Pride

*Pride

“That is a high standard for us, but when we with faith control our tempers and subdue our pride, the Holy Ghost gives His approval, and sacred promises and covenants become sure.”-Elder Eyring, Families Under Covenant, Conference April 2012

“For spirituality to grow stronger and more available, it must be planted in a righteous environment. Haughtiness, pride, and conceit are like stony ground that will never produce spiritual fruit.”-Elder Scott, How to Obtain Inspiration and Revelation for Your Personal Life, Conference April 2012

“When our hearts are filled with pride, we commit a grave sin, for we violate the two great commandments.  Instead of worshipping God and loving our neighbor, we reveal the real object of our worship and love—the image we see in the mirror.”-Elder Uchtdorf, Pride and the Priesthood, Conference October 2012

“In all of our testifying we must avoid arrogance and pride. We should remember the Book of Mormon rebuke to a people who had such pride in the greater things God had given them that they afflicted their neighbors.”-Elder Oaks, Testimony, Conference April 2008

“Do you see the historical pattern emerging again—the pattern of righteousness followed by prosperity, followed by material comforts, followed by greed, followed by pride, followed by wickedness and a collapse of morality—the same pattern we’ve seen again and again within the pages of the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon? More importantly, what impact will the lessons of the past have on the personal choices you make right now and for the rest of your lives?”-Elder Ballard, Learning the Lessons of the Past, Conference April 2009

 “The poorly born may lack self-esteem, or the well-born infected with pride. Pride is the most deadly spiritual virus. In the eternal scheme of things, who is to say which is the most favored.”-Elder Packer, To Young Women and Men, Conference April 1989

“Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God."-Elder Anderson, “Repent, That I May Heal You”, Conference October 2009

“We might ask ourselves, living as many of us do in societies that worship possessions and pleasures, whether we are remaining aloof from covetousness and the lust to acquire more and more of this world’s goods. Materialism is just one more manifestation of the idolatry and pride that characterize Babylon. Perhaps we can learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs.”-Elder Christofferson, Come to Zion, Conference October 2008

“Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified…. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity”.-Elder Perry Blessing Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon, Conference October 2005

 “Jesus, stunningly brilliant, nevertheless allowed His will to be “swallowed up in the will of the Father.” (Mosiah 15:7; see also John 6:38.) Those with pride-hardened minds are simply unable to do this.”-Elder Maxwell, Put Off the Natural Man and Come Off Conqueror, Conference October 1990

Position Statement:

            This is something I have learned I have way too much of, over the last few months. I am grateful for the atonement which allows me to make mistakes and learn from them, I am also very grateful that the Lord is so patient and loving in his ways of teaching me how to let go of my pride and turn to him in every way possible, even with the small things. My eyes are slowly becoming more open to the things I have yet to learn because I am slowly learning how to let go of my pride and search for what God would have me do. Pride is how men fall, pride is what drags them down to the point of misery, and pride is what has destroyed nation upon nation. I pray I will not allow this to happen to myself or my family. 

Priesthood

Priesthood:

“Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.”-President Monson, April 2012

“Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness.”-Pres. Packer April 2010

“Men who worthily receive the priesthood receive the Lord Jesus Christ, and those who receive the Lord receive God the Father.27 And those who receive the Father receive all that He has.”-Elder Nelson, Conference October 2011

“The keys of the priesthood, held by our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and every other prophet and President of the Church, entitle him to revelation in behalf of the entire Church.”-Elder Oaks, Liahona, August 2010

“Fathers, priesthood leaders, and quorum presidencies have a special responsibility to help Aaronic Priesthood holders earnestly prepare to perform their sacred sacrament duties. This preparation is made throughout the week by living gospel standards. When young men prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament in worthiness and reverence, they literally follow the example of the Savior at the Last Supper4 and become like Him.”-Elder Hales, Conference April 2012

“I especially make an appeal for husbands and fathers, priesthood bearers or prospective priesthood bearers, to, as Lehi said, “Awake! and arise from the dust … and be men.”5 Not always but often it is the men who choose not to answer the call to “come join the ranks.”6 Women and children frequently seem more willing. Brethren, step up. Do it for your sake. Do it for the sake of those who love you and are praying that you will respond. Do it for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid an unfathomable price for the future He wants you to have.”-Elder Holland, Conference April 2012

“A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people.”-Elder Bednar, The powers of Heaven, Conference April 2012

“Priesthood authority did not come from a desire to serve or from reading the scriptures. When that priesthood authority was lost through apostasy, it had to be restored by those resurrected beings who had held it in mortality and who were sent to confer it. That happened as part of the Restoration of the gospel, and that priesthood authority, together with the keys necessary to direct its operations, are in this Church and no other.”-Elder Oaks, The Only True and Living Church, Seminar, August 2011

“From every man, young and old, who bears the priesthood, I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil and him who is the personification of it, but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God. Brethren of all ages, unbind your tongues and watch your words work wonders in the lives of those “who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.”-Elder Holland, We Are All Enlisted, Conference October 2011

“Both Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood quorums will find their soul in service.”-Elder Christofferson, The Priesthood Quorum, Conference October 1998

Position Statement:

            I am SO grateful for the priesthood in my life, without it I would be completely lost. The priesthood has helped guide me and direct me to new learning experiences that have helped me grow and mature in the gospel. My husband is a very good man, and a holder of the priesthood, and it gives me a lot of peace in my heart to know that he will be the greatest example of a priesthood holder to our children and he will teach our boys how to be priesthood holders themselves and what it means to be a priesthood holder. I have learned a lot from my husband, such as the miracles of blessings given in times of great need, the guidance that can be received in fervent prayer, the promptings to go or do something to the aid of someone else, and many other wonderful things. I am so grateful that this church is built on those men who hold the priesthood and that this church can never be lead astray. 

Motherhood

Motherhood:

“May each of us treasure this truth: One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.”-President Monson, April 1998

“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
It’s wonderful that you have strengths.
And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.” –President Uchtdorf, Relief Society, October 2011

“As the world increasingly asks, “Are these all yours?” we thank you for creating within the Church a sanctuary for families, where we honor and help mothers with children.”-Elder Cook, Children, Conference October 2011

“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family.”-Elder Ballard, Daughters of God, Conference April 2008

“God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best.”-Elder Perry, Mother Teaching Children in the Home, Conference April 2010

“We pointed out that the most important organization on earth is the family, where “fathers and mothers are … equal partners.”8 Neither one is financially compensated, but the blessings are beyond description.”-Elder Cook, LDS Women are Incredible!, Liahona, April 2011

“The woman, by her very nature, is also co-creator with God and the primary nurturer of the children. Virtues and attributes upon which perfection and exaltation depend come naturally to a woman and are refined through marriage and motherhood.”-Elder Packer, For Time and All Eternity, Conference November 1993

“To the women within the sound of my voice who dearly want to be mothers and are not, I say through your tears and ours on that subject, God will yet, in days that lie somewhere ahead, bring “hope to [the] desolate heart.”-Elder Holland, Because She is a Mother, Conference May 1997

 “As a mother guided by the Lord, you weave a fabric of character in your children from threads of truth through careful instruction and worthy example. You imbue the traits of honesty, faith in God, duty, respect for others, kindness, self-confidence, and the desire to contribute, to learn, and to give in your trusting children’s minds and hearts. No day-care center can do that. It is your sacred right and privilege.”-Elder Scott, The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness, Liahona November 1996

“These are eternal differences—with women being given many tremendous responsibilities of motherhood and sisterhood and men being given the tremendous responsibilities of fatherhood and the priesthood—but the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord .”-President Kimball, The Role of Righteous Women, Conference October 1979

Position Statement:

            I have learned so many things from my mother I know I could not have learned from anywhere else. I am so grateful to the Lord for blessing me with such a sweet and wonderful example of what it is to serve someone and think nothing of yourself. The women of this church have a divine role to teach their children the things of this gospel, and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to the needs of others that is engrained in them since childhood from their own mothers. Our Relief Society is a force to be reckoned with in the world, they are one of the greatest examples of service and love on this earth. 

Children

*Children:

“Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children.”-Pres. Packer, And a little child shall lead them, Conference April 2012

“Mothers and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example.”-Elder Cook, In Tune with the Music of Faith, April Conference, 2012

“Parents who do these things faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children.”-Elder Bednar, Watching with all perseverance, April Conference 2012

 “Third, dare to have the “big talks” with your sons. You know what I mean: talks about drugs and drinking, about the dangers of today’s media—the Internet, cyber technologies, and pornography—and about priesthood worthiness, respect for girls, and moral cleanliness. While these should not be the only subjects you talk about with your sons, please don’t shy away from them. Your boys need your counsel, guidance, and input on these subjects. As you talk about these very important matters, you will find that the trust between you will flourish.”-Elder Ballard, Fathers and Sons: A remarkable relationship, Conference October 2009

“When to have a child and how many children to have are private decisions to be made between a husband and wife and the Lord. These are sacred decisions—decisions that should be made with sincere prayer and acted on with great faith.”- Elder Andersen, Children, Conference October 2011

“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 Ballard, That the Lost May Be Found, Conference April 2012

“Ours is the responsibility to teach His children and awaken in them an awareness of God.”-Elder Nelson, That the Lost May Be Found, Conference April 2012

“The amount of children-and-parent time absorbed in the good activities of private lessons, team sports, and other school and club activities also needs to be carefully regulated. Otherwise, children will be overscheduled, and parents will be frazzled and frustrated. Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth. Parents should teach gospel priorities through what they do with their children.”-Elder Oaks, Good, Better, Best, Conference October 2007

“It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters.”-Elder Uchtdorf, The Merciful Obtain Mercy, Conference April 2012

“Parents, in appropriate, sensitive ways, teach your children of the potential danger of abuse and how to avoid it. Be aware of warning signs, such as an abrupt change in a child’s behavior, that may signal a problem. Be alert to a child’s unsettled feelings and identify their origin.”-Elder Scott, To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse, Conference April 2008

Position Statement:

            Children have to be one of the most wonderful gifts that God can give. They have such a simple understanding of things that they can comprehend what the gospel and the teachings of Christ are all about. We can learn from their sweet example of being meek and humble, and should seek to keep our minds open to learning just a child is still learning. One day I hope that my husband and I will have the opportunity to teach children of our own the wonderful gospel of this church, and I’m sure that we will learn many things from them in the process. 

Patriarchal Blessing

*Patriarchal blessings:

 “I had heard about patriarchal blessings but had not received one. In each stake there is an ordained patriarch who has the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. He is authorized to give personal and private blessings to those who come recommended by their bishops.”-Elder Packer, The Stake Patriarch October 2011

“Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding.”-Elder Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, Conference October 2011

“For some answers we may have to wait until the hereafter. This may be true for some promises in our patriarchal blessings and for some blessings for family members. Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary.”-Elder Hales, Waiting Upon the Lord-Thy Will Be Done, Conference October 2011

“We know that nothing is more perplexing than not knowing what to do with your future, but nothing is more personally rewarding than discovering your own abilities. Read your patriarchal blessing, consider your natural aptitudes and talents, and go forward. Take the first step, and doors will open.”-Elder Oaks, April 2009

“Receive your patriarchal blessing and strive to live worthy of its promises. A patriarchal blessing is one of the most important guides in life that members of the Church enjoy.”-Elder Wirthlin, Running Your Marathon, Conference October 1989

“While many organizations can offer fellowship and fine instruction, only His church can provide baptism, confirmation, ordination, the sacrament, patriarchal blessings, and the ordinances of the temple—all bestowed by authorized priesthood power.” –Elder Nelson, “Thus Shall My Church Be Called”, Conference April 1990

“The details of the communication are sacred and, like a patriarchal blessing, were for my individual benefit. I was given specific directions, instructions, and conditioned promises that have beneficially altered the course of my life.”-Elder Scott, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance, October 2009

“Somehow, even in my childhood, I knew that for me that chapter was about the family I would have someday. Years later, before I was married, I received a patriarchal blessing. In that blessing, the patriarch described the feeling that would be in the home I would someday have. He described exactly what I had felt years before when I read 1 Corinthians 13 [1 Cor. 13].”-Elder Eyring, A Discussion on Scripture Study, Liahona, July 2005

“A patriarchal blessing is a unique and remarkable privilege that can come to the faithful members of the Church having sufficient maturity to understand the nature and the importance of such blessings. These privileged blessings are a powerful witness of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ in bringing exaltation to each of us. Like many blessings, they must be requested by the person or by the family of the one desiring the blessing.”-Elder Faust , Your Patriarchal Blessing, Liahona, November 2005

“Other traditions which should continually be part of our lives are receiving father’s blessings, patriarchal blessings, missionary preparation, temple preparation, and regular temple attendance where possible, and being together as family units on those occasions when sacred ordinances are performed in behalf of a family member.”-Elder Perry, Special Witness: Family Traditions, February 2002

Position Statement:

            Patriarchal blessings are an amazing gift given to individual people from God. I know that my Patriarchal blessing has helped lead me in the direction I am at now in life. There is a lot of comfort that is given to me by my blessing, and I am most grateful that I received it at a time in my life when I needed it most, and continued to need it until this day. Those who have their blessing should read over it often, asking for guidance and an understanding to what the words and statements mean. I encourage those I know who don’t have one, to get one as soon as possible, because I know it will guide them and direct them in ways they would have never imagined. 

Divorce

Divorce:

“I strongly urge you and those who advise you to face up to the reality that for most marriage problems, the remedy is not divorce but repentance. Often the cause is not incompatibility but selfishness.”-Elder Oaks, Divorce, Conference April2007

 “Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have divorce rate far below the nation and world average.”-Elder Ballard, Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits October Conference 2007

“The incidence of divorce, because of infidelity, is also significant. Many of these trials and tribulations could be avoided by obedience to God’s laws.”-Elder Cook, The Songs they Could Not Sing, Conference October 2011

“Some think that every marriage must expect to end in unhappiness and divorce, with the hopes and dreams predestined to end in a broken, sad wreck of things.

Some marriages do bend, and some will break, but we must not, because of this, lose faith in marriage nor become afraid of it.”-Elder Packer, Marriage, Conference April 1981

“It would seem that a major underlying cause of divorce is in not understanding that marriage and families are God-given and God-ordained. If we understood the full meaning we would have less divorce and its attendant unhappiness. Couples would plan for a happy marriage relationship based on divine instruction.”-Elder Haight, Marriage and Divorce, Conference April 1984

“Seeds of distrust that mature into divorce and loss of temple blessings are often sown through violation of the laws of personal purity. Don’t make that mistake.”-Elder Scott, Receive the Temple Blessings, Conference April 1999

“The fruits of testimony may be observed in the lives of the faithful. Those lifted by the power of testimony can find greater happiness and fidelity in marriage. Their testimonies are an antidote to the plague of divorce. They enjoy greater freedom, seldom enslaved to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, abuse, and other forms of self-indulgence. They find strength to deal with the problems of life.”-Elder Hales, The Importance of Receiving a Personal Testimony, Conference October 1994

 “Divorce and diminishing regard for the sanctity of human life have eroded the strength of the family—the basic unit of society. Immorality, infidelity, and promiscuity—once shunned—are now tolerated and even condoned.” –Elder Nelson, Combating Spiritual Drift-Our Global Pandemic

 “I stand before you today to accuse many of the husbands and fathers who are within the sound of my voice and throughout the world of failing in your two major God-given responsibilities. The reason for most of the problems we find in the world today must be laid at your door. Divorce, infidelity, dishonesty, the use of drugs, deterioration of family life, loss of identity, instability and unhappiness have resulted from the lack of your leadership in the home.

Husbands and fathers, could we again remind you of your role and your responsibility?”-Elder Perry, Father-Your Role, Your Responsibility, Conference October 1977

Position Statement:                                                                            

            This world has become a very messed up and dark place with couples fleeing from a problem instead of becoming mature enough to try and work things out. I have seen the effects of divorce, I have seen men, women, children and relatives of all hurt and upset by the divorce of a loved one. Thankfully our church encourages men and women to do all they can before they allow such a thing to happen, and that the atonement gives us the understanding that we get to be together forever when sealed and married in a temple. I am so grateful for temples, because they bring something to a marriage that a civil marriage cannot, which allows the thinking of the couple to stray to separation when things become bad. 

Pornography

Pornography:

“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.”- Elder Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, Conference October 2010

“Remember that those young wives said their husbands’ infidelity began with an attraction to pornography, but immoral activity is not just a man’s problem, and husbands aren’t the only ones offending.”-Elder Holland, April 2010

“That caution pertains to pornography, which is highly addictive. In time, addictions enslave both the body and the spirit. Full repentance from addiction is best accomplished in this life, while we still have a mortal body to help us.”-Elder Nelsen, October 1998

 “For the most part it is simply a matter of self-discipline not to go where pornography is likely to be found—physically or electronically.”-Elder Christofferson, Recognizing God’s Hand in Our Daily Blessings, Liahona, January 2012

“Our task to defend the family is not an easy one. Trends in the world diminish the significance of the family. Sadly, the sacred powers of procreation are desecrated by many people. And the divinely designed nature of marital intimacy is tarnished by the addictive, pernicious, and poisonous plague of pornography.”-Elder Nelson, The Doctrinal Importance of Marriage and Children, Broadcast, January 2012

“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.”-Elder Scott, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance, Conference October 2009

“Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values.”-Elder Cook, Let there Be Light!, Conference October 2010

“There is also great concern about some of the pernicious, addictive behaviors like gambling and evil pornography that are so personally destructive and so rampant in our society. Remember, brothers and sisters, any kind of addiction is to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent.”-Elder Ballard, O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One, Conference October 2010

“Avoid the deadly poisons of pornography and narcotics. If these are in your life, beware! If allowed to continue, they can destroy you. Talk to your parents; talk to your bishop. They will know how to help you.”-Elder Packer, Counsel to Young Men, Conference April 2009

“I am sure the Lord loves and blesses husbands and wives who lovingly try to help spouses struggling with such deep problems as pornography or other addictive behavior or with the long-term consequences of childhood abuse.”-Elder Oaks, Divorce, Conference April 2007

Position Statement:

            Pornography, in my opinion, should be made a curse word. What a vile thing, what a horrid thing, something that can ensnare the minds of thousands and destroy the homes of millions. What is it that is so alluring about pornography that makes men and sometimes women draw away from their loved ones until they are lost in a dark abyss from which they cannot be saved? Thankfully there is the Atonement that allows those caught in the snare to repent and return to the straight and narrow path. Thankfully there are leaders of our church that can be turned to and relied upon to assist in the rehabilitation.