Our Pioneer Ancestors

“We each can learn much from our early pioneer ancestors, whose struggles and heartaches were met with resolute courage and an abiding faith in a living God. … Youth and children were among the thousands who pulled and pushed handcarts. . . I think that there is not a member of this Church today who has not been touched by the accounts of the early pioneers. Those who did so much for the good of all surely had as their objective to inspire faith. They met the goal in a magnificent manner.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Our Honored Pioneer Heritage,” New Era, July 2011. 

Keep an Eternal Perspective

“I would admonish you to maintain an eternal perspective. Make certain that the marriage in your future is a temple marriage. There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial job. Be alert; do not permit temptation to rob you of this blessing.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Whom Shall I Marry?” New Era, Oct. 2004, 6. 

Trials

President Thomas S. Monson reminds us that “life was never intended to consist of a glut of luxury, be an easy course, or filled only with success. There are those games which we lose, those races in which we finish last, and those promotions which never come. Such experiences provide an opportunity for us to show our determination and to rise above disappointment.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Go For It!” Ensign, May  1989, 44. 

It Takes Courage

“It takes courage to gather children from whatever they’re doing and kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that evening for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid over-scheduling so that your family can be home for dinner.”

Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” 100.

Children's Consequences

 “If we attempt to mitigate or erase the consequences of our children’s choices, our children may have a difficult time understanding and following divine laws.”

Mark D. Ogletree, “Helping Without Hovering,” Ensign, Mar 2012, 12. 

Gifts on Condition of Obedience

“Just as God has bestowed some gifts on all of His mortal children without requiring their personal obedience to His laws, parents provide many benefits like housing and food even if their children are not in total harmony with all parental requirements. But, following the example of an all-wise and loving Heavenly Father who has given laws and commandments for the benefit of His children, wise parents condition some parental gifts on obedience.”

 Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 28.

Work

Elder D. Todd Christofferson has explained that work can even help our children negotiate some of life’s pain and discouragement: “By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character [and] creates beauty.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecreated Life,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 17.