“When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64–66

“I have cherished from childhood the truth that God is a personal being, and is, indeed, our Father whom we can approach in prayer and receive answers thereto. I cherish as one of the dearest experiences of life the knowledge that God hears the prayer of faith. It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 71

“To be in control of your life, to be a success regardless of your situation...I recommend you come to know your Father in Heaven. Come to love Him. Always remember that He loves you and will give you guidance and support if you will but give Him the chance. Include Him in your decision making. Include Him in your heartaches and heartbreaks. Include Him when you take inventory of your personal worth. ‘For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men [and women] to perform their labors.’ (Alma 34:32.)”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

“’What would Jesus do?’ or ‘What would He have me do?’ are the paramount personal questions of this life. Walking in His way is the greatest achievement of life. That man or woman is most truly successful whose life most closely parallels that of the Master.”

Ezra Taft Benson, New Era, Apr 1994, 4

“Let us remember...that greatness is not always a matter of the scale of one’s life, but of the quality of one’s life. True greatness is not always tied to the scope of our tasks, but to the quality of how we carry out our tasks whatever they are. In that attitude, let us give our time, ourselves, and our talents to the things that really matter now, things which will still matter a thousand years from now.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“When all is said and done, when all the legions of the ages have passed in review, when man’s terrible inhumanity to man has been chronicled, when God’s great love for His children has been measured, then above all stands the lone figure of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the living Son of the living God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

“President David O. McKay said: ‘True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendshipdeeds of service.’”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec 1998, 2 and prompts us to kind

“One of the things we can give at Christmas time, that no one else can give, is our thanks.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“It is proper during this season when we commemorate His birth that we remember the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. He has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has brought meaning to our mortal existence. He has given us the gift of eternal life.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

“Members of the Church, while joining with others in the celebration of this Christmas season, do not stop with accepting the reality of Jesus’ birth, but accept also the reality of his resurrection. We know that what Christ achieved did not end with the cross on Calvary, but continued through to the resurrection. One cannot be a true Christian and believe less.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“Several years ago just before Christmas, my niece, Shelly, grabbed her mom’s hand and, without explanation, led her into the privacy of the laundry room. ‘Mom,’ she asked in a serious whisper, ‘is it okay if I believe just one more year?’ Since that memorable happening, our family has established a family tradition. Each Christmas Eve, we gather together around the tree. With the lights low and the fire burning in the fireplace, we ask the question once again, the most important question of the year, ‘Is it okay if we believe one more year?’—not only believe in the traditions of childhood with Santa Claus and reindeer, but more importantly in the message of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we are celebrating. Do we believe in his mission, his atonement, his resurrection? Do we believe in his invitation to come and follow him? Of course we are not really committing ourselves for only a year. We are pledged to follow the Savior forever. But we live life a day, a week, a month, a year at a time, and Christmas is a season to focus on the year ahead and reconfirm our discipleship.”

Ardeth G. Kapp, New Era, Dec. 1988, 25

“In each of us there is at Christmastime something of our childhood. We all revel in the fun of Christmas—of giving and receiving tinseled presents, of singing favorite carols, of feasting on goodies we never miss at other seasons, of gathering together as family and friends, all having a wonderful time. But there is something else, something better, and that is to sit together as families and read again the fascinating story of the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem of Judea.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

“This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec 1998, 2

“My brothers and sisters, there is so much to be grateful for. I give my thanks to our Heavenly Father and to all of you. This is a time when we ponder our blessings and when we also prepare for the new year, for which we should make new resolves and set new personal goals... Please do the same within your families. Count your blessings, and express your gratitude to your eternal partners, to your children, and to your parents for all that they do.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

There’s Christmas in the home and church,
There’s Christmas in the mart;
But you’ll not know what Christmas is
Unless it’s in your heart.

The bells may call across the snow,
And carols search the air;
But, oh, the heart will miss the thrill
Unless it’s Christmas there.

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec 1998, 2

“Some experiences that we first thought to be burdens or trouble have long since been reclassified as blessings.”

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2003, 82

“’Follow me,’ the Savior said. And we realize that to follow him is not impossible. The miles which he traveled, each of us can travel, for he took them one step at a time, one journey at a time.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He ‘went about doing good.’ As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec 1998, 2

“Count what you do have—not what you don’t have.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

“As we contemplate...giving gifts now and in all seasons, let us remember that our Heavenly Father has given us the greatest of all gifts. ‘And, if ye keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.’ (D&C 14:7.) May God bless us with an increasing appreciation for that great gift, and may we witness our appreciation by giving ourselves wholly to his purposes.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“You may at last, when old and feeble, learn that the greatest mission of all is to strengthen your own family and the families of others, to seal the generations.”

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2003, 82

“At this Christmas season, we sing His praises and speak our words of faith and gratitude and love. It is His influence in our lives that stirs within us more kindness, more respect, more love, more concern. It is because of Him and His teachings that we reach out to those in trouble, distress, and need wherever they may be.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

“Truly, the only real gift is the gift of oneself.”

James M. Paramore, New Era, Dec. 1988, 24

“Not many years hence, Christ will come again. He will come in power and might as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And ultimately every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.”

Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Dec 1993, 2

“Even though events and circumstances in the world at times become discouraging, our task, not alone in the Christmas season but always, is to be of good cheer. The Lord so often counsels us to have cheerfulness in our lives. ‘And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.’ (D&C 61:36.)... The Lord will be in our midst, he will be with us and stand by us and lead us.”

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

“There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

“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 fulfil its essential functions.’ (Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72)”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64–66

“I remind you again that compromising and lowering standards and ideals never have been and never will be tools of happiness.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

“Said Jesus: ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ (Matthew 7:12.) May I remind us at this Christmas season that if only each of us would reflect occasionally on that Christ-given mandate and make an effort to observe it, this would be a different world.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, Dec 2007, 2–5

"If we live in a way that permits us to be more accepted of God, we should not be surprised if we are rejected by the world, or surprised if its ways seem more and more alien to us."

Spencer W. Kimball, Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

"Happiness.. .does not depend on obtaining all the desires of our hearts. In large measure, happiness depends on our ability to feel gratitude for the abundance we already have."

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

"The minute a man stops supplicating God for his spirit and directions just so soon he starts out to become a stranger to him and his works. When men stop praying for God's spirit, they place confidence in their own unaided reason, and they gradually lose the spirit of God, just the same as near and dear friends, by never writing to or visiting with each other, will become strangers. We should all pray that God may never leave us alone for a moment without his spirit to aid and assist us in withstanding sin and temptation."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

"Elder James E. Talmage once observed that 'God requires thanksgiving, praise and worship, not for His gratification as the recipient of adulation, but for the good of His children' (Sunday Night Talks by Radio, second edition, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1931, page 486). The good we receive by developing a thankful heart is immeasurable. It cultivates feelings of reverence for God and thereby opens our souls to the influence of the Holy Spirit. It allows us to find joy in the present time instead of in some future day when all our desires have been granted. A thankful heart allows us to face trials firm in the knowledge of Heavenly Father's love for us."

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

"There is no feeling that is more Godlike than that feeling of intense gratitude and thanksgiving to God that comes when we realize and feel that God has blessed us... We should cultivate that spirit and that disposition to so order our lives that we will ever have a feeling of gratitude and of thanksgiving in our hearts, and a desire to praise God for His goodness to us."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

"President Kimball said this about our need to express appreciation to our Heavenly Father: 'Too often we take blessings for granted, like the sun, the air, health, and opportunity. Or we accept favors, honors, and privileges day after day ., without a word of thanks. We would thank the person who gives us a seat in the bus, the person who offers a ride, the friend who picks up the check after dinner, the person who does the baby-sitting, or the boy who cuts our lawn, but do we express gratitude to Him who gives us all?' (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 202)."

The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part B, 303

"The revered Abraham Lincoln accurately described our plight: 'We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power. . But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

"Awareness is the first step in developing gratitude. Bishop Henry B. Eyring pointed out that if we count our blessings with faith, the Holy Ghost will often bring other blessings to mind (see Ensign, November 1989, page 13). Many of our greatest blessings have been part of our lives for so long that we may have forgotten they are gifts. How often, for instance, do we recall that our physical bodies are blessings we eagerly longed for as spirit children?"

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

"Gaining a knowledge of God's plan leads to many consequences, one of the more profound being an incredible sense of incurred debt to the God of this world, Jesus Christ. We serve out of a sense of gratitude to the Lord for the blessings He has provided us. Moreover, we must remember that the greatest blessing of all is that He suffered, bled, and died to fulfill the
great plan of happiness-a plan designed and executed for us, that we might return with Him into the presence of the Father."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

“Others are watching you often unannounced and they don’t want you to let them down. They’re counting on you and your example so they in turn can go forward and have an influence on other people. To do this, you must be honest with yourself.”

Marvin J. Ashton, Tambuli, Mar 1984, 23

"Immerse yourself in the scriptures. You will find your own experiences described there. You will find spirit and strength there. You will find solutions and counsel. Nephi says, 'The words of Christ will tell you all things what you should do.' (2 Nephi 32:3)."

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, September 2002

"In the quiet hours, in the heat of battle, and through the hazards of the day; in times of temptation, of sorrow, of peace and of blessing, let us pray always, both alone, and with our families gathered around us, with gratitude for the blessings of life, for understanding of its problems, and for strength to endure to the end."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

“My constant and earnest prayer … is that my mind may never become darkened, that I may never depart from the path of rectitude and right, but that as I grow in years I may increase in understanding, that the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God may burn in my heart and enlighten my understanding and keep me firm and faithful in serving my Heavenly Father.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

"As we view the disillusionment that engulfs countless thousands today, we are learning the hard way what an ancient prophet wrote out for us 3,000 years ago: 'He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase.' (Eccl. 5:10)"

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

"Have faith. 'Has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men.' (Moroni 7:35-37)"

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, September 2002

"Bernadine Healy, in a commencement address, gave this counsel: 'As a physician, who has been deeply privileged to share the most profound moments of people's lives including their final moments, let me tell you a secret. People facing death don't think about what degrees they have earned, what positions they have held, or how much wealth they have accumulated. At the end, what really matters is who you loved and who loved you. That circle of love is everything, and is a great measure of a past life. It is the gift of greatest worth.'"

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

"There are those who have met disaster, which almost seems defeat, who have become somewhat soured in their natures; but if they stop to think, even the adversity which has come to them may prove a means of spiritual uplift. Adversity itself may lead toward and not away from God and spiritual enlightenment; and privation may prove a source of strength if we can but keep the sweetness of mind and spirit"

David O. McKay as quoted by James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

"...The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts-what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts-what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32-34

"But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son."

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83-86

"As parents, we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, 'I want to follow my dad,' or 'I want to be like my mother'? Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

"Write down your blessings. Recording our blessings in a journal helps focus our minds on them and enables us to recall them later when we may have forgotten. Others, too, might benefit. President Spencer W. Kimball said, 'Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity' (Ensign, May 1978, page 77)."

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

"Let us never worry about the time it takes to learn of spiritual things. It is time well spent. It provides a foundation for secular learning. Indeed, the Lord will bless us if we trust in Him and learn about His eternal plan first. We are talking about a widening, not a narrowing, window of opportunity to learn if we attend to first things first."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

“As we have been continuously counseled for more than 60 years, let us have some food set aside that would sustain us for a time in case of need. But let us not panic nor go to extremes. Let us be prudent in every respect. And, above all, my brothers and sisters, let us move forward with faith in the Living God and His Beloved Son.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83–86

“Serve others. The heavenly paradox is that only in so doing can you save yourself.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, However Long and Hard the Road, September 2002

"We cannot call back time that is past, we cannot stop time that now is, and we cannot experience the future in our present state. Time is a gift, a treasure not to be put aside for the future but to be used wisely in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2000, 64-66

“I was sitting behind two teenage girls on a bus. One of them was upset because her parents couldn’t afford to buy a dress she had wanted. She didn’t really like her second choice. ‘Then Mom was upset because I didn’t say thank you,’ she complained. ‘I don’t know what she expected me to say thank you for!’ Ungrateful child, I thought. Not long after that, I began pondering the promise of ‘a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it’ (3 Ne. 24:10). Although I had been paying my tithing and fulfilling my other obligations, I did not feel overwhelmed with blessings. In fact, I felt that I had little to be grateful for. Suddenly, my experience on the bus flashed through my mind. I, too, had been an ungrateful child. First as a trickle and then increasing to a torrent, there came to me a powerful awareness of the blessings I had received. From tiny everyday blessings to the great blessing of the Atonement, the gifts God had given me were both abundant and wondrous. The windows of heaven had been open all the time. I just hadn’t noticed.”

Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, 11

“Do not do something that you can not ask God to help you to do.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 173

"How do we serve Him who made it possible for us to gain eternal life?...King Benjamin provided the answer when he counseled the people, 'When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God' (Mosiah 2:17)."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"We live in a changing world. Technology has altered nearly every aspect of our lives. We must cope with these advances-even these cataclysmic changes-in a world of which our forebears never dreamed. Remember the promise of the Lord: 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.' Fear is a deadly enemy of progress."

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2003, 19

"What you make of yourself depends upon you as an individual. You are in this world to choose the right or the wrong, to accept the right or yield to temptation. Upon that choice will depend the development of the spiritual part of you. That is fundamental in the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 205

"Mortality.. .is the time to test our ability to understand our Heavenly Father's plan and, of course, our willingness to be obedient. Obedience is essential to obtain exaltation and eternal life."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness [Paul] cited is that charity, 'the pure love of Christ' (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32-34

"The old phrase 'an honest day's work' is never outdated."

Marvin J. Ashton, Tambuli, Mar 1984, 23

"Secular knowledge, important as it may be, can never save a soul nor open the celestial kingdom nor create a world nor make a man a god, but it can be most helpful to that man who, placing first things first, has found the way to eternal life and who can now bring into play all knowledge to be his tool and servant"

Spencer W. Kimball, President Kimball Speaks Out, 90-92

"Some among us preach the doctrine of 'me-ism.' They declare that we should think of ourselves first and foremost and above all else. History, however, has taught that selfishness has never brought happiness. An important part of life is serving and sharing. Certainly the soul-satisfying joy of life is leaving a legacy of love and service for others to emulate and enjoy."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"I do not know what the future holds. I do not wish to sound negative, but I wish to remind you of the warnings of scripture and the teachings of the prophets which we have had constantly before us. I cannot forget the great lesson of Pharaoh's dream of the fat and lean kine and of the full and withered stalks of corn. I cannot dismiss from my mind the grim warnings of the Lord as set forth in the 24th chapter of Matthew. I am familiar, as are you, with the declarations of modern revelation that the time will come when the earth will be cleansed and there will be indescribable distress, with weeping and mourning and lamentation (see D&C 112:24). Now, I do not wish to be an alarmist. I do not wish to be a prophet of doom. I am optimistic. I do not believe the time is here when an all-consuming calamity will overtake us. I earnestly pray that it may not. There is so much of the Lord's work yet to be done. We, and our children after us, must do it."

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83-86

"We should not underestimate the Lord's power and His willingness to bless our lives if we ask with a sincere heart and real intent. He has instructional designs and learning theories that the world's educational psychologists haven't even imagined yet."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"As speakers we are not trying to impress the world with how talented we are as preachers. We are simply trying to get across, by repetition, if that's the only way, the sacred message that has been entrusted to us. Those of us who lead the Church are not constantly seeking new doctrine to introduce. We simply teach over and over again that which was in the beginning. It is with great difficulty that we try to pass on to the next generation, in some form of purity, that which was given to us. We will lose it if we are not wise."

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Aug 1976, 60

"Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to Him, the Father of us all. He has said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10)."

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83-86

"...The Master's reward in the Final Judgment will not be based on how long we have labored in the vineyard. We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32-34

"Entering this earth life to learn and then going forth to serve represent the purpose of our mortal existence."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. So many of our people are heavily in debt for things that are not entirely necessary. When I was a young man, my father counseled me to build a modest home, sufficient for the needs of my family, and make it beautiful and attractive and pleasant and secure. He counseled me to pay off the mortgage as quickly as I could so that, come what may, there would be a roof over the heads of my wife and children. I was reared on that kind of doctrine. I urge you as members of this Church to get free of debt where possible and to have a little laid aside against a rainy day."

Gordon B. Hinckley, Liahona, Jan 2002, 83-86

"...The terms learning by study and learning by faith say that self-reliance comes from both efforts...We need to cultivate both of them."

Chieko N. Okazaki, Ensign, Nov 1994, 92

"'Service is the virtue that distinguished the great of all times and which they will be remembered by. It places a mark of nobility upon its disciples. It is the dividing line which separates the two great groups of the world-those who help and those who hinder, those who lift and those who lean, those who contribute and those who only consume. How much better it is to give than to receive. Service in any form is comely and beautiful. To give encouragement, to impart sympathy, to show interest, to banish fear, to build self-confidence and awaken hope in the hearts of others-in short, to love them and to show it-is to render the most precious service' (Bryant S. Hinckley quoted in Steven R. Covey and others, First Things306; punctuation modified)."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10 First [1994],

"Many people, when brought to a reconciliation with others, say that they forgive, but they continue to hold malice, continue to suspect the other party, continue to disbelieve the others sincerity. This is sin, for when a reconciliation has been effected and when repentance is claimed, each should forgive and forget, build immediately the fences which have been breached, and restore the former compatibility. "

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 89-101

"The road to exaltation and life with our Heavenly Father is strewn with hazards of various kinds. There are tribulations- some brief and others prolonged. Temptations lie in wait at curves, forks, and intersections. Whether or not we succumb to temptation and stray from our course is determined by how firmly we are committed to reaching our goal."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"We are people of peace. We are followers of the Christ who was and is the Prince of Peace. But there are times when we must stand up for right and decency for freedom and civilization just as Moroni rallied his people in his day to the defense of their wives, their children, and the cause of liberty (see Alma 48:10)."

Gordon B. HinckleyLiahonaJan 200283-86

"The world would want to fool us into believing that there is insufficient time to engage in both spiritual and secular learning. I warn us not to be deceived by these philosophies of men. Our learning about sacred things will facilitate, even accelerate, our secular learning."

L. Tom Perry, Liahona, May 2002, 10

"Though the world may be filled with distress, and the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives are righteous, we will be happy, there will be peace unspeakable because we know our Father approves our lives"

George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1915, p. 28

"Instead of being judgmental about others, we should be concerned about ourselves. We must not give up hope. We must not stop striving. We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32-34

"Over the years I have learned that when I need answers to deal with crises, people, and issues, I must go to God. God will help us in everything we do if we stay in tune and if we will call on him. We must each plan our future with him in our homes, our families, and our relationships with others. If we make him our senior partner, our lives can be successful."

Marvin J. Ashton, Tambuli, Mar 1984, 23

"You can get people to work by using threats or by promising rewards. But if you want to create a band of brothers, you must inspire those who work with you and encourage them to give their all in a great cause."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Feb 2008, 28-33

"Think to thank. In these three words are the finest capsule course for a happy marriage, a formula for enduring friendship, and a pattern for personal happiness."

Thomas S. Monson, Pathways to Perfection, 1973, 254

"A great leader in the Church, Karl G. Maeser (first president of Brigham Young Academy), felt strongly that each of us at one time or another must face ourselves and choose between personal interests and that which we know to be right. In choosing the right we are honest with ourselves and with others. He was once asked what he meant by 'word of honor.' This was his answer. 'Place me behind prison walls-walls of stone ever so high, ever so thick, reaching ever so far into the ground. There is a possibility that in some way or another I may be able to escape. But stand me on that floor and draw a chalk line around me and have me give my word of honor never to cross it. Can I get out of that circle? No. Never. I would die first."

Marvin J. Ashton, Tambuli, Mar 1984, 23

"Do you wish to partake of this living water and experience that divine well springing up within you to everlasting life? Then be not afraid. Believe with all your hearts. Develop an unshakable faith in the Son of God. Let your hearts reach out in earnest prayer. Fill your minds with knowledge of Him. Forsake your weaknesses. Walk in holiness and harmony with the commandments. Drink deeply of the living waters of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 2006, 99-102

"...We should never give up hope and loving associations with family members and friends whose fine qualities (see Moro. 7:5-14) evidence their progress toward what a loving Father would have them become. Similarly, the power of the Atonement and the principle of repentance show that we should never give up on loved ones who now seem to be making many wrong choices."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2000, 32-34

"My testimony coincides with the testimony of the beloved Apostle John: 'If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them' (John 13:17). May we search for the doctrines and commandments of the great plan of happiness; and when we learn them, may we embrace them willingly. By doing so we will find lasting joy, happiness, and peace."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"...If we refuse to repent, and thereby must satisfy justice by suffering for our own sins, we will remain unprepared to enter the celestial kingdom. Unless we accept the Savior's invitation to carry our sins, we will not experience the complete rehabilitation that occurs through a combination of divine assistance and genuine repentance."

Bruce C. Hafen, Ensign, Apr 1990, 7

"I can forgive but I cannot forget is another way of saying I cannot forgive."

Henry Ward Beecher as quoted in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 89-101

"Develop an appreciation for the great gifts of God as found in nature: the beauty of the seasons, the eloquent testimony of God in the sunrises and sunsets, the leaves, the flowers, the birds, the animals."

James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

"Some miracles affect many people. The ultimate such miracle is the Atonement of Jesus Christ-His triumph over physical and spiritual death for all mankind. No miracle is more far-reaching or more magnificent. Other far-reaching miracles-impossible to explain by rational means-occur as a result of obedience to the commandments of God."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

"Some of us make repentance too easy, and others make it too hard."

Bruce C. Hafen, Ensign, Apr 1990, 7

"Are we prepared to lengthen our stride? To enlarge our vision? Remember, our ally is our God. He is our commander. He made the plans. He gave the commandment. Remember what we have quoted thousands of times as told by Nephi: 'And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.' (1 Ne. 3:7.)"

Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Oct 1974, 3

"Our present mortal state places a veil of forgetfulness over our minds, allowing us to prove ourselves able to 'do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God shall command' (Abr. 3:25). But even though our present long-range view of eternity is limited, the Lord has not left us without direction. He has provided scriptures and Apostles and prophets through whom he has revealed his plan for our exaltation and eternal life. And we have the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, to guide us."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"Therefore, let us exercise charity and forgiveness, love and mercy, one towards another; and go out of your way to help those that are in distress, so that the widow's voice shall not ascend to God in complaint against the people for the lack of food, or raiment, or shelter. See to it that the orphan is not without a home in the midst of this people, nor without food or raiment, or chance to improve his mind. See to it that charity pervades all your actions and dwells in your hearts, inspiring you to look after the poor and afflicted, comforting those that are in prison, if they need comforting, and ministering unto those that are sick; for he that giveth a cup of cold water to a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"We mortals have a limited view of life from the eternal perspective. But if we know and understand Heavenly Father's plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of inner strength. Through faith we can find peace, comfort, and the courage to endure. As we trust in God and his plan for our happiness with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding (see Prov. 3:5), hope is born. Hope grows out of faith and gives meaning and purpose to all we do. It can give us comfort in the face of adversity, strength in times of trial, and peace when we have reason for doubt or anguish."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"I have been in places where I felt insecure and unprepared. I have yearned inwardly in great agony for some power to pave the way or loosen my tongue, that an opportunity would not be lost because of my weakness and inadequacy. On more than a few occasions my prayers have been answered by the power of inspired music. I have been lifted above myself and beyond myself when the Spirit of the Lord has poured in upon the meeting, drawn there by beautiful,
appropriate music. I stand indebted to the gifted among us who have that unusual sense of spiritual propriety."

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Aug 1976, 60

"If we would sue for peace, taking the initiative in settling differences- if we would forgive and forget with all our hearts-if we would cleanse our own souls of sin, bitterness, and guilt before we cast a stone or accusation at others-if we would forgive all real or fancied offenses before we asked forgiveness for our own sins-if we would pay our own debts, large or small,
before we pressed our debtors-if we would manage to clear our own eyes of the blinding beams before we magnified the motes in the eyes of others-what a glorious world this would be! Divorce would be reduced to a minimum; courts would be freed from disgusting routines; family life would be heavenly; the building of the kingdom would go forward at an accelerated pace; and that peace which passeth understanding [see Philippians 4:7] would bring to us all a joy and happiness that has hardly 'entered into the heart of man.' [See 1 Corinthians 2:9.]"

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 89-101

"We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define 'moral agency,' the answer will probably be something like this: 'Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself.' Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or for evil."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"I think we ought to live our religion. We should keep the commandments of God. We should possess and enjoy the spirit of the gospel in our hearts and bear the fruits of the spirit in our lives; faith, hope and charity, love, humility and forgiveness in our souls one for another, and avoid, as far as possible, the spirit of accusation, of contention, that leads to strife, to confusion and division among men, and the spirit of hatred. Oh, banish hatred from you."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection"

Thomas Paine, The Works of Thomas Paine [1934], 392 as quoted by James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

"Life's most challenging questions seem to be those that begin with the word why. 'Why is life so hard?' 'Why is there so much sorrow, hate, and unhappiness in the world?' 'Why does death take the young?' And 'why must the innocent suffer?' We all have wrestled with such questions from time to time as we struggle with the vicissitudes of mortality... I believe the only satisfying answers to such questions come from the comforting perspective of faith in our Heavenly Father and his eternal plan for our happiness."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"...The greatest miracle is not in such things as restoring sight to the blind, healing an illness, or even raising the dead, since all of these restorations will happen, in any event, in the Resurrection. ..A change of heart, including new attitudes, priorities, and desires, is greater and more important than any miracle involving the body. I repeat, the body will be resurrected in any event, but a change affecting what the scripture calls the 'heart' of a spirit son or daughter of God is a change whose effect is eternal. If of the right kind, this change opens the door to the process of repentance that cleanses us to dwell in the presence of God. It introduces the perspective and priorities that lead us to make the choices that qualify us for eternal life, 'the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7)."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

"God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2003, 75-78

"Many in today's generation have not fully known nor appreciated the refining blessings of adversity. Many have never been hungry because of want. Yet I am persuaded that there can be a necessary refining process in adversity that increases our understanding, enhances our sensitivity, makes us more Christlike."

James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

"A man who cannot sacrifice his own wishes, who cannot say in his heart, 'Father, Thy will be done, not mine,' is not a truly and thoroughly converted child of God; he is still, to some extent, in the grasp of error and in the shades of darkness that hover around the world, hiding God from the presence of mankind."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"Some people reject the possibility of miracles because they have not experienced them or cannot understand them. In contrast, President Howard W. Hunter declared, 'To deny the reality of miracles on the ground that the results and manifestations must be fictitious simply because we cannot comprehend the means by which they have happened is arrogant on the face of it."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

"One cannot look at suffering, regardless of its causes or origins, without feeling pain and compassion. I can understand why someone who lacks an eternal perspective might see the horrifying news footage of starving children and man's inhumanity to man and shake a fist at the heavens and cry, 'If there is a God, how could he allow such things to happen?' The answer is not easy, but it isn't that complicated, either. God has put his plan in motion. It proceeds through natural laws that are, in fact, God's laws. Since they are his, he is bound by them, as are we."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"When we think we see failings, weaknesses or faults, whether they be real or imaginary, in our brethren and sisters, instead of blurting it abroad and pouring it into the ears of friends and neighbors, wherever we meet them, if we will use sufficient charity, and friendship, . we will go to our friends who suffer our displeasure, or our belief of their defects, and tell them how we feel and what we think, and do it in the spirit of helping them to overcome their weaknesses, and we will thus do ourselves, as well as them, much good. We will not go to them in the spirit of condemnation and complaint, and hurt their feelings and fill their hearts with enmity."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"What a wonderful, warm, and reassuring thing it is to know that the primary objective of the very God of heaven is 'the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39), or, in other words, our eternal happiness and joy. Sometimes I wonder if we really appreciate what that means and how it should affect our lives. We must give adequate attention to the doctrines of happiness-real happiness, infinite and eternal. They should be the objective of everything we teach in the Church and of everything we do."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"...The Lord works miracles in response to the faith of His children...He loves and blesses all of His children. In an airport one day I picked up a copy of the Dallas Morning News. My eyes were drawn to a columnist's report of a letter detailing a remarkable miracle. The writer's five-year-old granddaughter, Heather, suddenly became feverish and lethargic. She breathed with difficulty, and her lips turned blue. By the time she arrived at the hospital, her kidneys and lungs had shut down, her fever was 107 degrees, and her body was bright red and covered with purple lesions. The doctors said she was dying of toxic shock syndrome, cause unknown. As word spread to family and friends, God-fearing people from Florida to California began praying for little Heather. At the grandfather' s request, a special prayer service was held in their Church of Christ congregation in Waco, Texas. Miraculously, Heather suddenly came back from the brink of death and was released from the hospital in a little over a week. The columnist concluded that Heather 'is living proof that God does answer prayers and work miracles."

Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

"The Lord through His grace appeared to man, gave him the Gospel or eternal plan whereby he might rise above the carnal and selfish things of life and obtain spiritual perfection. But he must rise by his own efforts and he must walk by faith."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 205

"The axiom 'You get what you pay for' is true for spiritual rewards as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths that you learn. What you get is the molding of your character, with growth in capacity, and the successful completion of your purpose here on earth-to grow through being proven."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2003, 75-78

"The Gospel is calculated to remove from us everything that is not consistent with God and the plan of salvation which he has revealed to men. It is designed to qualify us to live so that we may enjoy a fulness of the light of truth, and understand the purposes of God, and be able to live so near to Him that we may be in harmony with His wishes constantly."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"As we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the promising potential of Superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious about the choices of programs and the impact of media in our lives. Those who understand our Heavenly Father's eternal plan for the joy and happiness of his children will be better prepared to make good choices as the Information Superhighway rolls across the world. The computer, television, satellite, microchip, and even the telephone, all can bless and enhance our lives-or can make them miserable."

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22

"We must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. And in the end, we learn it was no sacrifice at all"

Spencer W.Kimball, Ensign, May 1978, 81

"The requirement that we should love the Lord above fish, bank accounts, automobiles, fine clothing, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, or any other possession is total; it is absolute. The first commandment given unto the ancient Israelite s was 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

James E. Faust, Liahona, Jul 2001, 53-56

"The true end of life is not mere existence, not pleasure, not fame, not wealth. The true purpose of life is the perfection of humanity through individual effort, under the guidance of God's inspiration. "

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 205

"Bitterness injures the one who carries it."

Teachings of Presidents ofthe Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 89-101

"Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life."

Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, Nov 2007, 118-21

"Charity, or love, is the greatest principle in existence. If we can lend a helping hand to the oppressed, if we can aid those who are despondent and in sorrow, if we can uplift and ameliorate the condition of mankind, it is our mission to do it, it is an essential part of our religion to do it."

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"The gospel of Christ is a gospel of love and peace, of patience and long suffering, of forbearance and forgiveness, of kindness and good deeds, of charity and brotherly love. Greed, avarice, base ambition, thirst for power,and unrighteous dominion over our fellow men, can have no place in the hearts of Latter-day Saints nor of God-fearing men everywhere."

Teachings ofPresidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 139

"Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona, May 2003, 75-78

"Seeking implies so much more than merely looking. Seek means energy,direction, passion, purpose. To seek requires all our 'heart, might, mind and strength' (D&C 4:2 ). How do we seek with our minds? With our intellect we can ponder, we can analyze our circumstances, we can sort and sift information, weigh our options; we can store ideas, we can draw conclusions from our experiences, find answers to our problems; we can treasure thoughts and receive revelation. Isn't that what the Lord meant when he said, 'You must study it out in your mind' and then ask me if these things are not true? (D&C 9:8)"

Elaine L. Jack, Ensign, Nov 1994, 89

"I would advise that we learn to love each other, and then friendship will be true and sweet. It has been said by one, that 'we may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving."

Teachings of Presidents of theChurch: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"One way of preparing the heart of someone is to create an atmosphere where judging is held in reserve until anger has subsided, until the hurt has dissipated, until all sides of an issue have been explored. Criticism is a destroyer of self-worth and esteem."

H. Burke Peterson, Ensign, May 1990,83

"If a lie is any communication given to another with the intent to deceive, we will all do well to seek God's constant help in understanding and finding the truth. People of integrity will neither foster, nourish, embrace, nor share the lie. People of wisdom will not let greed, fear, or the desire for quick riches lead them into the snares of the dishonest and unscrupulous who prey on the gullible in order to maneuver from them valuable possessions. "

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1982, 9

"To be in the right we must forgive, and we must do so without regard to whether or not our antagonist repents, or how sincere is his transformation,or whether or not he asks our forgiveness. We must follow the example and the teaching of the Master, who said: '. Ye ought to say in your hearts-let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.' (D&C64:11)"

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006), 89-101

"Just as when one loses his life to God he really finds the abundant life;so also, when one sacrifices all to God, then God in return shares all that he has with him. Try as you may, you cannot put the Lord in your debt-for every time you try to do his will he simply pours out more blessings upon you. Sometimes the blessings may seem to you to be a little slow in coming; perhaps this tests your faith, but come they will and abundantly"

Ezra TaftBenson, BYU Speeches of the Year 1974 [1975], 311

"Remember an unfailing, continual, ever-present source of peace and comfort is available to you. It is the certainty that your Father in Heaven loves you no matter what your circumstance, no matter what winds of trial,turmoil, or tribulation whirl about you. That certainty will never change.Your ability to access that support depends on the strength of your faith in Him and in His certain willingness to bless you."

Richard G. Scott, Liahona,May 2003, 75-78

"The principles of the Gospel are calculated to make us unselfish, to broaden our minds, to give breadth to our desires for good, to remove hatred, animosity, envy and anger from our hearts, and make us peaceful, tractable, teachable, and willing to sacrifice our own desires, and perchance our own interests, for the welfare of our fellow-creatures, and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God."

Teachings of Presidents of theChurch: Joseph F. Smith, 192

"Adversity is the refiner's fire that bends iron but tempers steel."

James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb 1998, 2

"Through love of God, the pain caused by the fiery canker of contention will be extinguished from the soul. This healing begins with a personal vow: 'Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.' ("Let There Be Peace on Earth," Say Miller and Jill Jackson, C Jan-Lee Music, Beverly Hills, Calif.,1972.) This commitment will then spread to family and friends and will bring peace to neighborhoods and nations."

Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1989,68

"Hatred harbored in our hearts, or envy or jealousy, will injure those who permit them to abide in their souls and rancor in their thoughts a thousand fold more than it will injure others. So let us banish those things from our hearts, and from our thoughts."

Teachings of Presidents of theChurch: Joseph F. Smith, 192