Initially Cleansed Through the Ordinances and Covenants Administered By the Authority of the Aaronic Priesthood

Just as a cucumber must be prepared and cleaned before it can be changed into a pickle, so you and I can be prepared with “the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6) and initially cleansed through the ordinances and covenants administered by the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood.

David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign, May 2007, 19–22

No One Between the Lord and The Sealer

Every member of the Church should read and study section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Do you realize that there is no one between the Lord and the sealer when he performs the sealing ordinance? It is a beautiful and a touching ceremony.

Robert D. Hales, A Little Heaven on Earth - Ensign Sept. 2011

We've Had Sever Children, None of Which We Could Afford

Don’t be afraid of marriage. I have been much more effective and much more able to accomplish things in my life with Barbara at my side than I ever would have been alone. Did we have hard times? Oh, yes. But they were some of the best times because we drew together, we prayed together, we worked together, we saw our way from one point of our lives on until today. We are so blessed that we’ve had seven children, none of which we could afford. You young people are very expensive. But don’t let that worry you. Pay your tithing. The Lord said that He’ll provide, He’ll make the way, and that was the case with us.

M. Russell Ballard, Preparing for the Future - Ensign Sept. 2011

The Goal of Goseple Teaching...The Aim is To Inspire

The goal of gospel teaching … is not to ‘pour information’ into the minds of class members. … The aim is to inspire the individual to think about, feel about, and then do something about living gospel principles (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 107).


Thomas S. Monson; Quoted by Russell T. Osguthorpe, October 2009 General Conference                                              

Young Men, You Will Preside At Home And In The Church. But Be Humble Enough To Listen To And Learn From The Women In Your Life

Young men, your ordination to the priesthood is a grand privilege and responsibility, and not a license to dominate. Be unfailingly worthy to exercise this godly power, which is given you to be of service. A man is never more magnificent than when he is guided by the Spirit to honor the priesthood he holds.

If you will marry a virtuous woman who can hear the voice of the Lord, she will bless your life every day of your life. Consider Eve. She was the first to see that the fruit of the tree was good, and after partaking, she “gave unto her husband … , and he did eat.”¹⁶ Were it not for Eve, our progression would have ceased. Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated that her act was “a glorious necessity [that opened] the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same.”¹⁷

Young men, you will preside at home and in the Church. But be humble enough to listen to and learn from the women in your life. They will provide insight, balance, and unique wisdom. And when challenges come, you will see how resilient a woman committed to God the Father and Jesus Christ is.

It Is Not Good for Man or Woman to Be Alone - Ensign Nov. 2001 - Sheri L. Dew

Courage, Not Compromise, Brings the Smile of God's Approval.

 Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.

Thomas S. Monson, The Call for Courage - Ensign May 2004

Decisions Do Determine Destiny

Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, “No,” the courage to say, “Yes.” Decisions do determine destiny.


Thomas S. Monson, The Call for Courage - Ensign May 2004

 Granted, those with true hope still see their personal circumstances shaken at times—like a kaleidoscope. Yet with the “eye of faith,” even in their changed, proximate circumstances, they still see divine design (see Alma 5:15 ).

Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ Neal A. Maxwell, October 1998 General Conference

Oh, The Church Will Take Care of That. I Pay My Fast Offering!

"We must take care of the poor. Said the Lord, 'The poor ye have with you always.' (See Mark 14:7; John 12:8.) There have always been poor and I guess there always will be poor until the Millennium. We must take care of them and we must have the facilities to do so. But we must be very careful not to overinstitutionalize that care. We must not shift the burden that we ought to carry in our own hearts of spreading kindness and love and help to others, to the institution, which at best, is impersonal.

"I do not want you to get any idea that I am saying we should not have the welfare program. We must have it. It is a part of the Lord's plan and the good it does is vast and incalculable. But I think there is a tendency among us to say, 'Oh, the Church will take care of that. I pay my fast offering. Let the Church take care of that.' We need as individuals, I think, to reach down and extend a helping hand without notice, without thanks, without expectation of anything in return, to give of that with which the Lord has so generously blessed us" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 459).

One of the Primary Reasons That the Savior Established A Church

 We can help one another as fellow Church members; it is one of the primary reasons that the Savior established a church.

April 2011 General Conference, D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten"

"OH, I Like What's Behind Them."

President Faust's secretaries often see the tenderness and love he shows for Sister Faust, and Sister Bury tells of a day when the four of them had lunch together and Sister Faust was commenting on a new pair of glasses she had, and which she didn't feel comfortable in. "President Faust listened and then said, 'Oh I like what's behind them."

In the Strength of the Lord: The Life and Teachings of James E. Faust, Jim Bell, Deseret Bk. Co., 1999 - 487 pages,p. 239

Dillegently Doing the Things That Matter Most Will Lead Us To The Savior

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most, Ensign November 2010

Doctrinally Rich But End Up Developmentally Poor

So it is that discipleship requires all of us to translate doctrines, covenants, ordinances, and teachings into improved personal behavior. Otherwise we may be doctrinally rich but end up developmentally poor.

Neil A. Maxwell,Becoming a Disciple - Ensign June 1996

[Language] Must Not Be Salty, Or Uncouth, Or Foul If One Is In Sincerity A Believer In Christ

Conversation is the substance of friendly social activity. It can be happy. It can be light. It can be earnest. It can be funny. But it must not be salty, or uncouth, or foul if one is in sincerity a believer in Christ.

Author: Gordon B. Hinckley
Where: Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 494

Be A Wise Father Who Showers Attention on Each Daughter

Be a wise father who showers attention on each daughter. It will bring joy to you and fulfillment to her. When a daughter feels the warmth and approval of her father, she will not likely seek attention in inappropriate ways. As a father, acknowledge her good behavior. Listen to her and praise her for her strengths. You will greatly enrich her life. She will model the behavior she observes. Let her see you treat your wife and other women with admiration and honest respect.

Priesthood Session1 April 2000, The Sanctity of Womanhood, Richard G. Scott

Power Which Will Begin to Flow Into Your Lives the Moment You Begin a Serious Study of the Book

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.

I implore you with all my heart that you consider with great solemnity the importance of the Book of Mormon to you personally.

Ezra Taft Benson, "The Keystone of Our Religion", Ensign January 1992

There Will Come Into Your Lives and Into Your Homes An Added Measure of the Spirit of the Lord

Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.

^{A Testimony Vibrant and True - Ensign Aug. 2005. Gordon B. Hinckley}

It Is As Current As the Morning Newspaper

The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems.

^{A Testimony Vibrant and True - Ensign Aug. 2005. Gordon B. Hinckley}

I Read All Day, Eating Was a Burden, I Had No Desire For Food, Sleep Was A Burden When The Night Came, For I Preferred Reading to Sleep

It is inspiring to learn how Parley Pratt came to know of the book about which he wrote the words of this hymn. In August of 1830, as a lay preacher, he was traveling from Ohio to eastern New York. At Newark, along the Erie Canal, he left the boat and walked 10 miles (16 km) into the country where he met a Baptist deacon by the name of Hamlin, who told him “of a book, a strange book, a VERY STRANGE BOOK! … This book, he said, purported to have been originally written on plates either of gold or brass, by a branch of the tribes of Israel; and to have been discovered and translated by a young man near Palmyra, in the State of New York, by the aid of visions, or the ministry of angels. I inquired of him how or where the book was to be obtained. He promised me the perusal of it, at his house the next day. … Next morning I called at his house, where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the ‘BOOK OF MORMON’—that book of books … which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of directing the entire course of my future life.

“I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.

“As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists.”

^{A Testimony Vibrant and True - Ensign Aug. 2005. Gordon B. Hinckley}

You Need An Endowment, Brethren...And Those That Reject Your Testimony Will Be Damned.

You need an endowment, brethren, in order that you may be prepared and able to overcome all things; and those that reject your testimony will be damned. The sick will be healed, the lame made to walk, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see, through your instrumentality. But let me tell you, that you will not have power, after the endowment to heal those that have not faith, nor to benefit them, for you might as well expect to benefit a devil in hell as such as are possessed of his spirit, and are willing to keep it: for they are habitations for devils, and only fit for his society.But when you are endowed and prepared to preach the Gospel to all nations, kindreds, and tongues, in their own languages, you must faithfully warn all, and bind up the testimony, and seal up the law, and the destroying angel will follow close at your heels, and exercise his tremendous mission upon the children of disobedience; and destroy the workers of iniquity, while the Saints will be gathered out from among them, and stand in holy places ready to meet the Bridegroom when he comes.

Joseph Smith, History of the Church 2:309

No Neutral Ground in the Universe

Recently I read an author who said: “Our leisure, even our play, is a matter of serious concern. [That is because] there is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” ⁵ I believe that to be absolutely true, and no such claiming and counterclaiming anywhere is more crucial and conspicuous than that being waged for the minds and morals, the personal purity of the young.

Brethren, part of my warning voice tonight is that this will only get worse. It seems the door to permissiveness, the door to lewdness and vulgarity and obscenity swings only one way. It only opens farther and farther; it never seems to swing back. Individuals can choose to close it, but it is certain, historically speaking, that public appetite and public policy will not close it. No, in the moral realm the only real control you have is self-control.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Sanctify Yourselves,”Ensign, Nov. 2000, 38–40.

His Finest Hour

In the most difficult and discouraging days of World War II, Winston Churchill said to the people of England: “To every man there comes … that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to him and fitted to his talent. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.”

In an even more serious kind of spiritual warfare, brethren, the day may come—indeed, I am certain will come—when in an unexpected circumstance or a time of critical need, lightning will strike, so to speak, and the future will be in your hands. Be ready when that day comes. Be strong. Always be clean. Respect and revere the priesthood that you hold, tonight and forever.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Sanctify Yourselves,”Ensign, Nov. 2000, 38–40.

We Must Plan and Take Advantage of Teaching Moments

Besides showing youth the way by example, we lead them by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room or attend the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts.

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation", Ensign, May 2010, 95–98

Where Is Your Power

Years ago a family gathered at the bedside of an aged little Danish woman. Among them was her middle-aged, wayward son. For the past number of years he had been living at home.

Tearfully he pleaded, “Mama, you’ve got to live. Mama, you can’t die.” He said, “Mama, you can’t go. I won’t let you go.”

The little mother looked up at her son and in her broken Danish accent said, “But ver is yo powah?”—where is your power?

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood", Ensign, May 2010, 6–10

No Such Thing as Sacrifice

Despite all the challenges that President Brigham Young faced, for him, “there [was] no such thing” as sacrifice (DNW, 24 Aug. 1854, 1) because everything belongs to God already and what we give up only blesses us and prepares us for exaltation. He viewed what we would call sacrifices as opportunities to exchange “a worse condition for a better one” (DNW, 24 Aug. 1854, 1).

Chapter 22: Tithing and Consecration," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997) Chapter Header

Fasting An Ancient Practice of Turning One's Entire Being to God

[Fasting--an] ancient practice of turning one's entire being--physically and spiritually--to

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.302

Christ Rightfully Bears the Title of Father

There are ways in which Christ is so united with his Father that in some assignments he rightfully plays a fatherly role and rightfully bears the title of Father in doing so.

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.183

Soil Types and The Vision of the Tree of Life

Just as there were four different soils of varying receptivity to the Gospel of Christ in the New Testament parable, so too were the same four types of people outlined in the vision of the Tree of Life.

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.161

Man or Woman of Christ Defined

"Man or woman of Christ" they who grasp the iron rod and safely walk the way of life, triumphing over Lucifer's deception and efforts to destroy, claiming in the end the principalities and powers promised to the heirs of the covenant.


Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.128

Christ Was Born Into Mortality Not Only to Die for Us But To Live Like Us.

Sometimes we forget that Christ was born into mortality not only to die for us but also to live like us. He experienced his infancy, childhood, teenage years, and adulthood so that he might more fully understand the challenges associated with life spent in a world that is not our home.

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.90

Unity With the Prophets

Nephi felt such unity within the brotherhood of the prophets that he generously included in his own text substation portions of the writings of his younger brother Jacob and the Old Testemant prophet Isaiah.

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.45

Could What You Have Written Be That Good?

Consider the withering examination the Book of Mormon and its admittedly extraordinary claims have withstood. Has anyone presently reading these words ever tried to write anything of spiritual, redeeming, genuinely inspiring substance? With university degrees and libraries and computers and research assistants and decades of time, have you ever tried to write anything that anyone could read without tedium or apathy? And if one could produce even a few such inspiring pages, would that slim volume be anything anyone would want to read more than once, to say nothing of scores of times—marking it and pondering it, cross-referencing and quoting it, taking thousands of public sermons and a heart full of personal solace from it? Would it be good enough for people to weep over, to say it changed their lives, or saved their lives, or became something they were willing to give up fortune and future for—and then did just that?

What if your literary piece created enemies for you? What if it were left in the public arena, open to the criticism of your most hostile and learned opponents, for more than 150 years? What if it were pulled apart and minutely examined and held up to the light of history, literature, anthropology, and religion with no other purpose than to discredit it and denounce you? Could what you have written be that good? Would you still be willing to say that it was an inspired piece of wok, let alone hold to your assertion that it was divinely revealed and that its contents were eternally important—that in a very real sense the whole future of the world was linked to your little volume? By this time would either you or your piece still be standing? Would anyone still be reading it?

As a note this entire chapter is an amazing read.

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.346 - 347

Spirit Over Flesh, Discipline Over Tempation, Devotion Over Inclination

Christ's final triumph and ultimate assumption of godly powers on the right hand of his Father came not because he had a divine parent and not because he was given heavenly authority from the beginning, but ultimately because he was, in his own mortal probation, perfectly obedient, perfectly submissive, perfectly loyal to the principle that the spiritual in his life must rule over the physical...spirit over flesh; discipline over temptation; devotion over inclination; "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father."

Christ and the new covenant: the Messianic message of the Book of Mormon, Jeffrey R. Holland, Deseret Book Co., 1997, p.193

If We're Not Reading the Scriptures Daily, Our Testimonies Are Growing Thinner

If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner [and] our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 66

His Life, His Atonement, His Ressurection, His Awaited Return Are As Sure and Certain As the Rising Sun

I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind. His life, His Atonement, His Resurrection, His awaited return are as sure and certain as the rising sun.

Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus", Ensign, May 2010, 108–12

Tell Me The Stories of Jeus

Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the minds and souls of our children? Do they think about the Savior’s life when they wonder what to do in their own lives? This will be more and more important in the years ahead.
Have our children visualized the premortal council, ⁹ where Jesus—the greatest of all—declared, “Here am I, send me”? ¹⁰ Do they see their own willingness to serve as following His example?
Do they think about His humble birth, ¹¹ the Savior of the world lying in a manger? ¹² Do His circumstances help them better understand the proper place of material possessions?
Do they know that Jesus often taught, “Ask, and ye shall receive”? ¹³ Do His prayers of thankfulness ¹⁴ and His pleadings to His Father ¹⁵ flow through our children’s minds as they kneel in prayer with their own concerns?
Have we told them of the love Jesus has for children, how He held them in His arms, prayed for them, and wept? ¹⁶ Do our children know that Jesus stands ready “with open arms to receive [them]”? ¹⁷
Do they take strength in the stories of Jesus fasting ¹⁸ —as we teach them the law of the fast?
In their own loneliness, do our children know the loneliness the Savior felt as His friends deserted Him and as He asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?” ¹⁹
Have our children felt the power of the Savior’s miracles? Jesus healed the leper, ²⁰ gave sight to the blind. ²¹ He fed the 5,000, ²² calmed the sea, ²³ and raised Lazarus from the dead. ²⁴ Do our children believe that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought,” ²⁵ and do they pray for miracles in their own lives?
Have our children taken courage from the Savior’s words to the ruler of the synagogue: “Be not afraid, only believe”? ²⁶
Do our children know about His perfect life, ²⁷ His selfless ministry, His betrayal and cruel Crucifixion? ²⁸ Have we testified to them of the certainty of His Resurrection, ²⁹ of His visit to the Nephites in the Americas, ³⁰ of His appearance to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove? ³¹
Do they anticipate His majestic return, when all will be made right and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ? ³²
Do our children say, “Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear”? ³³
....
I make a special appeal to fathers: Please be an important part of talking to your children about the Savior. They need the confirming expressions of your faith, along with those of their mother....If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children.
Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus", Ensign, May 2010, 108–12

If We Stay On The Road of Truth, The End Will Be Better Than the Beginning

If we stayed on the road of truth, the end would be better than the beginning....My mother assured me that if I stayed on the road of truth, even when it seemed hot and dusty, even when there were distractions, the end would be better than the beginning

Bradley D. Foster, "Mother Told Me", Ensign, May 2010, 98–100

Our Imperative Duty

It is our imperative duty to help youth understand and believe the gospel in a deeply personal way. We can teach them to walk in the light, but that light cannot be borrowed. They must earn it for themselves. They must obtain their own light of testimony directly from the source of spiritual light—God Himself—through prayer and study and pondering. They must understand who they are and who Heavenly Father wants them to become.

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation", Ensign, May 2010, 95–98

Dad, Are You Awake

Many years ago I took our only son on his first camping, fishing trip. He was just a boy. The canyon was steep, and the descent was difficult. But the fishing was good. Every time I hooked a fish I would give the pole to the eager boy, and with shouts of joy he would reel in a beautiful trout. In the shadows and coolness of the late afternoon, we began our climb back up to the rim high above us. He scrambled rapidly up the mountain ahead of me with a challenging, “Come on, Dad. I’ll bet I can beat you to the top.” The challenge was heard but wisely ignored. His small frame seemed literally to fly over, under, and around every obstacle, and when every step that I took seemed ridiculously like my last, he had reached the top and stood cheering me on. After supper we knelt in prayer. His small voice rose sweetly heavenward in benediction to our day. Then we climbed into our large double sleeping bag, and after a bit of pushing and pulling I felt his little body snuggle and settle tightly against mine for warmth and security against the night. As I looked at my son beside me, suddenly I felt a surge of love pass through my body with such force that it pushed tears to my eyes. And, at that precise moment, he put his little arms around me and said, “Dad.”

“Yes, son.”

“Are you awake?”

“Yes, my son, I am awake.”

“Dad, I love you a million, trillion times!”

And immediately he was asleep. But I was awake far into the night, expressing my great thanks for such wonderful blessings clothed with a little boy’s body.

Now my son is a man with a son of his own. Once in a while the three of us go fishing. I look at my little red-headed grandson beside his father, and I see in my mind’s eye the image of that wonderful moment long ago. The question so innocently asked, “Dad, are you awake?” still rings in my heart.

To every father, I pose the same penetrating question, “Dad, are you awake?” Do your sons ever wonder if you are asleep when it comes to the things that are most important to them? I would suggest that there are several areas that would indicate whether we are “awake” or “asleep” in the eyes of our sons.

First, our love for God and accepting our role as the family leader in keeping His commandments. Some years ago, following a stake conference, I felt impressed to pay a visit to a priesthood brother who had fallen away from the Church. We found him working in his garden. I approached him and said, “Dear brother, the Lord Jesus Christ has sent me to see you. I am Elder Hammond, one of His servants.”

We exchanged a Latin abrazo and entered into his lovely little home. He called for his wife and three children to join us. Two handsome young men and a beautiful girl sat beside their father and mother. I asked the children what they would like, more than anything else in the world, right now. The oldest son spoke: “If only all of us could go back to church as a family, we would be so happy—so grateful.” We told them how much they were needed by the Savior and how He loved them. We bore our testimonies to them and then knelt in prayer. The father prayed. The mother wept. They are now back in full fellowship. The children are proud of their father, and they are happy.

Every father in the Church should function as the patriarch of his home. He should take the lead in spiritually guiding the family. He ought not to delegate nor abrogate his responsibilities to the mother. He should call for family prayer, family home evening, scripture reading, and occasional father interviews. He is the protector, the defender, and the kindly source of discipline. It is the father who should lead, unify, and solidify the family unit by accepting the priesthood of God and responding to the calls and privileges associated with priesthood authority. His relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is one of the beacons which will lead his sons and daughters through the stormy shoals of life.

If Dad is a true disciple of Jesus Christ, then the sons will follow him as the night the day. “Dad, are you awake?”

Second, the relationship we have with our wives—their mothers. Considering everything else that we do, the way we treat our wives could well have the greatest impact on the character of our sons. If a father is guilty of inflicting verbal or physical abuse in any degree on his companion, his sons will resent him for it, perhaps even despise him for it. But interestingly enough, when they are grown and marry, they are likely to follow the same pattern of abuse with their wives. There is an urgent need in our society for fathers who respect their wives and treat them with sweet, tender love.

Recently I heard of a father who foolishly called his beautiful, intelligent wife “stupid” and “dumb” in a most degrading manner for some small mistake that she had innocently made. The children listened, embarrassed and frightened for their mother. She was belittled in front of those that she loved most. Although an apology and forgiveness were expressed, there still remained the hurt and shame of a senseless moment.

The Spirit of the Lord cannot be expected to bless our lives if we persist in being angry, callous, and cruel to our mates. We cannot expect our sons to develop respect and gentleness toward their mothers if we do not provide the proper example. President David O. McKay said, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother” (quoted from Theodore Hesburgh, Reader’s Digest, Jan. 1963, 25; in Richard Evans’ Quote Book [1971], 11). “Dad, are you awake?”

Third, to provide discipline that is just and administered with love. Too often out of our own frustration and weakness we raise our hands to strike our children, usually in an attempt to protect our own selfish pride. Every child needs to be disciplined. Not only do they need it; they expect it; they want it. Discipline gives direction and teaches self-control, but in all discipline there should be a sense of righteous judgment and pure love.

When I was a little boy, my widowed mother gave me the most severe discipline possible. She said, with tears in her eyes, “My son, I am so disappointed in you.” The pain in my heart was more than I could bear. A thousand lashes could not have cut me so deeply. I knew that such a rebuke could only have been made to me out of her pure love, for if there was one thing that I was certain of, it was that my mother loved me. I resolved never again to be subject to the disappointment and the broken heart of an angel mother. I believe that I have succeeded in that resolve.

When it comes to discipline, “Dad, are you awake?”

Dads, it is imperative that the challenges I have mentioned be mastered in our lives if our sons are to be spiritually and emotionally mature. If we do, then they will not be ashamed of us, nor will they ever be ashamed of themselves. They will become men of honor, respect, full of love, willing to serve the Savior and submit their will to Him. Then we will rejoice in the fact that they are ours forever. They will say, “Dad, are you awake?”

And we will respond, “Yes, my son, I am awake.”

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

F. Melvin Hammond, “Dad, Are You Awake?,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 97

Being There

Mother, Father, are you in there? Grandpa, Grandma, are you there? Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them but doing things with them too.

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation", Ensign, May 2010, 95–98

Daily Determination and Dillegence

For all of us, doing our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example—consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence....Fathers, mothers, and leaders of youth, we urge you to participate in Personal Progress and Duty to God with your children and with the youth. Not only will they grow; you will grow too. And just as importantly, you will grow together in a bond of faith and friendship that will allow you to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path forever, to indeed be an eternal family.

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation", Ensign, May 2010, 95–98

A Refining Influence On Those Who Are Engaged In It

While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families.

Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love", Ensign, May 2010, 91–94

If There Is A Design In This World...There Must Be A Designer

If there is a design in this world in which we live, there must be a Designer. Who can behold the many wonders of the universe without believing that there is a design for all mankind? Who can doubt that there is a Designer?

Thomas S. Monson, "He Is Risen!", Ensign, May 2010, 87–90

Seek the Higher Ground--The Refuge and Eternal Protection of the Temple

As I have pondered...the current condition of the world, I have felt an urgency to counsel each of us to seek the higher ground—the refuge and eternal protection of the temple.

Quentin L. Cook, "We Follow Jesus Christ", Ensign, May 2010, 83–86

Never Let An Earthly Circumstance Disable You Spiritually

If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will “suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ” (Alma 31:38). Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.

Donald L. Hallstrom, "Turn to the Lord", Ensign, May 2010, 78–80

They Will Be All Right No Matter How Severly the World Is Shaken

As parents, prepare your children for the challenges they will encounter. Teach them truth, encourage them to live it, and they will be all right no matter how severely the world is shaken.


Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!", Ensign, May 2010, 75–78

An Enormous Sense of Responsibility--Jesus Knows What That Is Like

I believe that it is instructive to try to imagine what the Atonement required of both the Father and His willing Son. Three of the challenges the Savior faced were:

First, an enormous sense of responsibility, for He realized that except it be done perfectly, not one of His Father’s children could return to Him. They would be forever banished from His presence since there would be no way to repent for broken laws and no unclean thing can exist in the presence of God. His Father’s plan would have failed, and each spirit child would have been under the eternal control and torment of Satan.

Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!", Ensign, May 2010, 75–78

If You have Any Question About Whether A Particular Movie, Book, or Other Form of Entertainment Is Appropriate Don't See It, Don't Read It....

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings", Ensign, May 2010, 64–67

Proper Dating Is Part of Missionary Preparation

Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as for a mission. Proper dating is a part of that preparation. In cultures where dating is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teenagers need to date or even want to. … When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. … Make sure your parents meet [and become acquainted with] those you date.” Because dating is a preparation for marriage, “date only those who have high standards.” ²
Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings", Ensign, May 2010, 64–67

Plead That The Spirit Will Show You What the Lord Wants You to Do. Plan to Do It. Promise Him to Obey

He was clean, his sins washed away. His nature had been changed to want what the Savior wanted. He had no fear of death. The desire of his heart was to live to give service to his family and to others of Heavenly Father’s children who needed him.

I walked out into the night grateful to have witnessed the Lord’s kindness to His unfailingly diligent priesthood servants. He changes their hearts to want what He wants and to act as He would act.

I close now with this counsel to the Lord’s priesthood servants. Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son. Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do. Plan to do it. Promise Him to obey. Act with determination until you have done what He asked. And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next.

Henry B. Eyring, "Act in All Diligence", Ensign, May 2010, 60–63

When My Body Begs for Rest, I Give to Myself This Rallying Cry: Remember Him!

When I find myself drawn away from my priesthood duties by other interests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: “Remember Him.” The Lord is our perfect example of diligence in priesthood service. He is our captain. He called us. He goes before us. He chose us to follow Him and to bring others with us.

Henry B. Eyring, "Act in All Diligence", Ensign, May 2010, 60–63

Patience Means Reining In Anger and Holding Back the Unkind Word

Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!....Patience means staying with something until the end. It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings. It means reining in anger and holding back the unkind word. It means resisting evil, even when it appears to be making others rich.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience", Ensign, May 2010, 56–59

As You Become A Faithful Priesthood Man

I testify that you will feel your heart changing as you become a faithful priesthood man. You will seek to be completely clean and administer the sacrament worthily. You will treat every young woman with kindness and respect. You will honor your parents. You will avoid offending the Spirit in what you think, say, or do. You will come to know the Lord, whom you serve, and you will ever strive to be like Him.

I testify that your faithful service in the Aaronic Priesthood will change the lives of those you serve. There are people who need your priesthood service. Your family needs you. Your quorum needs you. The Church needs you. The world needs you.

There is an urgency for you to fulfill your duty to God. I am confident that you will.

David L. Beck, "The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood", Ensign, May 2010, 54–56

At This Time In Your Life, A Mission Call From the Lord, My Young Friends, Is The Most Important Work That You Can Do

In the preface to section 14 of the Doctrine and Covenants, it states, “Three of the Whitmer sons, each having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty.”

To John and Peter Whitmer Jr. the Lord said this: “For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.” ⁵

I suppose many of you young men have asked yourselves that same question. Here is the Lord’s answer: “And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.” ⁶

At this time in your life, a mission call from the Lord, my young friends, is the most important work that you can do. Prepare now, live righteously, learn from your family and Church leaders, and come join with us in building the kingdom of God on earth—accept your divine appointment in “so great a cause.” ⁷

Ronald A. Rasband, "The Divine Call of a Missionary", Ensign, May 2010, 51–53

I Know It Was the Will of the Lord That She Die

Young men and older men, please take special note of what I will say now. As we exercise the undoubted power of the priesthood of God and as we treasure His promise that He will hear and answer the prayer of faith, we must always remember that faith and the healing power of the priesthood cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him whose priesthood it is. This principle is taught in the revelation directing that the elders of the Church shall lay their hands upon the sick. The Lord’s promise is that “he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed” (D&C 42:48; emphasis added). Similarly, in another modern revelation the Lord declares that when one “asketh according to the will of God … it is done even as he asketh” (D&C 46:30). ¹⁴

From all of this we learn that even the servants of the Lord, exercising His divine power in a circumstance where there is sufficient faith to be healed, cannot give a priesthood blessing that will cause a person to be healed if that healing is not the will of the Lord.

As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust. I felt that trust in a talk my cousin gave at the funeral of a teenage girl who had died of a serious illness. He spoke these words, which first astonished me and then edified me: “I know it was the will of the Lord that she die. She had good medical care. She was given priesthood blessings. Her name was on the prayer roll in the temple. She was the subject of hundreds of prayers for her restoration to health. And I know that there is enough faith in this family that she would have been healed unless it was the will of the Lord to take her home at this time.” I felt that same trust in the words of the father of another choice girl whose life was taken by cancer in her teen years. He declared, “Our family’s faith is in Jesus Christ and is not dependent on outcomes.” Those teachings ring true to me. We do all that we can for the healing of a loved one, and then we trust in the Lord for the outcome.

Dallin H. Oaks, "Healing the Sick", Ensign, May 2010, 47–50