Men Can Stop Sinning and Can Do Right in the Future...But Who Shall Repair the Wrongs They Have Done?

Men cannot forgive their own sins; they cannot cleanse themselves from the consequences of their sins. Men can stop sinning and can do right in the future, and so far their acts are acceptable before the Lord and worthy of consideration. But who shall repair the wrongs they have done to themselves and to others, which it seems impossible for them to repair themselves? By the atonement of Jesus Christ the sins of the repentant shall be washed away; though they be crimson they shall be made white as wool [see Isaiah 1:18]. This is the promise given to you.

Chapter 11: Jesus Christ Redeems the Repentant from Spiritual Death,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 95

Alexander Pope’s “Essay on Man”

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien

As to be hated needs but to be seen;

Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,

We first endure, then pity, then embrace. ³

Thomas S. Monson, "Pornography, the Deadly Carrier" Ensign July 2001

I Do Not Believe the Greatest Threat to Our Future is from Bombs or Guided Missiles

An ominous warning was voiced by Laurence M. Gould, former president of Carleton College: “I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I don’t think our civilization will die that way. I think it will die when we no longer care. Arnold Toynbee has pointed out that 19 of 21 civilizations have died from within and not by conquest from without. There were no bands playing and flags waving when these civilizations decayed. It happened slowly, in the quiet and the dark when no one was aware.” ⁴

Thomas S. Monson, "Pornography, the Deadly Carrier" Ensign July 2001

No, I've Been Repenting as I Went Along

My father...talked to me during the nights as he approached death. He spoke of joyous reunions that were coming soon in the spirit world. I could almost see the bright sunlight and the smiles in that place of paradise as he talked about it with such assurance.

At one point, I asked him if he had some repenting to do. He smiled. He chuckled softly as he said, “No, Hal, I’ve been repenting as I went along.” 

 April 1999 "The Power Of Teaching Doctrine"  Henry B. Eyring

Dad I Only Need a Little Help

Having virtually no quantitative skills, I was seldom if ever able to help our children with math and scientific subjects. One day our high school daughter Nancy asked me for “a little help” regarding a Supreme Court case, Fletcher v. Peck. I was so eager to help after so many times of not being able to help. At last a chance to unload! Out came what I knew about Fletcher v. Peck. Finally my frustrated daughter said, “Dad, I need only a little help!” I was meeting my own needs rather than giving her “a little help.”

Author: Neal A. Maxwell

Title: Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been
Where: Ensign, May 2004, 44

We Underestimate How Genuinely and Frequently Our Children Want to Please Us

When I was [a young father], I had just received a phone call telling me of a friend’s death in an accident. I was sitting in the living room with tears streaking down my cheeks. Our young son, Cory, saw the tears as he passed in the hallway. I learned that he had anxiously assumed the tears were because he had disappointed me in some way. He didn’t know about the phone call. Brethren, we underestimate how genuinely and frequently our children want to please us.

Author: Neal A. Maxwell

Title: Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been
Where: Ensign, May 2004, 44

Testimony of Martin Harris

The Story of William Pilkington

My special interest in the words of the prophets came at a very impressionable age in my life. My father was the bishop of our ward. Each year he would plan a trip that would help impress on our minds the significance of the events that happened near our home in Logan, Utah.

When I was 12 years of age, he planned a trip to Clarkston, Utah, for the Aaronic Priesthood holders of our ward. Arriving in Clarkston, we were driven to the town cemetery, where we were asked to gather around a tall granite marker. The marker was engraved with the name of Martin Harris, one of the Three Witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. Not only were we to see Martin Harris's grave, but we would also hear Martin Harris's testimony by one who knew him. I would like you to relive that event with me tonight. I have invited William Pilkington—alias Lael Woodbury—to tell his story. William, please come forth and give that witness.

We had been in our new home a few days. One dark night a knock came on the door. Our family was gathered at home and we were all singing the songs of Zion. We stopped singing and Father opened the door. A strange man walked in. He was given a chair and he sat down.

He said, "What is your name, sir?"

Father promptly told him our name was Pilkington.

He said, "Are you immigrants?"

He was told that we had just immigrated from England. He said he wanted to hire a boy to go and live with him for one year.

My brother Richard and I were sitting together on the right of the stranger. He looked at us and said, "I think this one will do." That one was Willie—me.

He then asked if I would like to go and live with him for a year. He said he had just sold his property in Smithfield and was going to a place across the valley called Clarkston. Father asked him how much I would get if I went for a year. He thought a little while and then said, "I will give Willie a two-year-old heifer and his board and clothes if he will work for me."

I asked Father what he thought about the proposition. He said it was all right—I could go and work for him a year, and for me to be a good boy.

I put on my coat and hat, kissed Mother, Father, and all the rest of the family, and went with him. It was a very dark night, and the country being strange to me, he took hold of my hand. We walked for about 10 minutes and entered a log house—the first log house I was ever in.

The rest of the family had all retired to bed. Or at least I thought so. I thought it very strange the man did not tell me what his name was. He gave me a chair and sat me down close by a little round table. He then asked me if I had had my supper.

I said, "Yes," and he said, "Maybe you can eat a little more." So he got a pan of milk, some bread, a bowl and spoon and told me to eat all I wanted. He told me the folks had all gone to bed and said, "Now I will go to bed, but before going I will show you where you will sleep on the floor," and then he went to bed.

I was enjoying the bread and milk when my attention was attracted to an object over in the northwest corner of the room. As the oil lamp gives very little light, I was puzzled as to what it could be, so I ate a little faster so I could go to bed.

I was obliged to go between the table and this object, and in going round the table I discovered the form of a man. He made a motion with his hand as if he wanted me.

Rather timidly I went over to him, and he told me to pull up a chair and sit down close to him. I still felt a rather crawly sensation creeping over me, but I pulled up the chair alongside the chair he was sitting on and sat down.

He asked me what my name was, and I promptly told him my name was William Pilkington.

He asked me if we were immigrants.

I told him our family immigrated from England.

He then asked me if I was going to live with them.

I told him I thought I would live with them for about a year.

Up to this time neither one of them had told me what their name was, and it rather puzzled me. Then he asked me if I was a Mormon.

I told him our whole family were Mormons.

He told me he was going to call me Willie. I told him that Mother called me Willie too.

Then he said, "Willie, tomorrow night after the chores are done and we have had supper and all the folks have gone to bed, I want you to sit down in this chair, close to mine, for I have lots to tell you."

I told him I would do that, and then I retired to bed on the floor. Between the floor being hard and what the old man had told me, I did not sleep very much and arose very early the next morning not feeling very much refreshed, as that was the first time I had ever slept on the floor, and that with only one quilt under and one over me.

When I arose the next morning, I looked for the man who talked to me last night. I knew that I could recognize him, as in the darkness of the room he resembled a picture I had once seen of Rip Van Winkle. When I found him, however, I found a very old man, and he walked with a cane. He greeted me with "Good morning, Willie" and shook my hand and told me not to forget tonight.

I told him I wouldn't forget. I was wondering all day long what that old man wanted me for—an old decrepit man who wanted to talk to a boy he had found out was a Mormon boy.

At last night came. Supper was over, and after having family prayer they all retired to bed. The old gentleman then sat down in his armchair, put his elbow on the arm of the chair, and crooked his finger as he did scores of times afterward, and that was a signal for me to bring my chair alongside his.

He again asked me what my name was.

I told him.

"Oh, yes, I am to call you Willie." He then said, "Willie, did you ever go to Sunday School?"

I promptly told him, "Yes, sir."

"What class were you in?"

I promptly told him the Book of Mormon class.

His eyes sparkled and his whole body seemed to vibrate. He seemed like a changed being. He was very excited, trembling as I gazed into his eyes.

He said, "Did you ever read the Book of Mormon?"

"Yes, sir," was the reply.

"Well, if you have read the Book of Mormon, what is the first reading that we find in the preface of the book?"

After a little thinking, I said, "The first reading in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of the three men testifying to the whole world that they saw an angel come down from heaven, that they saw the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and the angel told them that the translation was correct, and they bear record that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and that their names will go forever before the world testifying that the Book of Mormon is true."

He then said, "I know now, Willie, that you have read that glorious book. Willie, I am going to ask you one more question. What were those three men's names?"

I told him they were Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.

This little old man, then 92 years of age, of whom in my mind I had likened to Rip Van Winkle, whose whole being at this time was wonderful to behold, all lit up with the Spirit of God, whose eyes now were sparkling, whose whole being was transformed, stood up before me on that memorable occasion and, putting his walking cane in his left hand, he straightened up and striking his breast with his right hand exclaimed, "I am Martin Harris, one of the three witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon—a man who had the privilege of standing before angels, a man whose eyes beheld the golden plates, a man whose ears heard the voice of God declare that the book was translated correctly and then command him to testify to all the world that it was correct."

From that time on until his death, he never tired of telling me of the beauties of the gospel, and especially about the early rise of the Church and the tribulations that beset the Prophet Joseph Smith and himself.

Thank you, William Pilkington, for that witness and testimony.²

"The Scriptures and the Restoration" L. Tom Perry, November 02, 2003BYU Fireside

I Ordered Milk

A member of the Church who is worthy of a temple recommend should always stand out in whatever professional circles he or she belongs. My advice to you is to dare to be different. Never worry about offending others by living up to the standards of the Church. I promise you that living up to temple recommend standards will bless and never hurt you in any situation in which you may find yourself. 

Let me offer a personal example. Again, my business career was as a retail executive. As such, I was required to attend trade association meetings, business clubs, chamber of commerce meetings, etc. They always started with a cocktail hour. I was always uncomfortable in the setting. Nearly everyone would be holding an alcoholic beverage in their hands as they mingled together. I asked myself, “What could I hold in my hand to represent my standards and the standards of the Church?” I realized that if I didn’t hold a glass in my hand someone would always be wanting to buy me a drink. 

At first I tried holding 7-Up, but it looked the same as other bubbly, alcoholic drinks. Finally, I decided to walk over to the bartender and request a glass of milk. I thought he might be hard of hearing because he made me repeat my order three times.  The final time was loud enough that everyone in the room could hear. 

After fumbling around for a few minutes the bartender finally handed me a glass of milk. You can imagine the ribbing I received as I mingled the rest of that evening, but I knew my standards, and I was undeterred. The next month, at the same meeting, I ordered my milk. From then on, the bartender always had a glass of milk for me. 

Then a funny thing started to happen. At future meetings more people started ordering milk and drinking it with me. They confided in me that their wives did not like them drinking because it might impair them as they drove home. Instead of feeling awkward during cocktail hour, I soon became the center of conversation. It helped me meet more people and fulfill the purposes for which I attended those gatherings.

I learned an important lesson from this experience. If I kept my promises to the Lord, He would always keep His promises to me. He would always fulfill his end of the bargain—and much, much more—if I fulfilled mine.

Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, January 24, 2012,"The Church: Scaffolding for Our Lives"L. Tom Perry

That Ladder, No Matter How Lofty It May Appear On This Earth, Barely Amounts To A Single Step In The Great Eternal Journey

Another regret people expressed was that they failed to become the person they felt they could and should have been. When they looked back on their lives, they realized that they never lived up to their potential, that too many songs remained unsung.

I am not speaking here of climbing the ladder of success in our various professions. That ladder, no matter how lofty it may appear on this earth, barely amounts to a single step in the great eternal journey awaiting us.

Rather, I am speaking of becoming the person God, our Heavenly Father, intended us to be....How do we do this? By following the example of the Savior, by incorporating His teachings in our daily lives, by truly loving God and our fellowman.

We certainly cannot do this with a dragging-our-feet, staring-at-our-watch, complaining-as-we-go approach to discipleship.

 October 2012 Of Regrets And Resolutions   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

How Much Wealth Did He Leave?....All of It

Years ago, I was asked to perform an operation upon a very wealthy man. A surgical biopsy confirmed that he had an advanced cancer that had spread throughout his body. As I reported this news, his immediate response was to rely upon his wealth. He would go anywhere or do anything to treat his condition. He thought he could buy his way back to health. But he soon passed away. Someone asked, “How much wealth did he leave?” The answer, of course, was, “All of it!”

 April 2005 Now Is The Time To Prepare  Russell M. Nelson

Close Your Eyes and Let Them Eat

Open your homes to the friends of your children. If you find they have big appetites, close your eyes and let them eat. Make your children’s friends your friend

 October 1998 "To The Boys And To The Men"  Gordon B. Hinckley

We Can Choose Not to Become Angry

Understanding the connection between agency and anger is the first step in eliminating it from our lives. We can choose not to become angry. And we can make that choice today, right now: “I will never become angry again.” Ponder this resolution.

 April 1998 "Agency And Anger"  Lynn G. Robbins

What Would Jesus Do?

We are at a time in the history of the world and the growth of the Church when we must think more of holy things and act more like the Savior would expect his disciples to act. We should at every opportunity ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then act more courageously upon the answer. 

 October 1994 "Follow The Son Of God"  Howard W. Hunter

When People Sift Through Our Possessions After We Have Died, Will They Find Evidence That We Have Kept Our Covenants?

When people sift through our possessions after we have died, will they find evidence that we have kept our covenants?

October 2011 - "Cleave unto the Covenants" Barbara Thompson

True Ministry Is Measured More By The Depth Of Our Charity Than By The Perfection Of Our Statistics.

I hope my granddaughters will understand that visiting teaching is an expression of their discipleship and a significant way to honor their covenants....True ministry is measured more by the depth of our charity than by the perfection of our statistics.
October 2011 - "What I Hope My Granddaughters (and Grandsons) Will Understand about Relief Society" Julie B. Beck

Our Circumstances Have the Potential to Bleach the Bones of Faith

Every day, Relief Society sisters around the world experience the entire range of mortal challenges and experiences. Women and their families today live face to face with unrealized expectations; mental, physical, and spiritual illness; accidents; and death. Some sisters suffer loneliness and disappointment because they do not have families of their own, and others suffer from the consequences of poor choices made by family members. Some have experienced war or hunger or natural disasters, and others are learning about the strain of addictions, unemployment, or insufficient education and training. All of these difficulties have the potential to bleach the bones of faith and exhaust the strength of individuals and families. One of the Lord’s purposes in organizing the sisters into a discipleship was to provide relief that would lift them above “all that hinders the joy and progress of woman.”¹⁶ In every ward and branch, there is a Relief Society with sisters who can seek and receive revelation and counsel with priesthood leaders to strengthen each other and work on solutions that are applicable in their own homes and communities.
October 2011 - "What I Hope My Granddaughters (and Grandsons) Will Understand about Relief Society" Julie B. Beck

He Is Personal and Real

I bear my testimony to you that this work is true, that our Savior lives, and that He guides and directs His Church here upon the earth. I leave with you my witness and my testimony that God our Eternal Father lives and loves us. He is indeed our Father, and He is personal and real. May we realize and understand how close to us He is willing to come, how far He is willing to go to help us, how much He loves us, and how much He does and is willing to do for us.

 October 2011 General Conference -  Until We Meet Again  Thomas S. Monson

There Is No Chance, No Fate, No Destiny That Can Circumvent Or Hinder Or Control The Firm Resolve Of A Determined Soul.

Memorize [this] statement to resist mortal challenges: “There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”²⁶

 October 2011 General Conference -  "The Songs They Could Not Sing"  Quentin L. Cook

It Is As Tragic To Think We Are Too Sinful To Pray As It Is For A Very Sick Person To Believe He Is Too Sick To Go To The Doctor!

There is a risk that a person may not feel good enough to pray. This idea comes from that evil spirit who is the one who teaches us not to pray (see 2 Nephi 32:8). It is as tragic to think we are too sinful to pray as it is for a very sick person to believe he is too sick to go to the doctor!

 October 2011 General Conference -  "The Privilege Of Prayer"  J. Devn Cornish

How the Abrahamic Covenant Works

Some of us are the literal seed of Abraham; others are gathered into his family by adoption. The Lord makes no distinction.²¹ Together we receive these promised blessings—if we seek the Lord and obey His commandments.²² But if we don’t, we lose the blessings of the covenant.²³

 October 2011 General Conference -  "Covenants"  Russell M. Nelson

The Spirit Cannot Be Present At The Kinds Of Activities In Which So Much Of The World Participates.

It may appear to you at times that those out in the world are having much more fun than you are. Some of you may feel restricted by the code of conduct to which we in the Church adhere. My brothers and sisters, I declare to you, however, that there is nothing which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the Spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments. That Spirit cannot be present at the kinds of activities in which so much of the world participates.

 October 2011 General Conference -  Stand In Holy Places  Thomas S. Monson

Be Present In Your Daughter's Life...Interview Her

You are your daughter’s guardian in more than the legal sense. Be present in your daughter’s life. Let her know your standards, your expectations, your hopes and dreams for her success and happiness. Interview her, get to know her friends and, when the time comes, her boyfriends. Help her understand the importance of education. Help her understand that the principle of modesty is a protection....You will bless the life of your daughter for years to come if you will look for ways to spend time with her and to share your testimony with her. 

 October 2011 General Conference -  Love Her Mother  Elaine S. Dalton

The Most Important Thing A Father Can Do For His [Daughter] Is To Love [Her] Mother.

"The most important thing a father can do for his [daughter] is to love [her] mother.”¹ By the way you love her mother, you will teach your daughter about tenderness, loyalty, respect, compassion, and devotion. She will learn from your example what to expect from young men and what qualities to seek in a future spouse. You can show your daughter by the way you love and honor your wife that she should never settle for less. Your example will teach your daughter to value womanhood. You are showing her that she is a daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves her.

 October 2011 General Conference -  Love Her Mother  Elaine S. Dalton

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