My Testimony

It has taken me most of my life to build a strong testimony of the church. I definitely didn't take the easy route in gaining my testimony, but through all the challenges I have faced in my life it has helped bring me to where I am now.

I was raised in the gospel and always had good people and influences around me. But like everyone, I wasn't born with a testimony, the full understanding of the gospel, and the beliefs of the LDS church. I learned and developed my testimony like all people do. Growing up my mother taught me to love and the blessings of the gospel. From the time I was a little girl I had an understanding of what the LDS church was and felt so warm inside. As I grew older I began to wonder and truly think about the things that I had been taught since I was little.

I had been such an on and off member for a few years that I was beginning to wonder if I would ever make it back to the folds of the church. I remember the night that I was sitting alone in my apartment in the dark and feeling lonelier then I had ever been before, when the still small voice whispered to me that I needed to go back to church. As soon as I heard that I felt such a warm, peaceful feeling come over me and I knew that I would find the answers I need at church. When I walked back into the Chapel I was scared and comforted all at the same time. That first Sunday back was so wonderful and moving, I was deeply touched and knew that I had made the right choice and was in the right place.

My faith did waver from time to time and I can remember two very significant moments in my life that brought me to my knees and had me questioning everything. As I knelt in prayer during both of those trying times the spirit comforted me and quietly whispered that everything would be alright in the end and that I just had to trust in him. Those experiences prepared me for future trials that I would encounter and taught me to trust in the Lord even when it is hard to understand why things are happening the way they are.

I know that this is the true and only church on this earth. I know that The Book of Mormon is the best way to know that the church and the blessings of the gospel are true. I know that every time I read The Book of Mormon all of my doubts fade away as long as I am sincerely asking if those things are true. I know without a doubt that they are and they are a strong confirmation of my beliefs and as we study the scriptures blessings and answers will come into our lives.

I know that through the blessings of the temple my family will be together forever. This is one of the greatest blessings of my life to know that when my loved ones pass in this life that I will not loose them.

I know our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. He has an eternal plan for each and every one of us. He knows our desires and thoughts and always seeks to help us find happiness through the trials and tests that we face in our lives. He loves us very dearly and wants us to return to live with him. I love this gospel and know that these things are true with all my heart. This is the true and only church on this earth.

I leave my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Raising Resilient Children Quotes

1.) "Children are highly vulnerable. They have little or no power to protect or provide for themselves and little influence on so much that is vital to their well-being. Children need others to speak for them, and they need decision makers who put their well-being ahead of selfish adult interests."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Protect the Children, October 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

2.)"Many children would have had the blessing of being raised by both of their parents if only their parents had followed this inspired teaching in the family proclamation: “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. … Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another.”¹⁶ The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Protect the Children, October 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "How well children respond to setbacks depends largely on how well their parents helped them develop the attitudes and the skills of resilience."

(Lyle J. Burrup, Raising Resilient Children, March 2013, LDS Family Services, http://www.lds.org)

4.) "As children develop resilience, they believe they can influence and even control outcomes in their lives through effort, imagination, knowledge, and skill. With this attitude, they focus on what they can do rather than on what is outside their control.

Another mark of resilience is to see great purpose and meaning in life and people. A sense of purpose will help our children avoid giving up, in spite of setbacks and pressure to do so. If our children are becoming more resilient, they will develop deep values that guide them: charity, virtue, integrity, honesty, work ethic, and faith in God. They will involve themselves in what is happening around them and opt for commitment to values rather than feel alienated and avoid struggle."

(Lyle J. Burrup, Raising Resilient Children, March 2013, LDS Family Services, http://www.lds.org)

5.) "There are those who dismiss these responsibilities, feeling they can be deferred until the child grows up. Not so, the evidence reveals. Prime time for teaching is fleeting. Opportunities are perishable. The parent who procrastinates the pursuit of his responsibility as a teacher may, in years to come, gain bitter insight into Whittier’s expression: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, / The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ ” ⁶

(Thomas S. Monson, Teach the Children, October 1997, http://www.lds.org)

6.) "Dr. Glenn Doman, a prominent author and renowned scientist, reported a lifetime of research in the statement: “The newborn child is almost an exact duplicate of an empty computer, although superior to such a computer in almost every way. … What is placed in the child’s brain during the first eight years of his life is probably there to stay. If you put misinformation into his brain during this period, it is extremely difficult to erase it.” ⁷

This evidence should provoke a renewal of commitment in every parent: “I must be about my Father’s business.” Children learn through gentle direction and persuasive teaching. They search for models to imitate, knowledge to acquire, things to do, and teachers to please."

(Thomas S. Monson, Teach the Children, October 1997, http://www.lds.org)

7.) "In this revelation the Lord points out that children in their infant state are innocent before God but that Satan takes away light and truth from them because of disobedience and the tradition of their fathers. To prevent this, he commands parents to bring up their children in light and truth." (See D&C 93:38–40.)

(H. Verlan Anderson, Bring up Your Children in Light and Truth, October 1991, http://wwwlds.org)

8.) "When our Heavenly Father sends one of his spirit children into a home, it is as if he says to the parents: “John, Mary, here is my most priceless possession—the soul of a little child. As you can see, he is helpless and completely dependent upon you even for life itself. You are now given the privilege of molding his life as you think best. Please teach him that I am his Father and that Jesus is his Savior and that we want him and you to return and live with us when mortality is over. Remember that I am always available to guide you in rearing this child of ours if you will but seek my help. I hope you will do so often. Your Heavenly Father.”

(H. Verlan Anderson, Bring up Your Children in Light and Truth, October 1991, http://www.lds.org)

9.) "The researchers found a strong relationship between children’s knowledge of family history and various measures of emotional well-being. Children who knew more of their family history had more functional family lives, more self-control, greater feelings of self-worth, and fewer signs of depression or anxiety."

(David Edwards, Want Emotionally Healthy Children? Tell Family Stories, May 30, 2013, http://www.lds.org)

10.) "Dr. Duke listed family travels and mealtimes as important story-sharing times but added, “Given the complexities of modern family life, families can also sit and talk over a snack after school or before everyone goes off to work, or at any other time that they can focus on each other. These gatherings—short or long—are at the heart of the process by which the intergenerational stories can be told and learned and through which children can grow stronger and healthier.”

(David Edwards, Want Emotionally Healthy Children? Tell Family Stories, May 30, 2013, http://www.lds.org)

Raising Resilient Children

It is a wonderful blessing to have children. But then I have the concern as to whether or not I will be able to raise my child to be strong and follow the path of righteous living. With all of the influences from the world around us and temptations to place importance on material things, I find it a challenge.

Without the gospel teachings providing direction and the bigger picture for Eternity, I think life would be lacking in purpose and value. Helping children to understand and experience the joy of serving others; learning about their heritage and family from an eternal perspective, and that they are part of a plan.   Being taught that they have a Father in Heaven that knows them personally and loves them helps provide security and define a higher purpose for their life.

  Teaching them that their choices do matter and that there are consequences good and bad, so helping them to learn the joy of making good choices. Teaching your child that what they may think as an easy choice, may in the long run, make for a much more difficult and unfulfilled life. Also, that there are rules or guidelines in place for our protection, not intended to confine us or make us unhappy. Teaching our children that there is joy and safety in being obedient and following the gospel in this very turbulent world is the best gift we can give them.

Loving others through service Quotes

1.) "Joseph Smith taught principles that helped Relief Society sisters “relieve the poor” and “save souls”—foundational principles upon which the society was built.¹⁹ Established on this foundation, Relief Society has endured and increased in its influence. Since the early meetings of Relief Society, sisters have applied the Prophet’s teachings in their efforts to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need."

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 2, pg. 17,Joseph Smith’s Instructions, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

2.) "We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

Thomas S. Monson

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 7, pg. 103, “Pure Religion”, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

 

3.) "Through our organization the gospel has been preached, the needy have been looked after, the sick have been comforted, the downhearted have been cheered, a message of love and of blessing has ever emanated from Relief Society workers. … The greatest thing in the world is love. And if we keep that always in our hearts, and give it as a message to those about us, we will be blessed and will be instruments in blessing those with whom we associate.”

Relief Society Magazine, June 1922, 312

Detail from Clarissa S. Williams, by Lee Greene Richards. © 1924 IRI. Courtesy Church History Museum.

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 74, Strengthening the Bonds of Charity, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

4.) “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.”

George Albert Smith

In Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 71

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 76, “The Pure Love of Christ”:  Charity in Action, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

5.) "Brethren, we all have opportunities to render service to others. That is our calling and our privilege. In serving the needs of others, we are mindful of the words of the Savior: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.)

(President Spencer W. Kimball, Rendering Service to Others, April 1981, http://www.lds.org)

6.) “Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service.”

—President Monson, April 2010

(President Monson, Have I Done Any Good?, April 2010, http://www.lds.org)

7.) "Observing and serving—“is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions” and “when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, ‘Come—sit by us.’”⁹ The golden rule is applicable here: “Whatsoever ye would that men [or women] should do to you, do ye even so to them.”¹⁰

(Linda K. Burton, First Observe, Then Serve, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org)

8.) "With practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children."

(Linda K. Burton, First Observe, Then Serve, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service, April 2009, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) “You can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”⁴

(Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service, April 2009, http://www.lds.org/)

Loving others through service

From a young age, I remember watching and helping my mother and grandmothers fix and deliver meals to neighbors when they were in need. There was no fanfare or expectation of notice, just the joy of being able to lighten someone’s burden and help.

One of my favorite Christmas activities was to help in planning and preparing gifts and notes to provide surprises as a secret Santa for a Twelve Days of Christmas activity. I found it exciting and fulfilling to deliver the gifts in secrecy and know that we would never tell the recipients who was providing the gifts but feel the joy in sharing the Christmas spirit. 

Christ taught by example to love one another and serve each other. The world would be a much kinder and nicer place if there were more serving and caring for others, and less concern for just ones self and individual wants and desires. I find great joy and satisfaction when I am able to serve others.

Motherhood Quotes

1.) "If not my arms, then her arms—for a mother’s arms encircle a child with tender restraint, security, love. They protect against fear, harm, and evil."

(Mary F. Foulger, Motherhood and the Family, Oct. 1980, http://www.lds.org/)

2.) "God has called Latter-day Saint women to prepare his children for the challenges of the last days. In order to fulfill this calling, we must be both learners and teachers of eternal truths. We must study the scriptures that we might arm our children with knowledge of Jesus Christ and his gospel. We must guard our homes against any intrusion of evil. We must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must make our homes holy places in which to stand. Sisters, we must faithfully fulfill here the sacred trust we willingly accepted there."

(Mary F. Foulger, Motherhood and the Family, Oct. 1980, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood."

(Julie B. Beck, A “Mother Heart”, April 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

4.) "Covenant-keeping women with mother hearts know that whether motherhood comes early or late; whether they are blessed with a “quiver full” of children here in mortality or not; whether they are single, married, or left to carry the responsibility of parenthood alone—in holy temples they are “endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:32)."

(Julie B. Beck, A “Mother Heart”, April 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

5.) "Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women."

(Sheri L. Dew, Are We Not All Mothers?, Oct. 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) "Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate."

(Sheri L. Dew, Are We Not All Mothers?, Oct. 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) "I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation."

(L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

8.) "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world."

(L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."

(M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2008, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

(M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2008, http://www.lds.org/)

11.) “This divine service of motherhood can be rendered only by mothers. It may not be passed to others."

(Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, Oct. 1993, http://www.lds.org/)

12.) “Motherhood 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.”³⁷

(Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, Oct. 1993, http://www.lds.org/)

Motherhood

From my days as a young girl, some of my fondest memories are those of playing house and being a mother. I loved being able to pretend I had children to love and guide and nurture. I couldn't wait until I would be able to have a family of my own. I don't believe that prior to actually having a child that I truly understood the feeling of unconditional love. The deep desire to protect and guide my young innocent child and provide every worthwhile opportunity.

 

I remember looking into the face of my newborn child and thinking of where he had just come from. Wishing that he could tell me of the estate he had just left and what his dreams and desires were for this life. Looking into my child's face, I could see the combining of his fathers family and my mine, our shared love now a physical being and such a sweet soul. I find it difficult to watch my child work through things that he finds challenging, but knowing that if I step in to make it easy for him, he would then lose the lesson and opportunity to grow.  

 

I want to provide the guidance and help him to love the gospel and his Father in Heaven and the Saviors atoning sacrifice. There are the times that these responsibilities seem overwhelming but then I understand more fully that I am not alone in this role and that my Father in Heaven will help me and guide me. I know that the Lord wants all of us to be able to return and dwell with him. 

Keeping Strong in your Faith during times of Tribulation Quotes

1.) “And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.” (Abr. 3:24–26.)

(Marion G. Romney, Gospel Covenants, April 1981, http://www.lds.org)

2.) “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee … and in thy seed … shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal.” (Abr. 2:9–11.)

(Marion G. Romney, Gospel Covenants, April 1981, http://www.lds.org)

3.) "We are all required to make journeys of faith. That is the gospel plan. Our path may not be crossing an ocean or walking alone from an empty train station. But whatever it is, it will demand faith in every footstep."

(Bonnie D. Parkin, Finding Faith in Every Footstep, April 1997, http://www.lds.org/)

4.) "We must walk by faith. That means stepping into the dark unknowns because we believe that Heavenly Father is awaiting us."

(Bonnie D. Parkin, Finding Faith in Every Footstep, April 1997, http://www.lds.org/)

5.) "Truly the Lord encourages us to walk in faith to the edge of the light and beyond—into the unknown. After the trial of our faith, He once again shines the light ahead of us, and our journey of faith in every footstep continues."

(M. Russell Ballard, Faith in Every Footstep, Oct. 1996, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) "Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened."

(Neil L. Andersen, Trial of Your Faith, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) "When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together."^9"

^{(Neil L. Andersen, Trial of Your Faith, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org/)}

8.) "Faith in God and in His guidance through the Holy Spirit will sustain you in an increasingly more challenging world."

(Richard G. Scott, The Sustaining Power of Faith in Time of Uncertainty and Testing, April 2003, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises."

(Richard G. Scott, The Sustaining Power of Faith in Time of Uncertainty and Testing, April 2003, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "But faith forged in the furnace of trials and tears is marked by trust and testimony."

(Thomas S. Monson, Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony, April 1987, http://www.lds.org/)

Keep Strong in your Faith during times of Tribulation

I always have to laugh when people learn that I am LDS, because they automatically assume that I don't struggle or have trials in my life. The one detail they always seem to skip right over is that I am human like them and have been sent to this earth to be tested and tried like them.

I had two very earth shattering and life changing experiences during high school that I thought I would never recover from. I struggled for quiet a long time and after trying many things that did not work I finally turned back to my Savior. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made and once I had turned everything back to our Savior and remembered to trust in Heavenly Father and his plan it has been easier to stay strong in my faith.

I once had a cousin tell me that if I was doing everything that was asked of me then I shouldn't have to face trials. That is simply not true. As members of the church if we are doing everything that is asked of us, then we are better prepared to handle the trials of this life.

Self-Reliance Quotes

1.) “If we only half do our work we will have no pleasure, if we do it from a sense of duty we will have no joy, but if we feel we are a branch of this vine, and that our Father in Heaven has felt us to be worthy to be a member of that branch, and that we can carry this work when it is here to do, then we will have joy.”

Relief Society Magazine, Nov. 1933, 649

Detail from Louise Y. Robison, by John Willard Clawson. Courtesy Church History Museum.

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 70, Cultivating Self-Reliance, 2011http://www.lds.org, )

 

2.) “We … urge, earnestly and always upon the people, the paramount necessity of living righteously; of avoiding extravagance; of cultivating habits of thrift, economy, and industry; of living strictly within their incomes; and of laying aside something, however small the amount may be, for the times of greater stress that may come to us.”

First Presidency (Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, J. Reuben Clark Jr.)

Deseret News, Sept. 2, 1933, Church section, 7; punctuation standardized

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 71, Cultivating Self-Reliance, 2011http://www.lds.org,)

 

3.) In April 1936, the First Presidency introduced a Church wide welfare program. This put the Church in a better position to help needy members. In the October 1936 general conference, President Heber J. Grant explained the purpose of the program.

“Our primary purpose,” he said, “was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership.”¹⁵

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 72, Cultivating Self-Reliance, 2011http://www.lds.org, )

4.) "Let us as individuals, as families, and as wards and stakes learn to live within our means. There is strength and salvation in this principle. Someone has said that we are rich in proportion to that with which we can do without. As families and as a Church, we can and should provide that which is truly essential for our people, but we must be careful not to extend beyond that which is essential or for purposes which are not directly related to our families’ welfare and the basic mission of the Church."

(Spencer W. Kimball, Rendering Service to Others, April 1981, http://www.lds.org)

5.) "Our efforts must always be directed toward making able-bodied people self-reliant."

(Marion G. Romney, The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance, Oct. 1982, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) “Let’s not be gullible gulls. We … must preserve our talents of self-sufficiency, our genius for creating things for ourselves, our sense of thrift and our true love of independence.” (“Fable of the Gullible Gull,” Reader’s Digest, Oct. 1950, p. 32.)

(Marion G. Romney, The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance, Oct. 1982, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) “This great principle does not deny to the needy nor to the poor the assistance they should have. The wholly incapacitated, the aged, the sickly are cared for with all tenderness, but every able-bodied person is enjoined to do his utmost for himself to avoid dependence, if his own efforts can make such a course possible; to look upon adversity as temporary; to combine his faith in his own ability with honest toil; to rehabilitate himself and his family to a position of independence; in every case to minimize the need for help and to supplement any help given with his own best efforts."

(Marion G. Romney, The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance, Oct. 1982, http://www.lds.org/)

8.) "He teaches us to be self-reliant and industrious, to plan ahead, to provide for possible hard times, to avoid obligations unless we are sure we can handle them, and then to serve him with such devotion that He will be pleased to augment all of our own earnest efforts."

(Mark E. Petersen, Blessings in Self-Reliance, April 1981, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "Principles of love, work, self-reliance, and consecration are God given. Those who embrace them and govern themselves accordingly become pure in heart."

(Keith B. Mcmullin, Come to Zion! Come to Zion, Oct. 2002, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "But Heavenly Father does not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. He expects us to use the means we receive of Him to care for ourselves and our families. When we do so, we are self-reliant."¹⁹

(Keith  B. McMullin, Come to Zion! Come to Zion!, Oct. 2002, http://www.lds.org/)

Self-Reliance

What a wonderful opportunity we have to serve others, but before we can serve others we have to be able to take care of ourselves. We need to do those things to educate ourselves so that we can provide for our family. It is a wonderful thing when we have been able to establish ourselves physically and financially as a church as well as an individual, so that when there are emergencies or disasters we are able to take care of ourselves as well as offer assistance and support to others in need.

It is very important to my own self worth to know that I have established myself to the point to where I can be independent and in a position to where I can provide for my family without having to rely on others. What a wonderful feeling I had the first time I got a job and started to earn my own money, so that I could learn to support myself. What a heartbreaking thing it is to see, when there are so many people just sitting around waiting for others to provide for them. I wish they could know the joy of being able to provide for them selves and the blessings that come from being self reliant.

Atonement Quotes

1.) "We will overcome the consequences of individual sin by claiming the blessings and benefits of the Atonement." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Point of Safe Return, April 2007, http://www.lds.org/)

2.) "Were it not for the plan of our Heavenly Father, established before the world began, in a very real sense, all mankind—past, present, and future—would have been left without the hope of eternal progression." (M. Russell Ballard, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, April 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement. Such acceptance requires a continual effort to understand it more fully." (James E. Faust, The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope, October 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

4.) "Understanding what we can of the Atonement and the Resurrection of Christ helps us to obtain a knowledge of Him and of His mission." (James E. Faust, The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope, October 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

5.) "The Atonement advances our mortal course of learning by making it possible for our natures to become perfect. 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." (James E. Faust, The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope, October 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) "Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can understand more fully the breadth and depth of healing provided by His Atonement because we have the fullness of His doctrine. We realize that what He has willingly done with immense suffering and sacrifice will affect us not only in this life but throughout all eternity." (Richard G. Scott, He Lives! All Glory to His Name!, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) "Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ.” (Kent F. Richards, The Atonement Covers All Pain, April 2011, http://www.lds.org/)

8.) "The Atonement was absolutely essential for men to cleanse themselves from sin and overcome the second death, which is the spiritual death, which is separation from our Father in Heaven. For the scriptures tell us, seven times they tell us, that no unclean thing may enter the presence of God." (Boyd K. Packer, Atonement, Agency, Accountability, April 1988, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever." (Shayne M. Bowen, The Atonement Can Clean, Reclaim, and Sanctify Our Lives, October 2006, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "Satan tries to counterfeit the work of God, and by doing this he may deceive many. To make us lose hope, feel miserable like himself, and believe that we are beyond forgiveness, Satan might even misuse words from the scriptures that emphasize the justice of God, in order to imply that there is no mercy." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Point of Safe Return, April 2007, http://www.lds.org/)

Atonement

In our lives we are going to make many mistakes and have many trials. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with all the sins and filth of this world. We are surrounded by so much darkness and we feel the light slipping away from us. How terrible, dark, hurtful and full of despair would our lives be without the atonement? Our saviors ultimate sacrifice for us gives us all the blessings, joy and second chances we will ever need. We all aren't perfect and we are all going to know the pain of sin in our lives, but because of our Savior, the burdens of our sins can be forgiven.

I have had so many times in my life where I hurt so much from the pain, grief and trials of my life. I have felt so alone and like there was no hope left for me. This kind of pain is something that I hope no one ever will have to experience in their lives, but if they do then our Savior will know exactly how they feel.He knows exactly how we feel. He knows our pains and as long as we lean on him and exercise the atonement, we can get through these agonizing times. He knows how to get us through the trials because he has felt the pains of them all. There is healing in the atonement and we can never feel alone and like we will never be good enough again.

Pornography Quotes

1.) "Real consequences start to accumulate as self-respect ebbs away, sweet relationships sour, marriages wither, and innocent victims begin to pile up. Finding that what they have been viewing no longer satisfies, they experiment with more extreme images. They slowly grow addicted even if they don’t know it or they deny it, and like David’s, their behavior deteriorates as their moral standards disintegrate." (L. Whitney Clayton, Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart, October 2007, http://www.lds.org/)

2.) "We are reminded in the Book of Mormon that chastity and virtue are precious above all things." (Thomas S. Monson, True to the Faith, April 2006, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "Continued exposure leads to addiction that is almost impossible to break. Men, so very many, find they cannot leave it alone. Their energies and their interests are consumed in their dead-end pursuit of this raw and sleazy fare." (Gordon B. Hinckley, A Tragic Evil among Us, October 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

4.) "For many years our Church leaders have warned against the dangers of images and words intended to arouse sexual desires. Now the corrupting influence of pornography, produced and disseminated for commercial gain, is sweeping over our society like an avalanche of evil." (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, April 2005, http://www.lds.org/)

5.) "Some involved in pornography apparently minimize its seriousness and continue to exercise the priesthood of God because they think no one will know of their involvement. But the user knows, brethren, and so does the Lord." (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, April 2005, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) "Brethren, today’s popular entertainment often makes what is evil and wrong look enjoyable and right." (David E. Sorensen, You Can't Pet a Rattlesnake, April 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) "It grows increasingly worse. It is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful. I speak of pornography in all of its manifestations." (Gordon B. Hinckley, A Tragic Evil among Us, October 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

8.) "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." (Boyde K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, October 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants, “That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.” ⁵ Such is pornography." (Thomas S. Monson, True to the Faith, April 2006, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "To be entrusted with the power to create life carries with it the greatest of joys and dangerous temptations." (Boyde K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, October 2012, http://www.lds.org/)