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")