Integrity

" Honesty and integrity as perfected virtues in parents are more likely to become the heritage and rich endowments of their children. Parents cannot give to their children that which they do not possess. All these fine ideals and principles that are a part of the gospel teachings, together with all the virtues that make for good character and good life, should be perfected in each of us. In that perfection they become a part of our nature, and when parenthood comes, these virtues are more apt to be transmitted to our children. We read in Proverbs: “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” How true and basic this statement is!"

     “Honesty and Integrity,” Delbert L. Stapley, Ensign, May 1971


"I have felt impressed to speak today about the need for integrity—old-fashioned, personal, practical integrity. To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant."

     “Personal Integrity,” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 1990


"Integrity is not naiveté. What is naive is to suppose that we are not accountable to God."

     “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, Nov. 2010


"Integrity is fundamental to being men. Integrity means being truthful, but it also means accepting responsibility and honoring commitments and covenants."

     “Let Us Be Men,” D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, Nov. 2006


“Integrity is the quality or condition of being whole, complete, unbroken, and undivided. The word integrity is related to other words with the same root such as entire and integrate. These expressions share the notion of being intact, sound, uncorrupted, and perfect.”

     “Be Honest,” David A. Bednar, Devotional address given on September 10, 2002, at Brigham Young University–Idaho


“Cardiac surgeons speak of the heart in terms of its structural integrity. The word integrity is related to the word integer, which means “entire” or “whole.” Integrity may be defined as “unimpaired.” Integrity also means “incorruptible,” a firm adherence to a code of values. Integrity denotes a state of completeness. If any component of the heart loses its integrity, the heart is impaired and a vicious cycle ensues. An anatomical flaw leads to improper function, and improper function leads to further failure. Therefore, the ultimate objective of any cardiac operation is to restore structural integrity to the heart.”

     “Integrity of the Heart,” Russell M. Nelson, Devotional address given on February 23, 1993, at Brigham Young University


“A surgeon can repair or replace a mitral valve that has lost its integrity. But no surgical procedure can be performed for loss of spiritual integrity of heart. Such break down is under individual control.”

“Integrity of the Heart,” Russell M. Nelson, Devotional address given on February 23, 1993, at Brigham Young University


“Many want to shade a little, rather than to work hard for an honest living. Such practices must be put away, and this people must become sanctified in their affections to God, and learn to deal honestly, truly, and uprightly with one another in every respect, with all the integrity that fills the heart of an angel. They must learn to feel that they can trust all they possess with their brethren and sisters, saying, ‘All I have I entrust to you: keep it until I call for it.’ . . . That principle must prevail in the midst of this people: you must preserve your integrity to each other.”

     Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 6:47


“The bedrock of character is integrity.”

     “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 2010


"Integrity is the value we set on ourselves. It is a fulfillment of the duty we owe ourselves. An honorable man or woman will personally commit to live up to certain self-imposed expectations. They need no outside check or control. They are honorable in their inner core.”

     “Integrity, The Mother of Many Virtues,” James E. Faust, Ensign, May, 1982

My Testimony

I learned from reading talks about integrity that, though closely related to honesty, it is different. Integrity is what the world really lacks. Someone with integrity doesn’t need something or someone to keep them in check, they are “honorable in their inner core,” they have a pure desire to do what is right no matter the consequence, even when no one else would ever know. Neither honesty or integrity is easy to achieve, but I think integrity is more difficult as there are not always visible measurements to judge it by. It is the essence of who we are, our character, and integrity drives us to be honest.

Honesty

" We all need to know what it means to be honest. Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving."

     “Honesty-A Moral Compass,” James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1996

"Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the only policy!"

     “Ethics and Honesty,” David B. Haight, Ensign, Nov. 1987

"The thirteenth article of faith begins, “We believe in being honest.” Honesty is a principle founded in religious belief and is one of God’s basic laws."

     “Let There Be Light!” Quinten L. Cook, Ensign, Nov. 2010

" Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. I am convinced that one of the reasons for the breakup of so many couples today is the failure of parents to teach and train sons in their responsibility to provide and care for their families and to enjoy the challenge this responsibility brings."

     “The Joy of Honest Labor,” L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov. 1968

"I bear you my witness, my brothers and sisters, that this doctrine I’ve been quoting to you is true and is from the Almighty Himself. He has revealed to us in these latter days the principles by which we may prosper, by which we may perfect ourselves, by which we may rise from the fallen condition in which we are to the condition we must reach in preparation for the return of the Redeemer to the world."

     “We Believe in Being Honest,” Marion G. Romney, Ensign, Nov. 1976

“Despite the physical and mental punishment at the hands of his opponents which the Prophet Joseph Smith endured throughout the remainder of his life, he did not falter. He taught honesty—by example.”

“Honesty Is Best,” Thomas S. Monson, https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/honesty-is-best?lang=eng

"But we do not believe in honesty merely as a matter of policy. It is far more important than that. Honesty is a principle of salvation in the kingdom of God."

     “Honesty, a Principle of Salvation,” Mark E. Peterson, Ensign, Nov. 1971

"Honesty is the quality or condition of being truthful, sincere, candid, and worthy of honor. The word honesty is related to other words with the same root such as honor and honorable These expressions share the notion of being genuine, trustworthy, upright, respectable, and decent."

     “Be Honest,” David A. Bednar, Devotional address given on September 10, 2002, at Brigham Young University–Idaho

“The standard for honesty is not determined through comparison with others. Ours is a divine standard.”

     “Honesty—The Heart of Spirtuality,” Neil L. Anderson, Devotional address given on September 13, 2011, at Brigham Young University

"If you will speak with humility and honest intent, the Lord will not leave you alone. The scriptures promise that."

     “The Candle of the Lord,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Jan. 1983

My Testimony 

Honesty is a constant struggle. Most people don’t wake up and decide to be dishonest that day, but it is something everyone has difficulty with in at least one form or another. Honesty is more than not just telling lies, it’s being sincere in all you do, whether it is secular or spiritual. Elder Bednar defined honest as sincerity and it has caused me to reflect on how I live. I will be in conversations with people and pretend to be interested but secretly wish I wasn’t there or not really care about what they are saying. That is not being honest to the conversation or to them because it completely lacks sincerity. When we are not honest with others we are dishonest with God and with ourselves. God always knows. Prayer is one place we can never afford to be dishonest or insincere. We can’t receive revelation if our intent is not pure and true. Heavenly Father can’t teach us when we won’t admit to Him we recognize where we are at. Unfortunately, the world rarely rewards honesty, but as Elder Anderson said of honesty, “Ours is a divine standard,” and it isn’t set by us, but by God and is essential for salvation.

Follow the Prophet

“My love and appreciation for our previous prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, is planted deeply in my heart and will remain with me throughout the eternities. But just as there is room in our hearts for all the children who come into our families, we have that same love and devotion for each prophet the Lord calls to lead His Church.”

     “Give Heed Unto the Prophet’s Word,” Quinten L. Cook, Ensign, May 2008


“Prophets are inspired to provide us with prophetic priorities to protect us from dangers. As an example, President Heber J. Grant, the prophet from 1918 to 1945, was inspired to emphasize adherence to the Word of Wisdom, 10 the principle with a promise revealed by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph. 11 He stressed the importance of not smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages and directed the bishops to review these principles in temple recommend interviews.”

     “Give Heed Unto the Prophet’s Word,” Quinten L. Cook, Ensign, May 2008


“The message was that although we had made progress, yet before the Lord and before the prophet, it wasn’t enough. We went back, we redoubled our efforts; we found increased growth, but also we found increased strength and new stakes evolved because of those efforts. I don’t think the progress was so much because of us, but because of our desire to follow the prophet.”

     “Receiving A Prophet,” Loren C. Dunn, Ensign, May 1983

“It is most important that we, as members of the Church, accept without reservation President Lee as a prophet of God and as our leader. I am glad I can say that from the bottom of my heart with every bit of feeling I have. Let us listen to the prophet’s voice and follow him, not blindly but by faith. As we do this, we will never go astray. No holder of the priesthood can take it lightly. It is important that every member magnify his priesthood and realize that it is a great privilege and blessing to be able to hold the priesthood of God.”

     “The Priesthood and its Presidency,” N. Eldon Tanner, Ensign, Oct. 1972


"Another fallacy is to believe that the choice to accept or not accept the counsel of prophets is no more than deciding whether to accept good advice and gain its benefits or to stay where we are. But the choice not to take prophetic counsel changes the very ground upon which we stand. It becomes more dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to take inspired counsel in the future. The best time to have decided to help Noah build the ark was the first time he asked. Each time he asked after that, each failure to respond would have lessened sensitivity to the Spirit. And so each time his request would have seemed more foolish, until the rain came. And then it was too late.”

     “Finding Safety In Counsel,” Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 1997


"Happiness and spiritual progress lie in following the leaders of the Church."

     “The Witness: Martin Harris,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1999


“Repeatedly the scriptures declare that the Lord gives His commandments to the children of men through living prophets. No committee, assembly, or any other authority has the right to dictate to Him doctrine that is contrary to His law. God's eternal blessings are contingent upon our obedience and adherence to the word of the Lord that is revealed to us through His holy prophets."

     “We Believe All That God Has Revealed,” L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov. 2003


"These are difficult times. Is there one clear, unpolluted, unbiased voice that we can always count on? Is there a voice that will always give us clear directions to find our way in today’s troubled world? The answer is yes. That voice is the voice of the living prophet and apostles.”

     “ Follow the Prophet,” M. Russell Ballard, New Era, Sept. 2001


"Through the ages, God's messages to his children generally have been revealed through prophets. Amos tells us, 'Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.' These are the prophetic oracles who have tuned in over the centuries to the 'celestial transmitting station,' with a responsibility to relay the Lord's word to others. The principal qualifications of a prophet in any age are not wealth, title, position, physical stature, scholarship, or intellectual attainment. The two qualifications are that a prophet must be called as such by God, by open prophecy, and ordained by one known to have legal and spiritual authority, and he must receive and declare revelation from God. No man knows the ways of God except they be revealed unto him.”

     “Continuous Revelation,” James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1989


"Key statements made by latter-day prophets are not trite cliches. They are vital counsel to us from the Lord through his prophets. We should ponder and act upon such statements."

     “The Priesthood of God ,” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 1988

My Testimony

Continuous revelation is what separates this faith from any other. The belief that Heavenly Father still reaches out to us as His children through giving us commandments that are directly applicable to our day means that no one has to navigate this life in confusion. Just as powerfully true is that through the living prophets we learn the nature and character of our Father in Heaven. We learn through prophets that He is invested in us and in our lives. He requires us to make sacrifices, receiving blessings in return. We know we pray to a person, not a randomly assigned entity. Those are just some simple things we learn, and when we act on that prophetic counsel we receive a spiritual witness that it is true. We evade so much pain and sorrow as we follow the prophets, like the pain that results in divorce, pornography, drugs and alcohol, debt, and anger. Ultimately, we find joy in following prophetic counsel because we become more like Christ by doing so than any other way.

Conversion

"Interestingly, this mighty Apostle [Peter] had talked and walked with the Master, had witnessed many miracles, and had a strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity. Yet even Peter needed additional instruction from Jesus about the converting and sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost and his obligation to serve faithfully."

     “Converted Unto the Lord,” David A. Bednar, Ensign, Oct. 2012

"Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence. Any honest seeker of truth can become converted by experiencing the mighty change of heart and being spiritually born of God."

     “Converted Unto the Lord,” David A. Bednar, Ensign, Oct. 2012

“Converted means to turn from one belief or course of action to another. Conversion is a spiritual and moral change. Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and his gospel. A faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God in interest, in thought, and in conduct. In one who is really wholly converted, desire for things contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died. And substituted therefore is a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.”

     “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 2002

“The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.”

     “The Challenge to Become,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Oct. 2010

“It is faith that is the converter. It is faith that is the teacher.”

     “The Miracle of Faith,” Gordon B. Hinckley, May 2001


“There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of the iron rod, and one who is not. I promise you that you will have more and better converts in every mission of the Church if you will teach and inspire missionaries to effectively use the Book of Mormon as the great converter.”

     Ezra Taft Benson, Mission Presidents' Seminar, 25 June 1986

"Conversion must mean more than just being a card carrying' member of the church with a tithing receipt.. (or) a temple recommend... (One who is converted) strive(s) continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the outward appearances."

     Harold B. Lee, Church News, 25 May 1974

“How can you become converted? How can you make the gospel of Jesus Christ not just an influence in your life but the controlling influence and, indeed, the very core of what you are? The ancient prophet Jeremiah spoke of the law of God, the gospel, being written in our hearts. He quotes the Lord speaking about us, His people in the latter days: ‘I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.’”

     “When Though Art Converted,” D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, May 2004


“Some men are willing to die for their faith, but they are not willing to fully live for it.”

     “Jesus Christ-Gift and Expectations,” Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Dec. 1988


"As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change and we no longer want to go back to our old ways."

     “Being a More Christian Christian,” Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 2012

My Testimony

I am so grateful for the understanding I have that true conversion is so much more than simply doing things, but being something different, something better. For most of my youth I assumed it was good enough just having a testimony, that it would take care enough of me. I came to realize quickly in high school that it wasn't so, because even though I knew the gospel of Jesus Christ was true, that didn't always mean I desired to live according to its established pattern. Once I understood that I couldn't afford to betray what I knew by what I did I knew I had more to go, and so the pattern has remained. Every time I think I've "arrived" at some destination, the Lord opens my eyes to what more I can learn and do for both Him and myself. Elder Bednar teaches that conversion is a broadening and deepening of testimony and it is not a destination. Unless each of us undergoes conversion we cannot inherit eternal life. Conversion is a desire to leave sin behind and not go back, to sacrifice our will to the Lord's, understanding His is the only way to true and everlasting happiness. 

Pornography

“We also recognized there is virtually no place on earth that cannot be impacted by salacious, immoral, and titillating images. This is one reason why pornography has become such a plague in our day.”

     “Can Ye Feel so Now,” Quinten L. Cook, Ensign, Nov. 2012

“How like the elm is man. From a minute seed, and in accordance with a divine plan, we grow, are nurtured, and mature. The bright sunlight of heaven, the rich blessings of earth are ours. In our private forest of family and friends, life is richly rewarding and abundantly beautiful. 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 shall name it ‘pernicious permissiveness.’”

     “Pornography-The Deadly Carrier,” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov. 1979

“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.”

     “Pornography,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 2005

“Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. As those battling something like alcoholism know, the pull of proximity can be fatal. So too in moral matters.”

     “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, May 2010

“You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornography, with its sleazy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible, engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly. Be virtuous in thought and in deed. God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends.”

     “Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1997

“We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace.”

     "Brethren We Have Work To Do," D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, Nov. 2012


“Be Cautious. These same technologies can allow evil influences to cross the threshold of your homes. These dangerous traps are only a mouse click away. Pornography, violence, intolerance, and ungodliness destroy families, marriages, and individual lives. These dangers are distributed through many media, including magazines, books, television, movies, and music, as well as the internet.”

     "A Matter of a Few Degrees," Deiter F. Utchdorf, Ensign, May 2008


“(Pornography) is utterly without redeeming social value. We urge our families to protect their children in every way possible. We live in a permissive world, but we must make certain we do not become a part of that permissive world, that degenerate world.”

     "God Will Not Be Mocked," Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1974


“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.”

     “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov. 2010


“Immoral thoughts, words, and deeds always are immoral, even in cyberspace… We are all accountable to God, and ultimately we will be judged of Him according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.”

     “Things as They Really Are,” David A. Bednar, CES Fireside, May 3, 2009 BYU-Idaho

My Testimony

Because God's plan is central to the family and seeing it come back to dwell in His presence, I understand the incredible stumbling block pornography is to His plan. It twists and perverts the true meaning of love and takes the sacred act of procreation and defiles is meaning. Sex is something to be expressed as an indicator of commitment and love to a spouse and to bring other of God's children into the world so they can choose to live with Him again. Pornography mocks God's most sacred plan by creating false senses of love and lust. Pornography removes our ability to reason, to see things as they really are. It clouds our judgments. The viewing of pornography physically alters the brain, rewiring it to think unnaturally and to be discontent unless all of our carnal desires are satisfied. I recognize that we as human beings are weak, susceptible to falling and many make the mistake of viewing pornography. In perfect love Heavenly Father designed a plan, that if we would turn our hearts away from sin and back to Him, He could heal us and forgive us. Just because we repent doesn't mean the consequences have vanished and the same is true with pornography. Those who have become victim to its addictive grasp will have to fight it the rest of their lives. The atonement will however, end the consequences after this life so the repentant sinner can enjoy exaltation in God's presence. 

Agency

“How well I know that among learned men are those who look down at animals and stones to find the origin of man. They do not look inside themselves to find the spirit there. They train themselves to measure things by time, by thousands and by millions, and say these animals called men all came by chance. And this they are free to do, for agency is theirs.”

     “Atonement, Agency, Accountability,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign April 1988

“Our agency is essential to the plan of salvation. With it we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.”

     “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life,” Russell M. Nelson, Ensign Oct. 2010



“Next to life itself, free agency is God’s greatest gift to mankind.”

     Harold B. Lee in “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” Richard G. Scott, Ensign April 2013

“Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard. It rejects the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through Christlike service.”

     “Moral Discipline,” D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign, October 2009



“Warn them that they will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery."

     “Face the Future With Faith,” Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 2011



"You have agency, and you are free to choose. But there is actually no free agency. Agency has its price. You have to pay the consequences of your choices."

     “On the Wings of Eagles,” Dieter F. Utchdorf, BYU Devotional, July 2006



"Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them."

     “O Be Wise,” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 2006



"Do we have a guide to help us choose the right and avoid dangerous detours? I have tried to pattern my life after the Master. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at that picture and asked myself, “What would He do?” Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior."

     “Choose You This Day,” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov. 2004



"Our agency, given us through the plan of our Father, is the great alternative to Satan’s plan of force. With this sublime gift, we can grow, improve, progress, and seek perfection. Without agency, none of us could grow and develop by learning from our mistakes and errors and those of others…. I do not really think the devil can make us do anything. Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us that we do not give him."

     “The Forces That Will Save Us,” James E. Faust, First Presidency Message, January 2007



"You and I were among those who used their agency to accept Heavenly Father’s plan to come to earth, to have a mortal life, to progress. “We shouted for joy … to have the opportunity of coming to the earth to receive bodies [for we knew] that we might become, through faithfulness, like unto our Father, God.” Now we are here on earth, where opportunities to use our agency abound; for here “there is an opposition in all things.” This opposition is essential to the purpose of our lives."

     “To Act For Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency,” Robert D. Hales, Ensign, April 2006

My Testimony

I have come to realize so much more about agency, how it works in our salvation, and especially that we will choose to give our agency up to one of two people. With faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement we will choose to give away our choices for the choices He would have us make, sacrificing our will for the Lord’s will. If we do not act in faith we will choose to “keep our agency” by doing what we want and not what the Lord wants. When we do this we give our agency to Satan. Both God and Satan take our agency and invest it. God will invest it in our future and we will have the ability to make all choices necessary now and into the eternities, in essence we will have an incomprehensible return on our investment. When we invest with Satan we view ourselves as being able to choose whatever we want and being unrestricted by anyone or thing, but ultimately our return will be nothing and we will not having anything for our future. I’m so grateful for a God and a Father who trusts me enough to choose to return to Him again.

The Atonement

“To all of you who think you are lost or without hope, or who think you have done too much that was too wrong for too long, to every one of you who worry that you are stranded somewhere on the wintry plains of life and have wrecked your handcart in the process, this conference calls out Jehovah’s unrelenting refrain, “[My] hand is stretched out still.” “I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them,” He said, “[and even if they] deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, … if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.” His mercy endureth forever, and His hand is stretched out still. His is the pure love of Christ, the charity that never faileth, that compassion which endures even when all other strength disappears.”

     “Prophets Again in the Land,” Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, October 2006

“I have listened to possibly a thousand major transgressions; and each time after a truly repentant transgressor has left my office, I have either knelt behind the desk or bowed my head in prayer and said, ‘Lord, forgive him or her, I pray thee. If not, blot my name also out of thy book.’ “Though their sins be as scarlet, they may become white as the driven snow (see Isa. 1:18), and the Lord has promised he would remember their sins no more (see D&C 58:42).”

     “Forgive Them, I Pray,” Vaughn J. Featherstone, Ensign, Nov. 1980


“Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings. That leads to hope, and hope brings charity, the pure love of Christ—that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power.”

     “To Be Healed,” Richard G. Scott, Ensign April 1994

“And hanging in the balance was the Atonement. Through His willing act, mercy and justice could be reconciled, eternal law sustained, and that mediation achieved without which mortal man could not be redeemed.”

     “Atonement, Agency, Accountability,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, April 1988

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.

     “Of Resolutions and Regrets,” Deiter F. Utchdorf, Ensign, Nov. 2012


“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.”

     “The Meaning of Easter,” Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1992


“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.”

     “Repent That I May Heal You,” Neil L. Anderson, Ensign, Nov. 2009


“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.”

     “Being a More Christian Christian,” Elder Hales, Ensign, Nov. 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."

     “For Times of Trouble,” Jeffery R. Holland, March 1980 BYU Devotional


"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."

     “The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness,” Richard G. Scott, Ensign, May 2009

My Testimony

I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ! I really is infinite and eternal. I always viewed Christ’s sacrifice for us as an act of love, but I can scarcely fathom its depths. For so long the Atonement just meant that when we repent we can be forgiven, but it is so much more than that. Christ’s sacrifice will dispel fear, give us courage to do what is right, comfort us when there are no other comforts, heal our physical pains and afflictions, and give us the ability to change our natural man into a new creature in Christ. I have felt the effects of the atonement heal me and seen it heal so many others. The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us full access to the Atonement as we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized by proper authority, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end. No one will go through life without feeling the power of the atonement, but only those who live the gospel will enjoy all its blessings, both now and in the life to come.

The Family

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”


     “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve             Apostles, (“Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World,”Ensign,Nov. 1995, 100).


“Earlier this year we called on parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. We also counseled parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.”


     “The Importance of the Family,” L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 2003,


“And as Latter-day Saints know, the family will also be the basic unit in the celestial kingdom.”


     “What Matters Most is what Lasts Longest,” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 2005


“We declare to the world the value and importance of family life, but much of the confusion and difficulty we find existing in the world today is being traced to the deterioration of the family. Home experiences where children are taught and trained by loving parents are diminishing.”


     “Therefor I was Taught,” L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 1994


“Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). Such love is the desire of every human soul.”


     “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” David A. Bednar, Ensign, Nov. 2009


"The doctrine of the family begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them. The Apostle Paul taught that God is the father of our spirits. From the proclamation we read, “In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life.”


     “The Eternal Family,” Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1996


“I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for the morning and evening practice of kneeling together—father, mother, and children. This, more than soft carpets, more than lovely draperies, more than cleverly balanced color schemes, is the thing that will make for better and more beautiful homes.”

     “The Blessings of Family Prayer,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Feb. 1991

"From the beginning, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has emphasized family life. We have always understood that the foundations of the family, as an eternal unit, were laid even before this earth was created! Society without basic family life is without foundation and will disintegrate into nothingness."

     “Families Can Be Eternal,” Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1980

"I believe the mission statement for mortality might be “to build an eternal family.” Here on this earth we strive to become part of extended families with the ability to create and form our own part of those families. That is one of the reasons our Heavenly Father sent us here. Not everyone will find a companion and have a family in mortality, but everyone, regardless of individual circumstances, is a precious member of God’s family."

     “What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest,” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 2005

“Parenthood is a sacred privilege, and depending upon faithfulness, it can be an eternal blessing. The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home."


     “The Witness,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2014

My Testimony of Families

I know that families are ordained of God and they are of an eternal nature. Not only do they exist beyond death, but they existed before we came to earth. We were all part of our Father in Heaven’s family and we grew there. He patterned families here on earth so we could continue to grow in love and understanding of His son’s atonement. In our families we catch glimpses of the joys of the eternities, dwelling together with those we love in the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know that no one will inherit Eternal Life without a family, and no matter our circumstances here on earth, God will provide to every righteous son and daughter an eternal family.