Not a List of Deposits

It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," Ensign, Nov. 2000

Put God First in Your Life

“Sisters, of all your associations, it is your relationship with God, your Heavenly Father, who is the source of your moral power, that you must always put first in your life. Remember that Jesus’s power came through His single-minded devotion to the will of the Father. … Strive to be that kind of disciple of the Father and the Son, and your influence will never fade.

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Moral Force of Women,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 29, 31.

Finding Purpose and Meaning

“Not long ago, one of my children said, ‘Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.’ The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance,” Ensign,May 1987, 16.

Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?

Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?

“He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

“What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Love of God,” Liahona and Ensign,Nov. 2009, 22–23.

James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

This passage provides a great insight into the kind of relationship each of us should have with our Father in Heaven. Indeed, this verse expresses the tender mercies and inclinations of our loving Father toward a son who came to Him with a question. The Father does not generally answer prayers with visions, as He did in the Sacred Grove, but He does provide answers that bring much comfort and peace. Such is His promise to us—to give liberally and not upbraid, or chastise.

Elder Michael John U. Teh, "Confidence in the Presence of God," Ensign, Jan 2009, 28. 

God's Love and the Book of Moses

"One of the most beautiful of all the apostolic lessons that came to Joseph Smith in this revelation [Book of Moses] was the confirmation of God’s love. It was so different from the harsh, unforgiving, and judgmental personage so many believed God to be..."

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, "Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Jan 2009, 21. 

Does God Know me, and is He Aware of my Circumstances in Life?

“Whether is it the best of times or the worst of times, He is with us. He has promised that this will never change. . . . May we have a commitment to our Heavenly Father that does not ebb and flow with the years of the crises of our lives. We should not need to experience difficulties for us to remember Him, and we should not be driven to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. May we ever strive to be close to our Heavenly Father. To do so, we must pray to Him and listen to Him every day. We truly need Him every hour, whether they be hours or sunshine or of rain. May His promise ever be our watchword: ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee’ [Joshua 1:5].”

President Thomas S. Monson, “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee,” Ensign, Nov 2013, 87. 

Disappointment of Shattered Dreams

 “At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. . . . If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in Faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90. 

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