Eternal Marriage

#1. "One of the most beautiful, comforting doctrines of the Lord—one that brings immense peace, happiness, and unbounded joy—is that principle called eternal marriage." (Receive the Temple Blessings-Richard G. Scott) 

 It is truly a blessing that God gives us the privilege to live forever with someone whom we've determined to be our other half, our partner, and best friend. This blessing also seals the family together forever so that, if our lives are righteously lived, we can spend eternity with our posterity. I am grateful for the temple and it's ability to provide those sealing blessings so that I may spend forever with my future husband.

#2. "As you seek an eternal companion, look for someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness: a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others, and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home." (Receive the Temple Blessings-Richard G. Scott) 

Eternally happy marriages and families are ones that place the Lord first. The principles of His doctrine preach of light and truth and brings happiness to ones soul which in turn, bring happiness to others. It is known that the only way to eternal joy is God's way so while we each try to find someone to spend forever with, we need to prepare ourselves so that we may find someone who's desires match that of our own so that we stay focused on the goal of having a successful eternal marriage.

#3. "If you are single and haven’t identified a solid prospect for celestial marriage, live for it. Pray for it. Expect it in the timetable of the Lord." (Receive the Temple Blessings-Richard G. Scott)

I really do desire a successful and eternal marriage, one that I have the greatest respect for because he has the greatest respect for me. I truly do desire this and so I am trying to be better at spiritually preparing myself for someone who has the same goals as I do. I know that he'll be great and is preparing himself right now as well and when we do get married, we will have the drive to move forward in the work of the Lord.

#4." One who destroys a marriage takes upon himself a very great responsibility indeed. Marriage is sacred!" (Marriage-Boyd K. Packer)

In the world today, marriage is considered as a second-hand thing; only something that romantics meddle with. It is not. Marriage is sacred and is a wonderful privilege given by our Heavenly Father to progress and create our own righteous family. Marriage is not to be taken lightly; it is a serious thing to righteously commit your life to someone whom you think will move you to be a better person for the rest of eternity.

#5. "Marriage is the shelter where families are created." (Marriage-Boyd K. Packer) 

There is order to everything that God establishes and one of the greatest establishments he has made is that of a family. Marriage comes first, and then the wonderful blessing of a family comes next, but it is the foundation of a marriage that ultimately sets the direction for the family. The choice of our eternal spouse is so important to our salvation as well as our children.

#6. "Some marriages do bend, and some will break, but we must not, because of this, lose faith in marriage nor become afraid of it. Broken marriages are not typical." (Marriage-Boyd K.  Packer)                I feel that this quote applies to so many people. Marriage will always be a wonderful thing, but many become weary and lose faith in that special and binding power because they were hurt by another.If we rely on the Lord, He will remove those feelings from us, but then we must put forth the faith in Him that everything happens for a reason and understand that He will help us find love again.

#7. "Celestial marriage, ordained by God and performed by his authority in his holy temples, is eternal, and couples so united are sealed for time and all eternity, and their children are born in the covenant of the everlasting gospel. They will be an eternal family according to their faithfulness." (Celestial Marriages and Eternal Families- N. EldonTanner)

The temple is the only place that can provide the sacred sealing powers of an eternal, celestial marriage. With this comes the joy of not only living with your spouse for eternity, but with your children as well. Being married in the temple though is not the only step to living together forever, but each member of the family needs to remain committed to keeping the Lord's commandments. 

#8. "Make yourself worthy of the loveliest girl in all the world. Keep yourself worthy through all the days of your life." (Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry - Gordon B. Hinckley)

Although I am looking for a guy, I think this quote applies to everyone. I desire to have a strong priesthood holder who dedicates His life to serving God; only those in likeness attract and so I realize that if that is who I desire, that is who I need to be. In turn he will be searching for me and in the Lord's time will we find each other.

#9. "The sweet companionship of eternal marriage is one of the greatest blessings God has granted to His children." (Valued Companions-Joseph B. Wirthlin)

Eternal marriage is a wonderful blessing. It gives us a companion that will stand by us in every situation, forever.  God understand how much happiness this brings and wants His children to have the chance to partake in those blessings so He has provided a way through His holy temples for us to do so. It is truly a blessing to be living in these latter-days where I get to make those sacred covenants in the temple, with my best friend, him and I forever. 

#10. "[The] proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship." (Celestial Marriage - Russell M. Nelson)

I know that marriage is a sacred ordinance that God has given to His children to be happy. Although it is hard at times to uphold everything that the Lord requires from us and that of a marriage, He will always provide away if we live worthily. He hears our prayers and desires that we find Him so in turn we find happiness, so that in turn our families are forever happy. These are the desires He has for us. I know it with all my heart.

Pornography

#1.“Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind, heart, and the soul of any who use it.” (Richard G. Scott-Sanctity of Woman)

The body is a precious gift that God gave to each spirit being that chose to follow His son, Jesus Christ. We should not abuse this gift in any way. Pornography plagues the mind and overwhelms the brain with unrighteous thoughts where there could be room to think about scholarly and uplifting things. Any form of pornography should be avoided and removed from our lives. To view another in such a state is to mock our Father in Heaven that His precious gift of blood and bone is nothing more than an item of entertainment. People mean more than that to Him and should mean more to each of us. 

#2. "It is interesting that people who are involved with pornography often assume a false identity and hides their participation. They mask their conduct, which they know is reprehensible and destructive to everyone they care about." (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Each of us have the light of Christ within us that guides us to understand right from wrong. It is a peculiar thing that those who use pornography hide there addiction, almost like a silent manifestation that they are choosing wrong. Being secretive then not only harms their soul and confidence, but others who are important to them as well. Pornography is destructive, bottom line.

#3. "Pornography is a plague that is detrimental not only to a person’s moral standing with God, but it can also destroy marriages and families and has an adverse impact on society" (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Just like a plague wipes out several lives, so does one user of pornography negatively affect several other lives. Not only are they abusing their relationship with Heavenly Father, but this destructive behavior will destroy those who are near close and trust that you have a pure heart and good intent. This impact destroys families and societies and all because of a single person's choice to give into that terrible temptation.

#4. “Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome.” (Priesthood Power-Thomas S. Monson)

Physical addictions are terribly difficult to overcome, but addictions of the mind are far worse. With physical addictions, you can visually watch the change and difference your body goes through, but with the mind it's not as clear and with pornography being so easily available to access, it's harder to avoid. Just don't ever go there initially. Overcome the natural man and rise above the ways of the world.

#5. “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and … the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.” (Thomas S. Monson-Priesthood Power)

Access to the priesthood power are unavailable to those who are not living the principles of righteousness. Those who obtain such a power should understand its capabilities and how they are not to be trifled with. The priesthood is a privilege, you must earn the right to possess it. Those who are not living in accordance to its law do not get to administer its power.

#6. “Those involved with pornography or any other form of immorality are acting out a different role from what they really want to be or should be.” (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

It is not in the plan for our life to sin, or specifically, view pornography  That is not a part of the plan of happiness whatsoever. Not ever for a "every now and again enjoyment". Immorality does not bring true and everlasting joy, it does not work in accordance to our purpose in the world, it is not of God. 

#7. “It is ridiculous to imply that pornography has no effect. There is a definite relationship to crime. Murder, robbery, rape, prostitution, and commercialized vice are fed on this immorality. Sex statistics seem to reflect a relationship between crime and pornography.” (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Pornography is of Satan and his attempt to distract us from our good purpose on this earth. When we are trapped in his snare, he will tempt us even stronger with other acts of sin. When we justify one sin, we get into the habit and begin to justify others. This in no way will bring joy to our souls. To say that pornography has no effect is a disgusting lie that many have convinced themselves of.

#8. "Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values. Some TV programs and Internet sites are equally lethal. These evil forces remove light and hope from the world.” (Let There Be Light-Quentin L. Cook)

With pornography being easily welcomed into the society of today, us and our loved ones are in immediate danger of its destruction. This will only begin the uprooting of other once strong moral values. We must avoid pornography. It just doesn't make sense that any being who desires true joy would choose moral destruction. If light and purpose be the desire of your heart, which I know it is for everyone, choose not to allow any type of pornography into your life.

#9. “Pornography and perversion have become so commonplace in our lives that the sources of this material are everywhere. I have found pornographic magazines by the roadside and in dumps. We need to talk to our children and explain how evil these things are and encourage them to avoid looking at them when they come across them” (Rise Up, Oh Men of God-Gordon B. Hinckley)

Pornography has worked its way into our society too easily and is now available even with just the click of a mouse. I know from and experience my younger brother had how plaguing those images are to the mind when he happened to come across a magazine that was thrown in the dumpster at the church. He felt sick and didn't know what to think, but because of great and good instruction from my parents, he did not take even a fraction of a moment to turn his head away. Parents need not to be bashful in protecting their children from those sinful images, but should strongly advise and explain the importance of remaining clear of pornography.

#10. “Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is as destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive.” (Living Worthy of The Girl That You Will Someday Marry-Gordon B. Hinckley)

The title of this talk is what caught my eye. If you wish to marry a good and righteous person, you must be a good a righteous person. You cannot expect to repent sometime in the future when you find the right mate to then clear up your ways, but you must prepare yourself now. The greatest thing is that God is ever waiting and wishing for anyone to rid of this addictive habit, see and desire the light of Christ, and repent of their ways. The wonderful gifts of agency allow us to choose that and the saving grace of the Atonement allows for us to be saved. Let us not waste a moment to change our ways and strive to continuously live a life of righteousness.  

Agency

Agency:  

#1. “Each of us has come to this earth with all the tools necessary to make correct choices.” (President Monson-The Three R’s of Choice)

 Each of us were given talents and the light of Christ so that we may develop into good and righteous people to work in his cause. We have a choice though for that is the way the pure love of God works. There is no grater choice though than to live in the light and love of our Savior; it bring joy and peace to our souls and purpose to our lives. These tools are for us to use, it is up to us though to actually use them.

#2. “Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct that life is God’s greatest gift to man.” (David O McKay from President Monson-The Three R’s of Choice) 

First God gives us life and then He also gives us the choice of what to do with it. That's a lot of responsibility and freedom to be given, and a lot of trust that He gives us that we will choose to do good. Agency is a gift, one that our Father in Heaven hopes we use correctly to become an instrument in His hands and bless the lives of others, His children. We are capable of so much, how blessed are we to use our own minds and discover this purpose in each of us.

#3. “with the right of choice comes the responsibility to choose. We cannot be neutral; there is no middle ground.” (President Monson-The Three R’s of Choice)

There is no possible way to stand neutral in any matter. By choosing to not choose at all we are in turn still choosing to go against the other choice. There is no gray area, only one way or the other. We are responsible for our choices and the consequences of them will always follow, whether they be good or bad. Every action and though is a choice, but we also have the capability to change and that is the great beauty of agency.

 #4. Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life) 

Progression applies to everything in this life, and the only way we get from one "phase" to the next is through choices. It is a part of God's plan for us to learn and grow and come to know of and trust Him through sincere faith, but we cannot progress towards such a goal without making each choice to get there. Agency is the way of God, and since it is His way, why would we choose anything but righteousness?

#5. “…We must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is at stake, and our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life.” (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life) 

Making righteous decisions is a second-by-second act. Think of what a difference we would make if we made daily choices like the Savior did. Those who have ever read the Holy Bible will know of the perfect life that He lived. It was beautiful and wonderful and full of peace, joy, grace and love. If we desire to have eternal life, this should be the choice of our heart: to live purely, humbly and righteously every day. Every action is essential in gaining that highest level of eternal joy.

#6. And by His perfect life, He taught us that when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress. (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life) 

Agency is truly a gift, one that we must treat kindly and carefully for it is only if we use our agency well will we be able to continuously progress. The consequence of being good and doing good, is good and eternal joy. Let us not abuse this gift in this life and risk having goodness and peace for the rest of eternity. 

#7. "In our mortal journey, it is helpful to remember that the opposite is also true: when we don’t keep the commandments or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities are reduced; our abilities to act and progress are diminished." (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life)
This entirely applies to every aspect of agency. I find it peculiar when others not of the faith of the LDS people ridicule us and say we have "too many rules", but instead we have direct guidelines to ensure happiness and progression. We also have the gift of the Holy Ghost and when we us our agency poorly, he too leaves us reducing our opportunities to make a good difference in this world. 

#8. "Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Though we are spiritually stuck, there is always a way back." (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life)

Each choice has a consequence. Good choices have a consequence of freedom and joy, whereas poor choices diminishes our progression and weighs on our soul. Although hope always seems lost int hat moment, it never is. What is great and good about God is that he is merciful and loving and is always waiting there for us to mak the choice to come back to Him. 

#9. "For those who find themselves captive to past unrighteous choices, stuck in a dark corner, without all the blessings available by the righteous exercise of agency, we love you. Come back! Come out of the dark corner and into the light. Even if you have to walk across a newly varnished floor, it is worth it." (Robert D. Hales-Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life)
No trek back into light is too hard to endure. We are held back by fear and the degrading words that Satan whispers in our ear. He wants us to be miserable, just as miserable as he is, for he knows that the light of righteousness is far more powerful than and amount of evil. It is never too late to shake off the chains and return to God! He waits for each of us to undo our wrong dongs and make the choice to return to His love and kindness.

#10. “Agency used righteously allows light to dispel the darkness and enables us to live with joy and happiness.” (Robert D. hales-To Act For Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency)
The light of our Heavenly Father always chases away any darkness we may possess in our life from poor use of agency. We must rid the thought from our mind that we are "not good enough" and humbly ask for His help, help that I know He will willingly give. Our God-given gift of agency is one to be kept close to us; we should view it with great value and exemplify its worth. He loves us and wants nothing more than for us to choose to follow Him. 

Family

Family:

#1. “Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan.” (L. Tom Perry-The Importance of the Family)

Our Heavenly Father has designed a beautiful and perfect plan of happiness. The core of this plan is families. With that being the core of the great plan of our existence it is so important to keep our priorities in this existence focused around our family. We have the great privilege to be like unto our Father in Heaven and learn to govern and teach ones that are so personally dear to us. It is our responsibility to do our best to let them know that they are loved and important and special. This strengthens families and in turn, strengthens the core of our Heavenly Father's plan. 

#2. “We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes.” (L. Tom Perry-The Importance of The Family)

The storms of the world are continuously getting worse and with stronger influences increasing all around each of us, it makes the importance of a righteous home even more pertinent. The commandments of God are not a buffet where we can pick and choose that which is most appealing to us, but we must take upon ourselves to obey all that God asks in order to ensure spiritual safety for us and our loved ones. We either are a influence for good or evil in this life and it is up to us to choose who to be for we will affect every person, especially our families. Some of the greatest tools for protection are family prayer and family scripture reading. This helps ward off the Adversary and fills the home with the Spirit of Christ. 

#3. “Families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents. “(L. Tom Perry-The Importance of The Family) 

I absolutely love this quote. It is a divine privileged to be given a family. Broken or not, it is up to each of us personally to treat them with absolute love and kindness and understanding. To be slow to anger and quick to forgive. To never discourage or degrade but always teach and uplift. We will be great instruments in our family's if we strive to follow Christ and His perfect example. If we try our hardest and do our best, our life and our loved ones will be blessed. It is then, and only then, when we have proven ourselves of being capable of maintaining a good, wholesome and righteous family will we be blessed with the privilege to keep that family forever.  

#4. “In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities.” (L. Tom Perry-The Importance of Family)

I find myself several times trying to patch up the things of the world instead of trying to help maintain a happy and Christ-like family. I feel that this is one of many of Satan's distractions so that he may slowly begin to destroy the family. The priority needs to change to holding together the core of my existence. They raised me and have taught me great things and it should be of great importance to me to positively contribute back. I wouldn't have been born into my family if I did not have great purpose to be done there. Priorities of everyone need to be re-arranged so that family lies at the top of that list.

#5. “The key to strengthening our families is having the Spirit of the Lord come into our homes. The goal of our families is to be on the strait and narrow path.” (Robert D. Hales- Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty)

A happy family is one that is aligned with God. God is truth and light and happiness, right? So if we focus on our families on following His commandments and following the example of Jesus Christ, our families will be blessed and strengthened. I know it to be true that happiness in the family does increase when everyone is striving to be on the strait path of our Heavenly Father. This invites the Spirit in and protects everyone from the snares of the adversary. We must have our families strengthened with daily prayer and scripture reading if we wish to fight together against the ways of the world.

#6. “With the help of the Lord and His doctrine, all the hurtful effects from challenges a family may meet can be understood and overcome. Whatever the needs of family members may be, we can strengthen our families as we follow the counsel given by prophets.” (Robert D. Hales- Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty)

Sometimes trying to understand everything that occurs within the family is difficult. Challenges occur as some may choose to not follow the ways of our Lord and sometimes we become discouraged in our quest to possess an eternal family. When we need direction that specifically applies to the struggles of the family that occur today, we have the guidance of our Heavenly Father through the counsel given by the latter-day prophets. President Thomas S. Monson, our current prophet, gives direct counsel from God. It is wise to follow what he asks for it will strengthen each of us as well as our family. It is our sacred duty to do all that we can to draw near to Him and to help our families get there as well.

#7. “we call upon members of the Church everywhere to put family first and to identify specific ways to strengthen their individual families.” (What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest - M. Russell Ballard)

I think it'd be of great importance now for young people to really sit down and think about their future families; how to build a small kingdom of God on earth. With that as the focus of our lives, we are more likely to make better and logical decisions so as not to tamper with the ideal we conceive of a righteous family. It's the little details that affect the big picture and so we must think of every piece with a focus on creating a home where the Lord's spirit is felt and His principles are taught. 

#8. “There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life” (What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest - M. Russell Ballard)

When we serve, we feel the love of God. Family is so essential to God's plan that our service to them is valued highly. When we continuoulsy serve our families, He strengthens us and is able to assist us better in helping us be an instrument in His hands so that we may help our loved ones. It is His desire that we do everything we can for our families. If everyone begins working from the inside of our family, it will affect others we come in contact with on the outside in a most wonderful and positive way.

#9. “We know of the sanctity of families in both directions of our eternal existence. We know that before this life we lived with our Heavenly Father as part of His family, and we know that family relationships can endure beyond death.” (What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest - M. Russell Ballard)

With this knowledge, we must preserve our family on this earth in every way we can. What greater joy would there be to have a strong family in the gospel on this earth and in the eternities to come. Families are precious to God and He allows us the agency to do our best so let us each take advantage of that and prove to our Heavenly Father how grateful we are for His plan of happiness and eternal families.

#10. “The Church is the kingdom of God on earth, but in the kingdom of heaven, families will be both the source of our eternal progress and joy and the order of our Heavenly Father.” What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest - M. Russell Ballard) 

Families are organized by God in such a way for each of us to be given the opportunity to directly help others. With established families, we become responsible for helping specific children of God to progress. With this progression we receive joy in our souls. The Church has much organization for such is the way of God and so it is with our families. How great will be our joy if we teach those He sent specifically for our benefit and we all return to live with our Father in Heaven again. It's a network system that ties us all together so that we each may help each other obtain the great blessings of our Heavenly Father.

Atonement

Atonement:

#1. “No matter what our transgressions have been, no matter how much our actions may have hurt others, that guilt can all be wiped out” (Elder Packer-The Atonement)

Knowing what my Savior did for me so that I may be forgiven for my sins heals any guilt that I am ever overcome with. It's not easy to admit when you need the help of another to heal your broken heart, but there is no better "medicine" than to humbly come to God and ask to use the Atonement to fix the painful feelings of guilt. God wants to forgive us, Christ desires that we recognize all that He did for us, for when we do these things, joy and peace is restored to our souls. 

 #2. “If you will turn away from sin, you will be able one day to know the peace that comes from following the pathway of complete repentance.” ( Elder Packer-The Atonement)

Sin leaves marks on our spirit; even repented sins leaves damage to our soul. The Atonement heals and dismisses sins that we repent of, but it is better to go without sinning so as to not hinder our spiritual progression. With choosing righteousness you are better able to see the tender mercies of God 

and peace is found in moments of tribulation. By trying our hardest to go without sin, to turn away from all temptations, we will be blessed with the moment of looking back and gaining an understanding that God's way is the way of happiness.  

#3. “The scriptures clearly state that He yielded Himself to scourging, humiliation, suffering, and finally crucifixion because of His great love towards the children of men.” ( Elder Ballard-The Atonement and The Value of One Soul)

The Savior willingly gave His life, handed himself over to the wolves who desired to tear Him apart, because of His unyielding love for every soul, for He knew His sacrifice would save us all. He went through the lowest of lows that any person has ever gone through on this earth all with the perfect example and knowledge of unceasing faith that it was for the sake of all man-kind. His Atonement was by no means any small matter. 

#4. “The gift of resurrection and immortality is given freely through the loving grace of Jesus Christ to all people of all ages, regardless of their good or evil acts.” (Elder Ballard-The Atonement and The Value of One Soul)

The Atonement was performed for everyone with the hope that everyone will use it to receive forgiveness of their sins. When repentance is sought and forgiveness is given, we are blessed even more with the gift of resurrection and immortality. His blessings are endless and come in such great measure that we cannot even begin to comprehend, all that he asks of us is for us to humbly come to Him in need of His grace and with the promise to do our best to always follow His commandments. 

#5. The irony of the Atonement is that it is infinite and eternal, yet it is applied individually, one person at a time. (Elder Ballard-The Atonement and The Value of One Soul)

I had never thought of the irony of the Atonement before. The Atonement was performed for every individual and is infinite and eternal, but it is not a sweeping single layer of grace that effects everyone the same. Each person must come to know of its powers of healing individually and we must accept the help that it gives us and we must submit it all to the will of God. He wants us to exercise our agency and learn all that we can come to know of Him and His love.

#6. “the Savior’s Atonement lifts from us not only the burden of our sins but also the burden of our disappointments and sorrows, our heartaches and our despair.” (Elder Holland-Broken Things to Mend)

Sin is not only an action to be done, but also an emotion to be felt. Each of us is born with the light of Christ in us so that we may know good from evil; this is so we can have the capability to recognize and understand the ways of our Heavenly Father. With it though comes a guilt and broken heart when we choose to do wrong. The Savior's Atonement not only dismisses the action, but heals the emotion. It isn't always easy to allow His love back into our hearts, but when we do, I personally know that it brings back hope and faith where there was once fear and sadness. 

#7. “only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation.” (The Divine Gift of Repentance-Elder Christofferson)

Repentance is the key to unlocking the grace of God. It is never easy to come unto Him, knowing that you shouldn't deserve His mercy, but praying in faith that He will grant you forgiveness. The most wonderful thing is that He always does. It is up to us to act. We have the agency to choose to sin, but with it comes the granted agency to ask for forgiveness as well. With repentance being the path to forgiveness, truth and light, I see good in every reason for us to make that choice of asking to gain access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

#8. “ Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence and peace.” (The Divine Gift of Repentance- Elder Christofferson)

I think many find the connotation of the word "repentance" to be sad and troublesome, when instead it should be testified with great happiness. We have the chance to start anew, to feel the true love of God and peace in our souls. Repentance sets us on the path of light and it does grant us freedom from our troubles. Repentance is something to be grateful for and something we should each gain a personal testimony in.

#9. "the Savior and His Atonement could produce a perfect brightness of hope." (Help Them Aim High-Henry B. Eyring )

The Atonement brings light and purpose back into our lives when we are stuck in sadness and despair. The Savior provides the perfect example of obedience and happiness. Together, the Savior, our redeemer from sin, and the Atonement, the process by which we can be saved, provides a complete and perfect brightness of hope.

#10. "Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement. Such acceptance requires a continual effort to understand it more fully." (The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope-James E. Faust)

This is know to be true. This gospel is centered around the Atonement for it affects every single one of our lives in every single way. It it not simply an acknowledgement that it happened that will save us, but continuously studying its depth and applying what we learned to our daily lives. To believe and accept the Atonement means to always strive for better understanding in order to increase our testimony. There is endless personal revelation and understanding that comes from the Atonement since it is all encompassing and applies to each of us so individually. 

I'm starting this blog for my Teachings of the Living Prophets religion class at Brigham Young University-Idaho. As I contemplated a title to describe what it is that I'll be posting, I thought of one of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon which, in part, reads to  "stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.." (Mosiah 18:9). So I hope you see my witness in these posts that Jesus is the Christ, that everything He did was for the redemption of our lives, that His true church has been restored on this earth by a prophet named Joseph Smith, and that since then the His true doctrine has not left the earth and we continue to have prophets and apostles who act in accordance to the will of God and teachings of Christ to lead and guide each of us today to overcome the ways of the world and to learn of His glorious eternal plan. This I know to be true.