Perfectionism gives us unrealistic expectations for future spouse

"Another serious dimension of perfectionism is to hold others to our unrealistic, judgmental, or unforgiving standards. Such behavior may, in fact, deny or limit the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives and in the lives of others. For example, young single adults may make a list of desired qualities in a potential spouse and yet be unable to marry because of unrealistic expectations for the perfect companion.

"Thus, a sister may be unwilling to consider dating a wonderful, worthy brother who falls short on her perfectionist scale—he does not dance well, is not planning to be wealthy, did not serve a mission, or admits to a past problem with pornography since resolved through repentance and counseling.

"Similarly, a brother may not consider dating a wonderful, worthy sister who doesn’t fit his unrealistic profile—she is not a sports enthusiast, a Relief Society president, a beauty queen, a sophisticated budgeter, or she admits to an earlier, now-resolved weakness with the Word of Wisdom.

"Of course, we should consider qualities we desire in ourselves and in a potential spouse. We should maintain our highest hopes and standards. But if we are humble, we will be surprised by goodness in unexpected places, and we may create opportunities to grow closer to someone who, like us, is not perfect."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Of the Seventy, "Becoming Perfect in Christ," Ensign, July 2014
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/07/young-adults/becoming-perfect-in-christ?lang=eng

"Impatience impedes faith."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Of the Seventy, "Becoming Perfect in Christ," Ensign, July 2014
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/07/young-adults/becoming-perfect-in-christ?lang=eng

Marriage creates the ideal setting for children

God "designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured. Families are the treasure of heaven."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Spiritual Whirlwinds," General Conference, April 2014
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng

Children are what God gave you time for

"Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family. My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: “[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.” She then adds: “Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”"

- Neil L. Andersen, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Children," General Conference, October 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/children?lang=eng&_r=1

"the ultimate treasures ... are our children"

"In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."

- Dallin H. Oaks, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "“The Great Plan of Happiness”," General Conference, October 1993
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/the-great-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng&_r=1

To be a Latter-day Saint is to be a pioneer

"To be a Latter-day Saint is to be a pioneer, for the definition of a pioneer is “one who goes before to prepare or open up the way for others to follow.”"

- Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church, "True to the Faith of Our Forefathers," Ensign, July 2016
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/07/true-to-the-faith-of-our-forefathers?lang=eng

We owe our families the kind of relationship we can take into the presence of God

"We owe our families the kind of relationship we can take into the presence of God. We must try not to give offense or take offense. We can determine to forgive quickly and fully. We can try to seek the happiness of others above our own. We can be kind in our speech. As we try to do all these things, we will invite the Holy Ghost into our families and into our lives."

- President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, "Families Can Be Together Forever," Ensign, June 2015
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/06/families-can-be-together-forever?lang=eng

"Reproving ... adult family members should be rare indeed"

"What seems to distinguish a successful family is that the members of the family continue to care. They don’t give up. They never quit. They hang together through hardships and death and other problems.

"I know of a close-knit family that is wonderfully successful in keeping everyone together. When the parents feel they are losing influence with teenagers, the help of cousins is enlisted to exert some counter peer pressure.

"I would urge members of extended families—grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins—to reach out in concern, to succor. Mostly what is needed from grandparents, aunts, and uncles is unreserved love manifest as interest and concern. It builds confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Reproving and chastening adult family members should be rare indeed. We are told that it should happen only when a person is moved upon by the Holy Ghost. But I have been grateful for those in my family who have loved me enough to give me both the gentle and strong reproof on occasion as needed. We read in Proverbs: “He that refuseth reproof erreth” (Proverbs 10:17)."

- James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, "Where Is the Church?," BYU Devotional, 1 March 2005

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/james-e-faust_church/

Rest from our labors

"The Lord has instructed us to rest from our labors on this day. I am sure this means that a hay baler stands idle in the field on the Sabbath. The family business has a Closed sign facing a potential customer on Sunday. The cash register does not ring to record one of our purchases on His special day. It is truly a day to rest from our labors."

- L. Tom Perry, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "“And Why Call Ye Me, Lord, Lord, and Do Not the Things Which I Say?”," General Conference, October 1984
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1984/10/and-why-call-ye-me-lord-lord-and-do-not-the-things-which-i-say?lang=eng&_r=1

Example of a Sabbath miracle

"A more recent miracle occurred at the Wells Stake Welfare Tannery some years ago where hides of animals were tanned into leather. On regular workdays, the hides were removed from the vats and fresh lime placed in the vats, after which the hides were returned to the lime solution. If the hides were not turned on holidays, they would spoil. But the change was never made on Sunday, and there were no spoiled hides on Monday. Explained J. Lowell Fox, the supervisor of the tannery at the time:

" “This brought a strange fact to our minds: holidays are determined by man, and on these days just as on every week day, the hides need to have special care every twelve hours. Sunday is the day set aside by the Lord as a day of rest, and He makes it possible for us to rest from our labors as He has commanded. The hides at the tannery never spoil on Sundays. This is a modern-day miracle, a miracle that happens every weekend!” (Handbook for Guide Patrol Leaders, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1964, p. 37.)"

- Elder James E. Faust, "The Lord’s Day," General Conference, October 1991
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/10/the-lords-day?lang=eng

"stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight"

"Criticism, faultfinding, evil speaking—these are of the spirit of our day. From many directions we are told that nowhere is there a man of integrity holding political office. Businessmen are crooks. Utilities are out to rob you. Everywhere is heard the snide remark, the sarcastic gibe, the cutting down of associates. Sadly, these are too often the essence of our conversation. In our homes, wives weep and children finally give up under the barrage of criticism leveled by husbands and fathers. Criticism is the forerunner of divorce, the cultivator of rebellion, sometimes a catalyst that leads to failure. In the Church it sows the seed of inactivity and finally apostasy.

"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course.

"What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve.” "

- President Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency, "The Continuing Pursuit of Truth," Ensign, April 1986. "This is an edited version of a talk President Hinckley delivered 18 June 1983 at the BYU—Hawaii commencement exercises."
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/04/the-continuing-pursuit-of-truth?lang=eng

Sabbath observance will keep us free from materialism

"In this day of increasing access to and preoccupation with materialism, there is a sure protection for ourselves and our children against the plagues of our day. The key to that sure protection surprisingly can be found in Sabbath observance: “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.” (D&C 59:9.)

"Who can question but that sincere Sabbath observance will help keep ourselves unspotted from the world?"

- Elder James E. Faust, "The Lord’s Day," General Conference, October 1991
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/10/the-lords-day?lang=eng

Male ambition intended to make faithful providers, gaming is a false ideal

"Another insidious tactic the adversary employs in this generation is to channel men’s natural ambition to work and achieve into virtual dead ends. God placed in young men the desire to compete and achieve, with the intent that they use this ambition to become faithful providers for a family. In our youth, this ambition can be channeled into academic, athletic, or other pursuits that help to teach persistence, discipline, and work. Satan, however, would subtly intercept that ambition and channel it into a virtual world of video games that eat up time and ambition and lead to addiction.

"No matter how hard you play a video game, virtual work can never bring you the satisfaction that accompanies real work. Real work is the effort, persistence, patience, and discipline to achieve worthwhile knowledge, perform a needed labor, or accomplish a challenging goal."

- Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy, "Revealed Realities of Mortality," Ensign, January 2016, p. 20
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/01/young-adults/revealed-realities-of-mortality?lang=eng

Focus on the gospel, not the filthiness surrounding us

"...in 1 Nephi 15. Nephi is explaining Lehi’s vision of the tree of life to Laman and Lemuel when they ask the meaning of the river of water. Nephi answers in verse 27: “And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water” (emphasis added). Lehi’s mind was focused on the tree of life and getting his family to it to partake of its fruit! He didn’t even see the filthiness because of this focus.

"That was the answer! Keeping inappropriate media out of our home was a start, but a more direct and conscious effort to teach our children the gospel is what would ultimately be their best defense against anything that could lead them away.

"Because of this experience with the scriptures, my husband and I decided to redouble our efforts in teaching our children and thus keep our eyes on the love of God instead of the filthiness in the world."

- Kerry Hanson Jensen, "Our Best Defense against Pornography," Ensign, January 2016, p. 12-13.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/01/our-best-defense-against-pornography?lang=eng

Attending Sacrament meeting each week preserves us from falling away

"No man goes away from this Church and becomes an apostate in a week or in a month. It is a slow process. The one thing that would make for the safety of every man and woman would be to appear at the sacrament table every Sabbath day. We would not get very far away in one week—not so far away that, by the process of self-investigation, we could not rectify the wrongs we may have done."

- Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve from 1919 to 1939, "Classic Discourses from the General Authorities: The Sacramental Covenant," New Era, January 1976
https://www.lds.org/new-era/1976/01/classic-discourses-from-the-general-authorities-the-sacramental-covenant?lang=eng 

If you...concentrate on the dark side, this is what you will see

"You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil. If you choose to concentrate on the dark side, this is what you will see."

—Richard G. Scott, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," General Conference, April 2004
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/how-to-live-well-amid-increasing-evil?lang=eng&clang=ase

Sabbath ideas

• Make a Sunday album. Get a three-ring binder, some page protectors, and cardstock. Attach an illustration from a magazine such as the Ensign to a sheet of cardstock. On the facing page write an inspirational story from the life of the person in the photo. You can do the same thing with photographs of your ancestors by researching and including stories about their lives.
• Create Sunday games by cutting out and laminating the games that come in the Friend. If you need to write on them, use an overhead projector marker. The ink will wash off easily with a damp cloth.
• Make a family trivia game. Gather up information about relatives and use it to generate questions. Write each question on a card (for example, “Who served a mission in Rome, Italy?”) along with the answer. Take turns asking questions of the other players.
• Write a creative letter to a missionary or a loved one. Get a big piece of paper and have everyone in the family write on it in a different color and in a different direction. You can also write on a roll of adding machine tape or the plain side of wrapping paper.
• Ask family members to tell stories about “the good old days.” Have someone record the stories to include in a family history.
• Write notes or draw pictures of appreciation for your bishopric, neighbors, and family members. You can focus on a different person each Sunday.
• Make a list of blessings. In different colors of ink, write the names of the people and things you are thankful for on a roll of shelf paper. Number each item. The list will become quite long if you really think about your blessings and express your gratitude for them. Of course, you can use other paper instead, but you can roll the shelf paper into a scroll and tie a ribbon around it to remind you of your Heavenly Father’s love for you.
• Catch up on journal writing by taking time to write about recent events, or follow the counsel of President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, to reflect about how you have seen the hand of the Lord in your life.
• Hold a family council and decide how to serve others or how to focus your Sabbath observance on the Savior.
Whatever you do on Sundays, ask if the Savior would approve of the activity. Uplifting activities “inviteth and enticeth to do good continually” (Moroni 7:13). Ask yourself, “What message am I sending to God by what I do on the Sabbath day?” 

- Paula J. Lewis, "Making the Sabbath a Delight," Ensign, March 2016
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/03/making-the-sabbath-a-delight?lang=eng

The goal of gospel teaching is to help reach exaltation

"In the Church, the goal of gospel teaching is not to pour information into the minds of God’s children, whether at home, in the classroom, or in the mission field. It is not to show how much the parent, teacher, or missionary knows. Nor is it merely to increase knowledge about the Savior and His Church.

"The basic goal of teaching is to help the sons and daughters of Heavenly Father return to His presence and enjoy eternal life with Him. To do this, gospel teaching must encourage them along the path of daily discipleship and sacred covenants. The aim is to inspire individuals to think about, feel about, and then do something about living gospel principles. The objective is to develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to become converted to His gospel.

"Teaching which blesses and converts and saves is teaching which emulates the Savior’s example. Teachers who emulate the Savior’s example love and serve those they teach. They inspire their listeners with eternal lessons of divine truth. They live lives worth emulating."

- Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church, Ensign, March 2016, p. 4
https://www.lds.org/liahona/2016/03/learn-of-me?lang=eng

 "Selective obedience brings selective blessings, and choosing something bad over something worse is still choosing wrong."

- Elder Jörg Klebingat, Of the Seventy, "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence," General Conference, Oct 2014
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng

Daily scripture study imparts strength to avoid temptation

“If you immerse yourself in the scriptures each day of your life, you will have strength to resist serious transgression...”

- Elder Daniel L. Johnson, of the Seventy, “Hold Fast to the Rod,” Ensign, February 2016, p. 61

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/hold-fast-to-the-rod?lang=eng

“When Our Children Go Astray,” Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy, Ensign, February 1997

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/02/when-our-children-go-astray?lang=eng

“When A Child Leaves the Church,” by Robin Zenger Baker, Ensign, February 2016, p. 44-47

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/when-a-child-leaves-the-church?lang=eng

Blessings of doing family history

“Never forget that family history—and the temple ordinances enabled by it—is an essential part of the work of salvation and that participation in this sacred work for the dead blesses the lives of the living. It strengthens our faith in and commitment to the gospel, helps us resist temptation, draws our families closer together, and strengthens our wards and stakes.”

...

“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I promise that if you look beyond the bonds of time and mortality and help those who cannot help themselves, you will be blessed with more closeness and joy in your family and with the divine protection afforded those who are faithful in His service.”

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Joy of Family History Work,” Ensign, February 2016, p. 29 and 33

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/the-joy-of-family-history-work?lang=eng

“Happiness in marriage and parenthood can exceed a thousand times any other happiness.”

- James E. Faust, “The Enriching of Marriage,” General Conference, October 1977

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1977/10/the-enriching-of-marriage?lang=eng

“When we are involved in watching, reading, or experiencing anything below Heavenly Father's standards, it weakens us.”

- Linda S. Reeves, 2^nd Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, “Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” General Conference, October 2015

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/worthy-of-our-promised-blessings?lang=eng

Honoring the Sabbath strengthens families

“Honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness.”

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Shipshape and Bristol Fashion...”, October 2015 General Conference

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/shipshape-and-bristol-fashion-be-temple-worthy-in-good-times-and-bad-times?lang=eng

"Healing" can mean different things

“It is important to understand that His healing can mean being cured, or having your burdens eased, or even coming to realize that it is worth it to endure to the end patiently, for God needs brave sons and daughters who are willing to be polished when in His wisdom that is His will.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “To Be Healed,” April 1994 General Conference

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/to-be-healed?lang=eng

“We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” October 2010 General Conference, emphasis in original

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-transforming-power-of-faith-and-character?lang=eng

“Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Eternal Blessings of Marriage,” April 2011 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-eternal-blessings-of-marriage?lang=eng

Service lessens power of temptations

“Fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven's children, Satan's temptations lose power in your life.”

- Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” October 2013 General Conference, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

"Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother’s love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child’s trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child’s special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower."

- Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve, "The Eternal Blessings of Marriage," General Conference, April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-eternal-blessings-of-marriage?lang=eng

"every world problem may be solved by obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

- David O. McKay, as quoted in, "Helping Others Find Faith in Christ," Ensign, Dec 2014

"prayer is the provider of spiritual strength"

- President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church, "Be Your Best Self," General Conference, April 2009

Latter-day Saints should be the best parents

"Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness—both our own and that of our children—than how well we love and support one another within the family."

- M. Russell Ballard, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," General Conference, Oct 2005

"The messages portrayed on television, in movies, and in other media are very often in direct opposition to that which we want our children to embrace and hold dear. It is our responsibility not only to teach them to be sound in spirit and doctrine but also to help them stay that way, regardless of the outside forces they may encounter. This will require much time and effort on our part—and in order to help others, we ourselves need the spiritual and moral courage to withstand the evil we see on every side."

- Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, "Three Goals to Guide You," General Conference, Oct 2007

Eternal perspective

"If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.

"Is there not wisdom in his giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified?

"If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith.

"If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil—all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, only satanic controls.

"Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood."

FHE helps us withstand temptations

"We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program [family home evening]. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest."

- Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, "Constant Truths for Changing Times," General Conference, April 2005

FHE blessings

“Regular participation in family home evening will develop increased personal worth, family unity, love for our fellowmen, and trust in our Father in heaven. It is our promise that great blessings will come to all who conscientiously plan and hold weekly family home evenings.”

“Message from the First Presidency,” inFamily Home Evening: Happiness through Faith in Jesus Christ (1976), 3., as quoted in  "Four Tools That Bring Promised Blessings," Ensign, April 2015

FHE blessings

“Families who prayerfully prepare and consistently hold their weekly Home Evenings, and who work together during the week to apply the lessons in their lives, will be blessed. There will be better feelings between husband and wife, between parents and children, and among children. In such homes the Spirit of the Lord will be made manifest.”

President David O. McKay, in Family Home Evening Manual 1967 (1967), iii–iv, as quoted in "Four Tools That Bring Promised Blessings," Ensign, April 2015

“When members of the Church attend the temple regularly, inner peace calms the soul; the Spirit of the Lord permeates the home; love and respect deepen between family members; problems are more clearly defined; solutions are more apparent; emotions are more serene in family relations.”

Elder Royden G. Derrick (1915–2009) of the Presidency of the Seventy, Temples in the Last Days (1987), 156, as quoted in "Four Tools That Bring Promised Blessings," Ensign, April 2015

Covenants elevate us; scriptures to read to prepare to attend the temple

"Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs from modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds.

"Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: “Anoint,” “Atonement,” “Christ,” “Covenant,” “Fall of Adam,” “Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” Doing so will provide a firm foundation.

"One may also read in the Old Testament and the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Such a review of ancient scripture is even more enlightening after one is familiar with the temple endowment. Those books underscore the antiquity of temple work.

"With each ordinance is a covenant—a promise. A covenant made with God is not restrictive, but protective. Such a concept is not new. For example, if our water supply is not clean, we filter the water to screen out harmful ingredients. Divine covenants help us to filter out of our minds impurities that could harm us. When we choose to deny ourselves of all ungodliness, we lose nothing of value and gain the glory of eternal life. Covenants do not hold us down; they elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective."

- Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings," General Conference, April 2001

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/personal-preparation-for-temple-blessings?lang=eng

Ten Virgins are the Church

"The parable of the ten virgins is intended to represent the second coming of the Son of man, the coming of the Bridegroom to meet the bride, the church, the Lamb’s wife, in the last days; and I expect that the Saviour was about right when he said, in reference to the members of the church, that five of them were wise and five were foolish; for when the Lord of heaven comes in power and great glory to reward every man according to the deeds done in the body, if he finds one-half of those professing to be members of his church prepared for salvation, it will be as many as can be expected judging by the course that many are pursuing."

- Wilford Woodruff, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, (2011), 250–59, Chapter 24:

Preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-wilford-woodruff/chapter-24?lang=eng

Ten Virgins represent Church; obtaining oil

“I believe that the Ten Virgins represent the people of the Church of Jesus Christ and not the rank and file of the world. All of the virgins, wise and foolish, had accepted the invitation to the wedding supper; they had knowledge of the program and had been warned of the important day to come. They were not the gentiles or the heathens or the pagans, nor were they necessarily corrupt and reprobate, but they were knowing people who were foolishly unprepared for the vital happenings that were to affect their eternal lives.

“They had the saving, exalting gospel, but it had not been made the center of their lives. They knew the way but gave only a small measure of loyalty and devotion. I ask you: What value is a car without an engine, a cup without water, a table without food, a lamp without oil?

“Rushing for their lamps to light their way through the blackness, half of them found them empty. They had cheated themselves. They were fools, these five unprepared virgins. Apparently, the bridegroom had tarried for reasons that were sufficient and good. Time had passed, and he had not come. They had heard of his coming for so long, so many times, that the statement seemingly became meaningless to them. Would he ever come? So long had it been since they began expecting him that they were rationalizing that he would never appear. Perhaps it was a myth.

“Hundreds of thousands of us today are in this position. Confidence has been dulled and patience worn thin. It is so hard to wait and be prepared always. But we cannot allow ourselves to slumber. The Lord has given us this parable as a special warning.

“At midnight, the vital cry was made, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’ …

“At midnight! Precisely at the darkest hour, when least expected, the bridegroom came. When the world is full of tribulation and help is needed, but it seems the time must be past and hope is vain, then Christ will come. The midnights of life are the times when heaven comes to offer its joy for man’s weariness. But when the cry sounds, there is no time for preparation. The lamps then make patterns of joy on the hillside, and the procession moves on toward the house of banqueting, and those without lamps or oil are left in darkness. When they have belatedly sought to fulfill the requirements and finally reach the hall, the door is shut. In the daytime, wise and unwise seemed alike; midnight is the time of test and judgment—and of offered gladness. …

“The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. The wise had to go, else the bridegroom would have gone unwelcomed. They needed all their oil for themselves; they could not save the foolish. The responsibility was each for himself.

“This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself.

“The foolish virgins were not averse to buying oil. They knew they should have oil. They merely procrastinated, not knowing when the bridegroom would come.

“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps.

“Midnight is so late for those who have procrastinated.”

- Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle,pp. 253–56.), as quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, (2002), 91–98, 

Section 45 "Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord"

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-45-looking-forth-for-the-great-day-of-the-lord?lang=eng

Evil that used to be localized and covered like a boil is now legalized and paraded like a banner. The most fundamental roots and bulwarks of civilization are questioned or attacked. Nations disavow their religious heritage. Marriage and familyresponsibilities are discarded as impediments to personal indulgence. The movies and magazines and television that shape our attitudes are filled with stories or images that portray the children of God as predatory beasts or, at best, as trivial creations pursuing little more than personal pleasure. And too many of us accept this as entertainment.

"The men and women who made epic sacrifices to combat evil regimes in the past were shaped by values that are disappearing from our public teaching. The good, the true, and the beautiful are being replaced by the no-good, the “whatever,” and the valueless fodder of personal whim. Not surprisingly, many of our youth and adults are caught up in pornography, pagan piercing of body parts, self-serving pleasure pursuits, dishonest behavior, revealing attire, foul language, and degrading sexual indulgence."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparatory for the Second Coming," Ensign, May 2004

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/05/preparation-for-the-second-coming.p1?lang=eng

Ten Virgins represent the Church

"The arithmetic of this parable is chilling. The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparatory for the Second Coming," Ensign, May 2004

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/05/preparation-for-the-second-coming.p1?lang=eng

There are only a few places where our influence is irreplaceable

"On a Monday evening not long ago, I was walking past a playground where a young family was choosing up sides for a game. I overheard one of the children call out, “Mom, choose me.” As I walked on, these words rang in my ears. Life in today’s world places a multitude of demands on a woman’s resources of time and energy. We can choose to apply our talents in more arenas than ever before, but there are only a few of those places in which our influence is irreplaceable. I can imagine children the world over saying, “When you decide where to spend the time and the gifts that God has given you, Mom, choose me.” "

- Virginia U. Jensen, "Creating Places of Security," General Conference, Oct 1997

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/creating-places-of-security?lang=eng

Service lessens temptation's power

"Fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children, Satan’s temptations lose power in your life."

- Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ," General Conference, Oct 2013

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

"There is no other relationship quite like that which can and should exist between a boy and his dad."


- M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship," General Conference, Oct 2009

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/fathers-and-sons-a-remarkable-relationship?lang=eng

"There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation."

—James E. Faust, 

"Fathers, Mothers, Marriage," Liahona, Aug 2004

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2004/08/fathers-mothers-marriage?lang=eng

*This entire talk is exceptional. 

"almost all marriages could be beautiful, harmonious, happy, and eternal ones, if the two people primarily involved would determine that it should be, that it must be, that it will be."

- Spencer W. Kimball, “Marriage is Honorable,” in Speeches of the Year, 1973, Provo: Brigham Young University Press, 1974, p. 257. 
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/spencer-w-kimball_marriage-honorable/

“Marriage partners must be quick to forgive. If we will sue for peace, taking the initiative in settling differences—if we forgive and forget with all our hearts … if we forgive all real or fancied offenses before we ask forgiveness for our own sins—if we pay our own debts, large or small, before we press our debtors—if we manage to clear our own eyes of the blinding beams before we magnify the motes in the eyes of others—what a glorious world this would be! Divorce would be reduced to a minimum; courts would be freed from disgusting routines;family life would be heavenly; the building of the kingdom would go forward at an accelerated pace; and the peace which passeth understanding would bring to us all a joy and happiness which has hardly ‘entered into the heart of man.’”

- Spencer W. Kimball, as quoted in

What Happily Married Couples Do

By Douglas Brinley Ensign, January 2012, original source: 

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 242.

"It is hard to understand why so many people are prepared to accept facts as recorded by historians in secular history and yet refuse to accept ecclesiastical history as recorded in the scriptures by men whose characters are beyond reproach, and even refuse to believe, as having come from the Lord, prophecies that have been fulfilled and verified by secular history. Especially have men through the ages refused to accept prophets of their own time, and many of them have been persecuted, ridiculed, and slain."

- N. Eldon Tanner, "Warnings from Outer Space," General Conference, October 1972
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1972/10/warnings-from-outer-space?lang=eng

Every world problem can be solved by the gospel

"I believe, too, that every world problem may be solved by obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

- David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals (1953), 5; emphasis in original. As quoted in Ensign, Dec 2014, p. 33
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/12/helping-others-find-faith-in-christ?lang=eng

"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again."

- Howard W. Hunter, "The Gifts of Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2002, 18-19
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/12/the-gifts-of-christmas?lang=eng

"Tithing teaches us to control our desires and passions for the things of this world"

"Tithing also teaches us to control our desires and passions for the things of this world. Payment of tithing encourages us to be honest in our dealings with our fellowmen. We learn to trust that what we have been given, through the blessings of the Lord and our own diligent efforts, is sufficient for our needs."

- Elder Robert D. Hales, "Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings," Ensign, Nov. 2002
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/11/tithing-a-test-of-faith-with-eternal-blessings?lang=eng

"Women are never tired of bewailing man's fickleness in love, but they only seem to snub his constancy."

- Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd, ch 24

'Kiss my foot, sir; my face is for mouths of consequence.'

- said by Liddy, Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd, ch 9

"It may have been observed that there is no regular path for getting out of love as there is for getting in. Some people look upon marriage as a short cut that way, but it has been known to fail."

- Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd, ch 5

Spirits rejoice when their temple work is done

"Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties."

 - Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, (2011), 240–48, https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-27?lang=eng 

"There is a set of advantages that have to do with material resources, and there is a set that have to do with the absence of material resources--and the reason underdogs win as often as they do is that the latter is sometimes every bit the equal of the former."

- Malcolm Gladwell, David and Goliath, 24-25

"There is something powerful in searching out someone who needs temple ordinances, learning who they are, and then being part of their receiving these sacred ordinances. This is how you become “saviors on Mount Zion.” There is a joy and satisfaction that is only understood through spiritual feelings. We are linked to them forever."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Find Our Cousins!," Family Discovery Day youth devotional, RootsTech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 8, 2014, https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/find-our-cousins?lang=eng&ET_CID=46461009&ET_RID=brownie242@yahoo.com