Family

"Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that...are the very nature of a family."  - Henry B. Eyring, April 2010 Conf. Help Them on Their Way Home 

"The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."-President Harold B Lee, June 2002 Ensign, Father, Consider Your Ways

"Have faith in families.  The best we can do in one of our church auxiliaries can be done better in even the weakest of homes.  Have faith in families."  "Bless your children and your future home by learning as much as you can now."  - 

BY MARY N. COOK, 

FIRST COUNSELOR IN THE YOUNG WOMEN GENERAL PRESIDENCY, BROADCASTS-President Eyring, Alameda Stake Conference, 1992

“It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.”  - President Monson, “Becoming Our Best Selves,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 19

"We encourage our youth in every country to get an education. Even if at times it seems hopeless. With determination and faith in the Lord, you will be blessed with success. It is a dream well worth pursuing."  - Boyd K Packer, To Be Learned Is Good If..., October 1992 General Conference 

" A good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection."  - Elder Oaks, Divorce, April 2007 Conference

The concept that society has a strong interest in preserving marriages for the common good as well as the good of the couple and their children has been replaced for many by the idea that marriage is only a private relationship between consenting adults, terminable at the will of either.   - Elder Oaks, Divorce, April 2007 Conference

In contrast, modern prophets have warned that looking upon marriage “as a mere contract that may be entered into at pleasure … and severed at the first difficulty … is an evil meriting severe condemnation,” especially where children are made to suffer.   - Elder Oaks, Divorce, April 2007 Conference

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. The first step is not separation but reformation. Divorce is not an all-purpose solution, and it often creates long-term heartache. A broad-based international study of the levels of happiness before and after “major life events” found that, on average, persons are far more successful in recovering their level of happiness after the death of a spouse than after a divorce. ³ Spouses who hope that divorce will resolve conflicts often find that it aggravates them, since the complexities that follow divorce—especially where there are children—generate new conflicts.  - Elder Oaks, Divorce, April 2007 Conference

In contrast, the couples who followed this bishop’s counsel and stayed together emerged with their marriages even stronger. That prospect began with their mutual commitment to keep the commandments, stay active in their Church attendance, scripture reading, and prayer, and to work on their own shortcomings.   - Elder Oaks, Divorce, April 2007 Conference

Music

"Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father.  It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite."  -President Monson, April 2010 General Conference, Preparation Brings Blessings

"I wonder sometimes if we realize the importance of music. I wonder if we know that the Lord himself is concerned about it. He has given us the information that the song of praise is a prayer unto him. . . . It [is] our privilege, yea, our blessing, to sing and . . . our songs should be sung in righteousness."
- President George Albert Smith, Church News, Feb. 16, 1946, 6


"My soul is always lifted up, and my spirit cheered and comforted, when I hear good music. I rejoice in it very much indeed."  -President Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1969, 110

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30

"Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul."  - President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1974, 67

"We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer."              - President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111

"The singing of our sacred hymns, written by the servants of God, has a powerful effect in converting people to the principles of the Gospel, and in promoting peace and spiritual growth."  - President Heber J. Grant, Improvement Era, Sept. 1940, 522

 "We are in a position, as musicians, to touch the souls of those who listen." - President Kimball, Teachings of Spencer W Kimball, 1982

“Those who choose, conduct, present, and accompany the music may influence the spirit of reverence in our meetings more than a speaker does.”  —Boyd K. Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation,” October 1991 general conference

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.  -D&C 25:12

Personal Revelation

Relationships can be strengthened through the veil with people we know and love. That is done by our determined effort to continually do what is right. We can strengthen our relationship with the departed individual we love by recognizing that the separation is temporary and that covenants made in the temple are eternal. When consistently obeyed, such covenants assure the eternal realization of the promises inherent in them. ~ Elder Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for your Personal Life, April 2012 General Conference

  Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is how revelation is received.  ~ Elder Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for your Personal Life, April 2012 General Conference

  When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures.   ~ Elder Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for your Personal Life, April 2012 General Conference

Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated.                              Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.   ~ Elder Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for your Personal Life, April 2012 General Conference

Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence. ~Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference

Personal revelation is the way Heavenly Father helps us know Him and His Son, learn and live the gospel, endure to the end in righteousness, and qualify for eternal life—to return back into Their presence. ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference 

Revelation comes on the Lord’s timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire.  ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference 

 As faithful children, youth, parents, teachers, and leaders, we may receive personal revelation more frequently than we realize. The more we receive and acknowledge personal revelation, the more our testimonies grow.   ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference 

Prophets receive personal revelations to help them in their own lives and in directing the earthly affairs of the Church. Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us.   ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference 

We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key.   ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets, October 2007 General Conference 

Patience

"A certain amount of impatience may be useful to stimulate and motivate us to action. However, I believe that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today. " ~JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN, General conference April 1987, Patience, a key to happiness

"We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times."  ~JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN, GENERAL CONFERENCE APRIL 1987, PATIENCE, A KEY TO HAPPINESS

"The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness."  ~President Uchtdorf, General Conference April 2010, Continue in Patience

"I say prepare ourselves because it demands persistent effort to develop patience as a personal attribute. In practicing patience, one comes to understand it and to acquire it. We must have patience in order to withstand pain and grief without complaint or discouragement, which detract from... "  ~ Angel Abrea, General Conference April 1992, Patience in Affliction

 "It is important to understand that His healing can mean being cured, or having your burdens eased, or even coming to realize that it is worth it to endure to the end patiently, for God needs brave sons and daughters who are willing to be polished when in His wisdom that is His will."  ~Richard G Scott, General Conference April 1994, To Be Healed

" The afflicted who have patiently waited for corrective help are blessed by these “angels in disguise.”  ~ President Monson, General Conference Ocotber 1995, Patience - A Heavenly Virtue

"Perhaps there has never occurred such a demonstration of patience as that exemplified by Job, who was described in the Holy Bible as being perfect and upright and one who feared God and eschewed evil"  ~ President Monson, General Conference Ocotber 1995, Patience - A Heavenly Virtue

The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of patience. Though absolutely unyielding in adherence to the truth, he exemplified patience repeatedly during his mortal ministry. He was patient with his disciples, including the Twelve, despite their lack of faith and their slowness to recognize and understand his divine mission. He was patient with the multitudes as they pressed about him, with the woman taken in sin, with those who sought his healing power, and with little children. Finally, he remained patient through the sufferings of his mock trials and his crucifixion.  ~ Elder Wirthlin, Patience, A Key to Happiness, April 1987 General Conference

We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake.  ~ Elder Wirthlin, Patience, A Key to Happiness, April 1987 General Conference

 I urge you children to be patient with your parents. If they seem to be out of touch on such vital issues as dating, clothing styles, modern music, and use of family cars, listen to them anyway. They have the experience that you lack.  ~ Elder Wirthlin, Patience, A Key to Happiness, April 1987 General Conference

Tender Mercies

“The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live.” 
― David A. Bednar, General Conference April 2005, The Tender Mercies of the Lord.

“I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of his tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them….The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ….Faithfulness, obedience and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings….I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us….Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days.” 
― David A. Bednar, I found it on the web, http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/lds-church

“The Lord's hand in in our lives; if we will but feel for it, in the darkness, we can grasp it and be lifted thereby.” 
― James E. Talmage, http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/lds-church

“The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ” (David A. Bednar, April 2005 general conference).

Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. ~ Psalms 119:77

“Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a ‘healing’ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.” 
― Dallin H. Oaks, Talk, He Heals the Heavy Laden

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they notchosen?

“Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” D&C 121:34–35

“Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit.” 
― Richard G. Scott, January 23, 2001 BYU Devotional, To Acquire Knowledge and the Stregnth to Use it Wisely. 

"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."  ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR, may 2005 Ensign, The Tender Mercies of the Lord
"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing."  Henry B Eyring, General Conference April 2012, Mountains to Climb.  

Motherhood

A worthy woman personifies the truly noble and worthwhile attributes of life. A faithful woman can become a devoted daughter of God—more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish, more anxious to exercise compassion than to exercise dominion, more committed to integrity than to notoriety. And she knows of her own infinite worth.  - Elder Nelson, Woman-Of Infinite Worth, October 1989 General Conference

So much is expected of a woman. Often she is a detective; she must search for lost articles and solve on a daily basis baffling “who done it” mysteries.  - Elder Nelson, Woman-Of Infinite Worth, October 1989 General Conference

I honor women who are not mothers. They know that motherhood is but one of the realms of womankind. The virtue and intelligence of women are uniquely applicable to other realms as well, such as compassionate service and teaching. - Elder Nelson, Woman-Of Infinite Worth, October 1989 General Conference

Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes on the Savior. Acting obediently on those promptings strengthens us even more.  -Elder Scott, For Peace at Home, April 2013 General Conference

Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.  -Elder Scott, For Peace at Home, April 2013 General Conference

When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord.  -Elder Scott, For Peace at Home, April 2013 General Conference

There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood. - Elder Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2013 General Conference

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.  - Elder Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2013 General Conference

It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners.  - Elder Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2013 General Conference

Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.  - Elder Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2013 General Conference

Pornography

".... Then suddenly, there appears before us in this generation a sinister and diabolical enemy—pornography. Like the bark beetle it too is the carrier of a deadly disease. I... ...all that is precious and sacred. The beetle of pornography is doing his deadly task—undercutting our will,... "  ~President Monson, General Conference October 1979, Pornography- the deadly carrier

"Over the past twenty years a plague of pornography has swept across most countries of the world with increasing momentum and devastating impact.... ...no surprise that grand juries have found that 90 percent of all pornography is dominated by organized crime. Large profits from one project become... "  ~David B Haight, General Conference October 1984, Personal Morality

"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,...pornography "  ~  Richard G Scott, General Conference October 2009, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

"In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one"  ~  Boyd K Packer, General Conference October 2010, Cleansing the Inner Vessel

“Through the enabling and the redeeming power of the Atonement, all those affected in any way by the pernicious plague of pornography may be strengthened to overcome it and be healed of its evil consequences.” —Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy

“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 Monson, Preparation Bring Blessings, Ensign or Liahona, May 2010

"My beloved friends, under no circumstances allow yourselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, one of the most effective of Satan’s enticements. And if you have allowed yourself to become involved in this behavior, cease now. Seek the help you need to overcome and to change the direction of your life. Take the steps necessary to get back on the strait and narrow, and then stay there”  ~ President Monson, Until We Meet Again, Ensign or Liahona,May 2009

“Sex education belongs in the home, where parents can teach chastity in a spiritual environment as they reveal the facts of life to their children. There, in all plainness, the youngsters can be taught that procreation is part of the creative work of God and that, therefore, the act of replenishing the earth must be kept on the high plane of personal purity that God provides, free from all form of perversion.

“Unskilled parents can learn to teach their children properly. In fact, God commands it, and who are we to disobey?”  ~ Elder Petersen, In Conference Report, Apr.1969, p. 64; or Improvement Era, June 1969, p. 78

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, October 2010 General Conference

Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes.   ~ Elder Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, October 2010 General Conference

Atonement

We know that the pattern centers on the Atonement.¹⁴ We receive the blessings of the Atonement when we repent of our sins and keep the commandments. This we covenanted to do when we were baptized, and we renew that covenant each week as we partake of the sacrament. As we continue in righteousness, we qualify ourselves to say with Samuel, “Speak, [Lord]; for thy servant heareth.”¹⁵ And the Lord answers, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”  ~ Elder Hales, Personal Revelation: The teachings and examples of the prophets, October 2007

“Through the enabling and the redeeming power of the Atonement, all those affected in any way by the pernicious plague of pornography may be strengthened to overcome it and be healed of its evil consequences.” —Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy

It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent.  ~ Deiter F. Utchdorf, Of Resolutions and Regrets, Conference October 2012

That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement: to take anyone who comes, anyone who will join, and put them through an experience so that at the end of their life, they can go through the veil having repented of their sins and having been washed clean through the blood of Christ.  ~ Boyd K. Packer, The Atonement, Conference October 2012

It was required, indeed it was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.  ~Jeffery R. Holland, None Were With Him, Conference April 2009

Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking, even a change of heart. But there is good news. This mighty change of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God.  ~ Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy, Conference April 2012

As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins.”  ~Elder Hales, Being a More Christian Christian, Conference October 2012

Do not misunderstand. Repentance is not easy or painless or convenient. It is a bitter cup from Hell. But only Satan, who dwells there, would have you think that a necessary and required acknowledgment is more distasteful than permanent residence. Only he would say, “You can’t change. You won’t change. It’s too long and too hard to change. Give up. Give in. Don’t repent. You are just the way you are.” That, my friends, is a lie born of desperation. Don’t fall for it.  ~Jeffery R. Holland, For Times of Trouble, March 1980 BYU Devotional

The scriptures speak of His arms being open,  extended, stretched out, and encircling. They are described as mighty and holy,  arms of mercy, arms of safety,  arms of love,  “lengthened out all the day long… The Lord’s desire that we come unto Him and be wrapped in His arms is often an invitation to repent. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.”   ~ Neil L. Anderson, Repent That I May Heal You, Conference October 2009

The Redeemer will safely lead you over the most difficult obstacles of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness. True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ.  ~ Richard G. Scott, The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness,  April 2009

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely… He Loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.  ~Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Love of God, Conference October 2009

As one of His latter-day witnesses, I testify that He lives today. He is a resurrected Being. He is our Savior, our Lord, the very Son of God. I testify that He will come again as our glorified, resurrected Lord. That day is not far distant. To all who accept Him as Savior and Lord, His literal resurrection means that life does not end at death, for He promised: “Because I live, ye shall live also.  ~ Ezra Taft Benson, The Meaning of Easter, Conference April 1992

Education

"Leaders of this Church have repeatedly emphasized the importance of education. It is a vital component of wisdom. Not long after the pioneers began construction of their temple in Illinois, they established the University of the City of Nauvoo. The First Presidency proclaimed that this university “will enable us to teach our children wisdom, to instruct them in all the knowledge and learning, in the arts, sciences, and learned professions.”  

-Russell M Nelson, October 1992 General Conference, Where is Wisdom


"Sister Faust and I urged our daughters to get an education, not only to help them in their homemaking but also to prepare them to earn a living if that became necessary. Going to college or a vocational school is a wonderful experience, and the dollars, the effort, and the time prepare the student to have a marketable skill."  - James E Faust, How Near to the Angels, April 1998 General Conference

"Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity."  - President Gordon B Hinckley, The Perpetual Education Fund, April 2001 General Conference

 "And as all have not ^afaith, seek ye diligently and ^bteach one another words of ^cwisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best ^dbookswords of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."  - D&C 88:118 

 “Stand tall and be strong in defense of those great virtues which have been the backbone of our social progress. When you are united, your power is limitless. You can accomplish anything you wish to accomplish. -President Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference October 2000, Your Greatest Challenge, Mother

“It is so important that you young men and you young women get all of the education that you can. The Lord has said very plainly that His people are to gain knowledge of countries and kingdoms and of things of the world through the process of education, even by study and by faith.” Gordon B. Hinckley, “Inspirational Thoughts,” Ensign, June 1999, 4.

“In the first place, there is neither reason nor is there excuse for our Church religious teaching and training facilities and institutions, unless the youth are to be taught and trained in the principles of the gospel, embracing therein the two great elements that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph was God’s prophet. The teaching of a system of ethics to the students is not a sufficient reason for running our seminaries and institutes. The great public school system teaches ethics. The students of seminaries and institutes should of course be taught the ordinary canons of good and righteous living, for these are part, and an essential part, of the gospel. But there are the great principles involved in eternal life, the priesthood, the Resurrection, and many like other things, that go way beyond these canons of good living. These great fundamental principles also must be taught to the youth; they are the things the youth wish first to know about.”  ~J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Excerpts from The Charted Course of the Church in Education,” Ensign, Sept. 2002, 54–61

“The Lord and His Church have always encouraged education to increase our ability to serve Him and our Heavenly Father’s chlidren. For each of us, whatever our talents, He has service for us to give. And to do it well always involves learning, not once or for a limited time, but continually.”  ~President Eyring, The New Era, April 2009

“Your mind is precious! It is sacred.  Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility. Of course, our opportunities and abilities will vary a great deal. But, in the pursuit of one’s education, individual desire is more important than is the institution you choose; personal drive is more significant than is the faculty.  ~ Elder Nelson, Education, a Religious Responsibilities, BYU-I Devotional, Jan 26, 2010  

“Parents are not simply to teach their children.  Rather, they are to teach them to understand. And understanding is a gift from God."  ~ President Bednar, Understanding is a wellspring of life..., Ricks Collage Education Week, June 3, 1999