Personal Application of Raising Youth

“The boy may have potential even beyond what the Lord will reveal to you. Help him aim high," President Henry B. Eyering. These strong words of prophetic council have echoed in my ears through this application process. I related this message to my husband, as together we came up with our mission statement for raising youth in our home.

Raising Youth in the Mecham Home

We are committed to the supporting and raising of youth in a Christ centered home. We will do everything in our power to ensure that our youth feel safe, loved and happy in our home. Our home will always be a sanctuary from the battles of the world, a place where everyone can be accepted and valued for who they are. We will aid and motivate them in walking fully protected in the armor of God on a daily basis.   We will help and support them in recognizing, developing and using their God given talents and abilities to find happiness, fulfillment and value in life.

Sadly my husband and I have had a struggling relationship with the anxieties, pressures and tensions of raising a youth in our home. Sitting down together and writing this mission statement helped us open up to each other about our struggles and disappointments, with our son and each other.

   

                For part of my application process I wrote down my feelings about my son in the form of a letter to him. This is part of that letter:

 I remember when you were a little boy, you spent three and a half long years all by yourself with me and dad. You were my entire life. We spent all day keeping each other busy and loving each other. One day as we were driving home from a mommy and son excursion you said, "Mom I'm gonna live with you forever." I explained why you couldn't do that and that someday you wouldn't even want to do that, you cried. Now that I am at the someday when you don’t want to live with me anymore and I question whether you even love me sometimes, I am the one with tears.

This was the best thing I could have done for my son, to remember him as an innocent loving child who cherished his mother. These memories help me remember what I am fighting for at a time when I am truly ready to give up. I didn’t read this letter to Matthew, that wasn’t the purpose, but I did talk him into sitting down with me and going through his albums to help him remember that sweet boy again too.

                The last thing I want to mention was the hardest part of the application. I call it back to the basics. About six months ago our youth decided that life wasn’t fair and that he wanted to be normal and the least we could do was hear him out. We sat down with him, listened and then together we discussed his concerns (complaints, life’s not fair). That is when I made the mistake of saying that we are telling him “no” too often, we have to find at least a few things to say “yes” to. So we did and our youth was satisfied at first but soon he got used to those ideas and even complained about those, it was never enough. After studying the topic, finding and reading quotes and praying about it I decided it was time to get back to the basics. If he is going to complain and be miserable anyway, we might as well stick to our guns. We held a family council and reposted our family rules. He sat quiet through the entire meeting and then went up to his room. These past few weeks have been so great, he seems happier with the rules back in place. I am grateful for this application process, it challenged me to write down feelings, communicate, set guidelines, look past faults, be more positive and try to better understand my son. This has been an encouraging experience for our family.

Raising Youth

My Position on Raising Youth

I remember when my fifteen year old son was a little boy, he spent three and a half long years all by himself with mom and dad. He was my entire life. We spent all day keeping each other busy and loving each other. One day as we were driving home from a mommy and son excursion he said, "Mom I'm gonna live with you forever." As I explained why he couldn't do that and that someday he wouldn't even want to do that he cried. Now that I am at the someday when he doesn't want to live with me anymore and I question whether he even loves me, I am the one with tears. My position on raising youth is that it stinks! What a bad attitude. That is why I chose this topic for my application project. Despite my negativity, I have found peace in many of the conference addresses and quotes I have found while studying this topic. My favorite comes from Elder Wilford W. Anderson who states, “When they are teenagers, we can tune out the cacophony of arguments and threats and, instead, perform the beautiful music of persuasion—and perhaps sing the second verse of the lullaby of long-suffering. Parents can perform in perfect harmony the tandem attributes of gentleness and meekness.” Raising youth is a difficult charge, one that I intend to put my whole heart into for that sweet little boy who loves his mommy and wants to live with her forever.

1.Elder Wilford W. Anderson – April 2015 Conference “The Music of the Gospel” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-music-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

“When they are teenagers, we can tune out the cacophony of arguments and threats and, instead, perform the beautiful music of persuasion—and perhaps sing the second verse of the lullaby of long-suffering. Parents can perform in perfect harmony the tandem attributes of gentleness and meekness.”

2.President Thomas S. Monson- April 2014 Conference “Be Strong and of a Good Courage” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng

“We are here upon the earth at a remarkable period in its history. Our opportunities are almost limitless, and yet we also face a multitude of challenges, some of them unique to our time.”

3.President Thomas S. Monson- April 2014 Conference “Be Strong and of a Good Courage” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng

“…decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right.”

4.President Henry B. Eyering- October 2012 Conference “Help Them Aim High” Https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/help-them-aim-high?lang=eng

“The boy may have potential even beyond what the Lord will reveal to you. Help him aim high.”

5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- October 2014 “Lord is it I?” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/lord-is-it-i?lang=eng&query=Lord+is+it+i

“This business of beams and motes seems to be closely related to our inability to see ourselves clearly. I’m not sure why we are able to diagnose and recommend remedies for other people’s ills so well, while we often have difficulty seeing our own.”

6. Elder Dallin H. Oaks-April 2015 Conference “The Parable of the Sower” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-parable-of-the-sower?lang=eng

“If the emblems of the sacrament are being passed and you are texting or whispering or playing video games or doing anything else to deny yourself essential spiritual food, you are severing your spiritual roots and moving yourself toward stony ground. You are making yourself vulnerable to withering away when you encounter tribulation like isolation, intimidation, or ridicule.”

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

“A successful parent should never be too busy to capture a moment in a child’s life when an important lesson can be taught.”

8. Elder M. Russell Ballard-April 2015 “The Greatest Generation of Young Adults” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-greatest-generation-of-young-adults?lang=eng

“If you find yourself lacking in any of these simple principles, then I urge you to courageously repent and bring your life back in line with gospel standards of righteous discipleship.”

9. Robert D. Hales- October 2014  Eternal Life—to Know Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/eternal-life-to-know-our-heavenly-father-and-his-son-jesus-christ?lang=eng#watch=video

 “As I exercised faith and obeyed the commandments, the Holy Ghost testified that what I was learning was true. This is how I came to know for myself.”

10. Robert D. Hales- April 2004  With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/with-all-the-feeling-of-a-tender-parent-a-message-of-hope-to-families?lang=eng

 “Every parent faces moments of such fear. However, when we exercise our faith by teaching our children and doing what we can to help them, our fears will diminish.”

The Sacrament

My Position on the Sacrament

When I was a youth my family went inactive from the church, sadly these are the years that I needed it the most. As I went about my life without guiding principles I made a huge mess. When I was eighteen years old and returning to activity I attended a convert baptism and I was mesmerized by the Spirit in the room and the way the entire experience made me feel. I couldn't help to think that I wanted this for myself, I wanted to be baptized again. Of course I knew that wasn't going to happen, so I began to study the sacrament with an emphasis on renewing my baptismal covenants. It is amazing to me all of the opportunities and guides that God has provided to help bring us back home to him. I have no doubt in my mind that my Heavenly Father knew that I would need the saving ordinances of the Sacrament and that they exist for the sole purpose of a remission of sin and a rebirth of spirit through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

1.President Henry B. Eyring- April 2015 Conference “The Comforter” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-comforter?lang=eng

“You are a covenant member of the Church of Jesus Christ. A great change began in your heart when you came into the Church. You made a covenant, and you received a promise that began changing your very nature.”

2. Elder Russell M Nelson –April 2015 Conference “The Sabbath Is a Delight” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng

“The Savior identified Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. It is His day! Repeatedly, He has asked us to keep the Sabbath10 or to hallow the Sabbath day. We are under covenant to do so.”

3. Elder Russell M Nelson –April 2015 Conference “The Sabbath Is a Delight” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng

“Faith in God engenders a love for the Sabbath; faith in the Sabbath engenders a love for God. A sacred Sabbath truly is a delight.”

4. Elder M. Russell Ballard-April 1996 “Feasting at the Lord’s Table” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/04/feasting-at-the-lords-table?lang=eng&query=elder+m+russell+ballard+sacrament

“For example, carefully planned sacrament meetings should be a spiritual feast in which we worship and learn of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bishops, if your sacrament meetings are less than a banquet of spiritual nourishment, I urge you to invite suggestions from your ward council, especially the sisters, on ways to make every sacrament meeting a more reverent, spiritual experience.”

5. Elder David A Bednar- April 2006 “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/that-we-may-always-have-his-spirit-to-be-with-us?lang=eng

“Precisely because the promised blessing is that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, we should attend to and learn from the choices and influences that separate us from the Holy Spirit.”

6. Elder David A Bednar- April 2006 “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us” 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/that-we-may-always-have-his-spirit-to-be-with-us?lang=eng

“Through the ordinance of the sacrament we renew our baptismal covenant and can receive and retain a remission of our sins (see Mosiah 4:12, 26). In addition, we are reminded on a weekly basis of the promise that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. As we then strive to keep ourselves clean and unspotted from the world, we become worthy vessels in whom the Spirit of the Lord can always dwell.”

7. Cheryl A. Esplin- October 2014 “The Sacrament a Renewal for the Soul” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/the-sacrament-a-renewal-for-the-soul?lang=eng&query=sacrament

“The sacrament becomes a spiritually strengthening experience when we listen to the sacrament prayers and recommit to our covenants. To do this, we must be willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ.”

8. Cheryl A. Esplin- October 2014 “The Sacrament a Renewal for the Soul” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/the-sacrament-a-renewal-for-the-soul?lang=eng&query=sacrament

“The sacrament provides a time for a truly spiritual experience as we reflect upon the Savior’s redeeming and enabling power through His Atonement.”

9. Dallin H. Oaks- October 2008 “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/sacrament-meeting-and-the-sacrament?lang=eng&query=sacrament

“The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. It is the only Sabbath meeting the entire family can attend together. Its content in addition to the sacrament should always be planned and presented to focus our attention on the Atonement and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

10. Dallin H. Oaks- October 2008 “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/sacrament-meeting-and-the-sacrament?lang=eng&query=sacrament

“The sacrament is the ordinance that replaced the blood sacrifices and burnt offerings of the Mosaic law, and with it came the Savior’s promise: “And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost”

Education

My Position on Education

I echo the words of Sister Mary N. Cook, "“You must get all of the education that you possibly can. …" In our home we call this, "life long learners." I believe that education is everywhere and a majority of what we learn including manners, virtuous living and faith should come from good wholesome reading. Our family loves classical literature, it has filled our home with quality learning and valuable discussion. One of our favorite classics which sits at the center of our education is the Book of Mormon. In our family mission statement which we recite daily it states, "We seek liber and exemplify personal and public virtues to ensure our freedoms." I believe education is the key to keeping and enjoying our freedoms.

Quote

1.President Thomas S. Monsons- October 2014 Conference “Guided Safely Home” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng

“We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man.”

2.President Henry B. Eyring – Octoer 2014 Conference “Continueing Revelation” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?lang=eng

“We all know that human judgment and logical thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in life. We need revelation from God.”

3. Elder Packer-October 1992 “To Be Learned Is Good If…” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/10/to-be-learned-is-good-if?lang=eng

“They will not be judged on how many degrees they hold or how extensive their schooling may be, but on how well educated they are in those things which are of eternal value.”

4. 3. Elder Packer-October 1992 “To Be Learned Is Good If…” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/10/to-be-learned-is-good-if?lang=eng

“We encourage our youth in every country to get an education. Even if at times it seems hopeless. With determination and faith in the Lord, you will be blessed with success. It is a dream well worth pursuing.”

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

“The greatest teaching of all must be done by righteous example.”

6. Elder Perry-October 1997 “Receive Truth” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/receive-truth?lang=eng

“The acquisition of knowledge is a fundamental part of the Lord’s eternal plan for His children.”

7. Elder Perry-October 1997 “Receive Truth” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/receive-truth?lang=eng

“Gaining a knowledge of Him is fundamental to our mortal training. We also need to have a thirst and a desire to become acquainted with the doctrines of the kingdom.”

8. Elder Bednar - October 2014 “Come and See”  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng#d

“Absolute truth exists in a world that increasingly disdains and dismisses absolutes.”

9. Mary N. Cook-April 2012 “Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-to-do?lang=eng&query=education

“You must get all of the education that you possibly can. … Sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of [this] world. … Train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your lives.”

10. Mary N. Cook-April 2012 “Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/seek-learning-you-have-a-work-to-do?lang=eng&query=education

“Be a good student. Arise and shine forth in your schools with hard work, honesty, and integrity. If you are struggling or discouraged with your performance in school, seek help from your parents, teachers, and helpful Church members. Never give up!”  

Atonement

My Position on the Atonement

The atonement has been the light during a dark time in my life. Returning to activity in the church was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I wanted to do it right. I read a lot about repentance and the atonement and recorded my thoughts and findings in a journal. As I met with my bishop, all we talked about  was the atonement of Jesus Christ. He asked me to go home think about and pray about what the atonement of Jesus Christ means to me. As I did, I realized that my prior research was based on logic and reasoning. It takes faith and spiritual will to feel the full effect of the atonement. When I went back to the bishop my heart was full and I had a testimony of the atonement to guide me through the repentance process. 

Quotes

1. Elder Brent H Nielson – April 2015 Conference “Waiting for the Prodigal” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/waiting-for-the-prodigal?lang=eng

“All of us fall short of the glory of the Father (see Romans 3:23). All of us need the Savior’s Atonement to heal us. All of us are lost and need to be found.”

2.President Thomas S. Monson – October 2014 Conference “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet” htatps://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/ponder-the-path-of-thy-feet?lang=eng

“As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain.”

3. President Henry B. Eyring- April 2015 Conference “The Comforter” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-comforter?lang=eng

“That is part of the great plan of happiness the Father gave us. He allowed His Son to provide, by His atoning sacrifice, the hope that comforts us no matter how hard the way home to Him may be.”

4. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- April 2015 “The Gift Grace” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-gift-of-grace?lang=eng

“I marvel to think that the Son of God would condescend to save us, as imperfect, impure, mistake-prone, and ungrateful as we often are. I have tried to understand the Savior’s Atonement with my finite mind, and the only explanation I can come up with is this: God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly.”

5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- April 2015 “The Gift Grace” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-gift-of-grace?lang=eng

“Our sins, though they may be as scarlet, can become white as snow. Because our beloved Savior “gave himself a ransom for all,” an entrance into His everlasting kingdom is provided unto us.”

6. Elder Richard G. Scott-October 2013 “Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

“The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy.”

7. Elder Richard G. Scott-October 2013 “Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/personal-strength-through-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?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.”

8. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland- April 2015  Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet?lang=eng

 “We should always remember (we promise in our weekly sacramental prayers that we will), nevertheless this is the most sacred day of the year for special remembrance of brotherly hands and determined arms that reached into the abyss of death to save us from our fallings and our failings, from our sorrows and our sins.”

9. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland- April 2015  Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet?lang=eng

“Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm, grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience to His commandments, lift us to eternal life.”

10. By Linda K. Burton – Oct. 2012 Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts? https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/is-faith-in-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ-written-in-our-hearts?lang=eng&query=atonement

“We have felt that Heavenly Father would first have us help His beloved daughters understand the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As we do so, we know our faith will increase, as will our desire to live righteously.”

Serving in Relief Society

My Position on Serving in Relief Society

The definition of Relief Society is compassion. As I serve as the first counselor in Relief Society I have ample opportunity to give compassionate service and love to the sisters in my ward. This has been extremely difficult for me as I would not say that compassion is one of my better character traits. I have always been the type of person to hide my problems or solve them myself. I don't ask for help. It has been a blessing for me to reach out to the sisters in my ward and search deep inside myself to see their feelings. To feel with them and give them the love that they need to sustain their trials. I met one of my favorite sisters on a cold and wet Saturday. She had just lost her husband and was battling with alcoholism. She was intoxicated the day I met her and very obviously hurting. I hugged her, sat with her, talked to her and helped her get her home in order. Since this time she has been a blessing to our family and is now preparing to go to the temple. I love this part of my calling.

Quotes

1.Sister Rosemary M. Wixom – April 2015 Conference “Returning to Faith” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/returning-to-faith?lang=eng

“My friend thought if Mother Teresa could live her religion without all the answers and without a feeling of clarity in all things, maybe she could too. She could take one simple step forward in faith—and then another. She could focus on the truths she did believe and let those truths fill her mind and heart.”

2.Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 22.

“We are all pilgrims seeking God’s light as we journey on the path of discipleship. We do not condemn others for the amount of light they may or may not have; rather, we nourish and encourage all light until it grows clear, bright, and true.”

3.Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 18

“Brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be ‘perfect’ men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels.”

4.President Henry B. Eyering- April 2015 “Is Not This the Fast I Have Chosen?” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/is-not-this-the-fast-that-i-have-chosen?lang=eng

“When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor Him.”

5.President Henry B. Eyering- April 2015 “Is Not This the Fast I Have Chosen?” 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/is-not-this-the-fast-that-i-have-chosen?lang=eng

“Other storms and tragedies will come across the world to people the Lord loves and whose sorrows He feels. Part of your fast offering and mine this month will be used to help someone, somewhere, whose relief the Lord will feel as if it were His own.”

6.President Dieter F. Uchtdorf –April 2015 “On Being Genuine” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/on-being-genuine?lang=eng

 “So this stake president went back to his councils, and together they shifted their focus. They determined that they would not allow “the hungry, … the needy, …the naked, … the sick and the afflicted to pass by [them], and notice them not.””

7. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf –April 2015 “On Being Genuine” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/on-being-genuine?lang=eng

“With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin—as a simple spark.”

8. Elder M. Russell Ballard-April 2015 “The Greatest Generation of Young Adults” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-greatest-generation-of-young-adults?lang=eng

“Balance your life with spiritual experiences that remind and prepare you for continued, daily ministering to others.”

9. Elder Bednar - October 2014 “Come and See”  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/come-and-see?lang=eng#d

 “As members of the Church, we do not receive prizes or bonus points in a heavenly contest.”

10. Elder Quintin L. Cook- April 2015 “The Lord is My Light” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-lord-is-my-light?lang=eng

“Our ward family is important to our progress, happiness, and personal effort to be more Christlike.”

Pornography

My Position on Pornography

How do I feel about pornography? That is a difficult question to answer on a public forum. But here goes. Satan has a master plan for everyone, he loves pornography. It is the entrance to the pathway for many other sins. With technology and modern conveniences Satan has been set free. Free to entice, free to advertise, free to exploit and free to destroy the virtue of man. Pornography hurts all parties involved. Satan is not only hurting the person involved, he is causing chaos within family relationships. What a powerful tool Satan has at his fingertips. A tool that can deplete the self-esteem of the user and their spouse simultaneously. A tool that can deplete trust between a parent and a child. Satan loves pornography which is why we should avoid it. Prophets have warned us and given us council on avoiding pornography. If that council is heeded, a lot of heartache and pain can be avoided. 

Quotes

1.President Thomas S. Monson – April 2015 Conferenc “Blessings of the Temple” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/blessings-of-the-temple?lang=eng

“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart.”

2.President Henry B. Eyering- October 2012 Conference “Help Them Aim High” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/help-them-aim-high?lang=eng

“Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail.”

3. Elder Russell M. Nelson- October 1998 Conference “We Are Children of God” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/we-are-children-of-god?lang=eng  

“A firm understanding of body and spirit will shape our thoughts and deeds for good.”

4. Elder Russell M. Nelson- October 1998 Conference “We Are Children of God” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/we-are-children-of-god?lang=eng

“In time, addictions enslave both the body and the spirit. Full repentance from addiction is best accomplished in this life, while we still have a mortal body to help us.”

5. Elder Dallin H. Oaks-April 2015 Conference “The Parable of the Sower” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-parable-of-the-sower?lang=eng

“In an age dominated by the Internet, which magnifies messages that menace faith, we must increase our exposure to spiritual truth in order to strengthen our faith and stay rooted in the gospel.”

6. Elder Dallin H. Oaks-April 2005 “Pornography” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng

“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.”

7. Elder Dallin H. Oaks-April 2005 “Pornography” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng

“Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex.”

8. Elder Quintin L. Cook- April 2015 “The Lord is My Light” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-lord-is-my-light?lang=eng

“As individuals, disciples of Christ, living in a hostile world that is literally in commotion, we can thrive and bloom if we are rooted in our love of the Savior and humbly follow His teachings.”

9. Elder Quintin L. Cook- April 2015 “The Lord is My Light” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-lord-is-my-light?lang=eng

“With modern communication the impact of iniquity, inequality, and injustice leaves many feeling that life is inherently unfair.”

10. Elder Quintin L. Cook- April 2008 “Give Heed unto the Prophet’s Words” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/give-heed-unto-the-prophets-words?lang=eng

“From time to time, as individuals and as a church, we go through periods of crisis and danger. Some arise quickly like a fire. Others are subtle and go almost undetected before they are upon us.”

Agency

My Position on Agency

There have certainly been times in my life where I wish I did not have the agency to choose for myself. I spent a great deal of my life making poor choices. Not saying that the poor choices are gone away, they are still here. Would life be easier with definite rules that lead to happiness that everyone must follow. “The Fall made possible in our lives feelings of both happiness and sadness. We are able to understand peace because we feel turmoil,” Elder Richard G. Scott. I love to be happy, if that means I have to experience sorrow and heartache, it is worth it. I just hope that my agency always leads me back to my Savior Jesus Christ. My prayers are also with my children. I see their strengths and their weaknesses and I know that Satan sees them too. I can only hope that their agency sends them on the path to a better life centered around the Savior.

Quotes

1.President Thomas S. Monson – October 2014 Conference “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet” htatps://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/ponder-the-path-of-thy-feet?lang=eng

 “There is no higher end than this that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”

2.President Thomas S. Monson – April 2015 Conferenc “Blessings of the Temple” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/blessings-of-the-temple?lang=eng

“My brothers and sisters, in our lives we will have temptations; we will have trials and challenges. As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace.”

3.President Thomas S. Monsons- October 2014 Conference “Guided Safely Home” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng

“The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course toward our desired goal—even the celestial kingdom of God.”

4. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- October 2014 “Lord is it I?” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/lord-is-it-i?lang=eng&query=Lord+is+it+i

 “They may appear on the outside to be disciples of Jesus Christ, but on the inside their hearts have separated from their Savior and His teachings. They have gradually turned away from the things of the Spirit and moved toward the things of the world.”

5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- October 2010 “Of Things That Matter Most” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng

“It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice.”

6. Elder Russell M. Nelson- October 1998 Conference “We Are Children of God” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/we-are-children-of-god?lang=eng

“A firm understanding of body and spirit will shape our thoughts and deeds for good.”

7. Elder Russell M. Nelson- October 1998 Conference “We Are Children of God” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/we-are-children-of-god?lang=eng

“We will regard our body as a temple of our very own.  We will not let it be desecrated or defaced in any way. We will control our diet and exercise for physical fitness.”

8. Elder Dallin H. Oaks-April 2015 Conference “The Parable of the Sower” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-parable-of-the-sower?lang=eng

"Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival, especially in a world that is moving away from belief in God and the absolutes of right and wrong."

9. President Boyd K. Packer-April 2015 “The Plan of Happiness” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng

“Temptations are ever present. Because the adversary cannot beget life, he is jealous toward all who have that supernal power. He and those who followed him were cast out and forfeited the right to a mortal body.”

10. Elder Scott-October 2014 “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/make-the-exercise-of-faith-your-first-priority?lang=eng

“The Fall made possible in our lives feelings of both happiness and sadness. We are able to understand peace because we feel turmoil.”

“Because He respects your agency, Father in Heaven will never force you to pray to Him.”

Family

My Position On Family

Our homes should be a place of refuge for our family. One of my favorite quotes is, "Zion in the midst of Babylon." This is what I want to create for every member of our family. A place where we can be ourselves, void of ridicule and shame. Robert D Hales once stated, "Thee lift me and I'll lift thee, and we'll ascend together." What a marvelous desire to have at the root of your family. There are six of us in my family, all of which are capable of doing mighty things and lifting each other above the tallest mountains. As we set guidelines for our family, live by our mission and center ourselves on the Savior Jesus Christ, wonderful things will and have happened. We have also had unfortunate trials and still today hidden sins that try to lead our family astray. This is why the atonement is so vital to families, keeping them together and working through the tough times. There will always be the tough times. We must prepare.

Quotes

1. Elder Wilford W. Anderson – April 2015 Conference “The Music of the Gospel” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-music-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

“So if the basses in your family choir are too loud and overbearing, or if the string section in your family orchestra is a little too shrill or a little bit sharp, or if those impetuous piccolos are out of tune or out of control, be patient. If you’re not hearing the music of the gospel in your home, please remember these two words: keep practicing. With God’s help, the day will come when the music of the gospel will fill your home with unspeakable joy.”

2. Robert D. Hales, “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty,” Ensign, May 1999, 34

“Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together.”

3. President Henry B. Eyring – Octoer 2014 Conference “Continueing Revelation” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?lang=eng

“Many parents have set family rules for when a teenage child is to return home at night. But think of the joy when the parent learns, as one did just a few weeks ago, that a child who had recently left home not only set a curfew for herself but also kept the Sabbath just as she had been taught at home. The revelation of a parent has its lasting effect in the personal revelation that continues in the child.”

4. President Henry B. Eyering- October 2012 Conference “Help Them Aim High” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/help-them-aim-high?lang=eng

“What matters is not the activity but the feelings that come as you do it.”

5. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- October 2010 “Of Things That Matter Most” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng

“My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most.”

6. President Boyd K. Packer-April 2015 “The Plan of Happiness” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng

“There are moonlight and roses, love letters, love songs, poetry, the holding of hands, and other expressions of affection between a young man and a young woman. The world disappears around the couple, and they experience feelings of joy.”

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

“How we learn to adjust to the changes which come along depends on the foundation on which we build. The gospel of our Lord and Savior provides a sure and solid foundation.”

8. Elder M. Russell Ballard-April 1996 “Feasting at the Lord’s Table” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/04/feasting-at-the-lords-table?lang=eng&query=elder+m+russell+ballard+sacrament

“The family is the basic unit of society; the best place for individuals to build faith and strong testimonies is in righteous homes filled with love.”

9. Elder Scott-October 2014 “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/make-the-exercise-of-faith-your-first-priority?lang=eng

“Parents, help safeguard your children by arming them morning and night with the power of family prayer. Children are bombarded every day with the evils of lust, greed, pride, and a host of other sinful behaviors. Protect your children from daily worldly influences by fortifying them with the powerful blessings that result from family prayer. Family prayer should be a nonnegotiable priority in your daily life.”

10. Elder Scott-October 2014 “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/make-the-exercise-of-faith-your-first-priority?lang=eng

“Their humble, lifelong commitment to forsaking their sins did more to protect their families than anything they could have done on the battlefield.”