Knowledge

“The study of doctrine and the teaching of doctrine will change behavior more than the study of behavior will change behavior.” (Boyd K. Packer,  http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/193167.Boyd_K_Packer)


"Why worry about education? Because learning is how we prepare to serve both now and in eternity." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"The thirst for education can be a blessing or a curse, depending on our motives. If we continue to seek learning to serve God and His children better, it is a blessing of great worth. If we seek learning to exalt ourselves alone, it leads to selfishness and pride." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"The Lord and His Church have always encouraged education to increase our ability to serve Him and our Heavenly Father's children. For each of us, whatever our talents, He has service for us to give. And to do it well always involves learning, not once or for a limited time, but continually." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And we will need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. We cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark." (President Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"The basic gospel principles need to be part of our life's fabric, even if it means learning them over and over again...When we teach the foundational principles in our homes or in church, let the flame of enthusiasm for the gospel and the fire of testimony bring light, warmth, and joy to the hearts of those we teach." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Why of the Priesthood Service," April 2012 General Priesthood Conference)


"May we remember our responsibility to carry the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God's children. And may we, through our provident living, teach others to emulate the examples of our pioneer forefathers in lifting themselves up by their own bootstraps, to trust in the light of hope, and to seek the light of knowledge that will ultimately lead them to spiritual and economic self-reliance." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU address given March 11, 2004, "Becoming Self-Reliant - Spiritually and Physically")

“The Prophet Joseph Smith provided an important guideline about pondering and reflecting upon the scriptures. He taught: ‘I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable?’ (History of the Church, 5:261). Thus, striving to understand the question that preceded a particular revelation, parable, or episode can assist us in obtaining a deeper understanding of the scriptures” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,” New Era, Apr. 2006, 6).

"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." (Quentin L Cook, September 2008 New Era, "Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge")

“As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We then will see evil for what it is.” (Neil L Andersen, April 2005 General Conference, "Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes")

Prayer

“Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with ‘Thy will be done’ (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).” (President Boyd K. Packer, http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/193167.Boyd_K_Packer)


"If you will go to Him in prayer and ask what He would have you do next, promising that you will put His kingdom first, He will answer your prayer and He will keep His promise to add upon your head blessings, enough and to spare. Those apparent prison walls of 'not enough time' will begin to recede, even as you are called to do more." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"Ask God, our Heavenly Father, to enlighten your mind and touch your heart. Plead with God for guidance in your daily lives, in your Church responsibilities, and in your specific challenges at this time. Follow the promptings of the Spirit - don not delay. If you do all this, I promise that the Lord will not leave you to walk alone." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Why of Priesthood Service," April 2012 General Priesthood Conference)

"One of the great lessons that each of us needs to learn is to ask. Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is how revelation is received." (Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2012 General Conference, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life")


"Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. As you follow the principles I have discussed, you will be prepared to recognize revelation at critical times in your own life." (Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2012 General Conference, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life")


“A prominent judge was asked what we, as citizens of the countries of the world, could do to reduce crime and disobedience to law and to bring peace and contentment into our lives and into our nations. He thoughtfully replied, ‘I would suggest a return to the old-fashioned practice of family prayer.’” 
(President Thomas S. Monson,  “Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 65.) 




“Our Heavenly Father has placed an upward reach in every one of us. The words of scripture speak loud and clear: ‘Look to God and live’ (Alma 37:47). No problem is too small for His attention nor so large that He cannot answer the prayer of faith. Prayer surely is the passport to spiritual power. You can pray with purpose when you realize who you are and what Heavenly Father wants you to become. You will not find it difficult to approach Him with your sincere prayer as you remember the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?’ (1 Cor. 3:16).” 
(President Thomas S. Monson,  “Your Celestial Journey,” Ensign, May 1999, 96.) 


"He will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened. His pattern causes you to grow." (Elder Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer")


"A key to improve your prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it." (Elder Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer")

"There is great power in prayer. I strongly encourage personal and family prayer, which are important in building strong families. . . . I'm wondering if many of you parents, you couples, have lost that essential moment of kneeling together at the end of the day, just the two of you, holding hands and saying your prayers. If that has slipped away from your daily routine, may I suggest you put it back—beginning tonight!" (M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 33

Family

"Our children are in our homes for a limited time. If we wait until they walk out the door to turn over to them the reins of their moral agency, we have waited too long. They will not suddenly develop the ability to make wise decisions if they have never been free to make any important decisions while in our homes...Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. They provide opportunities for growth as children acquire the spiritual maturity to exercise their agency properly. And yes, this means children will sometimes make mistakes and learn from them." (Elder Larry Y. Wilson, May 2012 Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 104, "Only the Principles of Righteousness")


"Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling - from which the will never be released - is to one another and then to their children." (President Boyd K. Packer, May 2012 Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 6 "And a Little Child Shall Lead Them")


"Too often someone comes to me and says, 'President Packer, wouldn't it be nice if...?' I usually stop them and say no, because I suspect that what follows will be a new activity or program that is going to add a burden of time and financial means on the family. Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families." (President Boyd K. Packer, May 2012 Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 9 "And a Little Child Shall Lead Them")


"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It's so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they're gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of "what if" and "if only." Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, 'The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")


“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, http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/193167.Boyd_K_Packer)


"Insisting that you have a picture-perfect family home evening each week - even though doing so makes you and everyone around you miserable - may not be the best choice. Instead, ask yourself, 'What could we do as a family that would be enjoyable and spiritual and bring us closer together?' That family home evening - though it may be modest in scope and execution - may have far more positive long -term results." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


"Work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it...Pray for guidance, for help, for direction, and then follow the whisperings of the Spirit to guide you in the most serious of all responsibilities, for the consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, November 2002 Liahona Magazine, "Each a Better Person" Elder Oaks quoted this in his talk, "Good, Better, Best")


"When children are born in wedlock and have both a mom and a dad, their opportunities and their likelihood of occupational success skyrocket. And when families work and play together, neighborhoods and communities flourish, economies improve, and less government and fewer costly safety nets are required." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found")


"Organize your personal lives to provide time for prayer and scriptures and family activity. Give your children responsibilities in the home that will teach them how to work. Teach them that living the gospel will lead them away from the filth, promiscuity, and violence of the Internet, media, and video games. They will not be lost, and they will be prepared to handle responsibility when it is thrust upon them." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found")


"We need to do things in the right order! Marriage first and then family. Too many in the world have forgotten this natural order of things and think they can change it or even reverse it. Remove any of your fear with faith. Trust the power of God to guide you." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found")


"No career can bring you as much fulfillment as rearing a family" (Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found")

Forgiveness/Love

"The Savior said, 'I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive...of you it is required to forgive all men.' When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, than includes forgiving ourselves. Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive - as well perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness - is the person looking back at us in the mirror." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, May 2012 Ensign [General Conference Edition] pg. 75, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy")


"Stop it! It's that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don't know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw...the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It reads, "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you."(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, May 2012 Ensign [General Conference Edition] pg. 75, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy")

“Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, ‘They do not love that do not show their love.’ We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.” (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")


"Discipline is a form of love, an expression of it. It is necessary and powerful in people's lives. When a toddler is playing near a road, we steer carefully around him. Few will stop and see him to safety [and,] if necessary, discipline him. That is unless to is our own child or grandchild. If we love them enough, we will do it. To withhold discipline when it would contribute to spiritual growth is evidence of lack of love and concern." (President Boyd K Packer, February 2011 Liahona, "Strengthening the Less Active")


“The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: ‘He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.’” 
(President Thomas S. Monson, Hidden Wedges, Ensign, May. 2002, 19.) 


"Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations. We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in. As a result, the Spirit of the Lord will fill our souls with the joy accompanying divine peace of conscience."
(Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Point of Safe Return", May 2007 Ensign)

“We consume such precious emotional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously to the memory of a discordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history that proved no more or less than that mortals will always struggle to measure up to the immortal hopes placed before them. Even if one of the grievances did not originate with you, it can end with you. And what a reward there will be for that contribution when the Lord of the vineyard looks you in the eye and accounts are settled at the end of our earthly day.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2012 General Conference, "The Laborers in the Vineyard")

"Coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2012 General Conference, "The Laborers in the Vineyard")

“Throughout our lives, whether in times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we may hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide. At these times we should strive to come to ourselves and come back into the light of our Savior’s love.” (Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2012 General Conference, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service")

"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. 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 (see 1 Ne. 1:20)." (Elder David A. Bednar, April 2005 General Conference, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord")

Gratitude

"Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings. Said one well-known author: 'Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present - love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness] - the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.'" (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")


"If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")


Be wise. Develop the skill of learning by what you see and particularly by what the Holy Ghost prompts you to feel. ...Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. ...Express gratitude for the help received and obey it. ...It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


“Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.” 
( President Thomas S Monson, “In Search of Treasure,” Ensign, May 2003, 20.) 

“Regardless of our trials, with the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we did not appreciate our blessings. Despite the obvious nature of the hardships the pioneers were experiencing, President Brigham Young talked about the significance of gratitude. He stated, ‘I do not know of any, excepting the unpardonable sin, that is greater than the sin of ingratitude.’” (Elder Quentin L. Cook, October 2008 General Conference, "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time")

“Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. We have seen our beaches, our parks, our forests littered with ugly refuse by those who evidently have no appreciation for their beauty.” 

(Gordon B. Hinckley,  "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,’” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 2)

“Age and illness can test the best of us. My friend served as our bishop when my daughters were still at home. . . .

“I visited him in his home from time to time to thank him and to give him priesthood blessings. His health began a slow decline. I can’t remember all the ailments he suffered. . . . He was in constant pain. Yet every time I visited to give him comfort, he turned the tables; I was always the one comforted. His back and legs forced him to use a cane to walk. Yet there he was in church, always sitting near the door, where he could greet those arriving early, with a smile.”

(Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 26)

“A happy home is but an earlier heaven. President George Albert Smith asked, ‘Do we want our homes to be happy? If we do, let them be the abiding place of prayer, thanksgiving and gratitude’ (in Conference Report, Apr. 1944, p. 32.)” 

(Thomas S. Monson, “Precious Children—A Gift from God,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 68)

"One of the evils of our time is taking for granted so many of the things we enjoy. This was spoken of by the Lord: 'For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?' (D&C 88:33). The Apostle Paul described our day to Timothy when he wrote that in the last days 'men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy' (2 Tim. 3:2). These sins are fellow travelers, and ingratitude makes one susceptible to all of them."

(James E. Faust, "Gratitude As a Saving Principle," Ensign, Dec. 1996, 2)

Temples

"The promised blessings of the temple extend not only to you but to all generations. As you make the temple your goal, your influence for good will transcend time and place, and the work you perform for those who have gone before will be the fulfillment of prophecy!" (Sister Elaine S. Dalton, general president of the Young Women, 2012 May Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 125, "Now Is the Time to Arise and Shine!")


"Temple mirrors of eternity remind us that each human being has “divine nature and destiny”; that “sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally”; and that, growing together in love and faithfulness, we can give children roots and wings."(Gerrit W. Gong, Quorum of the Seventy, "Temple Mirrors of Eternity: A Testimony of Family", October 2010 General Conference)

"The temple is truly a place where you are 'in the world and not of the world.' When you are troubled and have crucial decisions that weigh heavily on your mind and soul, you can take your cares to the temple and receive spiritual guidance." (Elder Robert D. Hales, "Blessings of the Temple", October 2009 Ensign Magazine)

"The temple is a sacred edifice, a holy place, where essential saving ceremonies and ordinances are performed to prepare us for exaltation. It is important that we gain a sure knowledge that our preparation to enter the holy house and that our participation in these ceremonies and covenants are some of the most significant events we will experience in our mortal lives."  (Elder Robert D. Hales, "Blessings of the Temple, " October 2009 Ensign Magazine)

"I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple." (Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2009 General Conference, "Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need")


"In addition to temples, surely another holy place on earth ought to be our homes. The feelings of holiness in my home prepared me for feelings of holiness in the temple." (Elder James E. Faust, www.ldschurchtemples.com)

"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, www.ldschurchtemples.com)

"At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can 'see' things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known." (Elder Boyd K. Packer, www.ldschurchtemples.com)

“Worthiness to hold a temple recommend gives us the strength to keep our temple covenant. How do we personally gain that strength? We strive to obtain a testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the reality of the Atonement, and the truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration. We sustain our leaders, treat our families with kindness, stand as a witness of the Lord’s true Church, attend our Church meetings, honor our covenants, fulfill parental obligations, and live a virtuous life. You may say that sounds like just being a faithful Latter-day Saint! You are right. The standard for temple recommend holders is not too high for us to achieve. It is simply to faithfully live the gospel and follow the prophets.” (Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2012 General Conference, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service")

"In addition to temples, surely another holy place on earth ought to be our homes. The feelings of holiness in my home prepared me for feelings of holiness in the temple."

(James E. Faust, "Standing in Holy Places," Ensign, May 2005, 67)

Missionary Work

"Those who have planted the good word of God have served faithfully invariably have awakened in them a great desire for self-improvement. And with that comes a desire to learn more and to gain greater skills." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"Every missionary experience requires faith, sacrifice, and service, and these are always followed by an outpouring of blessings." (Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2005 General Conference, "Couple Missionaries: Blessings from Sacrifice and Service")


"To prepare to become a missionary...you can begin to think as missionaries think, to read what missionaries read, to pray as missionaries pray, and to feel what missionaries feel. You can avoid the worldly influences that cause the Holy Ghost to withdraw, and you can grow in confidence in recognizing and responding to spiritual promptings. Line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, you can gradually become the missionary you hope to be and the missionary the Savior expects." (Elder David A. Bednar, "Becoming a Missionary", October 2005 General Conference)


"Now, some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to the call to serve. Remember that this is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it." (President Thomas S. Monson, "The Lord Needs Missionaries," The Liahona Magazine)


"All of us who lead in the wards and stakes must open the door to the lost sheep; stand aside to let them through. We must learn not to block the entrance. It is a narrow way. Sometimes we assume the clumsy posture of trying to pull them through the gate that we ourselves are blocking. Only when we have the spirit of lifting them, pushing them before us, seeing them elevated above us, do we have that spirit that will engender a testimony." (President Boyd K Packer, February 2011 Liahona, "Strengthening the Less Active")


"Member missionaries - both you and I - are the shepherds, and the full-time missionaries, like the search and rescue team, are trying to do something almost impossible for them to do alone. Certainly the full-time missionaries will continue to do the best they can, but wouldn't it be better if you and I stepped up to do a job that is rightfully ours and for which we are better suited since we know personally those who are lost and need to be rescued?" (Elder L Tom Perry, April 2009 General Conference, "Bring Souls unto Me")


"When nonmembers interact with faithful members of the Church over an extended period of time or are exposed to clear and accurate information regarding Church beliefs and doctrines, their attitudes become positive and open." (Elder L Tom Perry, April 2009 General Conference, "Bring Souls unto Me")


"Most of our full-time missionaries spend more of their time trying to find people rather than teaching them...If you and I did more of the finding for the full-time missionaries and freed them up to spend more time teaching the people we find, great things would begin to happen. We're missing a golden opportunity to grow the Church when we wait for our full-time missionaries to warn our neighbors instead of us doing it ourselves." (Elder L Tom Perry, April 2009 General Conference, "Bring Souls unto Me")


"Scripture tells us that 'there are many yet on the earth...who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.' Isn't that your opportunity? You can become their own disciple of discovery!" (Elder Russell M. Nelson, October 2010 General Conference, "Be THou an Example of the Believers")


"From time to time we need to remind ourselves why we have missionaries. It is because of a commandment from the Lord, 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' This commandment is one of many that have been renewed because the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness. Missionaries serve now just as they did in New Testament times." (Elder Russell M. Nelson, October 2010 General Conference, "Be THou an Example of the Believers")

Service

"Each day we have the opportunity to give help and service—doing the right thing at the right time, without delay. Think of the many people who have a difficult time obtaining a job or who are ill, who feel lonely, who even think that they have lost everything. What can you do to help? Imagine that a neighbor, caught out in the rain with his car broken down, calls you for assistance. What is the right thing to do for him? When is the right time to do it?" (Jose L. Alonso of the Seventy, October 2011 General Conference, "Doing the Right thing at the Right Time, Without Delay ")


"Let us have ready hands, clean hands, and willing hands, that we may participate in providing what our Heavenly Father would have others receive from Him." (President Thomas S. Monson, May 2012 Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 67, "Willing and Worthy to Serve)


"At times the wisdom of God appears as being foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks, and a man obeys, that man will always be right...I slept and dreamt, That life was joy, I awoke and saw, That life was duty, I acted and behold, Duty was joy." (President Thomas S. Monson, May 2012 Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 67, "Willing and Worthy to Serve")

"Let us do whatever is required to qualify for the Holy Ghost as our companion, and then let us go forward fearlessly so that we will be given the powers to do whatever the Lord calls us to do. That growth in power to serve may come slowly, it may come in small steps that are difficult for you to see, but it will come." (President Henry B. Eyring, October 2010 General Priesthood Conference, "Serve with the Spirit")

"Activity - the opportunity to serve and bear testimony - is like medicine. It will heal the spiritually sick. It will strengthen the spiritually weak. It is most necessary ingredient in the redemption of the lost sheep. Yet there is a tendency, almost a programmed tendency, to give opportunities for growth to those who are already over-surfeited with activity. This kind of pattern, evident in our stakes and wards, may keep the lost sheep out." (President Boyd K Packer, February 2011 Liahona, "Strengthening the Less Active")

"We may be relatively small in number, but as members of this Church we can reach across these widening gaps. We know the power of Christ-centered service that brings together God's children regardless of their spiritual or their economic status." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found")

"Day-to-day acts of service, whether for good or evil, may not seem important, but they are building cords of love that become so strong they can seldom be broken. Ours is to place our areas of love in proper perspective. Meaningful love always works for our eternal progress and not against it."
(Marvin J. Ashton, "We Serve That Which We Love", Ensign, May 1981, 22)

“Whether we are young or old, what we do today determines the service we will be able to render and enjoy tomorrow. As the poet reminds us, ‘Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: It might have been!’ Let us not live our lives in regret of what we did or did not do!” (Elder Robert D. Hales, April 2012 General Conference, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service")

“When our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, was asked on his birthday this past August what would be the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him, he said without a moment’s hesitation, ‘Find someone who is having a hard time,…and do something for them.’” (Elder Quentin L. Cook, October 2008 General Conference, "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time")

“It is while serving others that the Lord increases and builds our capacities. On so many occasions, as I have felt inadequate in the calling before me, I have felt the Lord’s generosity in lifting and strengthening me. It is that knowledge that sustains me now as I contemplate this new and humbling opportunity.” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, http://gapages.com/andernl1.htm)

Divine Potential/Self Worth

"Believe that you are a daughter of Heavenly Father, that He loves you, and that you are here for a glorious purpose...Let your code of conduct emphasize not 'What will others think?' but rather 'What will I think of myself?' Be influenced by that still small voice..." (President Thomas S. Monson, 2012 May Ensign [Conference Issue] pgs. 127 &129, "Believe, Obey, and Endure")

"The toy boats of childhood had no keel for stability, no rudder to provide direction, and no source of power. Inevitably, their destination was downstream - the path of least resistance. Unlike toy boats, we have been provided divine attributes to guide our journey. We enter mortality not to float with the moving currents of life but with the power to think, to reason, and to achieve." (President Thomas S. Monson, 2012 May Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 92, "The Race of Life")


"When we emulate Him and do the things we see Him do, we begin to see a vision of what we can become. You will be blessed with insight through the help of the Holy Ghost to do more good. Changes will begin to come, and you will bring a different order to your life that will bless you and your family." (Elder O. Vincent Haleck, 2012 May Ensign [Conference Issue] pg. 102, "Having the Vision to Do")

"God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2011 General Conference, "You Matter to Him")

"Your life is carefully watched over...The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know to do it. You can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn...when you out the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder. You will recognize later that your power to serve was increased, and you will be grateful." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It's wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your moral experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strength, but He knows that this is a long term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It's OK that you're not quite there yet." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


"Be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family relationships, your education and livelihood, your Church participation and personal improvement. Like the forget-me-nots, these successes may seem tiny to you and they may go unnoticed by others, but God notices them and they are not small to Him." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


"If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us. This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. BUt don't close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day's ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)

"Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


"Every person must know that he or she is a child of God and is loved by Him. People need to realize that regardless of their circumstances, as desperate as those may be, they are entitled to the Light of Christ in their lives. From Moroni we learn, 'The Spirit of Christ is given to every man' (Moroni 7:16) The promise is that every son and daughter of God can find, through the Spirit, answers to the challenges in their lives, including how to become more self-reliant." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU address given March 11, 2004, "Becoming Self-Reliant - Spiritually and Physically")

“May I plead with us not to be hurt – and certainly not to feel envious – when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2012 General Conference, "The Laborers in the Vineyard")

"To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen. 'Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men' (D&C 121:34-35)...God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit 'the chosen' to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God's chosen." (Elder David A. Bednar, April 2005 General Conference, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord")

Time Management

“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.” (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")

 “Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now…Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.” (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")

“Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey – now.” (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")

"Sometimes we feel that we must choose between spiritual and secular learning. That is a false conflict for most of us, particularly for the young. Before we have families, there is leisure time even in what is our busiest day. Too often we use many hours for fun and pleasure, saying, "I'm recharging my batteries." Those hours could be spent reading and studying to gain knowledge, skills, and culture...you need determination to capture the leisure moments you now waste." (President Henry B. Eyringf, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 14, "Real-Life Education)


"We all know it takes self-discipline to remain focused on the matters that have the greatest power to increase our love for God and fellowmen, invigorate marriages, strengthen families, and build the kingdom of God on earth. Like a fruit tree with an abundance of branches and leaves, our lives need regular pruning to insure that we use our energy and time to accomplish our real purpose - to "bring forth good fruit!" (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Why of Priesthood Service," April 2012 General Priesthood Conference)


"Ask yourselves, 'Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?' There are so many good things to do, but we can't do all of them. Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Sometimes, that may even mean nurturing small but beautiful forget-me-not flowers instead of a large garden of exotic blooms." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," October 2011 General Conference)


"We must remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and, still others are best...Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2007 General Conference, "Good, Better, Best")


This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now. (President Thomas S. Monson, October 2008 General Conference, "Finding Joy in the Journey")


"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father." (Elder L Tom Perry, Oct 2008 General Conference, "Let Him Do It With Simplicity")

"Everywhere people are in a hurry. Jet-powered aircraft speed their precious human cargo across broad continents and vast oceans so that business meetings might be attended, obligations met, vacations enjoyed, or families visited. Roadways everywhere—including freeways, thruways, and motorways—carry millions of automobiles, occupied by more millions of people, in a seemingly endless stream and for a multitude of reasons as we rush about the business of each day.

In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of meditation—even thoughts of timeless truths?" (Thomas S. Monson, April 2012 General Conference, "The Race of Life")