We will save our posterity

“If you succeed in passing through these trials and afflictions and receive a resurrection, you will, by the power of the Priesthood, work and labor, as the Son of God has, until you get all your sons and daughters in the path of exaltation and glory. This is just as sure as that the sun rose this morning over yonder mountains. Therefore, mourn not because all your sons and daughters do not follow in the path that you have marked out to them, or give heed to your counsels. Inasmuch as we succeed in securing eternal glory, and stand as saviors, and as kings and priests to our God, we will save our posterity.” 

- Lorenzo Snow, Ensign, Sep 2002, p. 11
From Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols. [1987–92], 3:364.
http://www.lds.org/ensign/print/2002/09/hope-for-parents-of-wayward-children?lang=eng&clang=eng

Parents do good and children will be yours forever

"Let the father and mother, who are members of this Church and Kingdom, take a righteous course, and strive with all their might never to do a wrong, but to do good all their lives; if they have one child or one hundred children, if they conduct themselves towards them as they should, binding them to the Lord by their faith and prayers, I care not where those children go, they are bound up to their parents by an everlasting tie, and no power of earth or hell can separate them from their parents in eternity; they will return again to the fountain from whence they sprang ."

- Brigham Young, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 170–76
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-brigham-young/chapter-24?lang=eng

Children close to Heavenly Father leads to little sin

"I submit that where children are brought up in close communion with our Eternal Father that there can not be much sin or much evil in that home.”

- David O. McKay, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, (2011), p. 29
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-david-o-mckay/chapter-4?lang=eng

Prayer is a potent force

"Parents, if you do not do anything else, kneel down in the morning with your children. I know your mornings are usually busy, … but have some time when you can kneel and invite God into your home. Prayer is a potent force."

- David O. McKay, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, (2011), 76

Nothing more precious than your children

"You have nothing in this world more precious than your children. When you grow old, when your hair turns white and your body grows weary, when you are prone to sit in a rocker and meditate on the things of your life, nothing will be so important as the question of how your children have turned out."

- Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church, "Your Greatest Challenge, Mother," General Conference, Oct 2000
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/your-greatest-challenge-mother?lang=eng

Parenthood one of God's greatest gifts

"One of God’s greatest gifts to mankind is the opportunity to receive and care for His little ones."

- Elder John B. Dickson, of the Seventy, "Lead Me, Guide Me," Ensign, Sep 2003, p. 12
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2003/09/lead-me-guide-me?lang=eng

We need the experience of caring for the poor

"The Lord doesn’t really need us to take care of the poor, but we need this experience; for it is only through our learning how to take care of each other that we develop within us the Christlike love and disposition necessary to qualify us to return to his presence."

- Marion G. Romney, "Living Welfare Principles," Ensign, Nov 1981, 92
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/10/living-welfare-principles?lang=eng

All virtues derived from love

"President Brigham Young (1801–77) declared of love, so fundamental to everything else: 'There is one virtue [or] attribute, … which, if cherished and practiced by the Saints, would prove salvation to thousands upon thousands. I allude to charity, or love, from which proceed forgiveness, long suffering, kindness, and patience.' All other virtues are derivatives and reflections of love!"

- Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, April 2004, p. 45. Quote from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 217–18.
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/04/the-precious-promise?lang=eng#footnote1-24904_000_009

The Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason

"You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way."

- Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "Lift Where You Stand," General Conference, Oct 2008
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/lift-where-you-stand?lang=eng

David Whitmer's testimony of the Book of Mormon

"David Whitmer began a successful livery stable business, which he ran until his death in 1888. His powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon was heard and read by thousands, with over fifty interviews being recorded. David stated that sometimes he gave between fifteen and twenty interviews a day. One of the strongest of these testimonies was given just shortly before his death in a letter he penned to his local newspaper, the Richmond Conservator:

'It having been represented by one John Murphy, of Polo, Caldwell County, Mo., that I, in a conversation with him last summer, denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the ‘Book of Mormon.’

'To the end, therefore, that he may understand me now, if he did not then; and that the world may know the truth, I wish now, standing as it were, in the very sunset of life, and in the fear of God, once for all to make this public statement:

'That I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with that Book, as one of the three witnesses. Those who know me best, well know that I have always adhered to that testimony. And that no man may be misled or doubt my present views in regard to the same, I do again affirm the truth of all my statements, as then made and published.'"

- Keith W. Perkins, "True to the Book of Mormon—The Whitmers," Ensign, Feb 1989
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/02/true-to-the-book-of-mormon-the-whitmers?lang=eng

Not studying the Book of Mormon places soul in jeopardy

"Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life."

- Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "The Book of Mormon is the Word of God," General Conference, April 1975
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1975/04/the-book-of-mormon-is-the-word-of-god?lang=eng

Reading the Book of Mormon leads us to the Spirit

"If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with and call them back to the things of the Spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by daily reading the Book of Mormon."

- Marion G. Romney, "The Book of Mormon," April 1980 General Conference
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/04/the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng

Cannot stand approved without reading the Book of Mormon

“No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon.” 

- Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, 18
As quoted in Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Student Study Guide, (2005), 202
http://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-student-study-guide/the-worldwide-church/president-joseph-fielding-smith-gospel-theologian-and-writer?lang=eng

Blessings of reading the Book of Mormon

"Brothers and sisters, without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."

- Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Ensign, June 1988
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1988/06/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng

Individuality destroyed by failure to be self-reliant

"Nothing destroys the individuality of a man, a woman, or a child so much as the failure to be self-reliant."

- Heber J. Grant as quoted in The Testimony of President Heber J. Grant by Gerrit DeJong Jr., 43

Our usefulness only curtailed by ourselves

"Some people think that they are not appreciated and are not allowed sufficient scope for usefulness. There is but one person who can curtail an individual's usefulness, and that is himself."

- Heber J. Grant as quoted in The Testimony of President Heber J. Grant by Gerrit DeJong Jr., 43

Nations that turn against the gospel fail to prosper

"No nation can, as a nation, turn against the plan of life and salvation when it is offered to her people and continue to prosper."

- Heber J. Grant as quoted in The Testimony of President Heber J. Grant by Gerrit DeJong Jr., 43

To be happy, add to others' happiness

"Never forget that the true way to be happy is to do something to add to others' happiness. Try to forget self, and joy here and hereafter will come to you."

- Heber J. Grant as quoted in The Testimony of President Heber J. Grant by Gerrit DeJong Jr., 43

Beauty stands in the admiration of weak minds led captive

                            For Beauty stands
  In the admiration only of weak minds
  Led captive;

- John Milton, Paradise Regained, Book II, Lines 220-222
(Satan to his followers, trying to think of ways to tempt Christ and stating that lust won't work, essentially)

To be dispraised by the people is praise

  For what is glory but the blaze of fame,
  The people's praise, if always praise unmixed?
  And what the people but a herd confused,
  A miscellaneous rabble, who extol
  Things vulgar, and, well weighed, scarce worth the praise?
  They praise and they admire they know not what,
  And know not whom, but as one leads the other;
  And what delight to be by such extolled,
  To live upon their tongues, and be their talk?
  Of whom to be dispraised were no small praise—
  His lot who dares be singularly good.
  The intelligent among them and the wise
  Are few, and glory scarce of few is raised.

- John Milton, Paradise Regained, Book III, Lines 47-59
(Christ replying to Satan's temptations)

To obey is best; death the gate of life

Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best,
And love with fear the only God; to walk
As in his presence; ever to observe
His providence; and on him sole depend,
Merciful over all his works, with good
Still overcoming evil, and by small
Accomplishing great things, by things deemed weak
Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise
By simply meek: that suffering for truth's sake
Is fortitude to highest victory,
And, to the faithful, death the gate of life;
Taught this by his example, whom I now
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest.

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book XII, Lines 561-573

      Revenge, at first though sweet,
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book IX, Lines 171-172

But what will not ambition and revenge

Descend to?

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book IX, Lines 168-169

You can do something...no one else...can do

"You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do."

- Pres. James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, Ensign, Nov 2005, 115-116
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/instruments-in-the-hands-of-god?lang=eng

Always be found among the number that try to see how much they can do

"Never be found among the number that try to see how little they can do; but always be found among the number that try to see how much they can do."

- Heber J. Grant, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant (2011),  page 186
http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-heber-j-grant/chapter-20?lang=eng

We will be startled by how well we know our Father and His face

“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.”

- Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, March 1987
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/03/news-of-the-church/president-benson-suggests-gifts-of-service-obedience-to-the-savior?lang=eng

Nothing as life changing as a righteous woman

"There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Mothers and Daughters," General Conference, April 2012
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?lang=eng

Outward appearance a reflection of inward tendencies

"Do not underestimate the important symbolic and actual effect of appearance. ... Outward appearance is often a reflection of inward tendencies."

- Harold B. Lee, as quoted in "Ye Are the Temple of God" by Elder David A. Bednar, Area Authority Seventy, in the Ensign, Sep 2001
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/09/ye-are-the-temple-of-god?lang=eng
Originally from The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 220).

"For something, that pretended to be reason, was every now and then suggesting to me that such extreme nicety as I exacted of myself might be a kind of foppery in morals which, if it were known, would make me ridiculous; that a perfect character might be attended with the inconvenience of being envied and hated; and that a benevolent man should allow a few faults in himself to keep his friends in countenance.

- Ben Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, p. 82

Compare to worse conditions to be grateful

"It put me upon reflecting how little repining there would be among mankind, at any condition of life, if people would rather compare their condition with those that are worse, in order to be thankful, than be always comparing them with those which are better, to assist their murmurings and complainings."

- Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, p. 165

Discontents due to lack of thankfulness

"All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have."

- Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, p. 130

From evil He creates good

"his evil
Thou usest, and from thence createst more good."

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book VII, Lines 615-616
(Appear to be talking to Jehovah, about those, like Satan, who try to pervert His ways by doing evil)

Spirits equal in their creation

"Two days, as we compute the days of Heaven,
Since Michael and his Powers went forth to tame
These disobedient: Sore hath been their fight,
As likeliest was, when two such foes met armed;
For to themselves I left them; and thou knowest,
Equal in their creation they were formed,
Save what sin hath impaired"

- John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book VI, Lines 685-691
(God talking to Christ about the equality of spirits. Emphasis added - that's the part I like)

Raising children requires more skill than other challenges

"In my opinion, the teaching, rearing, and training of children requires more intelligence, intuitive understanding, humility, strength, wisdom, spirituality, perseverance, and hard work than any other challenge we might have in life. This is especially so when moral foundations of honor and decency are eroding around us. For us to have successful homes, values must be taught, and there must be rules, there must be standards, there must be absolutes."

- President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "A Thousand Threads of Love," Ensign, Oct. 2005, 3

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/10/a-thousand-threads-of-love?lang=eng

How much kinder is God to us than we are willing to be to ourselves!

- Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, 16

Single sisters - seek marriage, don't be too independent

"I would also caution you single sisters not to become so independent and self-reliant that you decide marriage isn’t worth it and you can do just as well on your own. Some of our sisters indicate that they do not want to consider marriage until after they have completed their degrees or pursued a career. This is not right. Certainly we want our single sisters to maximize their individual potential, to be well educated, and to do well at their present employment. You have much to contribute to society, to your community, and to your neighborhood. But we earnestly pray that our single sisters will desire honorable marriage in the temple to a worthy man and rear a righteous family, even though this may mean the sacrificing of degrees and careers. Our priorities are right when we realize there is no higher calling than to be an honorable wife and mother.”


- Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Single Adult Sisters of the Church," Ensign, Nov. 1988, 96-97.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=59a927cd3f37b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Happy is the man who can brush aside offending remarks

"So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way."

- President Gordon B. Hinckley, Prophet, "Slow to Anger," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 62-63
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=5f362bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Joseph Smith dictating revelations to Emma

Emma Smith "continued to be amazed at the process through which

revelations came. Years after the Prophet's death she said: 'I am

satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts

unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, [Joseph]

would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or

after interruptions, he could at once begin where he had left off, without

either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him.'

("Last Testimony of Sister Emma," The Saints' Herald, 1 Oct.

1879, 289.)"

- M. Russell Ballard, "Marvelous Are the Revelations of the Lord," Ensign, May 1998, 31

True friends make it easier to live the gospel

"Now is the time to decide who your friends are and to become worthy of a righteous eternal companion. It is very simple, brethren. As my mother taught me, 'Birds of a feather flock together.' Your peer group can inspire you to do great things or tempt you into strange and miserable paths. True friends make it easier to live the gospel. They never make us choose between their ways and the Lord's ways. They help us be the kind of person that attracts other true friends. And they help us become the kind of person a righteous companion can choose to be with forever. If you want those kinds of friends, ask yourself: 'Am I that kind of friend to others? Am I the kind of person I want my eternal companion to be?' "

- Robert D. Hales, "To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision," Ensign, May 2007, 49
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=2370b5658af22110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Fathers should help with nurturing

"On a day-to-day basis, fathers can and should help with the essential nurturing and bonding associated with feeding, playing, storytelling, loving, and all the rest of the activities that make up family life."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, Mar 2006
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/03/the-sacred-responsibilities-of-parenthood

Marriage brings the greatest joy and satisfaction

"The joining together of a man and a woman to be legally and lawfully wed not only is preparation for future generations to inherit the earth, but it also brings the greatest joy and satisfaction that can be found in this mortal experience."

- Elder L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, Nov 2012
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/11/becoming-goodly-parents?lang=eng

The Lord is in the details of our lives

"Our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives."

- President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov 2012
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/11/consider-the-blessings?lang=eng

Family prayer and scripture reading will create changes of heart

"Your habits of family prayer and scripture reading will create more lasting memories and greater changes of heart than you may realize now. Even apparently temporal activities, such as attending an athletic event or watching a movie, can shape a child’s heart. What matters is not the activity but the feelings that come as you do it." 

- President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Ensign, Nov 2012
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/11/help-them-aim-high?lang=eng

Family history work is fulfilling one's duty

"The person who is working on his or her family history fits the description of one who is fulfilling his or her duty. I know the effort, I know the expense. I know the difficulties through which one may go to uncover one name. I know our Heavenly Father is aware of these efforts. And those for whom we perform sacred ordinances are aware of our efforts. Oftentimes, in a miraculous way, there shall appear before us a clear pathway through a field of turbulence."

—Thomas S. Monson, "The Key of Faith", Ensign, February 1994

Praying for others increases our capacity to hear and heed the voice of the Lord

"Praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord."

- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, Nov 2008, p. 43

Marriage brings greatest happiness

"There is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness."

- President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2011
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/05/priesthood-power?lang=eng