Because of Him

Over the last six weeks I have chosen to work on having less depression, anxiety, and fear in my life. This wasn’t something I could easily quantitate on calendar, but more something I need to tell as a story. Ironically, I was anxious to pick this as my topic because it wasn’t something I could control. It’s not like last semester where I committed to an act of service each day, something that I could just write down if I did it or not. No matter how hard I try, there are days that I am simply unable to control my emotions, so I couldn’t even just say I was going to not do it. So my goal for the semester was to not let these days win, to find a way to overcome them and move on to the next day.

I decided that there were three things I was going to do each day. First, I needed to make sure I was taking all my medicine. I am being treated for depression and anxiety by my medical doctor, and he reminds me all the time that in order for my medicines to work, I need to take them as prescribed. I have a habit of skipping doses and that catches up with me faster than I think each time. Second, I promised myself that I would ask for blessings in my daily prayers to help ease my anxieties. I have found that, even in personal prayers, it is much easier to ask for help for others than yourself. Third, I decided that when I do have bad days, not to dwell on it. This is easier said than done, but I found that if I worked on it, it always made the next day easier.

Now that the six weeks are over, I can clearly see the difference that these three simple steps have made in my life. What started out as an assignment has turned into a habit. I also have come to see that through prayer and honest communication with my Heavenly Father that the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me has made it possible for me to be healed through the Atonement. My problems haven’t been wiped away, but they have been made easier.

Tithing

Tithing is not something that is easy for me. I like to blame it on not being raised in the church, but I know that is just an excuse. I hear story after story of people who have never struggled with tithing and they share these incredible things that have happened in their lives due to paying their tithing. I want to be that person, but it just so hard for me. It is something that I have to work at, I have to talk myself into writing that check each and every time. Reading these talks on the law of tithing has been very helpful. It is hard to ignore phrases that mention thinks like robbing God. This was such a good topic for me, I have learned new things and have been reminded of truths I already knew. 

"Tithing has been established in these latter days as an essential law for members of the Lord’s restored Church. It is one of the basic ways we witness our faith in Him and our obedience to His laws and commandments. Tithing is one of the commandments that qualifies us, by our faith, to enter the temple—the house of the Lord"

Elder Robert D. Hales, “Tithing:  A Test if Faith With Eternal Blessings”, October 2002 General Conference

"Tithing is a commandment with a promise. The words of Malachi, reaffirmed by the Savior, promise those who bring their tithes into the storehouse that the Lord will open 'the windows of heaven, and pour [them] out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' The promised blessings are temporal and spiritual. The Lord promises to 'rebuke the devourer,' and he also promises tithe payers that 'all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land' (3 Ne. 24:10–12; see Mal. 3:10–12)."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing”, April 1994 General Conference

"The honest payment of tithing is much more than a duty; it is an important step in the process of personal sanctification. To those of you who pay your tithing, I commend you.

To those of you who presently are not obeying the law of tithing, I invite you to consider your ways and repent. I testify that by your obedience to this law of the Lord, the windows of heaven will be opened to you. Please do not procrastinate the day of your repentance."

Elder David R. Bednar, “The Windows of Heaven”, October 2013 General Conference

"To develop enduring faith, an enduring commitment to be a full-tithe payer is essential. Initially it takes faith to tithe. Then the tithe payer develops more faith to the point that tithing becomes a precious privilege. Tithing is an ancient law from God. He made a promise to His children that He would open 'the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' Not only that, tithing will keep your name enrolled among the people of God and protect you in 'the day of vengeance and burning.' "

Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Face the Future With Faith”, April 2011 General Conference


"I can’t list all the ways that blessings will come from obedience to this principle, but I testify many will come in spiritual ways that go well beyond economics. In my life, for example, I have seen God’s promise fulfilled that He would 'rebuke the devourer for [my sake].' That blessing of protection against evil has been poured out upon me and on my loved ones beyond any capacity I have to adequately acknowledge. But I believe that divine safety has come, at least in part, because of our determination, individually and as a family, to pay tithing."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Watered Garden”, October 2001 General Conference


"All of us can afford to pay tithing. In reality, none of us can afford not to pay tithing. The Lord will strengthen our resolve. He will open a way to comply."
President Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Example”, October 1996 General Conference


"The primary responsibility for building testimonies and providing faith-building experiences in our members, including our youth, resides in the home. The Church should continue to support the determination of the family to do this. Priesthood leaders will wish to increase their efforts to build strong, gospel-centered homes. Families vary in size and composition. All are to receive our devoted attention. The building of testimonies is not related to financial costs. It is not necessary to buy the activity of our youth. Our youth activities depart from the pattern of the world."
President Thomas S. Monson, “The Lord’s Way”, April 1990 Member Finances Fireside


"The scriptures speak of tithes and of offerings; they do not speak of assessments or fund-raising. To be an offering, it must be given freely—offered. The way is open now for many more of us to participate in this spiritually refining experience."
Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Teach Them the Correct Principles”, April 1990 Member Finances Fireside


"Brothers and sisters, how can every member enjoy the thrill and the blessing that comes from making a sacrifice to help the work? The answer is very simple, as are most answers in the Church. Every member of the Church can pay a full, honest tithing and can attend tithing settlement. The Lord said, 'Verily [now] is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people' (D&C 64:23)."
Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Sacrifice and Self-Sufficiency”, October 1987 General Conference


"The foundation of provident living is the law of the tithe. The primary purpose of this law is to help us develop faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Tithing helps us overcome our desires for the things of this world and willingly make sacrifices for others. Tithing is the great equitable law, for no matter how rich or poor we are, all of us pay the same one-tenth of our increase annually (see D&C 119:4), and all of us receive blessings so great 'that there shall not be room enough to receive [them]' (Malachi 3:10)."
Elder Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually”, April 2009 General Conference

Pornography

I once heard that you can never un-see a pornographic image, that it will forever be in the back of your mind, and I have always remembered that when the topic comes up. I recently heard a story of a woman who was having issues with her teenaged sons looking at pornography online and that was all I could think of. These young men will have those images in the back of their minds forever now, and it’s a tool that Satan will use to try and tempt them now. Hearing that story and reading so many talks on it have helped me to see what a big problem pornography really is. I didn’t understand why it was talked about so much, but now I can clearly see that the more people are educated on the evils of it, hopefully they will be smart and never make the choice to look at anything pornographic and not give Satan any more power over them.

"Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography , April 2005 General Conference

"At first we scarcely realize we have been infected. We laugh and make light-hearted comments concerning the off-color story or the clever cartoon. With evangelical zeal we protect the so-called rights of those who would contaminate with smut and destroy all that is precious and sacred. The beetle of pornography is doing his deadly task—undercutting our will, destroying our immunity, and stifling that upward reach within each of us."

President Thomas S. Monson, "Pornography - the Deadly Carrier", October 1979 General Conference

"Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the heart and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit exercises its vicious control."

Elder Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance”, October 2009 General Conference

"In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt 'the great plan of redemption,'  'the great plan of happiness.' Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife. The priesthood holds consummate power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography—and it is a plague—if you are succumbing to its influence. If one is obedient, the priesthood can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences."

Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel”, October 2010 General Conference

"Sexual immorality and impure thoughts violate the standard established by the Savior. We were warned at the beginning of this dispensation that sexual immorality would be perhaps the greatest challenge. Such conduct will, without repentance, cause a spiritual drought and loss of commitment. Movies, TV, and the Internet often convey degrading messages and images."

Elder Quinton L. Cook, “Can Ye Feel So Now?”, October 2012 General Conference

"Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants, “That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.” Such is pornography."

President Thomas S. Monson, “True to the Faith”, April 2006 General Conference

"Why is lust such a deadly sin? Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality—the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring children into a family intended to be forever. Someone said once that true love must include the idea of permanence. True love endures. But lust changes as quickly as it can turn a pornographic page or glance at yet another potential object for gratification walking by, male or female. True love we are absolutely giddy about—as I am about Sister Holland; we shout it from the housetops. But lust is characterized by shame and stealth and is almost pathologically clandestine—the later and darker the hour the better, with a double-bolted door just in case. Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people. Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence. Love comes with open hands and open heart; lust comes with only an open appetite."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of MySoul”, April 2010 General Conference

"The Lord’s standard of worthiness gives no allowance for pornography among those officiating in the ordinances of the priesthood."

Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Power in the Priesthood”, October 2013 General Conference

"Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs."

President Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings”, April 2010 General Conference Priesthood Session

"One of the most damning influences on earth, one that has caused uncountable grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages is the onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind, heart, and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so, will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with a curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. Lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the web closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit is formed."

Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity of Womanhood”, April 2000 General Conference Priesthood Session

Family

Family is often a hard topic for me to read or hear about in church. I am single and almost 40. To me, that number basically signifies that I will never have biological children of mine own. While I don’t begrudge others their beautiful families, I also sometimes just need a break from hearing about kids and babies. I have read many talks on families over the last few months and I see a trend of non-traditional families being mentioned more and more. My situation is so common, along with divorce and single parent families and other less than ideal situations. We may not all have what we wanted in this life, but I know the Lord knows my situation and He has provided me with a family in different ways. Through nieces and nephews, my friend’s children, and kids in my ward, I have still been given the opportunity to help raise children and have an influence in their lives. 

"In recent meetings with the First Presidency, they have expressed concern about the deterioration of the family. Their mandate to the Priesthood Executive Council was to concentrate on the family in our assignments. In response to the First Presidency, many plans and efforts are already in place. We will use all of the resources we have to encourage greater harmony, greater love, and greater influence in the Lord’s special designated unit—the family. We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes."

Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Importance of the Family”, April 2003 General Conference

"I believe the mission statement for mortality might be 'to build an eternal family'.  Here on this earth we strive to become part of extended families with the ability to create and form our own part of those families. That is one of the reasons our Heavenly Father sent us here. Not everyone will find a companion and have a family in mortality, but everyone, regardless of individual circumstances, is a precious member of God’s family."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most Is What LastsLongest”, October 2005 General Conference

"While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family. When families are functioning as designed by God, the relationships found therein are the most valued of mortality. The plan of the Father is that family love and companionship will continue into the eternities. Being one in a family carries a great responsibility of caring, loving, lifting, and strengthening each member of the family so that all can righteously endure to the end in mortality and dwell together throughout eternity. It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. If we return home alone to our Heavenly Father, we will be asked, 'Where is the rest of the family?' This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family."

Elder Robert D. Hales, “The Eternal Family”, October 1996 General Conference

"The words of living prophets are clear regarding our sacred duty to strengthen our families spiritually. In 1995 the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles issued a proclamation to the world, declaring that 'the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. … Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, [and] to observe the commandments of God' "

Elder Robert D. Hales, “Strengthening Families: Our SacredDuty”, April 1999 General Conference

"We have programs and activities in both the family and the Church. Each is so interrelated that service to one is service to the other. When children see their parents faithfully perform Church callings, it strengthens their family relationships. When families are strong, the Church is strong. The two run in parallel. Each is important and necessary, and each must be conducted with careful concern for the other. Church programs and activities should not be so all-encompassing that families cannot have everyone present for family time. And family activities should not be scheduled in conflict with sacrament meeting or other vital Church meetings.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Priesthood Authority in the Familyand the Church”, October 2005 General Conference

"The ultimate purpose of every teaching, every activity in the Church is that parents and their children are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, and linked to their generations."

Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The Father and the Family”, April 1994 General Conference

"When I think of the love I feel for each member of our family, I sense, to a slight degree, the love that our Heavenly Father bears for His children. While the family is under attack throughout the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims, promotes, and protects the truth that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' and our vast family history efforts are but two evidences of how this Church brings hope and help to the sacred institution of the family."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Generations Linked in Love”, April 2010 General Conference

"And, of course, societies at large are strengthened as families grow stronger. Commitments to family and values are the basic cause. Nearly everything else is effect. When couples marry and make commitments to each other, they greatly increase their chances of economic well-being. When children are born in wedlock and have both a mom and a dad, their opportunities and their likelihood of occupational success skyrocket. And when families work and play together, neighborhoods and communities flourish, economies improve, and less government and fewer costly safety nets are required."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, “That the Lost May Be Found”, April 2012 General Conference

"Faithful attendance at Church, together with careful attention to the needs of the family, is a near-perfect combination. In Church we are taught the Great Plan of Happiness. At home we apply what we have learned. Every call, every service in the Church brings experience and valuable insights which carry over into family life. Would our perspective be more clear if we could, for a moment, look upon parenthood as a calling in the Church. Actually, it is so much more than that; but if we could look at it that way for a moment, we could reach a better balance in the way we schedule families."

Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Parents in Zion”, October 1998 General Conference

"I testify that I know that God, our Heavenly Father, lives and that he loves us and that he knows us. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that we will be resurrected and can be sanctified because of his sacrifice. I testify that we can know the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost. I know that we can live together in families in eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. I pray that we may, with all our hearts for all our lives, offer testimony of the truth to our families."

President Henry B. Eyring, “A Legacy of Testimony” April 1996 General Conference

Education

Education is, obviously, a topic I have thought about over the last year. Once I decided to do Pathway, there was no stopping me. I decided about the end of the fall semester that I was going to continue after this year at the University of Washington because I liked their programs better. I was working on this project and learning more about what the apostles have to say about education, I slowly began to realize that I was not making the right choice for me. While there is a program I would have loved to do at the University of Washington, I came to realize that where you learn is as important as what you learn. I have since decided that BYU Idaho online is the best option for me and my needs. 

"After all, education continues as long as we live. If there is ever an end to secular learning, surely there is no end to spiritual learning. The Lord’s work moves forward on the strength of those who labor in the workaday world: the apprentice, artisan, journeyman, laborer, office worker, waitress, and, in a class by itself—homemaker."

Elder Boyd K. Packer, “To Be Learned Is Good If…”, October 1992 General Conference

"Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and personal faith more forceful than faculty."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Where Is Wisdom?”, October 1992 General Conference

"The best way I know of to make a contribution to the land we live in is to be prepared for the future. The Lord has promised us if we are prepared we should have no fear. If we make an effort to obtain the best education available to us, we are in a better position to be self-sufficient and not to become a burden on the society in which we live."

Elder L. Tom Perry, “Youth of the Noble Birthright”, October 1998 General Conference

"We live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of your husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should an emergency arise, you are prepared to provide."

President Thomas S. Monson, "Be Thou an Example" October 2001 General relief Society Meeting

"Most of all, live so that you can be guided and taught by the Spirit in all your activities, including all your efforts to learn and gain an education: honor your parents; be true to the teachings of the Church; be clean and faithful in all things; and be loyal to the leaders of the Church."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Strive For Excellence”, October 1971 General Conference


"First, gain an adequate education. Learn a trade or a profession to enable you to obtain steady employment that will provide remuneration sufficient to care for yourself and your family. The rapidly changing world breeds obsolescence and requires us to be continually engaged in preparing ourselves for the future. We can become antiquated in our professions if we do not stay up-to-date. Imagine how many patients a dentist would have if he continued to use the same tools and techniques he used a decade ago. What about a businessman that tried to compete without the use of computers? Or a builder who had not stayed abreast of the latest materials and methods available? Education has, of necessity, become a lifelong pursuit. We must, in our scheduling of time, allot sufficient time to educate ourselves for now and for the future."
Elder L. Tom Perry, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”, October 1995 General Conference


"I would like to add my testimony to that of our great prophet-leader. I know the power that comes from associations in the seminary and institute programs. It has enriched my life, and I know it will do the same for you. It will put a shield of protection around you to keep you free from the temptations and trials of the world. There is a great blessing in having a knowledge of the gospel. And I know of no better place for the young people of the Church to gain a special knowledge of sacred things than in the institute and seminary programs of the Church."
Elder L. Tom Perry, “Receive Truth”, October 1997 General Conference


"Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of a husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. Some of you already occupy that role. I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such. Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life.
I reiterate: Study diligently."
President Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You”, October 2007 General Relief Society Meeting


"As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the detail used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and compelling circumstances. It is worth great effort to organize the truth we gather to simple statements of principle. I have tried to do that with gaining spiritual knowledge. The result is now shared in hope that it will be a beginning place for your study."
Elder Richard G. Scott, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge”, October 1993 General Conference


"While schooling and education generally go together, there are kinds of wisdom which are not usually taught in school classrooms."
Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The Gospel – The Foundation For Our Career”, April 1982 Welfare Session

Depression and Anxiety

Of all the topics I picked this semester, depression and anxiety is the one that I was looking the most forward to seeing what the prophets and apostles had to say about. It is something that I suffer from and I so often feel like I am alone in that. Over the past few months I have truly come to see that I really am not the only one. It is a topic that is mentioned with growing frequency in General Conference and other talks. We are being counseled to not give up hope and reminded that so many others share our struggles. I have been very encouraged by the uplifting words I have read and have been looking for ways to use what I have learned in my life each day.  

"Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were—better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before."

President Thomas S. Monson, “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee”, October 2013

"And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in.  Never surrender.  Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.  Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope”, October 2008

"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: 'That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.' Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Broken Vessel”, October 2013


"There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: “The best is yet to be” (“Rabbi Ben Ezra,” in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103). We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come."
Elder L. Tom Perry, “Let Him Do It with Simplicity”, October 2008 General Conference


"Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, 'robes … made … white in the blood of the Lamb.' May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal”, April 2002 General Conference


"Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, 'Be not afraid, only believe.'"
Elder Neil L. Andersen, “You Know Enough”, October 2008 General Conference


"When memory of past mistakes encroaches upon your mind, turn your thoughts to the Redeemer and to the miracle of forgiveness with the renewal that comes through Him. Your depression and suffering will be replaced by peace, joy, and gratitude for His love."
Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Path to Peace and Joy”, October 2000 General Conference


"My desire today is for all of us—not just those who are 'poor in spirit' but all of us—to have more straightforward personal experience with the Savior’s example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend”, April 2006 General Conference


My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.
President Thomas S. Monson, “We Never Walk Alone”, October 2013 General Relief Society Meeting


"When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing. My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because of their shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them of happiness in life.  We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips! We also need to remember that the Lord gives no commandments that are impossible to obey. But sometimes we fail to comprehend them fully."
Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Perfection Pending”, October 1995 General Conference

Charity

We all know that charity is “The pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). We hear it in scripture and in countless sacrament and General Conference talks, it’s even on the wall in most Relief Society rooms around the world. But have you ever really thought about what that means? There are so many things that make up true charity. It is in the small things of everyday life as well as the big. Little gestures that show love for others, something as small as opening a door or a kind word, can make a huge impact on someone’s life. Showing pure love to others is such a simple and easy thing to do, yet is so often lost in the rush and business of our lives. I am trying harder each day to show charity to others. 

"Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love."

President Thomas S. Monson, “Love – the Essence of theGospel”, April 2014 General Conference

"I bear my witness that the Lord has asked each of us, His disciples, to help bear one another’s burdens. We have promised to do it. I bear my testimony that the Lord, through His Atonement and Resurrection, has broken the power of death. I give my witness that the living Christ sends the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, to those we are pledged to help Him comfort."

President Henry B. Eyring, “The Comforter”, April 2015 General Women's Session

"I consider charity—or 'the pure love of Christ'—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient."

President Thomas S. Monson, “Charity Never Faileth”, October 2010 General Relief Society Meeting

"We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is achieved not just by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure love of Christ. The Apostle Paul illustrated this in his famous teaching about the importance of charity (see 1 Cor. 13). The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness he cited is that charity, 'the pure love of Christ' (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes. Thus, as Moroni declared, 'except men shall have charity they cannot inherit' the place prepared for them in the mansions of the Father (Ether 12:34; emphasis added)."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become”, October 2000 General Conference

"So, brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be 'perfect' men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail. I pray that my words, even on this challenging subject, will be encouraging to you, not discouraging, that you can hear in my voice that I love you, because I do. More importantly, please know that your Father in Heaven loves you and so does His Only Begotten Son. When They speak to you—and They will—it will not be in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but it will be with a voice still and small, a voice tender and kind. It will be with the tongue of angels. May we all rejoice in the thought that when we say edifying, encouraging things unto the least of these, our brethren and sisters and little ones, we say it unto God."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels”, April 2007 General Conference

"Faith, hope, and charity complement each other, and as one increases, the others grow as well. Hope comes of faith, for without faith, there is no hope. In like manner faith comes of hope, for faith is 'the substance of things hoped for.' Hope is critical to both faith and charity. When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith. When frustration and impatience challenge charity, hope braces our resolve and urges us to care for our fellowmen even without expectation of reward. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity. The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead us to charity. The three qualities—faith, hope, and charity  —working together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, lead us to abound in good works."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope”, October 2008 General Conference

"We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is achieved not just by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure love of Christ. The Apostle Paul illustrated this in his famous teaching about the importance of charity (see 1 Cor. 13). The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness he cited is that charity, 'the pure love of Christ' (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes. Thus, as Moroni declared, 'except men shall have charity they cannot inherit' the place prepared for them in the mansions of the Father (Ether 12:34)."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become”, October 2000 General Conference

"The Prophet Joseph Smith said, 'We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object' (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity, preparing for that great day when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will arise.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion”, October 2008 General Conference

"This society is composed of women whose feelings of charity spring from hearts changed by qualifying for and by keeping covenants offered only in the Lord’s true Church. Their feelings of charity come from Him through His Atonement. Their acts of charity are guided by His example—and come out of gratitude for His infinite gift of mercy—and by the Holy Spirit, which He sends to accompany His servants on their missions of mercy. Because of that, they have done and are able to do uncommon things for others and to find joy even when their own unmet needs are great."
President Henry B. Eyring, “The Enduring Legacy if Relief Society”, October 2009 General Relief Society Meeting

The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity. His life was a matchless example of humility and power. The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self. By following His example as a faithful, obedient priesthood bearer, we can access great power. When required, we can exercise the power of healing, of blessing, of consoling, and of counseling, as the quiet promptings of the Spirit are faithfully followed.
Elder Richard G. Scott, “Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well”, October 2008 General Conference