When Prayers Go Unanswered...You Can Pray:

“I don’t understand, but I know that You do. I love You and I trust You. Please guide me to know how to do what I must do.”

Diane Terry Woolf, "Putting My Hand in the Lord's," Ensign, Jan 2009, 37. 

Don't Shrink From Your Duty

After the tar and feathering...

"I cannot begin to imagine the pain and discomfort the Prophet Joseph must have endured. He had ample excuse not to preach the following morning, but this and many other experiences of similar or worse consequence did not cause him to shrink from his responsibility. How, then, can we feel justified if we shrink from our duty because of a minor discomfort or inconvenience?"

Elder Michael John U. Teh, "Confidence in the Presence of God," Ensign, Jan 2009, 30. 

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. 

Each Can Return

 "From studying the promises of Malachi, Moroni’s initial visit with Joseph, the Savior’s words to the Nephites, and the visit of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, I learn that God loves His children and has provided a way for each to return to Him."

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, "Joseph Smith: An Apostle of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Jan 2009, 22. 

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. 

The Foundation for Every Important Decision

“The foundation for every important decision and choice you will make is your testimony of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith."

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 2, 4.

How can I make family home evening a priority?

“While you are working to strengthen your family and cultivate peace, remember … weekly family home evening. Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day. Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,”Ensign, Nov. 2014, 94.