Change the World

 “Remember who you are.” “Work hard.” “Train for adversity.” “Dream big.” “Winners do not always finish first.” “Run into your marathon of faith and life. Don’t get discouraged by the hills, but see that opportunity in adversity. Go with a sure foot and a sure knowledge that you are never alone. . . . I truly believe that one virtuous young man or young woman led by the Spirit can change the world.”

Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president, BYU-Hawaii graduation commencement address, April 14, 2012.

Give Service

Elder D. Todd Christofferson stressed the need for students to give service throughout their lives. “Service will be your antidote against selfishness and the sense of entitlement that more and more afflict societies around the world. . . . Your service will bless others, but it will also protect you,” he said.

Graduation Commencement address at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2012. 

Martin's Faithfulness

“What do we learn from this example? (1) Witnesses are important, and the testimony of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon is impressive and reliable. (2) Happiness and spiritual progress lie in following the leaders of the Church. (3) There is hope for each of us, even if we have sinned and strayed from a favored position.

“The Lord’s invitation is warm and loving. ‘Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the saints.’”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Witness: Martin Harris,” Ensign, May 1999, 37. 

How Do We Coupe With Grief?

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed this question in his October 2006 general conference address:

“I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday [when the Savior was crucified] was the darkest.

“But the doom of that day did not endure.

“The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.

“And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filed the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence. . . .

“Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished.”

“Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 30. 

But If Not

“The faithful will not be totally immune from the events on this planet. Thus the courageous attitudes of imperiled Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are worthy of emulation. They knew that God could rescue them. ‘But it not,’ they vowed, they would still serve God anyway (see Daniel 3:16-18).”

Elder Neal A Maxwell (1926-2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Encircled in the Arms of His Love,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 17. 

Invite the Class to Live a Principle

“So if as teachers we want the Spirit to be more evident in our classroom, we simply need to invite class members to live a principle of the gospel more fully. When we commit to live a gospel principle more fully, we draw nearer to God and God draws nearer to us (see D&C 88:63).”

Russell T. Osguthorpe, “The Lesson Is Inside The Learner,” Ensign, Jul 2012, 32-33. 

Learn Through the Spirit

“Great gospel teachers recognize that they are not actually the teachers at all. The gospel is taught and learned through the Spirit. Without the Spirit, the teaching of gospel truths cannot lead to learning (see D&C 42:14). The more the teacher gives inspired invitations to act, the more the Spirit will be present during the lesson.”

Russell T. Osguthorpe, “The Lesson Is Inside The Learner,” Ensign, Jul 2012, 32. 

Teach Doctrine

 “Doctrine is the key to effective gospel learning and teaching. It unlocks hearts. It unlocks minds. It opens the way for the Spirit of God to inspire and edify everyone present.”

Russell T. Osguthorpe, “The Lesson Is Inside The Learner,” Ensign, Jul 2012, 32. 

Teach With Clarity and Conviction

“When the doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are taught with clarity and conviction, the Lord strengthens both learner and teacher.

Russell T. Osguthorpe, “The Lesson Is Inside the Learner,” Ensign, Jul 2012, 32. 

Teach With Love

“When love is our motive, the Lord will strengthen us to accomplish His purposes to help His children. He will inspire us with what we as teachers need to say and how we should say it.”

Russell T. Osguthorpe, “The Lesson Is Inside The Learner,” Ensign, Jul 2012, 32. 

The Best is Yet to Come

“We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Best is Yet to Be,” Ensign, Jan. 2010, 24. 

Someone Always Cares

 “At times some may think that no one cares—but someone always cares! Your Heavenly Father will not leave you to struggle along, but stands ever ready to help.”

Thomas S. Monson