Teachings of the Living Prophets: Obedience

Obedience

When we are obedient we have God's promise that He will bless us. I know that God fulfills His promises and blesses us when we are obedient. This is a sure way to happiness!

1. “Obey the laws of the land, obey your parents.” ( Thomas S. Monson. Believe, Obey, Endure. October 2012 General Young Women’s Conference.)
2. “Our decisions do determine our destiny.” ( Thomas S. Monson. Believe, Obey, Endure. October 2012 General Young Women’s Conference.) 
3. “The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises.”  (Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
4. “A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.” (Thomas S. Monson. April 2013 General Conference. Obedience.)
5. “ The happiness of the latter day saints, the peace of the latter day saints, the progress of the latter day saints, the prosperity of the latter day saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the councils of God.”- Gordon B. Hinckley. (Thomas S. Monson. April 2012 General Conference. Obedience.)
6. “As we strive to align our attitudes and actions with righteousness, then the Holy Ghost becomes for us today what the Liahona was for Lehi and his family in their day.” ( David A. Bednar. April 2006 General Conference. That We May Always Have the Spirit to Be with Us.) 
7. “Just as order gave life and beauty to the earth when it was dark and void, so it does to us. Obedience helps us develop the full potential Heavenly Father desires for us in becoming celestial beings worthy some day to live in His presence.” ( James E. Faust. Obedience: The Path to Freedom. Ensign May 1999.)
8. “However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure. Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies.” (Henry B. Eyring. Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady. October 2005 General Conference.)
9. “We need strength beyond ourselves to keep the commandments in whatever circumstance life brings to us. … The combination of trials and their duration are as varied as are the children of our Heavenly Father. No two are alike. But what is being tested is the same, at all times in our lives and for every person: will we do whatsoever the Lord our God will command us.” (Henry B. Eyring. In the Strength of the Lord. April 2004 General Conference.)
10. “There is no promise made to any man, woman or child, no matter what testimony they may receive, or what light and intelligence may come to them from God, that they shall remain firm and steadfast in the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal, only as they shall keep the commandments of God” (Heber J. Grant. Teachings of Presidents of the Church.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Atonement

Atonement

The Atonement is not just Christ suffering for our sins. He felt all the we have, are, and will ever feel. That is our happiness, our guilt, and our fear. Everything. He is always there. You can turn to Him no matter what and I promise He will be there. He loves you and is completely aware of you and your needs. You are never alone. 

1. “We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret11 and remove the burden of our sins.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Of Regrets and Resolutions. October 2012 Genreral Conference Saturday Morning Session. )
2. And because of the eternal and unfathomable Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the priesthood of God can be available even if you have stumbled or have been unworthy in the past. Through the spiritually refining and cleansing process of repentance, you can “arise and shine forth”!11 Because of the boundless, forgiving love of our Savior and Redeemer, you can lift up your eyes, become clean and worthy, and develop into righteous and noble sons of God—worthy bearers of the most sacred priesthood of Almighty God. (The Joy of the Priesthood. October 2012 General Conference. Priesthood Session. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.)
3. “In moments of pain, loneliness, or confusion, we do not need to see Jesus Christ to know that He is aware of our circumstances and that His mission is to bless.” (Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
4. “And because of the eternal and unfathomable Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the priesthood of God can be available even if you have stumbled or have been unworthy in the past. Through the spiritually refining and cleansing process of repentance, you can “arise and shine forth!”( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Priesthood Session. The Joy of the Priesthood.)
5. Because of the boundless, forgiving love of our Savior and Redeemer, you can lift up your eyes, become clean and worthy, and develop into righteous and noble sons of God—worthy bearers of the most sacred priesthood of Almighty God.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Priesthood Session. The Joy of the Priesthood.)
6. “If you have made no mistakes, then you do not need the Atonement. If you have made mistakes, and all of us have, whether minor or serious, then you have an enormous need to find out how they can be erased so that you are no longer in darkness.” ( Boyd K. Packer. October 2012 General Conference. The Atonement.)
7. “Life was never meant to be either easy or fair. Repentance and the lasting hope that forgiveness brings will always be worth the effort.” (Boyd K. Packer. April 2012 General Conference. And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.)
8. “Man unquestionably has impressive powers… But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effects of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ… Man cannot earn his own salvation.” (Dallin H. Oaks. “What Think Ye of Christ?” October 1988 General Conference.)
9. “This Jesus, who is called Christ, wrought out a perfect atonement for all mankind by His incomparable life, His suffering in Gethsemane, the shedding of His blood, His death upon the cross, and His glorious Resurrection. He conquered the grave, and because of Him, so will we.” ( Keith B. McMullin. Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.)
10. “Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior Jesus Christ understands.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  Your Happily Ever After.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Family

Family

Families are the fundamental units in eternity. We can be with our families forever through the sacred sealing power. I know that family is forever and I'm grateful for that.

1. “As you keep the faith, you will find yourself invited by the Lord often to serve someone in need when it will not seem convenient.” ( Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Relief Society Broadcast. The Caregiver.)
2. “Caring for those in need takes a team, a loving and unified society. That is what the Lord is building among you. He loves you for any part you play.” ( Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Relief Society Broadcast. The Caregiver.)
3. “Most people carrying heavy loads begin to doubt themselves and their own worth. We lighten their loads as we are patient with their weaknesses and celebrate whatever goodness we can see in them.” ( Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Relief Society Broadcast. The Caregiver.)
4. “Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories. Good intentions are not enough.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Conference. Of Regrets and Resolutions.)
5. “The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God.” We do not act for personal gain, but rather we seek to serve and to lift up others. We lead not by force…” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Priesthood Session. The Joy of The Priesthood.)
6. “Neither man nor woman can bear children alone. It was meant that children have two parents—both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one. 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. Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.”( Boyd K. Packer. April 2012 General Conference. And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.)
7. “The family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.” ( Russell M. Nelson. October 2012 General Conference. Celestial Marriage.)
8. “Teach your children when they are young and small, and never quit. As long as they are in your home, let them be your primary interest.” (Gordon B. Hinckley. Your Greatest Challenge, Mother.  October 2000 General Conference.)
9. “I know of no better answer to [the] foul practices that confront our young people than the teachings of a mother, given in love with an unmistakable warning.” (Gordon B. Hinckley. Your Greatest Challenge, Mother.  October 2000 General Conference.)
10. “The family is a creation of the Almighty. It represents the most sacred of all relationships. It represents the most serious of all undertakings. It is the fundamental organization of society. “Through the revelations of God to His Prophet came the doctrine and authority under which families are sealed together not only for this life but for all eternity.” (Gordon B. Hinckley. The Great Things Which God Has Revealed. April 2005 General Conference.)

Teachings of the Living Prophets: Parenting

Parenting

Because I will soon be a parent I want to prepare all that I can. It is the most important thing I will ever do. God's first commandment was to multiply and replenish the Earth; that commandment has never been revoked. Being a mother is the thing I came to Earth to do. God gave me time so that I can spend it with my children. 

1. See people not as they are, but as they may become. ( Thomas S. Monson. October 2012 General Conference. See Other as They May Become.)
2. “...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.” (Thomas S. Monson. October 2012 General Conference. Consider the Blessings.)
3. “Our decisions do determine our destiny.” “Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch.” ( Thomas S. Monson. Believe, Obey, Endure. General Young Women’s Conference 2012.)
4. “God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God to serve.” ( Henry B. Eyring. Help them Aim High. October 2012 General Conference.)
5. “The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience. Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises.” Henry B. Eyring. October 2012 General Conference. Where is the Pavilion?)
6. “We certainly cannot do this with a dragging-our-feet, staring-at-our-watch, complaining-as-we-go approach to discipleship. When it comes to living the gospel, we should not be like the boy who dipped his toe in the water and then claimed he went swimming.” ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf. October 2012 General Conference. Of Regrets and Resolutions.)
7. “The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent.” ( Boyd K. Packer. April 2012 General Conference. And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.)
8. “Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility….this responsibility ultimately rests on the parents.” “...you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept.” (L. Tom Perry. October 2012 General Conference. Becoming Goodly Parents)
9. “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.” (L. Tom Perry. October 2012 General Conference. Becoming Goodly Parents)
10. “As parenting declines, the need for policing increases. There will always be a shortage of police if there is a shortage of effective parents! Likewise, there will not be enough prisons if there are not enough good homes.” ( Neal A. Maxwell. Take Especial Care of Your Family.)