Happiness

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 everyday moments.

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Lord's Way

‎"The Lord’s way is not to sit at the side of the stream and wait for the water to pass before we cross. It is to come together, roll up our sleeves, go to work, and build a bridge or a boat to cross the waters of our challenges."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", Liahona and Ensign, November 2011

The Family

"To parents everywhere, my counsel is simple: Get a copy of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 33

Serving in the Church

‎"When children see their parents faithfully performing Church callings, it strengthens their family relationships. When families are strong, the Church is strong. The two run parallel."

—Dallin H. Oaks, "Prophet, Apostles Speak at MTC Mission Presidents' Seminar", Church News and Events, June 29, 2012

Life

"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured"

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Hard Work

"Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Adversity

 “I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, … knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty” 


--Joseph Smith Quoted Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 304

Adversity

 “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven”


--Orson F. Whitney Quoted in Faith Precedes the Miracle, p98

Friendship

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  “Someone has said, ‘A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am.’ Accepting this as one definition of the word, may I quickly suggest that we are something less than a real friend if we leave a person the same way we find him. …  
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  “No greater reward can come to any of us as we serve than a sincere ‘Thank you for being my friend.’ When those who need assistance find their way back through and with us, it is friendship in action. When the weak are made strong and the strong stronger through our lives, friendship is real. If a man can be judged by his friends, he can also be measured by their heights. …  
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  “Yes, a friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am but who is willing and able to leave me better than he found me” 
  
  
  --Marvin J Ashton Jan 1983 Ensign

Contention

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  “Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.
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  “Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away. …  
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  “Pride adversely affects all our relationships—our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child”
  
  
  --Ezra Taft Benson May 1989 Ensign

Words

"We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention."


--Gordon B Hinkley June 1971 Ensign

Music

"Music is given of God to further his purposes. Sweet melodies mellow the souls of men and help prepare them for the gospel. After men receive the truth, songs of praise to Deity help to sanctify and cleanse their souls."

-- Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine (1966), 521

Mothers

"As mothers in Israel, we are the Lord’s secret weapon. Our influence comes from a divine endowment that has been in place from the beginning. In the premortal world, when our Father described our role, I wonder if we didn’t stand in wide-eyed wonder that He would bless us with a sacred trust so central to His plan and that He would endow us with gifts so vital to the loving and leading of His children. I wonder if we shouted for joy at least in part because of the ennobling stature He gave us in His kingdom. The world won’t tell you that, but the Spirit will."

--Sheri L. Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?", Ensign, Nov 2001, 96

One who truly knows Him does not--nor cannot, nor will not--forget Him, ever. Whatever daily task, pleasure, sport, or activity we may be involved in, His desires are supreme in our lives. If we become careless in the way we wear the garment, haphazardly use the Lord's name, or serve only socially in the Church, we clearly do not "know" the Master. We might even know the Church is true, but actually knowing Jesus Christ would dramatically change our conduct. We would no longer have a disposition to do evil; rather, we would feel absolutely submissive to His will and turn our lives over to Him. Knowing Him is much, much more than knowing about Him. [Vaughn J. Featherstone, The Incomparable Christ: Our Master and Model (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995), 26]

When you . . . see our Father, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and He will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into His embrace and kiss Him. . . . You will be so glad and joyful. . . . When you are qualified and purified, . . . you can endure the glory of eternity. [Brigham Young, JD 4:54–55]

Follow the Prophet

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and yearsahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not hewill follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult tohalt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, manyyears ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of theAuthorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional orpolitical life.'"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a societywhich is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not beingashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of theprophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time whensuch religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligiousimperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinionsgrow out of religious convictions."Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over theinstitution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmisheswill be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that thechoices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of propheticcounsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seemsprobable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness bywhat we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened aslumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was,till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees putforth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us,let us not then complain of the heat." --- Elder Neal A. Maxwell

It was given at BYU in October 1978 and printed in the Ensign in February 1979.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1846d0640b96b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."
David A Bednar Ensign May 2005 p101

"I know it is sometimes hard to stand for truth and right. Yet we need to be positive examples if we are to help others find a better way. "

M. Russell Ballard, Ensign Nov 1997 p 39

"In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike--and they will--you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed."

Jeffrey R Holland BYU Speeches 1980 p45

"So frequently we mistakenly believe that our children need more things, when in reality their silent pleadings are simply for more of our time."

Thomas S Monson, Ensign May 1994 p62

"Our grandparents watch—and wait—for us to identify them, be linked to them, and provide temple ordinances for them. "

Russell M. Nelson, Ensign May 1998 p36

"An ideal marriage is a true partnership between two imperfect people, each striving to complement the other, to keep the commandments, and to do the will of the Lord. "

Russell M Nelson, Ensign May 1999 p 39

"Pondering the things of the Lord—His word, His teachings, His commandments, His life, His love, the gifts He has given us, His Atonement for us—brings about a tremendous feeling of gratitude for our Savior."

Robert D Hales, Ensign Nov 1998 p15

"If you feel that Heavenly Father is not listening to your petitions, ask yourself if you are listening to the cries of the poor, the sick, the hungry, and the afflicted all around you."
Joseph B Wirthlin Ensign, May 2001 p74

"Dwelling in the world is part of our mortal test. The challenge is to live in the world yet not partake of the world's temptations which will lead us away from our spiritual goals."

Robert D Hales May 1998 Ensign p76

The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity."

David A. Bednar Nov 2004 Ensign p77

"Our children are watching . . .What is the example we are presenting to them?"

Thomas S Monson Nov 1998 Ensign p48

"Make your home a haven of peace and righteousness. Don't allow evil influences to contaminate your own special spiritual environment."
M. Russell Ballard May 1999 Ensign p87

"Find happiness in ordinary things, and keep your sense of humor."

Boyd K. Packer, May 2004 Ensign P79

"If you really want to be like the Lord, . . . you will remember that your adoration of Jesus is best shown by your emulation of Him. "

Russell M. Nelson, May 1997 Ensign p 72

"Let us be a people of honesty and integrity, doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances. "

Gordon B. Hinkley May 1999 Ensign p89

"Parents and children should realize that strong opposition will always come against the work and will of the Lord. Because the work (and glory) of God is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life as a family, it logically follows that the work of the adversary will strike directly at the heart of the home--the family. Relentlessly Lucifer attacks the sanctity of life and the joy of parenthood.
"Because the evil one is ever at work, our vigilance cannot be relaxed--not even for a moment. A small and seemingly innocent invitation can turn into a tall temptation which can lead to tragic transgression. Night and day, at home or away, we must shun sin and 'hold fast that which is good.' "

Russell M Nelson Nov 2001 Ensign

"We need to be more grateful. I think there is no true character without gratitude. It is one of the marks of a real strong character to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily association, in the Church, everywhere."

Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country p202

"True worship cannot exist where there is no reverence or love for the object."

James E Talmage

"Reverence is the chief joy and power of life."

John Ruskin

"Irreverence is...a pretty sure sign of moral weakness. No man will rise high who jeers at sacred things."

David O McKay

"Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind."

Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p 240

"Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire."

Joseph Smith Teachings p256

"If you know how to pray and how to listen, spiritually listen, you may move through life, through clear weather, through storms, through wars, through peace and be all right."

Boyd K Packer Nov 1979

"Your little ones will learn how to talk to their Father in Heaven by listening to you as parents. They will soon see how heartfelt and honest your prayers are. If your prayers are hurried and thoughtless ritual, they will see this too."

Marion G Romney Nov 1979

"The scriptures not only witness the truth about Christ and His relevance for mankind, but are, in a sense, like a song book. There are many melodies that need to be sung and heard...Only through personal involvement with the scriptures can we find the particular scriptural songs to meet our needs. We must ourselves open the songbook and hear the music."

Neal A. Maxwell

"If the Lord was meek and lowly and humble, then to become humble one must do what He did in boldly denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, becoming the master of himself and the situation about him and being near oblivious to personal credit. Humble and meek properly suggest virtues, not weaknesses. They suggest a consistent mildness of temper, and an absence of wrath and passion. Humility suggests no affectation, no bombastic actions. It is not turbid nor grandiloquent. It is not serville submissiveness. It is not cowed nor frightened. No shadow or shaking of a leaf terrorize it. How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

Spencer W Kimball, Humility, BYU Speeches 16 Jan 1963

"I used to say to ministers when I was travelling and preaching, "I will not dispute. If you want the truth, I will give it to you; and if you have a truth that I have not, I want all you have, but contention is not my calling, it is no part of the gospel of Christ; that is peace, life, light, and salvation. The Lord has given that to me and you and you are welcome to it."

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourse 14:121

To you I say with all the energy of which I am capable, do not become a weak link in the chain of your generations. You come to the world with a marvelous inheritance. you come of great men and women...Never let them down. Never do anything which would weaken the chain of which you are a fundamental part.

Gordon B. Hinkley, Ricks College Sep 1999

Your life is carefully watched over as was mine. The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all knowing, so you can with confidence expect that he has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize these opportunities perfectly, as I did not. But when you put 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.

Henry B. Erying CES Fireside May 2001

"When people fall, they do not suddenly stop believing in the atonement; they simply start believing in their impulses. Their discipline disappears as their perspective shrinks. Irrationality replaces illumination."

Neal A. Maxwell, We will prove them herewith p26

"Challenges that tax our faith are usually opportunities to stretch and strengthen our faith by finding out if we really believe the Lord will help us."

Sheri L. Dew, God wants a powerful people p 52

"How do we know if we really have a testimony, if we'll really obey, if we really want to be honest and caste and virtuous, and if we really believe in Jesus Christ, if those things are not put to the test?"

Sherri L. Dew, God wants a powerful people p 14

"God has reserved...choice spirits to come forth in this last dispensation, because of the greatness and magnitude of the work to be accomplished...It has required apparently the most valiant men and women to come forth in the last days...[because]this is not a short lived dispensation; it is to go on increasing in power...until it shall fill the whole earth...And, of course, it requires great valor, great obedience and great gifts in order to accomplish the end that is to be attained under the promises of God. The Lord has permitted spirits to be born among the various races of mankind that are fitted and qualified to accomplish this great work."

George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth p18

"Do not degrade yourself with the numbing shabbiness and irreverence of music that is not worthy of you. Delete the rubbish from your minds and your iPods. Protect your own personal standards. Be selective. Be wise."

Russell M. Nelson YES Fireside May 2008

"Prayer 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."

Thomas S. Monson General YW Meeting, March 1999

"Noah had the unwavering faith to follow God's commandments. May we ever do likewise. May we remember that the wisdom of God ofttimes appears as foolishness to men; but the greatest lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and we obey, we will always be right."

Thomas S. Monson Oct Conference 2002

"It is imperative that we recognize that whatever has happened to us has happened to others. They have coped, and so must we. We are not alone. Heavenly Father's help is near."

Thomas S. Monson Oct Conference 1992