You Haven’t Researched My Church, Because I Have Read Every Page Of The Book Of Mormon And I Know It’s True

Some years ago I attended one of our worship services in Toronto, Canada. A 14-year-old girl was the speaker. She said that she had been discussing religion with one of her friends at school. Her friend said to her, “What religion do you belong to?”

She replied, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons.”

Her friend replied, “I know that church, and I know it’s not true.”

“How do you know?” came the reply.

“Because,” said her friend, “I have researched it.”

“Have you read the Book of Mormon?”

“No,” came the answer. “I haven’t.”

Then this sweet young girl responded, “Then you haven’t researched my church, because I have read every page of the Book of Mormon and I know it’s true.”

I too have read every page of the Book of Mormon, again and again, and I bear my solemn witness, it is from God.

 October 2011 General Conference -  The Book Of Mormon—A Book From God  - Tad R. Callister

How Many Straight Lines Can You Draw

The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.

What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.

 October 2011 General Conference -  The Book Of Mormon—A Book From God  - Tad R. Callister

There Is No Middle Ground With the Book of Mormon

Years ago my great-great-grandfather picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon for the first time. He opened it to the center and read a few pages. He then declared, “That book was either written by God or the devil, and I am going to find out who wrote it.” He read it through twice in the next 10 days and then declared, “The devil could not have written it—it must be from God.”¹

That is the genius of the Book of Mormon—there is no middle ground. It is either the word of God as professed, or it is a total fraud. This book does not merely claim to be a moral treatise or theological commentary or collection of insightful writings. It claims to be the word of God—every sentence, every verse, every page. Joseph Smith declared that an angel of God directed him to gold plates, which contained the writings of prophets in ancient America, and that he translated those plates by divine powers. If that story is true, then the Book of Mormon is holy scripture, just as it professes to be; if not, it is a sophisticated but, nonetheless, diabolical hoax.

 October 2011 General Conference -  The Book Of Mormon—A Book From God  - Tad R. Callister

Too Often We Pray to Have Patience, But We Want It Right Now!

Too often we pray to have patience, but we want it right now!

 October 2011 General Conference -  Waiting Upon The Lord: Thy Will Be Done - Robert D. Hales

Converstion - Where a Desire for Things Contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ Has Actually Died

In one who is wholly converted, desire for things [contrary] to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died, and substituted therefor is a love of God with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.”⁵

 October 2011 General Conference -  A Witness  - Henry B. Eyring

The Doctrine and the Valiant Examples in [The Book of Mormon] Will Lift, Guide, and Embolden You.

The doctrine and the valiant examples in [The Book of Mormon] will lift, guide, and embolden you....It can change a life for the better.

 October 2011 General Conference -  A Witness  - Henry B. Eyring

Spiritual Staying Power Comes from Working Past the Point When Other Would Have Taken a Rest

The Lord’s great mentors have shown me that spiritual staying power comes from working past the point when others would have taken a rest....They have shown and taught me how to discipline myself to work harder than I thought I could while I still have health and strength.

I can’t be a perfect servant every hour, but I can try to give more effort than I thought I could. With that habit formed early on, I will be prepared for trials later.

October 2011 General Conference -  Preparation In The Priesthood: “I Need Your Help” - Henry B. Eyring

Our Spiritual Progress Is Inseparably Bound Together With The Temporal Service We Give To Others.

Our spiritual progress is inseparably bound together with the temporal service we give to others.

The one complements the other. The one without the other is a counterfeit of God’s plan of happiness.

 October 2011 General Conference -  Providing In The Lord’S Way  - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

You Cannot Travel Down What Lehi Called "Forbidden Paths" and Expect To Guide Other to the "Straight and Narrow One"

 No missionary can be unrepentant of sexual transgression or profane language or pornographic indulgence and then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things! You can’t do that. The Spirit will not be with you, and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them. You cannot travel down what Lehi called “forbidden paths”⁵ and expect to guide others to the “strait and narrow”⁶ one—it can’t be done.

 October 2011 General Conference -  We Are All Enlisted  -  Jeffrey R. Holland

If We Do Not Invite Others To Change Or If We Do Not Demand Repentance Of Ourselves, We Fail In A Fundamental Duty We Owe To One Another And To Ourselves.

First, the invitation to repent is an expression of love. When the Savior “began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17), it was a message of love, inviting all who would to qualify to join Him “and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life [itself] in the world to come” (Moses 6:59). If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring (see D&C 121:43–44).

 Nov. 2011 The Divine Gift Of Repentance   -  Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Repentance Is A Divine Gift, And There Should Be A Smile On Our Faces When We Speak Of It.

Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration.

 Nov. 2011 The Divine Gift Of Repentance   -  Elder D. Todd Christofferson

It Was Not In Their Jerusalem Home, With Gold, Silver, And Precious Things, That Lehi And Sariah, Acting In Faith, Bore Their Sons Jacob And Joseph

It was not in the Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve bore their first child. Leaving the garden, “Adam [and Eve] began to till the earth. … Adam knew his wife, and she [bore] … sons and daughters, and [acting in faith] they began to multiply and to replenish the earth.”¹¹

It was not in their Jerusalem home, with gold, silver, and precious things, that Lehi and Sariah, acting in faith, bore their sons Jacob and Joseph. It was in the wilderness. Lehi spoke of his son Jacob as “my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness.”¹² Lehi said of Joseph, “Thou wast born in the wilderness of [our] afflictions; yea, in the days of [our] greatest sorrow did thy mother bear thee.”¹³

In the book of Exodus, a man and woman married and, acting in faith, had a baby boy. There was no welcoming sign on the front door to announce his birth. They hid him because Pharaoh had instructed that every newborn male Israelite should be “cast into the river.”¹⁴ You know the rest of the story: the baby lovingly laid in a little ark made of bulrushes, placed in the river, watched over by his sister, found by Pharaoh’s daughter, and cared for by his own mother as his nurse. The boy was returned to Pharaoh’s daughter, who took him as her son and called him Moses.

In the most beloved story of a baby’s birth, there was no decorated nursery or designer crib—only a manger for the Savior of the world.

In “the best of times [and] … the worst of times,”¹⁵ the true Saints of God, acting in faith, have never forgotten, dismissed, or neglected “God’s commandment … to multiply and replenish the earth.”¹⁶ We go forward in faith—realizing the decision of how many children to have and when to have them is between a husband and wife and the Lord. We should not judge one another on this matter.

 Nov. 2011 Children   -  Elder Neil L. Andersen

There Is No Shame In A Couple Having To Scrimp And Save.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions.”¹⁰

 Nov. 2011 Children   -  Elder Neil L. Andersen

I Promise You Will Be Protected Against The Intensifying Influence Of The Adversary

I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories.

As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.

Parents and leaders, please help your children and youth to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah.

 Nov. 2011 The Hearts Of The Children Shall Turn   -  Elder David A. Bednar

If You Do This, Your Lives Will Be Without Regret

I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful.

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Slow To Anger",General Conference  October 2007

If You Succumb, You Will Find Why “The Love Of Many Shall Wax Cold

I warn you that it will not be easy for you to focus your life on achieving your core values. Unfortunately, virtually the entire world around you will ridicule those values and a life based on them—perhaps not overtly, but implicitly in every medium that surrounds you. Some thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah looked forward to our times with this observation: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

There is ample evidence of the truth of his observations. In virtually every medium you will see and hear good called evil and evil good, light called dark and dark light. You will hear, for example, that fidelity is boring, that promiscuity is exciting. But if you succumb, you will find why “the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12).

BYU Magazine  Winter 2013, "Forty Years On", Mitt Romney

We Would Not Accept the Yoke of Christ, So Now We Must Tremble At the Yoke of Caesar

In most of the world, we have been experiencing an extended and devastating economic recession. It was brought on by multiple causes, but one of the major causes was widespread dishonest and unethical conduct, particularly in the U.S. housing and financial markets. Reactions have focused on enacting more and stronger regulation. Perhaps that may dissuade some from unprincipled conduct, but others will simply get more creative in their circumvention. ³ There could never be enough rules so finely crafted as to anticipate and cover every situation, and even if there were, enforcement would be impossibly expensive and burdensome. This approach leads to diminished freedom for everyone. In the memorable phrase of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, “We would not accept the yoke of Christ; so now we must tremble at the yoke of Caesar.” ⁴

October 2009, D. Todd Christofferson, Moral Discipline

Every Life Has a Full Share of Ups and Downs

 I have observed that life—every life—has a full share of ups and downs. Indeed, we see many joys and sorrows in the world, many changed plans and new directions, many blessings that do not always look or feel like blessings, and much that humbles us and improves our patience and our faith. We have all had those experiences from time to time, and I suppose we always will.

 OCTOBER 1987 THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF DOORS  HOWARD W. HUNTER

What I Learned from Working At Microsoft

It is the misapprehension of most people that if you are good, really good, at what you do, you will eventually be both widely known and well compensated.

It is the understanding of almost everyone that success, to be complete, must include a generous portion of both fame and fortune as essential ingredients.

The world seems to work on that premise. The premise is false. It is not true. The Lord taught otherwise.

I want you, our children, to know this truth:

You need not be either rich or hold high position to be completely successful and truly happy.

In fact, if these things come to you, and they may, true success must be achieved in spite of them, not because of them.

It is remarkably difficult to teach this truth. If one who is not well known, and not well compensated, claims that he has learned for himself that neither fame nor fortune are essential to success, we tend to reject his statement as self-serving. What else could he say and not count himself a failure?

If someone who has possession of fame or fortune asserts that neither matters to success or happiness, we suspect that his expression is also self-serving, even patronizing.

Therefore, we will not accept as reliable authorities either those who have fame and fortune, or those who have not. We question that either can be an objective witness.

That leaves only one course open to us: trial and error—to learn for oneself, by experience, about prominence and wealth or their opposites.

We thereafter struggle through life, perhaps missing both fame and fortune, to finally learn one day that one can, indeed, succeed without possessing either. Or we may, one day, have both and learn that neither has made us happy; neither is basic to the recipe for true success and for complete happiness. That is a very slow way to learn.

Boyd K. Packer, Conference  October 1980, "The Choice"

Seek Heavenly Guidance...By The Inch It's a Cinch

I have spoken over the years with many individuals who have told me, “I have so many problems, such real concerns. I’m overwhelmed with the challenges of life. What can I do?” I have offered to them, and I now offer to you, this specific suggestion: seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for just one day—and then one more and then one more after that—until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness. The Savior promised, “Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”⁶

Thomas S. Monson -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

I Prefer "The Terrific Teens"

Soon you entered that period some have labeled “the terrible teens.” I prefer “the terrific teens.” What a time of opportunity, a season of growth, a semester of development—marked by the acquisition of knowledge and the quest for truth.

Thomas S. Monson -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

Moroni...Is My Hero

I love Moroni because, in a very degenerate society, he remained pure and true. He is my hero. He stood alone. I feel somehow he stands atop the temple today, beckoning us to have courage, to remember who we are, and to be worthy to enter the holy temple—to “arise and shine forth,”¹ to stand above the worldly clamor, and to, as Isaiah prophesied, “Come … to the mountain of the Lord”²—the holy temple.

Elaine S. Dalton -- April 2012 General Young Women Meeting

I Testify To You That Much Of The Book Of Mormon’S Greatness Stems From Its Harmony With The Holy Bible

 I testify to you that much of the Book of Mormon’s greatness stems from its harmony with the Holy Bible

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Power Of Deliverance   -  Elder L. Tom Perry

We Enter Mortality Not To Float With The Moving Currents Of Life But With The Power To Think, To Reason, And To Achieve

Unlike toy boats, we have been provided divine attributes to guide our journey. We enter mortality not to float with the moving currents of life but with the power to think, to reason, and to achieve.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Race Of Life   -  President Thomas S. Monson

The Offer, While Well Meaning And Often Given, “Let Me Know If I Can Help” Is Really No Help At All.

 Thus another special lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Special Lessons   -  Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Our "Do It" Switch Get Rotated To The Later Position

The words written in the scriptures and spoken in general conference are for us to “liken them unto [ourselves],”⁷ not for reading or hearing only.⁸Too often we attend meetings and nod our heads; we might even smile knowingly and agree. We jot down some action points, and we may say to ourselves, “That is something I will do.” But somewhere between the hearing, the writing of a reminder on our smartphone, and the actual doing, our “do it” switch gets rotated to the “later” position. Brethren, let’s make sure to set our “do it” switch always to the “now” position!

 April 2011 Your Potential, Your Privilege  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This Topic of Judging Others - Stop It

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Merciful Obtain Mercy   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Magnify Your Calling In The Presence Of Your Fellows … That The People Will Be Glad To Follow You

The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive. President George Albert Smith, that modest but effective leader, declared, “It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of His holy Priesthood to [so] magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows … that the people will be glad to follow you.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  Willing And Worthy To Serve   -  President Thomas S. Monson

It Is In The Application Of Doctrine That The Purifying Flame Of The Gospel Grows And The Power Of The Priesthood Ignites Our Souls

Let us be the ones to act and not be acted upon. Preaching is fine, but sermons that do not lead to action are like fires without heat or water that cannot quench thirst.

It is in the application of doctrine that the purifying flame of the gospel grows and the power of the priesthood ignites our souls.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Why Of Priesthood Service   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Priesthood Provides and Protects

At the conclusion of the temple recommend interviews I conducted as a bishop and stake president, I often would ask the married sisters how I could best serve them and their families. The consistency of the answers I received from those faithful women was both instructive and alarming. The sisters rarely complained or criticized, but they often responded as follows: “Please help my husband understand his responsibility as a priesthood leader in our home. I am happy to take the lead in scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, and I will continue to do so. But I wish my husband would be an equal partner and provide the strong priesthood leadership only he can give. Please help my husband learn how to become a patriarch and a priesthood leader in our home who presides and protects.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Men Who Hold The Priesthood Are Not Inherently Better Than Other Men, But They Should Act Differently.

 Men who hold the priesthood are not inherently better than other men, but they should act differently.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

It Is Not Enough To Receive The Priesthood And Then Sit Back Passively And Wait Until Someone Prods Us

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “It is not enough to receive the priesthood and then sit back passively and wait until someone prods us into activity. When we receive the priesthood, we have the obligation of becoming actively and anxiously engaged in promoting the cause of righteousness in the earth"....Brethren, for a boy or a man to receive priesthood authority but neglect to do what is necessary to qualify for priesthood power is unacceptable to the Lord. Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Worthiness And Willingness—Not Experience, Expertise, Or Education—Are The Qualifications For Priesthood Ordination.

Ordinary men are given the authority of the priesthood. Worthiness and willingness—not experience, expertise, or education—are the qualifications for priesthood ordination.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Powers Of Heaven   -  Elder David A. Bednar

Two Indicators That A Feeling Or Prompting Comes From God Are That It Produces Peace In Your Heart And A Quiet, Warm Feeling.

Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. 

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. S

Sanctify Yourselves ie Keep My Commandments

The Lord has declared: “And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.”² The words sanctify yourselves may appear puzzling. President Harold B. Lee once explained that you can replace those words with the phrase “keep my commandments.” Read that way, the counsel may seem clearer.³

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. Scott

Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness

Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a dream because we trust them and will listen to their counsel. It is the Lord doing the teaching through the Holy Ghost. However, He may in a dream make it both easier to understand and more likely to touch our hearts by teaching us through someone we love and respect.

 April 2012 General Conference -  How To Obtain Revelation And Inspiration For Your Personal Life   -  Elder Richard G. Scott

Clearly, A Dividing Line Between Those Who Hear The Music Of Faith And Those Who Are Tone-Deaf Or Off-Key Is The Active Study Of The Scriptures.

Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures.

 April 2012 General Conference -  In Tune With The Music Of Faith   -  Elder Quentin L. Cook

The Essential Doctrine Of Agency Requires That A Testimony Of The Restored Gospel Be Based On Faith Rather Than Just External Or Scientific Proof.

The essential doctrine of agency requires that a testimony of the restored gospel be based on faith rather than just external or scientific proof. 

 April 2012 General Conference -  In Tune With The Music Of Faith   -  Elder Quentin L. Cook

Many A Time at Microsoft -- I Can Come to You!

In the general Relief Society meeting of September 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley related an experience shared by a divorced single mother of seven children then ranging in ages from 7 to 16. She had gone across the street to deliver something to a neighbor. She said:

“As I turned around to walk back home, I could see my house lighted up. I could hear echoes of my children as I had walked out of the door a few minutes earlier. They were saying: ‘Mom, what are we going to have for dinner?’ ‘Can you take me to the library?’ ‘I have to get some poster paper tonight.’ Tired and weary, I looked at that house and saw the light on in each of the rooms. I thought of all of those children who were home waiting for me to come and meet their needs. My burdens felt heavier than I could bear.

“I remember looking through tears toward the sky, and I said, ‘Dear Father, I just can’t do it tonight. I’m too tired. I can’t face it. I can’t go home and take care of all those children alone. Could I just come to You and stay with You for just one night? …’

“I didn’t really hear the words of reply, but I heard them in my mind. The answer was: ‘No, little one, you can’t come to me now. … But I can come to you.’”²

 April 2012 General Conference -  Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message To Single Parents   -  Elder David S. Baxter

Bless You For Avoiding The Type Of Companionship That Would Come At The Expense Of Virtue And Discipleship. That Would Be Far Too High A Price To Pay.

My message is for the single parents in the Church, the majority of whom are single mothers—you valiant women who, through the varying circumstances of life, find yourselves raising children and running a home on your own. Perhaps you have been widowed or divorced. You may be coping with the challenges of single parenthood as a result of having taken a wrong turn outside of marriage, but you are now living within the framework of the gospel, having turned your life around. Bless you for avoiding the type of companionship that would come at the expense of virtue and discipleship. That would be far too high a price to pay.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message To Single Parents   -  Elder David S. Baxter

Where Do I Stand On Living My Covenants

With His love and the love of His Son in my heart, I challenge each of us to follow our spiritual desires and come to ourselves. Let’s have a talk with ourselves in the mirror and ask, “Where do I stand on living my covenants?” We are on the right path when we can say, “I worthily partake of the sacrament each week, I am worthy to hold a temple recommend and go to the temple, and I sacrifice to serve and bless others.”

 April 2012 General Conference -  Coming To Ourselves: The Sacrament, The Temple, And Sacrifice In Service   -  Elder Robert D. Hales

We Become Converted And Spiritually Self-Reliant As We Prayerfully Live Our Covenants

We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others.... We think about the promises we made and kept during the previous week and make specific personal commitments to follow the Savior during the coming week.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Coming To Ourselves: The Sacrament, The Temple, And Sacrifice In Service   -  Elder Robert D. Hales

You Have Not Traveled Beyond the Reach of Divine Love

I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Laborers In The Vineyard   -  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

One Of The Characteristics Of Trials In Life Is That They Seem To Make Clocks Slow Down And Then Appear Almost To Stop.

I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Mountains To Climb   -  President Henry B. Eyring

Give Me This Mountain, Give Me These Challenges

There are great challenges ahead of us, giant opportunities to be met. I welcome that exciting prospect and feel to say to the Lord, humbly, ‘Give me this mountain,’ give me these challenges.”¹

 April 2012 General Conference -  Mountains To Climb   -  President Henry B. Eyring

Your Sacrifices, My Brothers And Sisters—Stand In Contrast To The Familiar Worldly Quests For Personal Fulfillment.

For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. In that experience I know of no group whose members make more sacrifices than Latter-day Saints. Their sacrifices—your sacrifices, my brothers and sisters—stand in contrast to the familiar worldly quests for personal fulfillment.

 April 2012 General Conference -  Sacrifice   -  Elder Dallin H. Oaks

It Was Meant That Children Have Two Parents—Both A Father And A Mother. No Other Pattern Or Process Can Replace This One.

The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent. Neither man nor woman can bear children alone. It was meant that children have two parents—both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one.

 April 2012 General Conference -  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them

No Pain Will Last Forever

 No pain will last forever. It is not easy, but life was never meant to be either easy or fair.

 April 2012 General Conference -  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them  And A Little Child Shall Lead Them

No Cause, No Force In The Entire World Can Stop The Work Of God.

 No cause, no force in the entire world can stop the work of God. Despite what comes, this great cause will go forward.

 April 2012 General Conference -  As We Gather Once Again   -  President Thomas S. Monson

Here In This House Is The Millennium

Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace; the soil of the earth will bring forth in its strength, and the fruits thereof will be meat for man. The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation vanish away. If the people will not serve the Devil another moment whilst they live, if this congregation is possessed of that spirit and resolution, here in this house is the Millennium. Let the inhabitants of this city be possessed of that spirit, let the people of the territory be possessed of that spirit, and here is the Millennium. Let the whole people … be possessed of that spirit and here is the Millennium, and so will it spread over all the world (DBY, 115–16).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 330–35

I Have Never Seen A Time In This Gospel But What I Knew That The Result Would Be Beneficial To The Cause Of Truth And The Lovers Of Righteousness

When surrounded by mobs, with death and destruction threatening on every hand, I am not aware but that I felt just as joyful, just as well in my spirits, as I do now. Prospects might appear dull and very dark, but I have never seen a time in this Gospel but what I knew that the result would be beneficial to the cause of truth and the lovers of righteousness, and I have always felt to joyfully acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things (DBY,453).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

I Feel Happy. “Mormonism” Has Made Me All I Am.

I feel happy. “Mormonism” has made me all I am, and the grace, the power, and the wisdom of God will make me all that I ever will be, either in time or eternity (DBY, 451).
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“Mormonism” has done everything for me that ever has been done for me on the earth; it has made me happy; … it has filled me with good feelings, with joy and rejoicing. Whereas, before I possessed the spirit of the Gospel I was troubled with that which I hear others complain of, that is, with, at times, feeling cast down, gloomy, and despondent; with everything wearing to me, at times, a dreary aspect (DBY, 452).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

Whether A Brother Wears A Coon Skin Cap Or A Fine Beaver Hat Is All The Same To Us.

We have not in our society an aristocratic circle. Whether a brother wears a coon skin cap or a fine beaver hat is all the same to us. If a person is a faithful servant of God we do not object to his coming to meeting, though he has only a piece of buffalo skin to wear on his head. We partake of theSacrament with him, hail him in the street as a brother and a friend, converse with him, meet him in social parties and greet him as an equal (DBY, 283–84).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 352–59

Be In Advance [saying] 'Come Along,' And You Will Have No use For the Rod

You ought always to take the lead of your children in their minds and affections. Instead of being behind with the whip, always be in advance, then you can say, “Come along,” and you will have no use for the rod. They will delight to follow you, and will like your words and ways, because you are always comforting them and giving them pleasure and enjoyment. If they get a little naughty, stop them when they have gone far enough. … When they transgress, and transcend certain bounds we want them to stop. If you are in the lead they will stop, they cannot run over you; but if you are behind they will run away from you (DNSW, 8 Dec. 1868, 2–3).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 336–42