Atonement 10

Elder Dallin H. Oaks- 3/31/12, Sacrifice
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/sacrifice?lang=eng&query=atonement
"A prophet declared that the whole meaning of the law of Moses pointed to that great and last sacrifice of...the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal. That sacrifice-the Atonement of Jesus Christ- is at the center of the plan of salvation."

** The greatest sacrifice is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is the key, the most important part of the great plan of salvation that our Father in Heaven has provided for us to return to Him.

Richard G Scott -  April 2010, He Lives All Glory to His Name
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/he-lives-all-glory-to-his-name?lang=eng
"Without the Atonement, Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness could not have been placed fully into effect. The Atonement gives all the opportunity to overcome the consequences of mistakes made in life. When we obey a law, we receive a blessing. When we break a law, there is nothing left over from prior obedience to satisfy the demands of justice for that broken law. The Savior’s Atonement permits us to repent of any disobedience and thereby avoid the penalties that justice would have imposed."

** We can overcome our past mistakes when we repent and use the Atonement. aha- The Atonment doesn't work like a bank, you can't do enough good and then sin, you must repent anew of a current disobedience.


James Faust - October 2001, The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/he-lives-all-glory-to-his-name?lang=eng
"Understanding what we can of the Atonement and the Resurrection of Christ helps us to obtain a knowledge of Him and of His mission. Any increase in our understanding of His atoning sacrifice draws us closer to Him. Literally, the Atonement means to be “at one” with Him. The nature of the Atonement and its effects is so infinite, so unfathomable, and so profound that it lies beyond the knowledge and comprehension of mortal man. I am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace. Many people think they need only confess that Jesus is the Christ and then they are saved by grace alone. We cannot be saved by grace alone, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved,after all we can do."

**As we increase our understanding of the Atonement we draw closer to our Savior. We want to become "at one" with Him.

 Boyd K. Packer- April 1988, Atonement, Agency, Accountability
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1988/04/atonement-agency-accountability?lang=eng

" In the Book of Mormon the word atone in form and tense appears fifty-five times. I quote but one verse from Alma: “And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also” 

Only once in the New Testament—fifty-five times in the Book of Mormon. What better witness that the Book of Mormon is indeed another testament of Jesus Christ?"

**The word atone appears fifty-five times in the Book of Mormon. Through these scriptures we can draw closer to our Savior and learn how to use his great sacrifice in our lives.

Richard G. Scott- October 2006, The Atonement can Secure Your Peace and Happiness
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/the-atonement-can-secure-your-peace-and-happiness?lang=eng

"I believe that no matter how diligently you try, you cannot with your human mind fully comprehend the eternal significance of the Atonement nor fully understand how it was accomplished. We can only appreciate in the smallest measure what it cost the Savior in pain, anguish, and suffering or how difficult it was for our Father in Heaven to see His Son experience the incomparable challenge of His Atonement. Even so, you should conscientiously study the Atonement to understand it as well as you can. You can learn what is needful to live His commandments, to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life. You can qualify, with obedient family members, to live with Him and your Father in Heaven forever."

**The whole concept of the Atonement is so powerful that we can only catch little glimpses of it. I need to study to understand the Atonement better and as I do I will be more obedient in order to live with Him, and Father forever.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf - April 2012, The Merciful Obtain Mercy
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng&query=atonement
"The doctrine is clear. We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. Christ’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Forgiveness for our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught: “Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin”³ and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”⁴

   Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another."

**We must repent and forgive others in order for the Atonment to be valid in our lives.

Henry B. Eyring - April 2012, Mountains to Climb

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng&query=atonement

"Knowing those reasons (that trials seem to take forever) may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there."

**We go through trials to prove ourselves before God. As we pass through and accept Christ's Atonement in our lives we can become clean enough to live with God again.

Thomas S. Monson - April 2010, He is Risen
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/he-is-risen?lang=eng&query=atonement
" Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us. Not only would He atone for our sins, but as a part of that Atonement, He would also overcome the physical death to which we would be subject because of the Fall of Adam."

**Part of the Atonement that is gifted to all is not only can we receive a forgiveness of sin, but that we will overcome physical death. aha- the Atonement has power over both physical and spiritual areas.

Russell M. Nelson - April 2012, Thanks Be to God
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&query=atonement
"Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of His Son, Jesus Christ.¹¹ He came to redeem God’s children.¹² Because of the Lord’s Atonement, resurrection (or immortality) became a reality.¹³ Because of the Atonement, eternal life became a possibility for all who would qualify."

** The Atonement accomplished two important things. 1-All men receive resurrection and 2-Eternal life is a possiblility if we qualify through our choices.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf - April 2008, A Matter of a Few Degrees
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/a-matter-of-a-few-degrees?lang=eng&query=atonement

"Our Heavenly Father knew before we came to this mortal existence that negative forces would tempt us to drift from our course, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”That is why He prepared a way for us to make corrections. Through the merciful process of true repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our sins can be forgiven and we will “not perish, but have everlasting life".^"

** God prepared a way for us to make corrections, the Atonement, our sins can ge forgiven and we can obtain eternal life.

Family 10

Elder Paul E. Koelliker - 3/31/12, He Truly Loves Us
The Father's plan designed the pattern of family to help us learn, apply and understand the power of love... there is seemingly no end to the capacity to love. The feeling of love from our Heavenly Father is like a gravitational pull from heaven.
** I know this doesn't count towards my 10, but I really liked it.

President Henry B. Eyring- 3/31/12, Families under Covenant
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/families-under-covenant?lang=eng&query=family+under+covenant
"There is nothing as important that will come to your family as being sealed in the temple. Lift and lead your family home to Heavenly Father and the Savior." 1) Gain sure witness that keys of the priesthood are with us. 2) Love your wife. 3) Enlist entire family to love each other. 4) Correct in the Lord's way"

** There are things we must to to make sure we are able to be with our family together. Most importantly we need to be sealed in the temple. Then, we must teach and practice love in our homes.

L. Tom Perry - July 2012, The Strength of Our Heritage
http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/07/the-strength-of-our-heritage?lang=eng&query=finding+joy
"The prophets have warned us that the home is the place to save society.⁴A proper home, of course, is not created automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same virtues that were taught in pioneer homes—faith, courage, discipline, and dedication—to make a marriage successful. Just as the pioneers made the desert blossom as a rose, so too our lives and families will blossom if we follow their example and embrace their traditions. Yes, pioneer faith is needed as much in the world today as in any period of time. Once again, we need to know that heritage. We need to teach it, we need to be proud of it, and we need to preserve it. "

** It takes hard work to make a proper home for our families. Just as it was hard work that made the desert blossom as a rose, we need faith, courage, discipline and dedication in our families.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks- April 2012, Sacrifice
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/sacrifice?lang=eng&query=sacrifice

“Perhaps the most familiar and most important examples of unselfish service and sacrifice are performed in our families. Mothers devote themselves to the bearing and nurturing of their children. Husbands give themselves to supporting their wives and children.”

**Elder Oaks educates us on the different aspects of sacrifice and then points out where we need to focus our unselfish service and sacrifice to prepare for the destiny that the Lord provided for us.

L.Tom Perry - April 2003, The Importance of the Family
 http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3c7776e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
"We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes."  -He then tells of how media has a negative image of families."

** I need to realize where the world is seeping into my home and prevent it from influencing my family.

Robert D. Hales - April 1999, Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng
"The key to strengthening our families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be on the strait and narrow path."

** We can strenghten our family by teaching them our history, our values & how to choose right from wrong. Know what they do in their spare time, get to know their teachers and coaches, use extended family to stregthen your children.

Thomas S. Monson- April 2012, As We Close this Conferencehttp://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/as-we-close-this-conference?lang=eng&query=family+challenges 
"My dear brothers and sisters, may your homes be filled with love and courtesy and with the Spirit of the Lord. Love your families. If there are disagreements or contentions among you, I urge you to settle them now. Said the Savior:

“There shall be no disputations among you. …

“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

“[But] behold, this is not my doctrine … ; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

** Keep contention out of your home. Fill your home with love and courtesy. Settle your differences or contentions now.



Elder Quentin L. Cook – April 2012 In Tune with the Music of Faith
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/in-tune-with-the-music-of-faith?lang=eng
"God loves all His children. He wants all of them to return to Him. He desires everyone to be in tune with the sacred music of faith."
“Our great desire is to raise our children in truth and righteousness. One principle that will help us accomplish this is to avoid being overly judgmental about conduct that is foolish or unwise but not sinful.”

**We need to show by example that we believe and follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to live in harmony with what the church teaches. Don't be overly harsh about unwise, not sinful, behaviors.

Henry B. Eyring - April 2010, Help Them on Their Way Home
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/help-them-on-their-way-home?lang=eng&query=family

"Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to safety. 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.

   The family has an advantage in the first eight years of a child’s life. In those protected years, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Satan’s use of the mists of darkness to hide the path to return home is blocked."

**Family is important because it is where a child's life starts. Satan has no power in the first 8 years. We have the chance to get their feet firmly planted on the path home.

Thomas S. Monson - October 2007, Three Goals to Guide You

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/three-goals-to-guide-you?lang=eng&query=family

"1-Study diligently. A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world.

2-Pray earnestly. Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray.

3-Serve earnestly. Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another: a question concerning a person’s family, quick words of encouragement, a sincere compliment, a small note of thanks, a brief telephone call. If we are observant and aware, and if we act on the promptings which come to us, we can accomplish much good."

** As we study, pray and serve, teaching our family to do this also, we will grow stronger in the gospel and we will know we have prepared them to serve our Heavenly Father.

Henry B. Eyring - YW Broadcast 2011, A Living Testimony

http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2011/03/a-living-testimony?lang=eng&query=family

"One of the doctrines of the gospel I was taught when I was young is that the greatest of all the gifts of God is eternal life. ⁶ I learned that part of eternal life is to live together in love in families forever.

From the first time that I heard those truths and they were confirmed to my heart, I felt obligated to make every choice I could to avoid contention and seek peace in my family and in my home.

Now, only after this life can I enjoy the fulness of that greatest of all blessings, eternal life. But amidst the challenges of this life, I have been given at least glimpses of what my family in heaven can be like."

**We live together as families in heaven. We need to seek peace in our homes. Look for glimpses of what it will be like to be in heaven with your family.

Gratitude 11

Elder Russel M. Nelson- 3/31/12, Thanks Be to God
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng
"How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God's providence And Love and express that gratitude to Him. The necessities of air, food, and water all come to us as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father.
   If the body’s capacity for normal function, defense, repair, regulation, and regeneration were to prevail without limit, life here would continue in perpetuity. Yes, we would be stranded here on earth! Mercifully for us, our Creator provided for aging and other processes that would ultimately result in our physical death. Death, like birth, is part of life. Scripture teaches that “it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.”²⁰ To return to God through the gateway we call death is a joy for those who love Him and are prepared to meet Him.²¹ Eventually the time will come when each “spirit and … body shall be reunited again in … perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame,”²² never to be separated again. For these physical gifts, thanks be to God!"

**It strikes me how important this must be to a physician to see how miraculously the body works and how a body, after it has broken down to death, will be restored to return to God.

Thomas S. Monson- October 2010, The Divine Gift of Gratitude
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng
"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."

** I love the alliteration, An attitude of gratitude, which is the parent of all virtues. So true.


Henry B. Eyring- October 1989, Remembrance and Gratitude
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/10/remembrance-and-gratitude?lang=eng
"You could have an experience with the gift of the Holy Ghost today. You could begin a private prayer with thanks. You could start to count your blessings, and then pause for a moment. If you exercise faith, and with the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will find that memories of other blessings will flood into your mind. If you begin to express gratitude for each of them, your prayer may take a little longer than usual. Remembrance will come. And so will gratitude."

** I really need to remember to send more thankful prayers using the Holy Ghost to prompt me.


Robert D. Hales - Ensign May 1992, Gratitude for the Goodness of God

https://byui.brainhoney.com/Frame/Component/CoursePlayer?enrollmentid=7940114

"The Lord said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15.) Our obedience to the laws, ordinances, and commandments is the greatest expression of love and gratitude that we can bestow upon him.

Gratitude is also the foundation upon which repentance is built.

In some quiet way, the expression and feelings of gratitude have a wonderful cleansing or healing nature. Gratitude brings warmth to the giver and the receiver alike.

Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us.

Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace—a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don’t have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others. Gratitude is a divine principle:"

** This a wonderful reminder about being grateful for our lives, those around us and especially our Savior. I especially like the statement, "Gratitude is the foundation upon which repentance is built." That is deeply profound and so true.

President Thomas S. Monson - April 2008, Looking Back and Moving Forward
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng&query=gratitude
"I thank the Lord for wonderful counselors. President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf are men of great ability and sound understanding. ... I feel to express thanks to my Heavenly Father for His countless blessings to me. I can say, as did Nephi of old, that I was born of goodly parents... I thank my Father in Heaven for my sweet companion, Frances. This October she and I will celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage... I express gratitude to my Heavenly Father for our three children and their companions, for eight wonderful grandchildren, and for four beautiful great-grandchildren... God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He loves us with a love we cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him is beyond expression."

** How sweet to hear our prophet express his gratitude for his counselors, his parents, his wife and his children, and for God and his Son, Jesus Christ. What a wonderful example of things we need to realize that we are thankful for.


Henry B. Eyring - October 2007, O Remember, Remember
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng&query=gratitude
"My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies... 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"

** I need to remember the gifts the Lord has given me. President Eyring has asked,  “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” and written down his impressions. As I record the gifts God has given me, gratitude will grow in my heart.


Richard G. Scott - October 2008, Honor the Priesthood and use it well
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/honor-the-priesthood-and-use-it-well?lang=eng&query=gratitude
"As a husband or son, express gratitude for what your wife and mother do for you. Express your love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer, more pleasant and purposeful for many of the daughters of Father in Heaven who seldom hear a complimentary comment and are not thanked for the multitude of things they do"

** We need to express gratitude for the daily acts of kindness others do for us. It will enrich our lives and our relationships will be much richer for it."


Elder Quentin L. Cook - October 2011, The Songs they Could not Sing
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-songs-they-could-not-sing?lang=eng&query=gratitude
"Sometimes, as was the case with Elder Sonne and his missionary associates (who had tickets to sail on the Titanic but were delayed), great blessings come to those who are faithful. We should be grateful for all the tender mercies that come into our lives.¹⁵ We are unaware of hosts of blessings that we receive from day to day. It is extremely important that we have a spirit of gratitude in our hearts"

**We need to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our hearts. Recognizing the daily tender mercy of the Lord is important to our happiness.

Jeffery Holland -  October 2012, Because of Your Faith
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/because-of-your-faith?lang=eng&query=gratitude
"I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you. . I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made... I am grateful for Young Women leaders who go to girls camp and, without shampoo, showers, or mascara... I am grateful for all the women of the Church who in my life have been as strong as Mount Sinai and as compassionate as the Mount of Beatitudes... And no less the brethren of the priesthood...  I am grateful for memories of my own high priests group... I am grateful for the Church’s army of teachers, officers, advisers, and clerks, to say nothing of people who are forever setting up tables and taking down chairs. I am grateful for ordained patriarchs, musicians, family historians, and osteopathic couples who head to the temple at 5am... Too often I have failed to express gratitude for the faith and goodness of such people in my life."

** This apostle of the Lord has thanked each of us for our service. Shouldn't we go and do likewise by finding ways to thank those that serve us, both the great and the humble...


President Thomas S. Monson - October 1998, Think to Thank
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/think-to-thank?lang=eng
"My brothers and sisters, do we give thanks to God “for his unspeakable gift” and His rich blessings so abundantly bestowed upon us?  Gracias, danke, merci—whatever language is spoken, “thank you” frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is a simplicity—even a sincerity—when “thank you” is spoken."

** Frequently expressing thanks lifts our lives to a higher place. It is a simple way to enrich our lives and the lives of others.


Russell M. Nelson - October 2005, Jesus Christ- The Master Healer
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/jesus-christ-the-master-healer?lang=eng
" From the Brethren, I express gratitude for your goodness, for your many generous acts of kindness, for your prayers and sustaining influence in our lives. I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him."

** I think it's so sweet to hear the apostles and prophet thank us for our prayers in their behalf. I love to hear them speak of their gratitude for our Lord and what He has done for us.

Marriage 11

President Henry B. Eyring - 3/31/12, Families under Covenant
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/families-under-covenant?lang=eng
"(It is) imperative to love your (spouse) it will take faith and humility to put (their) interests above your own in the struggles of life." (gender pronouns changed)

**I know struggles will come, I need to remember to make sure that I support my husband through them and not burrow into my own needs and forget his.


Boyd K. Packer - April 1981, Marriage 
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1981/04/marriage?lang=eng

"Marriage is yet safe, with all its sweet fulfillment, with all its joy and love. In marriage all of the worthy yearnings of the human soul, all that is physical and emotional and spiritual, can be fulfilled. 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."

**Marriage is a challenge. Yet, in marriage all things will be fulfilled, all yearning, all physical, emotional and spiritual challenges will be tested. When we are tested, and found faithful, we can be exalted someday.

Russell M. Nelson- October 2008, Celestial Marriage
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng

"Mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage. In fact, each marriage starts with two built-in handicaps. It involves two imperfect people. Happiness can come to them only through their earnest effort. Just as harmony comes from an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in marriage also requires a concerted effort. That effort will succeed if each partner will minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness."

   Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities. When that really happens, a celestial marriage becomes a reality, bringing great joy in this life and in the life to come."

**My marriage can be celestial like here on earth as I put my husband's needs above my own.

Russell M. Nelson - August 2001, Identify, Priority and Blessings
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/08/identity-priority-and-blessings?lang=eng&query=m+marriage+(name%3a"Russell+M.+Nelson")

"When mortal life is over, each of us will return to God, who gave us life. In a Judgment interview, I doubt that He will ask a surgeon, “How many operations did you perform?” or “Do you wish you had spent more time at the hospital?” But I know He will ask if Sister Nelson and I remained faithful to our  covenants to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him. No doubt He will
carefully scrutinize my apostolic ministry, but that vital subject will probably be subordinated to His evaluation of my record as a husband and father."


**It's important to realize that we are going to be interviewed when we return home and we need to prepare for the questions. How did I treat my husband will be an important one.

Elder M. Russell Ballard- April 2012, That the Lost May Be Found
 (ww.lds.org/general-conference/print/2012/04/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng&clang=eng)
"Third, husbands and wives, you should be equal partners in your marriage. Read often and understand the proclamation on the family and follow it. Avoid unrighteous dominion in any form. No one owns a spouse or children; God is the Father of us all and has extended to us the privilege of our own family, which was previously only His, to help us become more like Him. As His children we should learn at home to love God and to know that we can ask Him for the help we need. Everyone, married or single, can be happy and supportive within whatever family you may have."


**Marriage is an equal partnership as ordained by God. God extends to us the privilege of having our own family. (AH HA! moment...) Which was previously only His. He did this to help us become more like Him.

Richard G. Scott - April 2011, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-eternal-blessings-of-marriage?lang=eng&query=marriage
"It is so rewarding to be married. Marriage is wonderful. In time you begin to think alike and have the same ideas and impressions. You have times when you are extremely happy, times of testing, and times of trial, but the Lord guides you through all of those growth experiences together."

**The Lord will guide you through the trials and tests of marriage and you can become as one.

Quentin L. Cook - April 2011, LDS Women Are Incredible!
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/lds-women-are-incredible?lang=eng&query=marriage
 "Our doctrine is clear: Women are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves them. Wives are equal to their husbands. Marriage requires a full partnership where wives and husbands work side by side to meet the needs of the family."

**Marriage is a full partnership where we work side by side as equals. This is by the design of our Heavenly Father who loves us.

Dallin H. Oaks - April 2011, Desire
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/desire?lang=eng
 "All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity. Those who already have a temple marriage should do all they can to preserve it. Those who are single should desire a temple marriage and exert priority efforts to obtain it. "

**Exert your efforts to either preserve your existing temple marriage, or obtain a worthy eternal companion.

Boyd K. Packer - October 2010, Cleansing the Inner Vessel

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng&query=marriage

"There is something very liberating when an individual determines of his or her own free will to be obedient to our Father and our God and expresses that willingness to Him in prayer.

   When we obey, we can enjoy these powers in the covenant of marriage. From our fountains of life will spring our children, our family. Love between husband and wife can be constant and bring fulfillment and contentment all the days of our lives."

**When we understand that our Father wants us to be happily married in a covenant marriage, then we will have peace and contentment in our lives because He will bless us for our obedience.

Thomas S. Monson - April 2005, Be Thou an Example

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/be-thou-an-example?lang=eng&query=marriage

"There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy."

**Our marriage can be a special glimpse into eternity and the seed of celestial joy is planted there.

Thomas S. Monson - October 1988, Hallmarks of a Happy Home

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1988/10/hallmarks-of-a-happy-home?lang=eng&query=marriage

"One night, Brother Monson, you offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. The next night you, Sister Monson, offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. I can then assure you that any misunderstanding that develops during the day will vanish as you pray. You simply can’t pray together and retain any but the best of feelings toward one another.”

"Pattern of Prayer, Library of Learning, Legacy of Love and a Treasury of Testimony"

** Pray together, read good books, love one another and treasure and share your testimony with each other.

Personal Revelation 10

Elder Paul E. Koelliker - 3/31/12, He Truly Loves Us
Nephi gives a key to the door of learning, through his own personal experience. "I Nephi... having great desires to know of mysteries of God, wherefore I did cry unto the Lord; and He did visit me and soften my heart..(1 Nephi 2:16) Awakening the desire to know enables our spiritual capacities to hear the voice of heaven.

Doesn't count towards my ten, but I like it...

Richard G. Scott - October 2009, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng

"In that environment, strong impressions began to flow to me again. I wrote them down. The message included specific counsel on how to become more effective as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class. I sought a more private location, where I continued to write the feelings that flooded into my mind and heart as faithfully as possible. After each powerful impression was recorded, I pondered the feelings I had received to determine if I had accurately expressed them in writing. As a result, I made a few minor changes to what had been written. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life.
   Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance."

** As impressions come into our minds we should record them, ponder on their meaning and ask the Lord if we recorded it accurately. Then ask if there is more we should know. 

Dallin Oaks - October 2010, Two lines of Communication
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?lang=eng&query=h.+(name%3a%22Dallin+H.+Oaks%22)
"History provides us a vivid example of the importance of the Lord’s servants being in tune with the Spirit. The young Prophet Joseph Smith could not translate when he was angry or upset.

David Whitmer recalled: “One morning when he was getting ready to continue the translation, something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went up stairs, and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation, but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went down stairs, out into the orchard and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came up stairs where we were and the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful.” ^1"

** We need to prepare ourselves, make our lives right, in order to receive personal revelation

David A, Bednar- April 2011, The Spirit of Revelation
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng
"Revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration. Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.
1. A light suddenly being turned on in a dark room flooding the room with light. Sudden inspiration and knowledge gained
2. The gradual lighting of the day as dark turns into dawn, line upon line enlightening as it grows"

**Revelations come in different forms. We need to watch for each kind to recognize when the spirit is working in our lives.

Richard G. Scott -  April 2012, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng&clang=eng

"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."

** When we want to receive personal revelation we must study the scriptures, then pray for understanding. Our knowledge will increase with scripture reading & prayer.

Neil L. Andersen - June 2012, You Know Enough

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/you-know-enough?lang=eng&query=personal+revelation

"Through the years we take these important spiritual steps over and over again. We begin to see that “he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24). Our questions and doubts are resolved or become less concerning to us. Our faith becomes simple and pure. We come to know what we already knew."

**Sometimes we look too far, we don't feel we've received revelation yet. Perhaps it's just because we haven't acknowledged what we know.  We know more than we think we do.

Dallin H. Oaks - Sept. 2004, Eight Ways God Can Speak to You

http://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/09/eight-ways-god-can-speak-to-you?lang=eng

"1. The testimony or witness of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christand that the gospel is true is a revelation from God. 2. Prophecy is another purpose or function of revelation.  3. A third purpose of revelation is to give comfort. 4. Closely related to the feeling of comfort is the fourth purpose or function of revelation, to uplift. 5. The fifth purpose of revelation is to inform. 6. The sixth type or purpose of revelation is to restrain us from doing something. 7. A common way to seek revelation is to propose a particular course of action and then to pray for inspiration to confirm it.  8. The eighth purpose or type of revelation consists of those instances where the Spirit impels a person to action.

I know that God lives and that revelation to His children is a reality. I pray that we will be worthy and willing and that He will bless us to grow in this principle of revelation."

**There are many ways that God will speak to me. I need to keep myself worthy of receiving divine revelation and ask in the important, eternal things, so that He can guide my life back to Him.

Dieter F. Uchdorf - January 2012, Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/worldwide-leadership-training/2012/01/acting-on-the-truths-of-the-gospel-of
"Ask yourself about the “why” of your service and ministry and the resulting “therefore what” in your responsibilities as individuals and as councils. In this process, please open your hearts and minds to the will of heaven, and I promise that the Spirit will reveal the things that matter most—for you, your family, and your responsibilities in the Church."

** I will receive personal revelation about my responsibilities when i open my heart and mind to the will of heaven.


Richard G. Scott - October 2009, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng
"I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit."

** I grow as I struggle to learn how to be led by the spirit. If it was given to me freely and often, without my effort, I would become weak and dependent on constant guidance. That would be Satan's plan, not the Saviors.

Thomas S. Monson - October 2008, To Learn, to Do, to Be

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/to-learn-to-do-to-be?lang=eng&query=personal+revelation

"I would urge all of us to pray concerning our assignments and to seek divine help, that we might be successful in accomplishing that which we are called to do. Someone has said that “the recognition of power higher than man himself does not in any sense debase him.” ¹⁰ He must seek, believe in, pray, and hope that he will find. No such sincere, prayerful effort will go unanswered: that is the very constitution of the philosophy of faith. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it."

** " Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. " This is the basis of personal revelation, of working faith, the basic building block that we set when we ask the Lord what He would have us do.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf - September 2011, General Conference-No Ordinary Blessing

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2011/09/general-conference-no-ordinary-blessing?lang=eng&query=personal+revelation

"Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference. As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitudefor the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation."

**I can prepare for my own personal revelation by asking for guidance during General Conference. Answers to my specific questions can come from a talk, phrase or song.