I have felt an urgency to counsel each of us to seek the higher ground – the refuge and eternal protection of the temple.
It is important to rise above rationalizations and make the best choices.
The Savior accomplished the Atonement, which resolves the most terrible burdens that can occur in this life.
The desire of our hearts, of course, is not only to acquire salvation and immortality but also to attain eternal life with a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior in the celestial kingdom with our families. We can obtain eternal life only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
We rejoice in all the Savior has done for us. He has made it possible for each of us to gain our salvation and exaltation.
As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our sacred responsibility to teach His standard of morality, which is the same for all of His children.
It is vitally important that our children know they are loved and safe at home.
God’s plan provides a way for family relationships to extend beyond the grave. We can return to the presence of God, eternally united with our families.
What we are speaks so loudly that our children might not hear what we say.
Always be grateful for your blessings, especially your heritage. When we are blessed with goodly parents, we should be grateful. This is the debt each of us owes for our heritage.
Some parents place undue priority on temporal and material possessions. Some are far less diligent in their efforts to immerse their children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember that having religious observance in the home is as important as providing food, clothing and shelter.
Act in accordance with your true beliefs by spending your time on those things that will build and develop your character and help you become more Christlike. I hope none of you see life as primarily fun and games but rather as a time ‘to prepare to meet God.’
Remember, we without our roots and branches cannot be saved.
And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
One of your greatest protections against making bad choices is to not put on any mask of anonymity.
Parents must have the courage to say no, to defend truth, and to bear powerful testimony.
Sexual immorality and impure thoughts violate the standard established by the Savior. We were warned at the beginning of this dispensation that sexual immorality would be perhaps the greatest challenge. Such conduct will, without repentance, cause a spiritual drought and loss of commitment.
Husbands and wives are equal partners. They have different but complementary responsibilities.
As you go forth and share our core beliefs and the fruits of our doctrines, misperceptions will dissolve, prejudices will diminish, and people will come to see Latter-day Saints as devout disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Much of what we accomplish in the church is due to the selfless service of women.