Young Single Adult Gems

Repent—Now

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If one of you has seriously sinned, repent—now. It is not good to violate the commandments of the Lord. It is worse to do nothing about it. Sin is like cancer in the body. It will never heal itself. It will become progressively worse unless cured through the medicine of repentance."

Richard G. Scott, "Don't Face the World Alone," New Era, Feb. 2007, 5

Topics: Repentance

Don't Fritter Away Your Life

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is necessary to prepare, to plan, so that we don't fritter away our lives. Without a goal, there can be no real success. The best definition of success I have ever found goes something like this: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Someone has said the trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never crossing the goal line."

Thomas S. Monson, "Three Gates Only You Can Open," New Era, Aug. 2008, 2, 4

Topics: Plan of Salvation

The Sanctity of Womanhood

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"So many of our sisters are disheartened, even discouraged, and disillusioned. Others are in serious trouble because of the choices they make. Satan has unleashed a seductive campaign to undermine the sanctity of womanhood, to deceive the daughters of God and divert them from their divine destiny. He well knows women are the compassionate, self-sacrificing, loving power that binds together the human family. He would focus their interests solely on their physical attributes and rob them of their exalting roles as wives and mothers."

Richard G. Scott, "The Sanctity of Womanhood," New Era, Nov. 2008, 3

Topics: Worthiness

We Need to Be More Grateful

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We need to be more grateful. It's one of the marks of strong character, to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings that are ours. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in church, everywhere. It's so easy to cultivate the spirit of appreciation."

Ezra Taft Benson, "All This and the Gospel Too," New Era, Nov. 1991, 4

Topics: Gratitude

Your Life Is Your Own

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Your life is your own, to develop or to destroy. You can blame others little and yourself almost totally if that life is not a productive, worthy, full, and abundant one."

Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Planning Your Life," New Era, Sept. 1981, 47

Topics:

Find Periods of Quiet Time

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"He [the Lord] will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened."

Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007, 9

Topics: Prayer

Never Forget You Are a Child of God

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Don't waste your time feeling sorry for yourself. Don't belittle yourself. Never forget that you are a child of God. You have a divine birthright. Something of the very nature of God is within you. The Psalmist sang, 'I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.' (Psalm 82:6.)"

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Strengthening Each Other," Ensign, Feb. 1985, 4

Topics:

You Were Foreordained

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"You were chosen and foreordained to have the gospel in your life and to be a leader in the cause of the restored gospel."

Neil L. Andersen, "Preparing for Your Spiritual Destiny," Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Jan. 10, 2010

Topics:

This Is the Way

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not 'What will others think?' but rather 'What will I think of myself?' Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, 'Receive the Holy Ghost.' Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth."

Thomas S. Monson, "Standards of Strength," New Era, Oct. 2008, 2

Topics: Holy Ghost

Be Blessed by the Atonement

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Rationalization for bad choices will not be effective, but repentance will. Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement."

Quentin L. Cook, "Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge," New Era, Sept. 2008, 6

Topics: Repentance

The Onslaught of Pornography

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"One of the most damning influences on earth, one that has caused uncountable grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages, is the onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging."

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 6–9

Topics: Obedience

Learn to Control Your Thoughts

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"As you learn to control your thoughts, you can overcome habits, even degrading personal habits. You can gain courage, conquer fear, and have a happy life."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Message: Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts," New Era, Apr. 2008, 7

Topics: Righteousness

Your Parents Have Experience

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"Your parents, with their maturity of years and the experience you have not had, can provide wisdom, knowledge, and blessings to help you over life's pitfalls. You may find . . . that life's sweetest experiences come when you go to Mom and Dad for help."

Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Rising Generation,' " New Era, Jan. 1986, 6–7

Topics: Family

True Forgiveness

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Very frequently people think they have repented and are worthy of forgiveness when all they have done is to express sorrow or regret at the unfortunate happening, but their repentance is barely started. Until they have begun to make changes in their lives, transformation in their habits, and to add new thoughts to their minds, to be sorry is only a bare beginning."

Spencer W. Kimball, "What Is True Repentance?" New Era, May 1974, 6

Topics:

Commit Early to Become a Missionary

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world's temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord."

M. Russell Ballard, "How to Prepare to Be a Good Missionary," New Era, Mar. 2007, 6

Topics: Missionary Work

There Is a Power Greater Than Ours

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Recognize that there is a power greater than ours, that no matter how good a man is, he is not good enough, that no matter how wise he is, he is not wise enough, that no matter how strong he is, he is not strong enough for all of the things which he will face in life, and that there is a source of power to which he can go with the assurance that he will be listened to and that there will be a response."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Message: Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field," New Era, Mar. 2007, 4

Topics: Prayer

A Testimony Grows

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A testimony is not thrust upon you; a testimony grows. We become taller in testimony like we grow taller in physical stature; we hardly know it happens because it comes by growth."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Quest for Spiritual Knowledge," New Era, Jan. 2007, 4

Topics: Testimony

A Pattern to Receive the Holy Ghost

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Heavenly Father has given a simple pattern for us to receive the Holy Ghost not once but continually in the tumult of our daily lives. The pattern is repeated in the sacramental prayer: We promise that we will always remember the Savior. We promise to take His name upon us. We promise to keep His commandments. And we are promised that if we do that, we will have His Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79). Those promises work together in a wonderful way to strengthen our testimonies and in time, through the Atonement, to change our natures as we keep our part of the promise."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Remember, Remember," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 68

Topics: Holy Ghost

The Gospel Is a Way of Life

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a way of life. It is not for Sunday only. It is not something we can do only as a habit or a tradition if we expect to harvest all of its promised blessings. 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap' (Galatians 6:7)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 20

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

It Is a Privilege to Enter the Temple

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is a privilege to enter the holy temple. If you are eligible by the standards that are set, by all means you should come to receive your own blessings; and thereafter you should return again and again and again to make those same blessings available to others who have died without the opportunity to receive them in mortality."

Boyd K. Packer, "Come to the Temple," Ensign, Oct. 2007, 19

Topics:

The Assurance of Things Hoped For

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Faith as the assurance of things hoped for looks to the future. This assurance is founded upon a correct understanding about, and trust in, God and enables us to 'press forward' (2 Nephi 31:20) into uncertain and often challenging situations in the service of the Savior."

David A. Bednar, "Seek Learning by Faith," Ensign, Sept. 2007, 62

Topics: Faith

The Wonder of Modern Revelation

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"How wonderful it is that we believe in modern revelation. I cannot get over the feeling that if revelation were needed anciently, when life was simple, that revelation is also needed today, when life is complex. There never was a time in the history of the earth when men needed revelation more than they need it now."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Inspirational Thoughts," Ensign, Sept. 2007, 6

Topics: Revelation

Why Must We Love the Lord?

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Why must we love the Lord? Because as we do so, we become refined, pure, and holy. When we love the Lord, the benefits of the Atonement can wash away our earthly stain. Though our sins be as scarlet, they can become white as snow (see Isaiah 1:18), and we can become new creatures, filled with new life, new thoughts, and a renewed desire to do good continually."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Two Guiding Lights," Ensign, Aug. 2007, 66

Topics: Atonement

Don't Put Off Being Happy

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Being single does not mean you have to put off being happy. As President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) once said: 'Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.' "

James E. Faust, "Welcoming Every Single One," Ensign, Aug. 2007, 8

Topics:

If You Are Built on a Sure Foundation

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Is there a happy future for you and your posterity in these latter days? Absolutely! Will there be difficult times when those ominous latter-day warnings and prophecies are fulfilled? Of course there will. Will those who have built upon the rock of Christ withstand winds, hail, and the mighty shafts in the whirlwind? You know they will."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "This, the Greatest of All Dispensations," Ensign, July 2007, 57–58

Topics:

Evidence of the Atonement

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as evidence that the Atonement is working in your life. For that reason and many others, you would do well to put yourself in places and in tasks that invite the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost works both ways: the Holy Ghost only dwells in a clean temple, and the reception of the Holy Ghost cleanses us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You can pray with faith to know what to do to be cleansed and thus qualified for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the service of the Lord. And with that companionship you will be strengthened against temptation and empowered to detect deception."

Henry B. Eyring, "Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times," Ensign, June 2007, 23

Topics: Atonement, Holy Ghost

Improved Prayers

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it."

Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007, 8

Topics: Prayer

The Sacrament

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Worthy partakers of the sacrament are in harmony with the Lord and put themselves under covenant with Him to always remember His sacrifice for the sins of the world, to take upon them the name of Christ, and to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. The Savior covenants that we who do so shall have His Spirit to be with us and that, if faithful to the end, we may inherit eternal life."

David B. Haight, "The Sacrament—and the Sacrifice," Ensign, Apr. 2007, 18

Topics: Sacrament

The Gospel Is Central to God's Plan

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Brothers and sisters, before the world was, the gospel was central to God's eternal plan. It is an everlasting gospel—now restored in its fulness. With such a foundation, this Church will not be moved from its place, even through the Millennium. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sure foundation upon which we can build our individual faith."

Russell M. Nelson, "Faith and Families," Ensign, Mar. 2007, 39

Topics: Gospel of Jesus Christ

Gordon B. Hinckley's Testimony

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I want to give you my testimony. I know that God our Eternal Father lives, that He is the great Governor of the universe, and that we are His children, and that somehow He hears and answers the prayers of His children. I want you to know that I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, that He left His royal home on high and came down among men—hated and abused of men—and that He went about doing good [see Acts 10:38]. He was crucified out of the hatred of the people; He rose the third day—'the firstfruits of them that slept' (1 Corinthians 15:20). I want you to know that the Father and the Son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and ushered in this marvelous dispensation—the greatest dispensation in the history of the entire world."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Inspirational Thoughts," Ensign, Feb. 2007, 4

Topics: Jesus Christ

There Is an Urgent Need

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"As an exceptional son or daughter of God, you are sorely needed. There is an urgent need for men and women who will stand for principles against the growing pressures to compromise those very principles. Men and women are required who will act nobly and courageously for what the Lord has defined as right, not for what is politically correct or socially acceptable. We need individuals who have the spiritual, righteous influence that will motivate others to enduring good."

Richard G. Scott,, "Living Right," Ensign, Jan. 2007, 14

Topics: Courage

We All Seek for Joy and Happiness our Lives

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I recognize that most people fall into sexual sin in a misguided attempt to fulfill basic human needs. We all have a need to feel loved and worthwhile. We all seek to have joy and happiness in our lives. Knowing this, Satan often lures people into immorality by playing on their basic needs. He promises pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment. But this is, of course, a deception. As the writer of Proverbs says: 'Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul' (Prov. 6:32). "

Ezra Taft Benson, "The Law of chastity," New Era, Jan. 1988, 4–5

Topics:

Obedience Opens the Door

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the spiritual gifts and abilities activated by the power of the Holy Ghost enable us to avoid deception—and to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are."

David A. Bednar, "Things as They Really Are" Church Educational System fireside for young adults, May 3, 2009

Topics: Holy Ghost, Obedience

God Be Thanked for Wonderful Friends

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is important to know, when you feel down, that many others do also and that their circumstances are generally much worse than yours. And it's important to know that when one of us is down, it becomes the obligation of his friends to give him a lift."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Strengthening Each Other," Ensign, Feb. 1985, 4

Topics:

We Should Pray More Regularly

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"You who pray sometimes, why not pray more regularly, more often, more devoutly? Is time so precious, life so short, or faith so scant? . . . Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? . . . Do you just speak, or do you also listen? . . . Do you give thanks or merely ask for favors?"

Spencer W. Kimball, "Prayer, New Era," Mar. 1978, 17

Topics: Prayer

You Cannot Afford to Partake of Things that Weaken

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"No son or daughter of our Heavenly Father can afford to partake of things that will weaken the mind, the body, or the eternal spirit. These include drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and pornography. You cannot be involved in immoral activity. You cannot do these things and be valiant as warriors in the cause of the Lord in the great, everlasting contest that goes on for the souls of our Father's children."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "An Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured," Ensign, June 2007, 8

Topics:

Finding Happiness in Your Life

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. . . . All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Happily Ever After,” Ensign, May 2010, 127

Topics: Faith

Endure It Well

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 57

Topics: Patience

Prayers Must Be in Harmony with Heaven

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“For prayers to be efficacious, they must be in harmony with the plan of heaven. The prayer of faith bears fruit when such harmony exists, and this harmony exists when prayers are inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

Keith B. McMullin, “Our Path of Duty,” Ensign, May 2010, 15

Topics: Prayer

The Lord Trusts Us

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“This is the Lord’s Church. He called us and trusted us even in the weaknesses He knew we had. He knew the trials we would face. By faithful service and through His Atonement, we can come to want what He wants and be what we must be to bless those we serve for Him. As we serve Him long enough and with diligence, we will be changed. We can become ever more like Him.”

Henry B. Eyring, ”Act in all Diligence,” Ensign, May 2010, 62-63

Topics: Jesus Christ

You Are Not Alone

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Happily Ever After,” Ensign, May 2010, 126

Topics: Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father

A Great Beauty Secret

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“We have been taught that ‘the gift of the Holy Ghost . . . quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections. . . . It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features’ (Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, 10th ed. [1965], 101; emphasis added). Now, that is a great beauty secret!”

Elaine S. Dalton, ”Remember Who You Are!” Ensign, May 2010, 122

Topics: Holy Ghost

Your Own Conversion

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“In our world today, each child, each young man and young woman needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own ‘steadfast and immovable’ faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, independent of parents, youth leaders, and supportive friends.”

Neil L. Andersen, ”Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Ensign, May 2010, 108

Topics: Testimony

We Need to Be Watchful

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“As parents and leaders we need to watch over our members and families, helping them to stay away from those things that could lead them to a spiritual death. We also seek to rescue those who are now dead as to the things that are spiritual and help them to ‘be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters’ (Mosiah 27:25).”

Francisco J. Viñas, “Things Pertaining to Righteousness,” Ensign, May 2010, 106

Topics:

Keep Eternal Perspective

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, ‘all things [will] work together for good to [us] that love God.’ ”

James B. Martino, “All Things Will Work Together for Good,” Ensign, May 2010, 103

Topics: Adversity

Never Stop Trying

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“Brothers and sisters, in a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying.”

Bradley D. Foster, “Mother Told Me,” Ensign, May 2010, 99

Topics: Agency

In these Perilous Times

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

“In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God.”

Robert D. Hales, “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation,” Ensign, May 2010, 97

Topics: Ordinances and Covenants

God’s Love Is Infinite

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

“We teach that God’s love for His children is infinite. Regardless of race, nationality, or gender, He loves all of them. He has done so from the beginning and will continue to do so. He invites all to gain eternal exaltation for their family.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Generations Linked in Love,” Ensign, May 2010, 91

Topics: Family

The Purpose of Life

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

“To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life. The dim light of belief must yield to the noonday sun of revelation, by which we know that we lived before our birth into mortality.”

Thomas S. Monson, “He is Risen!” Ensign, May 2010, 88

Topics: Purpose of Mortality

Become More Like Christ

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

“The Savior taught us to love even our enemies. The vast majority of our members heed this counsel. Yet there are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught.”

Quentin L. Cook, “We Follow Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2010, 84-85

Topics: Example

An Invitation to Know the Savior

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

“What does it mean to seek the face of the Savior? Surely it means more than just recognizing His picture. Christ’s invitation to seek Him is an invitation to know who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has asked us to do. Coming to Christ, and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions. It comes through a lifetime of effort.”

Cheryl C. Lant, “That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior,” Ensign, May 2010, 81

Topics: Jesus Christ