Personal Application

After much prayer, the topic I chose for the personal application was Agency.  I felt in my heart that of all the topics, this was an appropriate topic for me to focus on. My goal is to use my agency in a wiser manner in how I choose to react in situations when I become angry.  I have come to recognize that I often “lose my temper”.  Controlling my anger has been a work in progress. There have been times where I have become so angry in different situations such as road rage, waiting in long lines or with family members-most often my children. My behavior in those situations causes me so much regret. It is something I am not proud of. In almost all of these instances I placed blame on the other person’s actions for causing me to become angry. How wrong I have been. I have my agency and can choose to react in a kinder way. Clearly, I can exercise my agency in a wiser manner and I can choose to not become angry.
How I spent my time:
I created a plan with weekly goals. The goals were: 1) My first goal was to speak in a kinder manner to my children when disciplining (especially with my 12 year old who is autistic). If needed, I would count to 10 and breathe deeply, and think carefully about how I would speak to them. 2) No more than 1 incidence of road rage in a week. 3) Read one talk a week by President Thomas S. Monson from his book “To the Rescue” under the section The Power of Self-Mastery. 4) Pray for help daily and pray to see results.
The impact on my life:
Success! I love the change I have seen within myself. My kids and husband have noticed the difference. In the talk by President Monson titled “School Thy Feelings, O My Brother” he shared these wise words: “To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that such is possible.” I gladly add my testimony to his.

Capstone Practicum Topics

These are the 8 topics for my Capstone Practicum:

• Family
• Atonement
• Agency
• Pornography
• Motherhood
• Marriage
• Finances
• Integrity

Integrity

"We should “liken all scriptures unto us … for our profit and learning.” Danger lurks when we try to divide ourselves with expressions such as “my private life” or even “my best behavior.” If one tries to segment his or her life into such separate compartments, one will never rise to the full stature of one’s personal integrity—never to become all that his or her true self could be."

-Elder Russell M. Nelson, April 2014 General Conference "Let Your Faith Show" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/let-your-faith-show?lang=eng

"It is a great source of spiritual power to live lives of integrity and righteousness and to keep our eyes on where we want to be in the eternities. Even if we can see this divine destination only with the eye of faith, it will help us to stay the course."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  October 2013 General Conference "You Can Do it Now!"https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/you-can-do-it-now?lang=eng 

"The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe" April 2013 General Conference www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/lord-i-believe?lang=eng

"A consecrated life is a life of integrity. We see it in the husband and wife “who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” We see it in the father and mother whose demonstrated first priority is to nourish their marriage and ensure the physical and spiritual welfare of their children. We see it in those who are honest."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life," October 2010 General Conference www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/reflections-on-a-consecrated-life?lang=eng

"We should both participate ourselves and support people of character and integrity to help reestablish moral values that will bless the entire community."

-Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Let There Be Light!" October 2010 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/let-there-be-light?lang=eng

"Integrity is fundamental to being men. Integrity means being truthful, but it also means accepting responsibility and honoring commitments and covenants."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Let Us Be Men", October 2006 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/let-us-be-men?lang=eng&query=integrity

"Let us counsel with the Lord in all our undertakings. Let us be better neighbors. Let us be better employers and employees. Let us be men and women of integrity and honesty in business, in education, in government, in the professions, whatever is our place in life."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Latter-Day Saints in Very Deed" October 1997 General Conference
www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/latter-day-saints-in-very-deed?lang=eng

"Integrity safeguards love, and love makes family life rich and zestful—now and forever. But none of us is immune to temptation, and the adversary knows it. He would deceive, connive, or contrive any means to deprive us of potential joy and exaltation. He knows that if one little cord of control can be snapped, others likely will weaken later under increased strain. The result would be no integrity, no eternal life. Satan’s triumph would be assured. If this domino-like deterioration causes a run in our spiritual stocking, qualities of character are lost and our cherished integrity is gone."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Integrity of Heart", August 1995 BYU Devotional, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/08/integrity-of-heart?lang=eng

"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."
-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Personal Integrity", April 1990 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1990/04/personal-integrity?lang=eng

"Integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us. Moses gave the following counsel: “If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” (Num. 30:2.)
-Elder James E. Faust, "Integrity, the Mother of Many Virtues", April 1982 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/integrity-the-mother-of-many-virtues?lang=eng

Position Statement

If there was a characteristic that I would like to be known for having, it would be integrity. C.S. Lewis defined integrity in this way: "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching." I value those words and have adopted it as one of my mottoes. It is always admired when you're doing the right thing, whatever the situation may be-in front of others, but to choose to do the right thing when no one is watching is the real test of character. There have been situations in my life where it would have been easy to be dishonest in a way that could potentially benefit myself, but I have never had the urge to do so-thankfully because in the end I would know. And I know I could not live with myself if I didn't keep my personal integrity in line with my values and beliefs. I hope to always be known as someone who is honest, trustworthy and fair. I feel those traits make up integrity. It is a characteristic that I want to instill in my children and hopefully my example will help them as they grow older and find themselves confronted with the choice to be honest or not. I pray that they always choose the path of doing right, of always being honest, of always having integrity. 

Finances

"Find out about the Lord’s way of providing for His Saints. Learn how the principles of care for the needy, service to neighbor, and self-reliance complement each other.The Lord’s way of self-reliance involves in a balanced way many facets of life, including education, health, employment, family finances, and spiritual strength."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way," General Conference October 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/providing-in-the-lords-way?lang=eng

"Another important way we help our children learn to be provident providers is by establishing a family budget. We should regularly review our family income, savings, and spending plan in family council meetings. This will teach our children to recognize the difference between wants and needs and to plan ahead for meaningful use of family resources."
-Elder Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually" April 2009 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/becoming-provident-providers-temporally-and-spiritually?lang=eng&query=family+budget


"Latter-day Saint spouses should do all within their power to preserve their marriages. They should follow the marriage enrichment counsel in the First Presidency’s message in the April 2007 Ensign and Liahona. 5  To avoid so-called “incompatibility,” they should be best friends, kind and considerate, sensitive to each other’s needs, always seeking to make each other happy. They should be partners in family finances, working together to regulate their desires for temporal things."
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce," General Conference April 2007
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/divorce?lang=eng&query=finances


"Remember this: debt is a form of bondage. It is a financial termite. When we make purchases on credit, they give us only an illusion of prosperity. We think we own things, but the reality is, our things own us."
-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts," General Conference April 2004
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&query=finances

"Second, spend less than you earn. This is simple counsel but a powerful secret for financial happiness. All too often a family’s spending is governed more by their yearning than by their earning. They somehow believe that their life will be better if they surround themselves with an abundance of things. All too often all they are left with is avoidable anxiety and distress.

Those who live safely within their means know how much money comes in each month, and even though it is difficult, they discipline themselves to spend less than that amount."
-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts," General Conference April 2004
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/earthly-debts-heavenly-debts?lang=eng&query=finances

"Have a simple family economy where children have specific chores or household duties and receive praise or other rewards commensurate to how well they do. Teach them the importance of avoiding debt and of earning, saving, and wisely spending money. Help them learn responsibility for their own temporal and spiritual self-reliance."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most is What Lasts the Longest," General Conference October 2005  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/what-matters-most-is-what-lasts-longest?lang=eng

"The girl who marries you will not wish to be married to a tightwad. Neither will she wish to be married to a spendthrift. She is entitled to know all about family finances. She will be your partner. Unless there is full and complete understanding between you and your wife on these matters, there likely will come misunderstandings and suspicions that will cause trouble that can lead to greater problems."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Marry Someday" April 1998 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/04/living-worthy-of-the-girl-you-will-someday-marry?lang=eng&query=finances

"I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley, "To the Boys and to the Men" October 1998 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/to-the-boys-and-to-the-men?lang=eng&query=finances


"Do not trust your money to others without a thorough evaluation of any proposed investment. Our people have lost far too much money by trusting their assets to others. In my judgment, we never will have balance in our lives unless our finances are securely under control."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Keeping Life's Demands in Balance" April 1987 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1987/04/keeping-lifes-demands-in-balance?lang=eng&query=finances


 "A mortgage on a home leaves a family unprotected against severe financial storms. Homes that are free and clear of mortgages and liens cannot be foreclosed on. When there are good financial times, it is the most opportune time to retire our debts and pay installments in advance. It is a truth that “the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Prov. 22:7.)
-Elder James E. Faust, "The Responsibility For Welfare Rests with Me and My Family" April 1986 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/04/the-responsibility-for-welfare-rests-with-me-and-my-family?lang=eng&query=debts

Position Statement

My position on finances is simple. If we pay tithing, live within our means, avoid debt and build savings, then we are fairly financially sound and can have peace of mind. I have seen too many people lose their homes because they either bought one that they could barely afford or they were so irresponsible that they did not pay their mortgage and their home ended up being foreclosed upon. I think people fail to see how much harm the mismanagement of finances really can be. I read an article that stated that money was the third leading cause of divorce in the United States.  I also strongly believe that paying an honest tithe is where we can be greatly blessed. I know without a doubt that all we have is from Heavenly Father, therefore, tithing should be a priority in having financial stability.

Marriage

"What the restored gospel brings to the discussion on marriage and family is so large and so relevant that it cannot be overstated: we make the subject eternal! We take the commitment and the sanctity of marriage to a greater level because of our belief and understanding that families go back to before this earth was and that they can go forward into eternity."
-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Why Marriage and Family Matter Everywhere in the World," General Conference April 2015
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng


"We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave—that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”
-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Why Marriage and Family Matter Everywhere in the World," General Conference April 2015
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng


"A family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies the best setting for God’s plan to thrive—the setting for the birth of children, who come in purity and innocence from God, and the environment for the learning and preparation they will need for a successful mortal life and eternal life in the world to come. A critical mass of families built on such marriages is vital for societies to survive and flourish. That is why communities and nations generally have encouraged and protected marriage and the family as privileged institutions. It has never been just about the love and happiness of adults."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Why Marriage, Why Family" General Conference April 2015
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng


"While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman—Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured. Families are the treasure of heaven."
-Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Spiritual Whirlwinds," General Conference April 2014
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng


"Marriage between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Lord’s doctrine and crucial to God’s eternal plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is God’s pattern for a fulness of life on earth and in heaven. God’s marriage pattern cannot be abused, misunderstood, or misconstrued. Not if you want true joy. God’s marriage pattern protects the sacred power of procreation and the joy of true marital intimacy. We know that Adam and Eve were married by God before they ever experienced the joy of uniting as husband and wife."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Decsions For Eternity," General Conference October 2013
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/decisions-for-eternity?lang=eng


"We have much to do to strengthen marriage in societies that increasingly trivialize its importance and purpose. We have much to do to teach our children “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:28). Our task is nothing less than to help our children experience the mighty change of heart or conversion to the Lord spoken of so eloquently in the Book of Mormon (see Mosiah 5:1–12; Alma 26). Together with the Relief Society, priesthood quorums can build up parents and marriages, and quorums can provide the blessings of the priesthood to single-parent families."
-Elder D. Todd Chistofferson, "Brethren, We Have Work to Do," General Conference October 2012
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/brethren-we-have-work-to-do?lang=eng


"There is nothing more important than honoring the marriage and family covenants you have made or will make in the temples of God."
-President Henry B. Eyring, "Families Under Covenant," General Conference April 2012
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/families-under-covenant?lang=eng


"Two of the vital pillars that sustain Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness are marriage and the family. Their lofty significance is underscored by Satan’s relentless efforts to splinter the family and to undermine the significance of temple ordinances, which bind the family together for eternity. The temple sealing has greater meaning as life unfolds. It will help you draw ever closer together and find greater joy and fulfillment in mortality."
-Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Eternal Blessings of Marriage," General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-eternal-blessings-of-marriage?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."
-Elder Quentin L. Cook, "LDS Women are Incredible!" General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/lds-women-are-incredible?lang=eng



"But these things I do know: I know “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.”1 I know that the earth was created and that the Lord’s Church was restored so that families could be sealed and exalted as eternal entities."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Nurturing Marriage" General Conference April 2006
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/nurturing-marriage?lang=eng

Position Statement

I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have a marriage that is eternal-a marriage that stretches beyond the bounds of this mortal life. It gives the meaning of my marriage more importance and I consider it to be a sacred union. I know that marriage is part of the great plan of happiness, it is the first and most important part of creating  family. It is heartbreaking to see that many in the world today do not believe that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. It only strengthens my resolve to help my children respect and understand this. All that I hold sacred and love dearly has started with my marriage to my husband of 23 years and though I will count the number of years while here on earth, I pray to never lose sight of this marriage that is for time and all eternity. 

Motherhood

"A woman’s moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home. There is no better setting for rearing the rising generation than the traditional family, where a father and a mother work in harmony to provide for, teach, and nurture their children. Where this ideal does not exist, people strive to duplicate its benefits as best they can in their particular circumstances."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women," General Conference October 2013
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-moral-force-of-women?lang=eng

"In all events, a mother can exert an influence unequaled by any other person in any other relationship. By the power of her example and teaching, her sons learn to respect womanhood and to incorporate discipline and high moral standards in their own lives. Her daughters learn to cultivate their own virtue and to stand up for what is right, again and again, however unpopular. A mother’s love and high expectations lead her children to act responsibly without excuses, to be serious about education and personal development, and to make ongoing contributions to the well-being of all around them."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women," General Conference October 2013
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-moral-force-of-women?lang=eng


"While circumstances do vary and the ideal isn’t always possible, I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences."
-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home," General Conference April 2010
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-teaching-children-in-the-home?lang=eng

"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," General Conference April 2008
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/daughters-of-god?lang=eng

"In the work of the kingdom, men and women are equally important. God entrusts women to bear and nurture His children. No other work is more important. Motherhood is such an important role for women. Sacred blessings and righteous influence have flowed into my own life and my family’s lives from my beloved wife, her mother, my own mother, grandmothers, my precious daughters, and granddaughters. The treasured relationship of each woman in my life is beyond expression."
-Elder James E. Faust, "Instruments in the Hands of God," General Conference October 2005
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/instruments-in-the-hands-of-god?lang=eng


"Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard "Mothers and Daughters" October 2010 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-and-daughters?lang=eng&query=motherhood


"Many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” 3

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women" April 1999 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/our-sacred-duty-to-honor-women?lang=eng&query=motherhood


"Motherhood is the noblest and greatest of all callings."
-Elder L. Tom Perry "An Elect Lady" April 1995 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/04/an-elect-lady?lang=eng&query=motherhood

"Don’t be lured away from the plan of our God 24 to the ways of the world, where motherhood is belittled, femininity is decried, and the divinely established role of wife and mother is mocked. Let the world go its way. You follow the plan of the Lord for the greatest measure of true, eternal achievement and the fullest happiness. The lack of promised blessings for which you qualify will be fully rectified in this life or in the next."
-Elder Richard G. Scott "The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness" October 1996 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-joy-of-living-the-great-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng&query=motherhood

"Remember, remember all the days of your motherhood: “Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.”  You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "Because She is a Mother" April 1997 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng&query=motherhood

Position Statement:
I consider motherhood my most important role. I love what Elder L. Tom Perry has said about motherhood. He said simply "motherhood is the noblest and greatest of all callings." In the world we live in today it is sad to see that the role of mothers has been devalued and demeaned. In Elder Nelson's talk "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women" he says ""Many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” I am grateful to be a mother in Zion. I am so thankful for the 5 beautiful children that have been granted unto me. I strive everyday to uphold that sacred duty of raising them.

Pornography

"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."
-Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", General Conference October 2009
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng



"So many in our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.


Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, drugs, the power of peer pressure—all these and more—cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Believe, Obey and Endure", General Conference April 2012
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/believe-obey-and-endure?lang=eng


"Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit. Each of us should consider seriously and ponder prayerfully how we can reject the devil's enticements and righteously "apply unto it," even the spirit of revelation, in our personal lives and families."
-Elder David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation," General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng


"Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other drugs, also addictions which you would be hard pressed to conquer."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Priesthood Power," General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/priesthood-power?lang=eng


"In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great plan of redemption,”   “the great plan of happiness.” 


Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife."
-Elder Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel," General Conference, October 2010
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng


"There is also great concern about some of the pernicious, addictive behaviors like gambling and evil pornography that are so personally destructive and so rampant in our society. Remember, brothers and sisters, any kind of addiction is to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One," General Conference October 2011    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/o-that-cunning-plan-of-the-evil-one?lang=eng


"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."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings," General Conference April 2010  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/preparation-brings-blessings?lang=eng


"In a world now awash in sexualized images and music, are we free from lustful desires and their attendant evils? Far from pushing the limits of modest dress or indulging in the vicarious immorality of pornography, we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To come to Zion, it is not enough for you or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. We are to become not only good but holy men and women."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," General Conference October 2008
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-to-zion?lang=eng


"In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God in their lives. Those evils, so highly destructive of divine potential, are to be strictly shunned by children of God."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Salvation and Exaltation," General Conference April 2008
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/salvation-and-exaltation?lang=eng


"Those who seek out and use pornography forfeit the power of their priesthood. The Lord declares: “When we undertake to cover our sins, … behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography" General Conference April 2005
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng

Position Statement

Pornography is an evil that is so rampant today. I have a friend whose family has been destroyed because of the destructive effects of pornography. Sadly, her husband has had an addiction to viewing pornography and it has destroyed her self-worth and her self-esteem. She has since left him and unfortunately no one has been able to help him in his addiction, and he has been unable to keep a job and has neglected his duties as a father. I am frightened of pornography. Satan lurks and lies in wait and I know that he is waiting to pounce on any member of my family. 

We discuss avoiding pornography openly with our children. I feel that if I can instill within them the knowledge of how evil it is and how it can drive away the Holy Ghost and ultimately drive us away from the love and protection of Heavenly Father, then hopefully they will be able to avoid it, and avoid any temptation of ever viewing it. I hope and pray to keep their minds, thoughts, and hearts pure. 

Agency

"As those around us make choices about how to respond to our beliefs, we must not forget that moral agency is an essential part of God’s plan for all His children. That eternal plan, presented to us in the premortal Council in Heaven, included the gift of agency."
-Elder Robert D. Hales, "Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom", General Conference April 2015 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/preserving-agency-protecting-religious-freedom?lang=eng

"When we came to the earth, we brought with us that great gift from God—even our agency. In thousands of ways we are privileged to choose for ourselves. Here we learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We discern between  good and evil. We differentiate as to the bitter and the sweet. We learn that  decisions  determine destiny." 
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Ponder the Path of Thy Feet",  General Conference October 2014 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/ponder-the-path-of-thy-feet?lang=eng 

"We are blessed with agency, which is our ability to make decisions and to become accountable for those decisions. The Fall made possible in our lives feelings of both happiness and sadness. We are able to understand peace because we feel turmoil.

Our Father in Heaven knew this would happen to us. It is all part of His perfect plan of happiness. He prepared a way through the life of His perfectly obedient Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, for His Atonement to overcome every difficulty that we may experience in mortality."

-Elder Richard G. Scott, "Make the Exercise of Faith your First Priority", General Conference October 2014 https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=make+the+exercise+of+faith+your+first+priority

"Using our agency to obey means choosing to “do what is right [and letting] the consequence follow.” It requires self-mastery and brings confidence, eternal happiness, and a sense of fulfillment to us and, by example, to those around us; and it always includes a deep personal commitment to sustain priesthood leaders and follow their teachings and counsel."

-Elder Robert D. Hales, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments", General Conference April 2014 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng

"The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity. You are never too young to learn, never too old to change. Your yearnings to learn and change come from a divinely instilled striving for eternal progression. Each day brings opportunity for decisions for eternity."

-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Decisions for Eternity", General Conference October 2013 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/decisions-for-eternity?lang=eng

"Satan, however, was not done. His backup plan—the plan he has been executing since the time of Adam and Eve—was to tempt men and women, essentially to prove we are undeserving of the God-given gift of agency. Satan has many reasons for doing what he does. Perhaps the most powerful is the motive of revenge, but he also wants to make men and women miserable like he is miserable. None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God’s eternal plan creates “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11) and tests our agency. Each choice you and I make is a test of our agency—whether we choose to be obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God is actually a choice between “liberty and eternal life” and “captivity and death.”

-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Obedience to Law is Liberty", General Conference           April 2013 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-to-law-is-liberty?lang=eng

"Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about “the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice.” 
-Elder Robert D. Hales  "Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life" October 2010 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/agency-essential-to-the-plan-of-life?lang=eng&query=agency

"President Faust recognized that we all possess the God-given gift of moral agency—the right to make choices and the obligation to account for those choices (see D&C 101:78). He also understood and demonstrated that, for positive outcomes, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline.


By “moral discipline,” I mean self-discipline based on moral standards. 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 (see Mark 10:42–45). The root of the word discipline is shared by the word disciple, suggesting to the mind the fact that conformity to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ is the ideal discipline that, coupled with His grace, forms a virtuous and morally excellent person."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Moral Discipline" October 2009 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/moral-discipline?lang=eng&query=agency

"As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice. Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation."
-Elder David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend The" October 2006 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng&query=agency

"All of us commenced an awesome and vital journey when we left the spirit world and entered this often challenging stage called mortality. We brought with us that great gift from God—our agency. Said the prophet Wilford Woodruff: “God has given unto all of His children … individual agency. … [We] possessed it in the heaven of heavens before the world was, and the Lord maintained and defended it there against the aggression of Lucifer. … By virtue of this agency you and I and all mankind are made responsible beings, responsible for the course we pursue, the lives we live, the deeds we do.” 

-President Thomas S. Monson "Choose You This Day" October 2004 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/10/choose-you-this-day?lang=eng&query=agency

Position Statement

Moral agency is something I treasure greatly. Just as Elder Bednar said "As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice. Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation." We have the power to choose how we will live, how we will react in situations. We can determine our destiny. 

Atonement

"The Savior’s Atonement cannot become commonplace in our teaching, in our conversation, or in our hearts. It is sacred and holy, for it was through this “great and last sacrifice” that Jesus the Christ brought “salvation to all those who shall believe on his name.”
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Gift of Grace", April 2015 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-gift-of-grace?lang=eng

"That Atonement would achieve complete victory over physical death, unconditionally granting resurrection to every person who has been born or ever will be born into this world. Mercifully it would also provide forgiveness for the personal sins of all, from Adam to the end of the world, conditioned upon repentance and obedience to divine commandments."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet",  April 2015 General Conference 
https://www.lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=where+justice%2C+love+and+mercy+meet

"Not only does the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcome the effects of the Fall of Adam and make possible the remission of our individual sins and transgressions, but His Atonement also enables us to do good and become better in ways that stretch far beyond our mortal capacities. Most of us know that when we do things wrong and need help to overcome the effects of sin in our lives, the Savior has made it possible for us to become clean through His redeeming power. But do we also understand that the Atonement is for faithful men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better and serve more faithfully? I wonder if we fail to fully acknowledge this strengthening aspect of the Atonement in our lives and mistakenly believe we must carry our load all alone—through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline and with our obviously limited capacities."
-Elder David A. Bednar, "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease", April 2014 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng

"The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promise the Savior will help us to bear up our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15). As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will."
-Elder David A. Bednar, "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease", April 2014 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng


"Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each of us can become clean and the burden of our rebellion will be lifted. Remember, repentance is not punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future."
-Elder Richard G. Scott, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ", October 2013 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

"The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness. Because of this gift, the opportunity to make a safe return from the disastrous course of sin is available to all of us."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Point of Safe Return" April 2007 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/point-of-safe-return?lang=eng

"Concerning the importance of the Atonement, in Alma we learn, “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; … or else all mankind must unavoidably perish.”

If you have made no mistakes, then you do not need the Atonement. If you have made mistakes, and all of us have, whether minor or serious, then you have an enormous need to find out how they can be erased so that you are no longer in darkness."
-President Boyd K. Packer, "The Atonement" October 2012 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-atonement?lang=eng


"I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard" April 2012 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng

"The Atonement advances our mortal course of learning by making it possible for our natures to become perfect. 2  All of us have sinned and need to repent to fully pay our part of the debt. When we sincerely repent, the Savior’s magnificent Atonement pays the rest of that debt."
-Elder James E. Faust, "The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope" October 2001 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-atonement-our-greatest-hope?lang=eng


"By identifying our ancestors and performing for them the saving ordinances they could not themselves perform, we are testifying of the infinite reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Christ “died for all.”  “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus", October 2000 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/the-redemption-of-the-dead-and-the-testimony-of-jesus?lang=eng

Position Statement

There are no words to begin to explain the gratitude that I have in my heart for the Savior's Atonement. To think that He loves me so much, that He loves all of us so much that He would lay down his life for us. That He would suffer tremendous physical pain and horrendous emotional anguish is just unimaginable. And he did it or me. Just thinking of such a sacrifice and all that the Savior endured in his earthly life causes me to weep. It fills my heart with gratitude and love for Him. I am so grateful for the Savior's Atonement. It means that I can repent of my sins, of my wrong doings, and be able to return home one day to live with my Father in heaven. This is the ultimate goal. It brings the plan of happiness full circle. 

Family

"We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave—that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”

 -Elder L. Tom Perry, "Why Marriage and Family Matter-Everywhere in the World" April 2015
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-and-family-matter-everywhere-in-the-world?lang=eng

"As members of the Church, we have the responsibility to preserve and protect the family as the basic unit of society and eternity. The prophets have warned and forewarned about the inevitable and destructive consequence of a deterioration of family values."

-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Finding Lasting Peace & Building Eternal Families", October 2014
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/finding-lasting-peace-and-building-eternal-families?lang=eng

"Family commitments and expectations should be at the top of our priorities to protect our divine destiny. For those who are looking for more fruitful use of the Sabbath day for the family as a whole, the hastening of this work is fertile ground."

-Quentin L. Cook, "Roots & Branches", April 2014 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/roots-and-branches?lang=eng

"I believe that Heinrich Eyring knew then that what I am teaching you today is true. He knew that the happiness of eternal life comes through family bonds which continue forever. Even when he had so recently found the Lord’s plan of happiness, he knew that his hope for eternal joy depended on the free choices of others to follow his example. His hope of eternal happiness depended on people not yet born."

-President Henry B. Eyring, "A Priceless Heritage of Hope", April 2014 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/a-priceless-heritage-of-hope?lang=eng

"There is no better setting for rearing the rising generation than the traditional family, where a father and a mother work in harmony to provide for, teach, and nurture their children. Where this ideal does not exist, people strive to duplicate its benefits as best they can in their particular circumstances."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women", October 2013 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-moral-force-of-women?lang=eng

"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."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most is What Lasts the Longest" October 2005 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/what-matters-most-is-what-lasts-longest?lang=eng&query=family

"We hope that by flooding the Church with family-oriented media, members of the Church will be assisted and encouraged to build stronger and better families. We hope it will cause a conscious and sustained effort in building an eternal family unit. An abundance of Church materials will be available for you from which to pick and choose useful ideas. At least by seeing family issues mentioned so often, we all will be reminded to focus our attention on the most important organization the Lord has established here on earth."
-Elder L. Tom Perry, "The Importance of Family" October 2003 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng&query=family

"In the February letter, the First Presidency taught that by teaching and rearing children in gospel principles, parents can protect their families from corrosive elements. They further counseled parents and children “to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities. However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform” (First Presidency letter, 11 Feb. 1999; cited in Church News, 27 Feb. 1999, 3).

 -Elder Robert D. Hales, "Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty" April 1999 General Conference
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng&query=family


"One of the great messages of the gospel is the doctrine of the eternal nature of the family unit. 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."
-Elder L. Tom Perry, "Therefore I Was Taught" April 1994 General Conference  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/therefore-i-was-taught?lang=eng&query=family


"The family is safe within the Church. We are not in doubt as to the course we must follow. It was given in the beginning, and guidance from on high is renewed as need may be."
-Elder Boyd K. Packer, "The Father and the Family" April 1994 General Conference https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/the-father-and-the-family?lang=eng&query=family

 Position Statement

I have a strong and deep testimony that the family is central to the plan of happiness and that families are forever. My family is my everything. They are my main focus, concern, my first thought of the day. Most of my energy is spent raising my children to be kind, loving, obedient and faithful individuals who will also someday have families of their own and will hopefully raise their children in that same way. Reading these talks has helped further my testimony of eternal families and of the sacred responsibilities my husband and I have in strengthening our families. I also know that Satan will do everything in his power to destroy families. For this reason I take my responsibilities of strengthening my family very seriously. No matter how busy I am my family will always remain my main focus. My relationship with each one of my children is so precious to me and I do all that Heavenly Father asks so that I may raise them to "walk uprightly before the Lord." They are my heart and soul and my reason for being.