Family History

      As I study and think about the topic of family history I am reminded that it is up to each one of us to participate in performing this great work.  I remember growing up feeling like there wasn't much for me to do.  I didn't have a car to go to the family history library to do research.  And really, once I got there, I would have no idea what to do.  Also, being from a family who was been in the church since the beginning most of the work had already been done.  I grew up feeling like it was someone else's responsibility.  That all changed though when I went on my mission.  I was trained on how to do family history work.  I felt encouraged and inspired to do more work for my family.  Unfortunately, that was then and this is now.  I have only done some ordinance work for a few family members.  This project has rekindled that desire to provide this blessings to those in my family who did not receive them in this life.   Also it reminded me that doing family history work will not only bless them, but will greatly bless and enrich my life.

1. "When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple." 
Nelson, Russell M. "Generations Linked in Love." General Conference April 2010

2. "This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions, Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now."  
Scott, Richard G., "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead." General Conference October 2012

3. "Their hearts are bound to you. Their hope is in your hands. You will have more than your own strength as you choose to labor to find them."
Eyring, Henry B. "Hearts Bound Together." General Conference April 2005

4. " Gone are the days when this sacred work was done only by specialists. No matter your situation, you can make family history a part of your life right now. Primary children can draw a family tree. Youth can participate in proxy baptisms. They can also help the older generation work with computers. Parents can relate stories of their lives to their posterity. Worthy adult members can hold a temple recommend and perform temple ordinances for their own kin."
Nelson, Russell M., "Generations Linked in Love" General Conference April 2010

5. "While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families."
Nelson, Russell M., "Generations Linked in Love" General Conference April 2010

6. "“Have you prayed about your own ancestors?  Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences”
Scott, Richard G., "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead" General Conference October 2012

7. "It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and to tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation."
Bednar, David A., "Family History: An Invitation" General Conference October 2011

8. "Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received. "
Scott, Richard G. "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead" General Conference October 2012  

9. "I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories."
Bednar, David A., "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn" General Conference October 2011

10. "My beloved young brothers and sisters, family history is not simply an interesting program or activity sponsored by the Church; rather, it is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation. You have been prepared for this day and to build up the kingdom of God. You are here upon the earth now to assist in this glorious work."
Bednar, David A., "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn" General Conference October 2011
 
 

Technology

Being a complete addict of modern technology I was curious to see what the prophets and apostles have said about it.  It was a little bit hard to find quotes, but I am happy with what I came across.  The biggest thing that I have learned is that these advances were given to us to help us to learn and share the Gospel.  Each of the church leaders have been prepared throughout their lives to help use this technology to promote and push forward the work of The Church.  We too must be wise in using it appropriately.  Being a pathway student, and soon a web design major, I struggle with not wasting time online.  I really love Facebook; it allows me to keep in touch with friends and family that I just wouldn't be able to otherwise.  I have to be careful though, and make sure that I am not spending all day reading all the posts, and looking at their pictures.  I am excited to make better habits with my tech time.  I am going to use the tools on lds.org to help me study and notate my scriptures and general conference talks so that I can recall the knowledge when I need it no matter where I am.  I hope to also teach my children the purpose of technology and how to use it righteously. 

1. "Personal electronic devices...used with discipline, ...can be a tool of protection from the worst of society."
Scott, Elder Richard G."For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.

2. "Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important scriptures on your device and refer back to them frequently."
Scott, Elder Richard G."For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.

3. "The continued expansion of technology will only bring the messages to us. … [But it is] the challenge of each individual and family … to internalize the messages of the gospel."
Perry, L. Tom. "Thou Shalt Give Heed unto All HisWords." General Conference April 2000.

4. "It is no coincidence that Family Search and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation."
Bednar, David A."The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn." General ConferenceOctober 2011.

5. "Wise use of our technology would include care in that which we invite into our homes by the way of television, videos, computers, including the Internet. There is much that is good and edifying in the media, but there is also much that is gross, immoral, and time-consuming, enticing us to be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”
Hillam, Harold G."Teachers, the Timeless Key." General Conference October 1997.

6. "It is wonderful to have the means of instant communication quite literally at our fingertips, but let us be sure that we do not become compulsive fingertip communicators. I sense that some are trapped in a new time-consuming addiction—one that enslaves us to be constantly checking and sending social messages and thus giving the false impression of being busy and productive."
Arden, Ian S. "A Time to Prepare." General Conference October 2011.

7. “Never before in the history of the world has the need for faith in God been greater. Although science and technology open up boundless opportunities, they also present great perils because Satan employs these marvelous discoveries to his great advantage. The communication highway that spans the globe is overloaded with information for which no one bears responsibility for its truth or its source. Crime has become much more sophisticated and life more perilous. In war, killing has become far more efficient. Great challenges lie ahead unless the power of faith, judgment, honesty, decency, self-control, and character increases proportionately to compensate for this expansion of secular knowledge. Without moral progress, stimulated by faith in God, immorality in all its forms will proliferate and strangle goodness and human decency.”
Faust, James B. “The Shield of Faith” April 2000 General Conference.
8. "“If our technology does not improve the lives of others and help bring them home to Him, we have missed the mark,”
Eyring, Henry B. "President Eyring Dedicates BYU Broadcast Building" Church News August 2011


9. "Think of this, my beloved brethren. We are joint-heirs with Christ! So, does it make any sense that many of us spend so much of our valuable time, thoughts, means, and energies in pursuit of prestige or worldly goods or to be entertained by the newest and coolest electronic gadgets?"
Uchtdorf, Deiter F. "Four Titles." April 2013 General Conference

10. "For those using the Internet and mobile phones, there are new ways
to invite others to “come and see.” Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life."
Christofferson, D. Todd. "Redemption." April 2013 General Conference

Pornography

Pornography is such a scary thing to me as a mom.  I know that as my children grow and learn to use computers I will have to be able and willing to teach them about how and more importantly why to avoid pornography at all costs.  This is one evil that is really dangerous because it infiltrates every part of your life even if you don't realize it.  The effects of it are almost immeasurable.  As a member of the church it is also important that if someone we know encounters this problem we help them remember their worth, and encourage them to let it go and get back on the right path.  We must be willing to always offer love and support. 

To help fight the growing tide of pornography that threatens to capture the souls of mankind, the Church recently released an anti-pornography website that focuses on the power of Christ’s Atonement. It is located at overcomingpornography.org.
 
1. "Patrons of pornography also lose the companionship of the Spirit. Pornography produces fantasies that destroy spirituality. “To be carnally minded is death”—spiritual death (Rom. 8:6; see also 2 Ne. 9:39)." 
Oaks, Dallin H. "Pornography." GeneralConference April 2005.

2. “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.”  
Cardon, Craig A. "New Site Focuses on Overcoming Pornography through Atonement." Church News April 2013

3. "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. Don't be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what's being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father's standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don't see it, don't read it, don't participate." Monson, Thomas S. "Preparation Brings Blessings." Liahona May 2010
 
4. "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."
Oaks, Dallin H. "Pornography." General Conference April 2005.

5. "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."  
Scott, Richard G. "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance." General Conference October 2009.
 
6. “That is the way pornography is. This sleazy filth is like corrosive salt. It will eat through your armor if you expose yourselves to it.”  
Hinckley, Gordon B "True to the Faith." Ensign, June 1996.

7. "Pornographic or erotic stories and pictures are worse than filthy or polluted food. The body has defenses to rid itself of unwholesome food. With a few fatal exceptions, bad food will only make you sick but do no permanent harm. In contrast, a person who feasts upon filthy stories or pornographic or erotic pictures and literature records them in this marvelous retrieval system we call a brain. The brain won’t vomit back filth. Once recorded, it will always remain subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind and drawing you away from the wholesome things in life.”  
Oaks,Dallin H. "Pornography."General Conference, April 2005.

8. "How wonderful are the ways of our Lord. How glorious His promises. When tempted we can substitute for thoughts of evil thoughts of Him and His teachings.”
Hinckley, Gordon B.  "A Tragic Evil Among Us." Ensign, Nov 2004.

9. "The permissiveness afforded by the weakening of the laws of the land to tolerate legalized acts of immorality does not reduce the serious spiritual consequence that is the result of the violation of God’s law of chastity.”  
Packer, Boyd K. "These Things I Know," General Conference, April 2013.

10. "The worth of a soul lies in ‘its capacity to become as God.’”
President Thomas S.Monson “Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony” General Conference April 1987

Patience

Oh boy, is this something I need to work on, both personally, and as a mother of three young children.  In choosing this topic I thought that I might learn tricks to being more patient with my children, but that was not the case.  To me, patience is trusting the Lord.  Most of the quotes I collected talked about being able to be patient with myself as I learn and grow.  I think that being able to let go of my plans and give them to God will help me first in knowing that he loves me and wants the best for me.  As I come to live this principle I will become a more patient mother because my expectations will change.  I will be able to see the Lord's patience with me, and then I can in turn reflect that to my children.

1. "...simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings."
Scott, Elder Richard G. "For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.

2. "In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."
Holland, Jeffery R. "Lord, I Believe." General Conference April 2013

3. "Do not expect that all will go smoothly throughout your life. Even for those who are living as they should, it sometimes will be just the opposite. Meet each of life’s challenges with optimism and surety and you will have the peace and faith to sustain you now and in the future."
Packer, Boyd K. "Truths Most Worth Knowing." CES Devotional November 2011

4. "It seems that even in ancient times, as today, there were some people who couldn’t resist shopping on the Sabbath. By providing a daily sustenance, one day at a time, Jehovah was trying to teach faith to a nation that over a period of some 400 years had lost much of the faith of their fathers. He was teaching them to trust Him, to 'look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (D&C 6:36). He was providing enough for one day at a time. Except for the sixth day, they could not store manna for use in any succeeding day or days. In essence, the children of Israel had to walk with Him today and trust that He would grant a sufficient amount of food for the next day on the next day, and so on. In that way He could never be too far from their minds and hearts."
Christofferson, D. Todd. "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." CES Fireside January 2011

5. “Take it one day at a time. . . . Don’t look ahead to the pain. Just get through the day.”
Christofferson, D. Todd. "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." CES Fireside January 2011

6. " Needed is the capacity to make that second effort when life’s challenges lay us low.
Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you; 
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place and praise
Will always come to the one who stays. Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life’s victories after a while."
—Author Unknown
Monson, Thomas S. "Finsihers Wanted." General Conference June 1989
 
7. "I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. Please don’t nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept of your effort."
Hinckley, Gordon B. "Rise to the Stature of the Divine Within You." Ensign November 1989

8. "Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace."
Uchtdorf, Deiter F. "Continue in Patience" General Conference April 2010

9. "Patience [is] far more than simply waiting for something to happen—patience require[s] actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results [don’t] appear instantly or without effort.
Uchtdorf, Deiter F. "Continue in Patience" General Conference April 2010

10. "This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be."
Uchtdorf, Deiter F. "Of Things That Matter Most." General Conference October 2010
11. "When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there."
Holland, Jeffrey R. "For Time of Trouble." BYU Devotional March 1980
 

Marriage

Marriage is hard, fun at times, yes, but it is hard work.  Anyone who tells you different is crazy.  There is a quote I have posted that says that "the husband is the head of the home and the wife the heart."  I struggle with trying to be the head on a daily basis.  Through this study I have realized that I need to work on being the heart and having kindness and love come through above everything else.  If I can show my husband that I love and accept him no matter what then hopefully he can begin to show those same things to our family.  I must be the motivator, and get the love pumping.

1. "Even a rickety marriage will serve good purpose as long as two people struggle to keep it from falling down around them."
Packer, Boyd K. "Marriage." General Conference April 1981.

2. "Marriage is not without trials of many kinds. These tests forge virtue and strength. The tempering that comes in marriage and family life produces men and women who will someday be exalted."
Packer, Boyd K. "Marriage." General Conference April 1981.

3. “The great plan of happiness” centers on family life. The husband is the head of the home and the wife the heart of the home. And marriage is an equal partnership ... Latter-day Saints are taught to love one another and to frankly forgive offenses."
Packer, Boyd K. "Guided by the Holy Spirit." General Conference April 2011

4."The old adage “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today” is doubly important when it comes to expressing our love and affection—in word and in deed—to family members and friends. Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone."
Monson, Thomas S. "In Search of Treasure." General Conference April 2013

5. "Experience teaches that in a marriage, for example, a steady stream of simple kindnesses, help, and attention do much more to keep love alive and nurture the relationship than an occasional grand or expensive gesture. That is not to say, brethren—you who are married—that your wife wouldn’t appreciate something new and really nice to wear or occasionally some other gift that expresses, with an exclamation point, how you feel about her (within the parameters, of course, of your miserable budget). It’s just that a constant, daily expression of affection, in both words and actions, is far more meaningful in the long run."
Christofferson, D. Todd. "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread."

6. "Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good and doubt the bad."
Holland, Jeffrey R. "Holland, Jeffrey R. "How Do I Love Thee?" BYU Devotional Feb. 2000  

7. "Love is a fragile thing, and some elements in life can try to break it. Much damage can be done if we are not in tender hands, caring hands. To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith—faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything—all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys—with another person."
Holland, Jeffrey R. "Holland, Jeffrey R. "How Do I Love Thee?" BYU Devotional Feb. 2000

8."Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."
Eyring, Henry B. "O Remember, Remember." General Conference October 2007 

9. “May your homes be filled with peace, harmony, courtesy, and love. May they be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. May you nurture and nourish your testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection to you against the buffetings of Satan.” 
Monson, Thomas S. "Until We Meet Again." General Conference, April 2013


10. “The ultimate end of all activity in the church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in covenants of the everlasting priesthood.” 
Packer, Boyd K. "And a Little Child Shall Lead Them." General Conference, April 2012