Holy Ghost

#1. "Revelations from the Father and the Son are conveyed through the Holy Ghost. He is the messenger for and the witness of the Father and the Son." (Receive the Holy Ghost - David A. Bednar)
The Holy Ghost is a spiritual communicator for our Father and Heaven and Jesus Christ. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at baptism we are given the special communication that God uses to help us. He also bears witness to us when things are of God to help us discern truth from error.

#2."Through the power of the Holy Ghost, sincere investigators can acquire a conviction of the truthfulness of the Savior’s gospel, of the Book of Mormon, of the reality of the Restoration, and of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith." (Receive the Holy Ghost - David A. Bednar)
The wonderful power of the Holy Ghost does not only apply to those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but to all those who desire a witness of the restoration of Christ's gospel on this earth. It is through this special witness that investigators are able to discern the truthfulness of this gospel.

#3. "The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that 'baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered. The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, cannot be received through the medium of any other principle than the principle of righteousness'". (Receive the Holy Ghost - David A. Bednar)
The Holy Ghost is a true gift from God. It is such a special gift that only through righteousness are we able to have His company in our life. He can guide us in our every decision and witness to us that which is true and righteous in the world. It is only through baptism though that we a guaranteed his constant company in our life. 

#4. "These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon." (Receive the Holy Ghost - David A. Bednar)
Worthy priesthood holders have the capability to act in Gods name and bestow upon someone, clean from baptism, the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. It is not just some random prayer that God can choose to do or not to do, but it is an act of literally blessing someone with the new gift of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. 

#5. "President Wilford Woodruff called the gift of the Holy Ghost the greatest gift we can receive in mortality" ("Always Have His Spirit - Dallin H. Oaks)
To have that witness and that messenger of God always with us to testify of Him and to guide us in our life the way He want us to live is the greatest company we could ever pray for. The holy Ghost will never lead us astray of confuse us, but can guarantee guidance and peace in our life. If we live righteous lives we can always count on his help.

#6." The Holy Ghost is the means by which God inspires and reveals his will to his children" ("Always Have His Spirit - Dallin H. Oaks)
It is through the Holy Ghost that God is able to communicate to us. God gives us so much, everything He does is for our benefit. He wanted a way for his faithful servants to hear Him and because of that He gave us the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. It is through the still small voice and impressions of the Holy Ghost we are able to have the communication from God of what we are meant to do on this earth. 

#7. " We teach the gospel as we are directed by the Holy Ghost, which carries our words into the hearts of those we teach" ("Always Have His Spirit - Dallin H. Oaks)
It is through the guidance and power of the Holy Ghost that we should teach others for it is in that moment that we can truly communicate the feelings of our hearts. When we humbly use the guidance of the Holy Ghost we will be able to touch the heart of those we speak to. He will witness to them that which we are saying is true. It is the power of God working in both people that testify's of the restoration of Christ's doctrine. 

#8. "The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: 'You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.'" (That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us - David A Bednar)
We have a remission of our sins when we are baptized, but how are we to go about doing the Lord's will without the guidance of the Holy Ghost. He will press upon us that which the Lord would have us do, and steer us away from that which God does not want us to do. If we live righteously, this will ensure our freedom from Satan's snares and guide us into everlasting joy.

#9. "As we gain experience with the Holy Ghost, we learn that the intensity with which we feel the Spirit’s influence is not always the same." (That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us - David A Bednar)
We need to come to know of how the Holy Ghost guides us, for it varies. Sometimes it is strong impressions whereas other times it is nothing but a still small voice, one that we need to keenly listen for. We also need to understand that just because we live our life more righteously doesn't mean that we will get greater and stronger impressions. e works at different times in different ways so that we learn to listen and obey no matter how he communicates to us. 

#10. "The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing."(That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us - David A Bednar)
This is how the Holy Ghost communicates to us. There is no gray area, it is either black or white; he is either with us or he's not. We need his constant companionship in our life if we desire to go about the Lord's errand every day. With that being said, we need to live righteously, to be worthy of his guidance and to live with assurance that which the Lord wants from us. Heavenly Father loves us so much. He sent His son to Atone for us and to live so righteously so that we may learn the ways that our He desires for us to be. And so we are sure of what He wants from us, He gave us the Holy Ghost. It is his greatest desire that we listen so that we may fulfill the divine purpose that he gave us for this life. 

Faith

#1. "It is faith that is the converter. It is faith that is the teacher." (The Miracle of Faith - Gordon B. Hinckley)
Faith is complete trust in God. It is what drives us to do better, to be better. Faith, personal trust in Heavenly Father, is what bring about those moments that witness to our souls that He does exist. It is the converter as well as the teacher as we try to understand the purpose behind personal events and the mysteries of God. Faith is that which changes our belief to assurance. 

#2.  "It all comes of the gift of faith, bestowed by the Almighty upon His children who doubt not and fear not, but go forward." (The Miracle of Faith - Gordon B. Hinckley) 
We must be relentless in our faith in God and Jesus Christ. We must stand strong in all that we believe in so we can rise up against the days when the storms beat upon us. With faith we are made fearless and are able to more of His work done for the sake of the saints. 

#3. "Faith is the basis of testimony. Faith underlies loyalty to the Church. Faith represents sacrifice, gladly given in moving forward the work of the Lord." (The Miracle of Faith- Gordon B Hinckley)
Faith revels how we will respond with our testimony in any situation. Faith is moving forward without the constant guidance from God. He wants to see what we do with our agency and if we're obedient to His commandments, but when we prove true He is so proud. Our faith will always bring us answers in the Lord's time. 

#4. "The Lord has commanded us to take upon ourselves 'the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked'"- (The Miracle of Faith - Gordon B. Hinckley)
I believe this really means to stand as a witness of God wherever we may be. If we stand strong in the faith of Hid protection and guidance, He will always be there for us and no matter the situation, we will be able to stand strong. We cannot ever falter though, He needs us to be strong in the faith that we already know so that we may teach others the way of truth and light. 

#5. "God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life." (The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
We are each capable of obtaining and holding faith in Him. It is so because He is so; He exists and He loves us. But with that love He does not give us everything we want exactly when we want it. We a driven to find purpose if we have faith in Him that all things will work out. This brings us joy and peace and great self-worth when we accomplish great faith in the Lord. 

#6. " There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises." (The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
This is the basis of the faith of the church. There is nothing more stable that we can obtain in our lives than the knowledge that God loves us, that He has a plan for our lives, and that we believe that Christ will fulfill all of His promises that He has ever made. The knowledge of these truths will be sustaining and supporting facts that will help us overcome any darts of the adversary.

#7. " However, faith is not illusion nor magic but a power rooted in eternal principles. "
(The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
Faith is not some unattainable belief  in mystical, magical things, it is real. It is having the surety and strength in the principles of this gospel. It is a great power to have faith; with faith we can make a positive influence in the progression of this gospel. 

#8. "You will gather the fruits of faith as you follow the principles God has established for its use." (The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
The use that God has established for us to exercise faith is trust that He will help us, obeying His commandments, being sensitive to the Spirit and being patient when God lets you struggle so you can grow. We are to be tested to try our faith to see if it's strong to stand in any situation; it needs to be strong enough in every situation. 

#9."The consistent, willing exercise of faith increases your confidence and ability to employ the power of faith." (The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
I just love how faith works! It is ever progressive and continuously builds when we exercise it. We should pray for moments to grow, moments to test our faith so that it builds and we are better able to handle every situation. It is a humbling thing when you are able to overcome a trial on faith. It builds the confidence in yourself as well as the trust that you gain in Heavenly Father.  

#10." With consistent practice, faith will become a vibrant, powerful, uplifting, inspiring force in your life." (The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing-Richard G. Scott)
Faith is a true power that can work within us. It is so calming to obtain faith and have an understanding that every trail we face is for our benefit. He loves us and wants us to return to Him, but He wants us to be truly converted. He wants us to obtain the pure knowledge that He is our Father and that Christ is our Savior and that through them and because of them, we can obtain everlasting life. 

Forgiveness

#1. "As we accept His ways and overcome our pride by softening our hearts, we can bring reconciliation and forgiveness into our families and our personal lives. God will help us to be more forgiving, to be more willing to walk the second mile, to be first to apologize even if something wasn’t our fault, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf - One Key to a Happy Family)

What Elder Utchdorf said is a promise that the Lord gives us if we give up our pride and soften our hearts. Peace will enter our homes and every moment that we go about life. With a softened heart He will help us see others the way He sees them which in turn will direct our lives with more kindness. He will guide us with light if we so choose to let Him do so.

#2. “The Savior offered Himself as ransom for our sins. Through Him we gain forgiveness.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf - One Key to a Happy Family)

 It is because of the Savior that I am able to receive forgiveness for all of my stupid mistakes. That in itself is selfless love, love that I didn't earn and that I don't deserve, but He did it because despite everything I've done, He still loves me. Forgiveness is the mercy of His perfect love and because of Him I can right all the wrongs I have done.

#3. "Forgiveness connects principles, it connects people. It is a key, it opens locked doors, it is the beginning of an honest path, and it is one of our best hopes for a happy family." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf - One Key to a Happy Family)

Forgiveness allows one to let go of the pain that hardens our hearts. People make mistakes and if we wish to be like Christ, we can't hold them to their mistakes. He doesn't and neither should we. The greatest thing is if we let go, honesty and faith is able to enter our hearts and we are then healed from the pains that others may cause. 

#4. “There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life—either our mistakes or the mistakes of others. It is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ.” (Jeffery R. Holland-The Best is Yet to Be)

 The Atonement was all for the remission, the forgiveness, of our sins. Elder Holland speaks truth that to hold onto our mistakes or the mistakes of others is not Christian, it  is not what our Savior went through so much pain for. He sacrificed Himself for our sakes so that we may be forgiven and that we may have the capacity to forgive others. Forgiveness opens the grand possibility of true happiness.

#5. “Forgive and do that which is sometimes harder than to forgive: forget. And when it comes to mind again, forget it again.” (Jeffery R. Holland-The Best is Yet to Be)

Forgetting is the hardest part of forgiving. It's just not in the nature of the natural man to do so, but we must rise above that and continue forward with a faith in the future. If we put our trust in Him with an understanding that everything happens for a reason, then we will better understand the purpose behind every moment we are hurt. The greatest growth though is when we do finally forget.  

#6. “Certainly not everything we struggle with is a result of our actions. Often it is the result of the actions of others or just the mortal events of life. But anything we can change we should change, and we must forgive the rest.” (Jeffery R. Holland-Broken Things to Mend) 

Not everything is our own fault, but no matter who's fault it is, we must let go. If it is in our power to change the wrong, then do so, but all in all we need to just forgive and forget. Others make mistakes just like we do and their judgement will come by God, just as ours will, but it is not up to us to hold others sins against them .Forgiving an forgetting is the best way to heal. 

#7. "If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being." (The Healing Power of Forgiveness- James E. Faust)

Forgiving another is like letting go of a 100 lb sack. It relieves that stress and anxiety and the renewed strength comes from finding great purpose and self-esteem. Hardened hearts also lessen our ability to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and instead of making wholesome and directed decisions, we become lost and distant. Forgiveness is never easy, but it is always worth it.

#8. “Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”  (The Healing Power of Forgiveness - James E. Faust)
I absolutely love this quote. It's hard to put into words the emotions that come with with he said. But all in all, forgiveness is a freeing power. It just allows you to do so much more in progressing with the gospel and your relationship with Heavenly Father. We each have the power to forgive anything wrong that has happened in our lives, it's up to us if we wish to do so. 

#9. "Some hold grudges for a lifetime, unaware that courageously forgiving those who have wronged us is wholesome and therapeutic." (The Healing Power of Forgiveness-James E. Faust)
The greatest therapy is to rid of wrong that others do to us. When we rid of grudges, that space of anger and hatred is replaced with peace. It does take courage to let go of those feeling unaware if we'll be able to move on, but if we rely on the Lord, he will bless us. He is so pleased when we let go and forgive those who have done wrong.

#10. "It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us." (The Healing Power of Forgiveness - James E. Faust)
It's easier to harbor the grudges we have against others and not forgive. It takes a sincere desire to want to change to ask Heavenly Father to bless you with the power to forgive when we've harbored the feeling of them being the one who is wrong.. To hurt another is very wrong, but it is also wrong to not forgive. The Savior's sacrifice is a beautiful thing for us to be able to forgive and be forgiven. 

Service

#1. "Years later, as a mature servant of the Lord, Elder Hinckley would say, 'He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.'” (Unselfish Service- Dallin H. Oaks)
Service gives life to both those who are served and those who serve; it's so great how it helps both parties. I think with each of us being born with the light of Christ, we see that light in our self resurface when we do His work. All that the Savior did was teach through  the power of service. There is nothing in this world that does more good for mankind than service.

#2. “An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master,” President Monson said. “He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ (Unselfish Service - Dallin H. Oaks)
Like I said above, the Savior's life was all about service. It is giving up our precious and limited time that constitutes as unselfish love. He lived to love and wanted others to feel of that power too. We can feel of what the Savior did when we choose to give service to all on this earth.

#3. "A familiar example of losing ourselves in the service of others—this one not unique to Latter-day Saints—is the sacrifice parents make for their children." (Unselfish Service - Dallin H. Oaks)
The service that good parents give to their children is indescribable. I know I am so grateful for all the sacrifice and love my parents gave to ensure my happiness. When a married couple has children is is their choice as to what level they will serve their children, but being the child of great parents, I know that there is nothing more precious to a child than quality wholesome time with their mom and dad.

#4. "It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today." (Finding Joy Through Loving Service - M. Russell Ballard)
This is where pure and humble service comes from - a true love and relationship with God and Christ. Christ left this earth, but He still serves us today from above and I know without a doubt that if He were walking on this earth, He would give all that He had to serve each of us everyday. Just think of the change the world would have if everyone lived that way; it would be miraculous.

#5. "Another way we can serve Heavenly Father’s children is through missionary service—not only as full-time missionaries but also as friends and neighbors." (Finding Joy Through Loving Service - M. Russell Ballard)
To share the gospel is the greatest service. If you want to show your love to one of God's children, share the gospel. If you care for others salvation and understanding and happiness, share this true and everlasting gospel. It comes with being a friend unto others and then expressing that love by sharing with them the doctrine of Christ.

#6. "In all of our service, we need to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The still, small voice will let us know who needs our help and what we can do to help them." (Finding Joy Through Loving Service - M. Russell Ballard)
 The most effective service comes from listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. If we desire and search for service opportunities, the Lord will provide them and we will be blessed to act as an instrument in His hands. We must keep ourselves in tune with the Spirit though if we wish to be granted with opportunities by following the commandments of God. This will give us the greatest service moments.

#7. "President Spencer W. Kimball said: 'It is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. … So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving … help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow … from small but deliberate deeds!'" (Finding Joy Through Loving Service- M. Russell Ballard)
Our acts of service should be with purpose and drive to make a difference. They should be set with a fire to really make an impact on another's life. The small acts are meaningful, but what greater of a difference would we make if we really tried to help another.

#8. "This is the service that counts, brethren—the service to which all of us have been called, the service of the Lord Jesus Christ." (The Service That Counts - Thomas S. Monson)
To act in the Lord's name to make a difference as He would is that which makes Him so happy. To act with humble service is the type of individuals that God needs in order to truly help His children. We as members of His church need to take this in all serious and act now. There is no time to procrastinate, our lives are short and should be fulfilling the purposes of God.  

#9. "To all who go forth in His service, He provides this assurance: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'" (The Service That Counts - Thomas S. Monson)
The Lord provides for those who serve His children. He provides them with love and uplifts them because they live in good-standing with God. There is no reason whatsoever to not serve when the promise of God is that he'll continuously provide for those who serve His children.

#10. "While driving to the office one morning, I passed a dry-cleaning establishment which had a sign by the side of the front door. It read, 'It’s the Service That Counts.'" (The Service That Counts - Thomas S. Monson)
It is this sign that President Monson based his whole talk around. I like that it's simple but you can draw so many thoughts and depth from it. It is the service that counts in this life. If we desire to be like our Savior, we must continuously do service. I feel that above all, this is what He asks of us. He just wants us to be happy, and this is the key to daily and eternal joy. Pure service and love.

Missionary Work

#1. "We must prepare ourselves to assist the missionaries in finding those of our Heavenly Father’s children who will embrace the message of the Restoration." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work-M. Russell Ballard) 

I like how this quote is about how important it is to have the members actually prepare themselves so that they may better our faith and testimony and open ourselves to greater promptings to find more investigators. The members are great advocates in helping the missionaries for they have already helped on the first step, telling someone about it and gaining their interest. If we desire to support the missionaries and to have this work progress, we each need to do our part and prepare ourselves just like those man and women do. 

#2. "We don’t expect them to be perfect, but they need to be anxious, willing, and committed to serve so they can reach new levels of spirituality as gospel teachers." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

The role of a missionary is a special one. They aren't expected to be perfect, but they are expected to do there best. Not strictly in just following rules, but anxiously engaged in educating themselves in the gospel so that they may better teach others of the doctrine of Christ. If this be there drive, they will reach new levels of spirituality.

#3. "They need to know the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach it with power in their own words under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

The point of missionary work is to declare that Christ's church has once again returned to the earth. Missionaries only teach though, they don't convert, that is why they need the company of the Holy Spirit. Daily preparation invites the Spirit to accompany every righteous endeavor of the day and with that,the missionaries are able to convert many. 

#4. "Missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks. It does require faith—real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires genuine love." (The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work - M. Russell Ballard)

Faith is what we each rely on. It is true faith that'll bring the guidance of our loving Father in Heaven. Missionaries have to wonderful opportunity to teach the basic truth that the gospel has been restored no matter their worldly status. This true faith, accompanied with genuine love like unto Christ, is all that this marvelous work requires.

#5. "You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the restoration…missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage." ( Becoming a Missionary – David A. Bednar) 

We are each missionaries to declare the honest truth of the restoration of the gospel. If we hold a testimony, be it large or small, we need to share it. However it may be through our actions and words, we need to declare His everlasting and pure and true doctrine. This should be the desires of our heart for it is the desires of God's.  

#6. "We are missionaries every day in our families, in our schools, in our places of employment, and in our communities. Regardless of our age, experience, or station in life, we are all missionaries."  ( Becoming a Missionary – David A. Bednar)

How we are is a testimony of our faith. People are watching, and those who are looking for light will be looking for a good person who shines a little brighter because of the truth's they know. If we each take upon ourselves to be that example, we will make a difference. No matter who we may be to the world, we can always be an example in the ways of Christ. 

#7. "Line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little you can gradually become the missionary you hope to be and the missionary the Savior expects." (Becoming a Missionary- David A. Bednar) 

Becoming a member missionary does not happen overnight, and neither does it come without effort, but everyday while trying to do better and learn more, we will become the missionary that Christ needs. He knows our potential so if all seems to be failing, we can always rely on Him. It should be our top priority to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ and to help others achieve that as well.

#8. "Valuable missionary service is not difficult because it can be carried out in the normal routine of your daily life." 
Living the standards of the gospel isn't hard work. It's simple and uplifting, both things that people search their whole lives for, but are too stubborn to believe that it is anything as simply living like Christ. The hard part is getting over the fact that you aren't like others, that you're different and that you're an example and making a difference. The hard part is no making good choices, it's getting over fear.

#9. "Missionary work is not limited to proclaiming the gospel to..people now living on the earth. [it] is also continuing beyond the veil among [those] who have died either without hearing the gospel or without accepting it while they lived on the earth." (Why Every Member a Missionary - Richard G. Scott)

Doing family history work is so rewarding and affects those whom we care about on the other side. They need the gospel too and desire the opportunity to accept the ordinances that we can take out here on earth. For those who wish to take their member missionary work to a new level, do family history work, get to know from whom you came from, and do their work to help them receive eternal salvation.

#10. "There is no greater work than that of missionary work….there is nothing so wonderful-nothing-as tasting the joy and success of missionary labors" ( The Joy of Serving a Mission – Elder Legrand Richards)

This stands so true. How great is our joy when we share the gospel with others, and even better, how great is the joy of our Heavenly Father. He loves every soul on this earth so much and wants everyone to return to Him and to find that eternal joy while they are here, but He needs those who know the truth to proclaim the truth. It is time to forget ourselves and do the work.