is serious study of the word of the Lord, that we are able to impart our acquired knowledge to others."

- Elder L. Tom Perry

“Who the Lord calls, the Lord will qualify. When you’re on the Lord’s errand, you’re entitled to the Lord’s blessings.”

- President Thomas S. Monson.

"Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world's temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

“We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become.”

 - President Thomas S. Monson

“Our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance.”

- President Thomas S. Monson


“When you’re on the Lord’s errand, you’re entitled to the Lord’s blessings.”

 - President Thomas S. Monson. 

“After all that has been said, our greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel.”

- Prophet Joseph Smith

Virtue

We are all spiritual beings of our Father in Heaven. He loves us and wants what is best for us. He is our maker and as our maker, He would never want his creation to get tarnished or hurt. We need to understand our worth and let no one take away our virtue. It is rightfully ours. If we can understand our worth and just how important we are we would never let our standards fail us and never descend to a lesser degree. We are children of a loving Heavenly Father and daughters of a King. 

“Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression. Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears.”

- President Thomas S. Monson

“Suppose a storm is raging and the winds howl and the snow swirls about you. You find yourself unable to stop it. But you can dress properly and seek shelter, and the storm will have no effect upon you."

- President Gordon B. Hinckley 

"Most people in trouble end up crying, 'What was I thinking?' Well, whatever they were thinking, they weren't thinking of Christ. Yet, as members of His Church, we pledge every Sunday of our lives to take upon ourselves His name and promise to 'always remember him' (D&C 20:77). So let us work a little harder at remembering Him."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“A wise man once said, “Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind.” Whether it governs in a positive way or a negative way is determined by what it brings onto the stage of your mind. If you can say that a song is spiritually inspiring or that it urges you to see yourself in a more noble perspective, the music is worthwhile. If it merely entertains or lifts your spirits, then it also has a useful place. But if it makes you want to respond in a carnal, sensual way or to consider unrighteous desires, then that music should be avoided. It is not worthy.”

- President Boyd K. Packer

“Moral discipline is learned at home. While we cannot control what others may or may not do, the Latter-day Saints can certainly stand with those who demonstrate virtue in their own lives and inculcate virtue in the rising generation. . . . Our teaching should draw upon our own faith and focus first and foremost on instilling faith in God in the rising generation. We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness, or in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority.”

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."
            - President Thomas S. Monson

“By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott

“Let us all improve our personal behavior and redouble our efforts to protect our loved ones and our environment from the onslaught of pornography.”

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“With this priesthood comes a great obligation to be worthy of it.”

- President Gordon B. Hinckley 

“In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father,” President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said. “The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt ‘the great plan of redemption,’ ‘the great plan of happiness.’”

- President Boyd K. Packer

Priesthood

The Holy Priesthood is the greatest power that has ever existed.  It is the great power and authority that God trusts us with and expects us to be worthy of.  Many blessings come from the Priesthood and we are very fortunate to have them.  We are able to receive all of the sacred ordinances necessary for salvation in the glorious Celestial Kingdom.  We can be spiritually and physically healed by the blessings of the priesthood to achieve God’s plan.  There is no greater blessing than the Priesthood and we should always remember that it is there to help and guide us.

"I bear witness of the power of the priesthood given to the Church to protect us and guide us. And because we have that, we have no fear of the future. Fear is the opposite of faith. We move forward, certain that the Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family."

- President Boyd K. Packer

"Some suppose that the organization was handed to the Prophet Joseph Smith like a set of plans and specifications for a building, with all of the details known at the beginning. But it did not come that way. Rather, it came a piece at a time as the Brethren were ready and as they inquired of God."

- President Boyd K. Packer

The priesthood of God with its keys, it ordinances, its divine origin and ability to bind in heaven what is bound on earth, is as indispensable to the true Church of God as it is unique to it and . . . without it there would be no Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

We must . . . know for ourselves that the Lord restored His Church and the priesthood keys through the Prophet Joseph Smith. And we must have an assurance through the Holy Ghost, refreshed often, that those keys have been passed without interruption to the living prophet and that the Lord blesses and directs His people through the line of priesthood keys which reaches down through presidents of stakes and of districts and through bishops and branch presidents to us, wherever we are and no matter how far from the prophet and the apostles.”

- President Henry B. Eyring

"While the Apostles hold all of the priesthood keys, all leaders and members alike may receive personal revelation. Indeed, they are expected to seek it through prayer and to act on it by faith.

" 'For through him we . . . have access by one Spirit unto the Father' (Ephesians 2:18)."

- President Boyd K. Packer

“Although we know of many cases where persons blessed by priesthood authority have been healed, we rarely refer to these healings in public meetings because modern revelation cautions us not to ‘boast [ourselves] of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation’ (D&C 84:73).”

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

There is no other relationship quite like that which can and should exist between a boy and his dad. It can be one of the most nurturing, joyful relationships in life, one that can have a profound impact on who boys become and also on who dads become.”

- M. Russell Ballard

“The priesthood of God gives light to his children in this dark and troubled world. Through priesthood power we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to lead us to truth, testimony, and revelation. This gift is available on an equal basis to men, women, and children. Through the blessings of the priesthood, we can be equipped with ‘the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil’ (see Eph. 6:11–18). This protection is available to every one of us.”

- Robert D. Hales

"The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others."

- President Thomas S. Monson

"We who have been ordained to the priesthood of God can make a difference. When we qualify for the help of the Lord, we can build boys, we can mend men, we can accomplish miracles in His holy service. Our opportunities are without limit."

                 - President Thomas S. Monson

Agency

        We are free to act and we must act accordingly to God’s plan to achieve our full potential. Everyone can use their agency however they want. We can choose to say our prayers morning and night or not. We can choose to follow the commandment or not follow the commandment. The choices we make depend on how serious we are about inheriting the Celestial Kingdom and being all that we can be on this earth life. If we really want to strive to give our all, we have that choice. When Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, they gave us the ability to know right from wrong. Now we use that ability in our agency. 

“Agency "our power to choose" is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress (compare Alma 42:8). He will bless us to endure the consequences of others choices, but He will not prevent those choices."

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"As we learn in [the] scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God. . . .

- Elder David A. Bednar

Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, Thou shalt not covet (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. . . . If our family does not have everything the neighbors have, . . . we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually.

- Elder Robert D. Hales

"Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."

- Elder David A. Bednar

"The way to exaltation is not a freeway featuring unlimited vision, unrestricted speeds, and untested skills. Rather, it is known by many forks and turnings, sharp curves, and controlled speeds. Our driving ability is being put to the test. Are we ready? We’re driving. We haven’t passed this way before. Fortunately, the Master Highway Builder, even our Heavenly Father, has provided a road map showing the route to follow. He has placed markers along the way to guide us to our destination."

- President Thomas S. Monson

"You are to do the choosing here and now during this exciting and wonderful time on earth. Moral agency, the freedom to choose, is certainly one of God's greatest gifts next to life itself. We have the honorable right to choose; therefore, we need to choose the right. This is not always easy."

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"You live in a time of great challenges and opportunities. As spirit sons of heavenly parents, you are free to make the right choices. This requires hard work, self-discipline, and an optimistic outlook, which will bring joy and freedom into your life now and in the future."

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation."

- Elder David A. Bednar

"There is an unlimited supply of good music in the world. Thus our biggest challenge is to choose wisely what we listen to and what we watch."

- M. Russell Ballard

"Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes."

                 - Richard G. Scott 

Enduring to the End

        Everybody has trials in their lives. We are meant to have them. They are necessary tests in this life. If we are able to overcome them, we will be blessed and closer to being able to inherit the kingdom of God. No matter what pains or afflictions we may face, Christ will always be there for us. Our Earth life is only a small portion of our whole existence; yet so important. The choices we make here on earth will determine where we go after this life. Endure to the end and you will be able to inherit the Kingdom of God. 

“The certainties of the gospel, the truth, once you understand it, will see you through these difficult times.” 
                - President Packer

“Even when you feel the truth of [the] capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet Joseph Smith cried out in agony in a dungeon:

“ ‘O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?’(D&C 121:1–2). . . .

“The Lord’s reply has helped me and can encourage us all in times of darkness. Here it is: ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes’ (D&C 121:7–8).”
                - President Henry B. Eyring

"Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God." 
                -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“Jesus Christ lives, knows us, watches over us, and cares for us. In moments of pain, loneliness, or confusion, we do not need to see Jesus Christ to know that He is aware of our circumstances and that His mission is to bless.” 
                - President Eyring

"'Jesus Christ is the light and the life of the world.' As we fix our gaze on His teachings, we will be guided to the harbor of spiritual safety." 
                - President Packer

"Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God...Therefore, enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life's difficult circumstances or "hanging in there." Ours is an active religion, helping God's children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day...Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God." 
                - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”
                - Elder Robert D. Hales

"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it."
                - President Thomas S. Monson

"We are all subject to sorrow and suffering, to disease and death. Through times good and bad, the Lord expects each of us to endure to the end. As we all go forward together in His sacred work, the Brethren realize the importance of your thoughtful consideration, so lovingly offered and gratefully received. We love you and pray for you, as you pray for us."
                - Elder Russell M. Nelson

"When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
                - Elder David A. Bednar

Personal Revelation

          Personal revelation is something given to us by our Heavenly Father. He knows us best and knows what is best for us. Pray and you will receive answers to your questions. The answers you receive may not always come right away or be the answer you want. However, it is important to pay attention to how you feel. If you feel it is right, then proceed. If you feel it is wrong, then change. As you seek revelation, pray in faith. You must have faith in order to receive revelation. Have enough faith to submit your will to God. 

“Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed—the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny.”

          - President Monson

“Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work.”

          - Elder Bednar

“Faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth.”

          - Joseph Smith

“As one's will is increasingly submissive to the will of God, he can receive inspiration and revelation so much needed to help meet the trials of life. In the trying and very defining Isaac episode, faithful Abraham staggered not . . . through unbelief.”

          - Elder Maxwell 

"Every Latter-day Saint may merit personal revelation. The invitation to ask, seek, and knock for divine direction exists because God lives and Jesus is the living Christ."

          - Russell M. Nelson

“To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to ‘ask with a sincere heart [and] real intent, having faith in [Jesus] Christ’ (Moroni 10:4). ‘Real intent’ means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given.”

          - Elder Russell M. Nelson

"The Holy Ghost is the messenger for the Father and the Son and the teacher of and guide to all truth (see John 14:26; 16:13). Thus, 'by the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things' (Moroni 10:5).

"The knowledge and spiritual conviction we receive from the Holy Ghost are the result of revelation."  

          - Elder David A. Bednar

“Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law. It never contradicts His doctrine.”

           - Elder Russell M. Nelson

“We need to embrace, study, and appreciate the revealed truths that are ours. We need to declare the gospel generously and kindly to all of our Father's children.”

          - M. Russell Ballard 

"Each of us should be careful that the current flood of information does not occupy our time so completely that we cannot focus on and hear and heed the still, small voice that is available to guide each of us with outgrown challenges today."

          - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Now the Lord would give us gift. He will quicken our minds. He will give us ... a knowledge that will be so deeply rooted in our souls that [it] can never be rooted out, if we will just seek for the light ... and the understanding which is promised to us, and which we can receive if we will only be true and faithful to every covenant and obligation pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ."
          - President Joseph Fielding Smith

Faith

        Personal revelation is something given to us by our Heavenly Father. He knows us best and knows what is best for us. Pray and you will receive answers to your questions. The answers you receive may not always come right away or be the answer you want. However, it is important to pay attention to how you feel. If you feel it is right, then proceed. If you feel it is wrong, then change. As you seek revelation, pray in faith. You must have faith in order to receive revelation. Have enough faith to submit your will to God. 

"Faith and knowledge require equal effort and commitment. We cannot expect to have faith at the center of our lives if all of our efforts are expended on knowledge, sports, hobbies, making money, or other pursuits."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook

“Take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received.”

- President Monson

“We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

- Elder Oaks

"Challenges, difficulties, question, doubts these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, 'Be not afraid, only believe' (Mark 5:36)."

- Elder Neil L. Anderson

"As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust."

- Elder Oaks

"Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words 'Thy will be done' is not enough. Each of us needs God's help in surrendering our will to Him."

- Elder David A. Bednar

"For each of you to receive revelation unique to your own needs and responsibilities, certain guidelines prevail. The Lord asks you to develop 'faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God.' Then with your firm 'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence,' you may ask, and you will receive; you may knock, and it will be opened unto you."

- Elder Russell M. Nelson

"I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children's battles, and [the battles of our] children's children' (D&C 98:37; emphasis added). And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. [Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final."

- President Thomas S. Monson

"Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith."

- President Boyd K. Packer

Marriage

           Eternal marriage is the most sacred ordinance we will ever perform in our lives.  It is a blessing and a responsibility that our Heavenly Father gives us here on earth to prepare us for the eternities.  Marriage is something that we should honor, respect, and always put first.  We should love and cherish our spouses everyday of our lives and treat them as royalty.  The adversary is very adiment about destroying marriages, but we must be strong and do everything we can to preserve this three way bond between us, our spouse and our Heavenly Father.

"I am confident that when, in our future, I see her again beyond the veil, we will recognize that we have become even more deeply in love. We will appreciate each other even more, having spent this time separated by the veil.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott

"It was He who said: “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh."

- Elder Russell M. Nelson

"I give counsel to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion's joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion."

- President Henry B. Eyring

"Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God (see Matt. 19:6)."

- Elder Russell M. Nelson

"Men and women joined together in marriage need to work together as a full partnership. However, a full and equal partnership between men and women does not imply the roles played by the two sexes are the same in God's grand design for His children. As the proclamation clearly states, men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles."

- M. Russell Ballard 

"Marriage provides shelter for the child who enters mortality innocent and helpless. Marriage ensures security and happiness for parents as well."

- President Boyd K. Packer

"How we use our time and keep our lives in balance is fundamental to how we will perform our family duties and our Church service. Discipline yourself to follow the prophet's counsel on how you prioritize the use of your time.

"Begin by discussing with your eternal companion how much time you need together to strengthen your marriage, to demonstrate the love you have for each other. That is your first priority."

- Elder L. Tom Perry

"Men and women joined together in marriage need to work together as a full partnership. However, a full and equal partnership between men and women does not imply the roles played by the two sexes are the same in God's grand design for His children. As the proclamation clearly states, men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard 

“I give counsel to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion.”

- President Henry B. Eyring

"Don't treasure up past wrongs, reprocessing them again and again. In a marriage relationship, festering is destructive; forgiving is divine (see D&C 64:9-10). Plead for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord to forgive wrongs . . . , to overcome faults, and to strengthen relationships." 

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"If we live in such a way that the consideration of eternity press upon us, we will make better decisions..."
- President Spencer W. Kimball

Families

          I think that God allowed us to have families on this earth because they truly bring us happiness. Without a family, I would feel so alone. I believe families can come in all form. If you don’t have a family that consists of a mom and a dad and brothers and sisters, they can be anyone who truly cares about and loves you. Families get you through hard times and they make life enjoyable. They provide security. Families are central to the Creator’s plan. They can be together forever. We are meant to have families. If we remain true to the ordinances of the temple, we can be with our families forever.  

“In these last days it is essential- even critical- that parents and children listen to and learn from one another.”

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

“The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been. Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences.”

- Elder L. Tom Perry

“I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.”

- Elder L. Tom Perry

"Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when the spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great scriptures goes down into their heart like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts."

- Elder Neil L. Anderson

"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

- President Boyd K. Packer

"Let us open wide the windows of our hearts, that each family member may feel welcome and 'at home.' Let us open also the doors of our very souls, that the dear Christ may enter. Remember His promise: 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20)."

- President Thomas S. Monson

“We teach that God’s love for His children is infinite. Regardless of race, nationality, or gender, He loves all of them. He has done so from the beginning and will continue to do so. He invites all to gain eternal exaltation for their family.”

- Elder Russell M. Nelson 

“Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family 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 family.”

- President Henry B. Eyring

"If any of you are struggling with contention in your homes, you can change this. Talk with your family. Ask for their help. Tell them you don't want a contentious spirit in the home anymore and discuss what each family member can do to prevent it."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72)."

- President Thomas S. Monson

"May every spouse, every child, and every parent be blessed to communicate and receive love, to bear and be edified by strong testimony, and to become more consistent in the seemingly small things that matter so much.

"In these important pursuits we will never be left alone. Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live. They love us and know our circumstances, and they will help us to become more diligent and concerned at home."

                 - Elder David A. Bednar

Service

       I am the most happy when I give service. Giving service doesn't have to be a huge, extravagant event. It can be simple and random. Just simply listening to something a person has to say will make them feel special and important. Doing good to others is like doing good to our Savior. Why wouldn't that make you feel good too? Service is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. I feel better about myself when I give service to others. You can have charity for those who you serve. Service is love, kindness, honest and true. Service brings eternal blessing and provides opportunity to get to know and love other people.



"When we remember that each of us is literally a spirit son or daughter of God, we will not find it difficult to approach our Heavenly Father in prayer. He appreciates the value of this raw material which we call life. 'Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God' (D&C 18:10). His pronouncement inspires purpose in our lives."

          - President Thomas S. Monson

"Great thing are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands 'anxiously engaged in a good cause.'"

          - Elder M. Russell Ballad

"As we go about our daily lives, we discover countless opportunities to follow the example of the Savior. When our hearts are in tune with His teachings, we discover the unmistakable nearness of His divine help. It is almost as though we are on the Lord's errand; and we then discover that, when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help."

          - President Thomas S. Monson

"When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children."

          - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

"Help others in their race of life. Remember that when you help another up a mountain, you are a little nearer the top yourself."

          - President Thomas S. Monson

“My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.”

          - President Thomas S. Monson

“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”

          - President Thomas S. Monson

“It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires. . . . [But] ‘he who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity’ (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 588).”

          - Elder Dallin H. Oaks 

"May I share with you a formula that in my judgment will help you and help me to journey well through mortality... First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love."
           -Thomas S. Monson
"Salvation is an eternal goal we gain by a process of constant upward change. Doubt is spiritual poison that stunts eternal growth. We must first feel our way before we can see it with any clarity. We prove ourselves by making numerous correct decisions without being absolutely sure; then comes a greater knowledge and assurance, not before. Happiness is created. Love is its center. Its principal ingredients are sincere faith, true repentance, full obedience, and selfless service."
          - Elder Richard G. Scott

My Testimony

I am so very thankful to be a member of this church. So my trials and hardships are comforted by knowing the truths that are found within this church. I have testimony of prayer. I know that if we come to God with any question, He will answer it. Maybe not it the way we expect, but He will answer it. I know that often times, when I have prayed to get an answer, I don’t a real yes or no answer; it is more of a feeling of love and warmth and complete peace. I also have a testimony of temples, not just for the sacred covenants and ordinances we make in them but for the feelings I get when I attend the temple. I know that I can go to the temple feeling extremely overwhelmed and walk in and come out feeling whole and at peace. I know that the temple can give you answers to your prayers. Being there brings us one step closer to our Heavenly Father. I also have a testimony of priesthood blessings. Every year before we go to school, our dad gives us our Back to School Father’s Blessings. I love these because they are so special and of course, my dad and I cry the entire time. I am my father’s daughter. I know these blessings are from God. Right before I went to school last fall, I received one from my dad. It was perfect. I don’t know if he knows this but he said exactly what I needed to hear. I know that God does speak to us through other people. Our loving Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. I know that he places people in our lives at certain times for specific reasons. They teach us something new and help us grow. I am so grateful for the Atonement in my life. I know that I can turn to my Savior for anything. He has felt every feeling that I have ever felt. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. I can hear the truth that he speaks in his powerful voice. I know this church is true, without a doubt, I know that it is true. I know that families can be together forever. We are blessed with that promise through the temple. Temples are where families are made and I am grateful to know that I will be with mine for eternity.