Life Is A Competition With Ourselves

"Life is a competition... Not with others, but with ourselves. We should seek each day to live stronger, better, truer lives. Each to master some weakness of yesterday. Each day to repair a mistake; Each day to surpass ourselves"

Ensign, May 1981, David B Haight

Follow the Counsel

"In order for the messages of general conference to change our lives, we need to be willing to follow the counsel we hear."

Paul V. Johnson, "the Blessings of General Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2005, p. 50

Pray for the Brethren at Conference

Lorenzo Snow:

      "Pray for the Brethren at conference time. When the Brethren arise to speak you should ask the Lord to let them say something that you want to know, that they may suggest something to you that will be of some advantage.  If you have any desire to know certain matters that you do not understand, pray that these brethren in their talks may say something that shall enlighten your mind in reference to that which troubles you, and we will have a grand and glorious conference, a better one than we have ever had before.  Strange as it may appear, our last conference always seems the best, and may this be the case; and you brethren and sisters, let your hearts rise up to the Lord and exercise faith while our brethren are talking to you.  We will not be disappointed, and you will not go home, you will not retire from this conference, without feeling you have been greatly and abundantly blessed."

Lorenzo Snow, 5 October 1900, CR, p. 5

Edification Depends on Us

Lorenzo Snow:

        "Our being edified at conference depends on us.  It becomes necessary that we prepare our hearts to receive and profit by the suggestions that may be made by the speakers during the progress of the conference, which may be prompted by the Spirit of the Lord.  I have thought, and still think, that our being edified does not so much depend upon the speaker as upon ourselves."

 (October 1898, CR, p. 1)

Conference Talks as Standard Works

 Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.333:

        "For the next six months your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently.  As my dear friend and brother Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses  'be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months.  These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal tothis people in this day.'"

(CR April 1946, p. 68.) (CR April 1988, Ensign 18 [May 1988]: 84.)

**Multiple Holy Ghost Quotes**

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Quotes/Gift%20Holy%20Ghost.htm

Holy Ghost is a Cleansing and Purifying Agent

Man can only become spotless and sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost in his personal life. The Holy Ghost is a cleansing and purifying agent to all who receive it and are righteous. This means that sin and iniquity are spiritually burned out of the repentant person. He then receives a remission of sins, and his soul is sanctified and made clean for the Holy Ghost to abide in him. (Delbert L Stapley, Conference Report, October 1966, p.112)

Born Again Through the Ordinances

Being born again, comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances.

Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p 162

Sense of Identity and Worth Increase Through Guidance of the Holy Ghost

I testify that as we mature spiritually under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, our sense of personal worth, of belonging, and of identity increases. I further testify that I would rather have every person enjoy the Spirit of the Holy Ghost than any other association, for they will be led by that Spirit to light and truth and pure intelligence, which can carry them back into the presence of God. (James E Faust, "The Gift of the Holy Ghost--A Sure Compass,"Ensign, Apr. 1996, p. 6)

What Is Pure Intelligence?

Joseph F. Smith

There is a difference between knowledge and pure intelligence. Satan possesses knowledge, far more than we have, but he has not intelligence or he would render obedience to the principles of truth and right. I know men who have knowledge, who understand the principles of the Gospel, perhaps as well as you do, who are brilliant, but who lack the essential qualification of pure intelligence. They will not accept and render obedience thereto. Pure intelligence comprises not only knowledge, but also the power to properly apply that knowledge (Gospel Doctrine, p.58)

Ezra Taft Benson

Brothers and sisters and friends, learn this principle. The Lord will increase our knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to obey when we obey His fundamental laws. This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said we could have "sudden strokes of ideas" which come into our minds as "pure intelligence." (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 151.) This is revelation. We must learn to rely on the Holy Ghost so we can use it to guide our lives and the lives of those for whom we have responsibility. ("A Principle with a Promise," Ensign, May 1983, p. 54)

Boyd K. Packer

The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to warn us. You can know the things you need to know instantly! Learn to receive inspiration. ("Prayers and Answers," Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 20)

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Quotes/Gift%20Holy%20Ghost.htm

Gift of the Holy Ghost Increases All Our Capacities

The gift of the Holy Ghost … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. (Parley P Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, 9th ed. [1965], p. 101)

What is the Gift of the Holy Ghost?

Joseph Fielding Smith

What is the gift of the Holy Ghost? Nothing more nor less than the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:40)

Marion G. Romney

The gift of the Holy Ghost is an endowment which gives one the right to enjoy the enlightenment, companionship, and guidance of the Spirit and the influence of the Holy Spirit as long as he complies with the commandments of God. ("The Holy Ghost," Ensign, May 1974, p. 92)

Joseph F. Smith

Therefore, the presentation or "gift" of the Holy Ghost simply confers upon a man the right to receive at any time, when he is worthy of it and desires it, the power and light of truth of the Holy Ghost, although he may often be left to his own spirit and judgment. (Gospel Doctrine, p.60)

Dallin H. Oaks

That Spirit--the Holy Ghost--is our comforter, our direction finder, our communicator, our interpreter, our witness, and our purifier--our infallible guide and sanctifier for our mortal journey toward eternal life. ("Always Have His Spirit," Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 61) 

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Quotes/Gift%20Holy%20Ghost.htm

Holy Ghost is the Most Important Thing We Can Receive in Mortality

Ezra Taft Benson

The most important thing in our lives is the Spirit. I have always felt that. We must remain open and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in all aspects of our lives. ("Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr. 1988, p. 2)

Dallin H. Oaks

To have the continuous companionship of the Holy Ghost is the most precious possession we can have in mortality. ("The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 1998, p. 38)

Wilford Woodruff

I have had many interviews with Brother Joseph until the last fifteen or twenty years of my life; I have not seen him for that length of time. But during my travels in the southern country last winter I had many interviews with President Young, and with Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith, and Jedediah M. Grant, and many others who are dead. They attended our conference, they attended our meetings. And on one occasion, I saw Brother Brigham and Brother Heber ride in carriage ahead of the carriage in which I rode when I was on my way to attend conference; and they were dressed in the most priestly robes. When we arrived at our destination I asked President Young if he would preach to us. He said, "No, I have finished my testimony in the flesh. I shall not talk to this people any more." "But, said he, "I have come to see you; I have come to watch over you, and to see what the people are doing." Then, said he, "I want you to teach the people-and I want you to follow this counsel yourself- that they must labor and so live as to obtain the Holy Spirit, for without this you cannot build up the kingdom; without the spirit of God you are in danger of walking in the dark, and in danger of failing to accomplish your calling as apostles and as elders in the church and kingdom of God." And, said he, "Brother Joseph taught me this principle." (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, p.289)

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Quotes/Gift%20Holy%20Ghost.htm

Don't Take the Holy Ghost for Granted

For faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ, the companionship of the Holy Spirit should be so familiar that we must use care not to take it for granted. For example, that good feeling you have felt during the messages and music of this conference is a confirming witness of the Spirit, available to faithful members on a continuing basis. A member once asked me why he felt so good about the talks and music in a sacrament meeting, while a guest he had invited that day apparently experienced no such feeling. This is but one illustration of the contrast between one who has the gift of the Holy Ghost and is in tune with his promptings and one who has not, or is not. ( Dallin H Oaks "Always Have His Spirit," Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 60)

Holy Ghost Lies Dormant

The overall gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church. We all need to stress-for ourselves and for those whom we teach-the vital connection with the gifts of the Holy Ghost. These gifts are vital at every stage of an individual's life and in every situation of life. Members of the Church have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, but in many it lies dormant-somewhat like the ancients who had received the gift but knew it not (see 3 Ne. 9:20). [Neal A Maxwell"The Holy Ghost: Glorifying Christ," Ensign, July 2002, p. 56]

Holy Ghost - Greatest Blessing

The gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church. Actually, many gifts can come from the Holy Ghost. These are needed in every age and dispensation but certainly no less in the commotion-filled last days of the last dispensation. They are likewise needed at every stage and in every situation of life. ... Yet, for different reasons, many of us live far below, or are unaware of, our privileges! [Neal A Maxwell, The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 92-93] 

Spirit Can Always Be With Us

There is no doubt, if a person lives according to the revelations given to God's people, he may have the Spirit of the Lord to signify to him his will, and to guide and to direct him in the discharge of his duties, in his temporal as well as his spiritual exercises. I am satisfied, however, that in this respect, we live far beneath our privileges. (Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 32)

Family is the Most Important Cause

Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all peoples of the earth.

M Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found", April 2012 Conference

Pray for Abilities Equal to Your Tasks

My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle.

Thomas S Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You" October 2007

Small Acts of Service

You are, of course, surrounded by opportunities for service. No doubt at times you recognize so many such opportunities that you may feel somewhat overwhelmed. Where do you begin? How can you do it all? How do you choose, from all the needs you observe, where and how to serve?

Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another: a question concerning a person’s family, quick words of encouragement, a sincere compliment, a small note of thanks, a brief telephone call. If we are observant and aware, and if we act on the promptings which come to us, we can accomplish much good. Sometimes, of course, more is needed.

President Thomas S Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You", October 2007

Influence throughout the Globe

[S]erve willingly. You are a mighty force for good, one of the most powerful in the entire world. Your influence ranges far beyond yourself and your home and touches others all around the globe. You have reached out to your brothers and sisters across streets, across cities, across nations, across continents, across oceans. You personify the Relief Society motto: “Charity never faileth.”

-President Thomas S Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You", October 2007

Women of Relief Society Are Awesome

In 1901 President Lorenzo Snow said: “The members of the Relief Society have … ministered to those in affliction, they have thrown their arms of love around the fatherless and the widows, and they have kept themselves unspotted from the world. I can testify that there are no purer and more God-fearing women in the world than are to be found within the ranks of the Relief Society.” (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1984), 143.

A Way is Prepared

“Each of us who have made covenants with God face challenges unique to us. But each of us shares some common assurances. Our Heavenly Father knows us and our circumstances and even what faces us in the future. His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, has suffered and paid for our sins and those of all people we will ever meet. He has perfect understanding of the feelings, the suffering, the trials, and the needs of every individual. Because of that, a way will be prepared for us to keep our covenants, however difficult that may no appear, if we go forward in faith.” (Witnesses for God, Eyring, Nov 1996)

Ordinary People Will Make It

Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “When you come to the temple and receive your endowment, and kneel at the altar and be sealed, you can live an ordinary life and be an ordinary soul—struggling against temptation, failing and repenting, and failing again and repenting, but always determined to keep your covenants. … Then the day will come when you will receive the benediction: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord’ (Matthew 25:21)” (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [1991], 257).

The Temple Provides Protection

For many years Sister Bednar and I hosted faithful men and women as devotional speakers at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Many of these speakers were emeritus or released members of the Seventy who had served as temple presidents following their service as General Authorities. As we talked with these stalwart leaders, I always asked this question: “What have you learned as a temple president that you wish you had better understood when you were a General Authority?”

As I listened to their answers, I discovered a consistent theme that I would summarize as follows: “I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship. There is a difference between church-attending, tithe-paying members who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those members who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple.”

The similarity of their answers impressed me greatly. Each response to my question focused upon the protecting power of the ordinances and covenants available in the house of the Lord. Their answers precisely paralleled the promises contained in the dedicatory prayer offered upon the Kirtland Temple in 1836:

“We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations and for eternity;

“That no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;

“That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house;

“And if any people shall rise against this people, that thine anger be kindled against them;

“And if they shall smite this people thou wilt smite them; thou wilt fight for thy people as thou didst in the day of battle, that they may be delivered from the hands of all their enemies” (D&C 109:24–28). (Honorably Hold A Name and Standing, Elder Bednar, April 2009 Conference)

Ordinances of the Endowment

“The ordinances of the endowment embody certain obligations on the part of the individual, such as covenant and promise to observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her King,—the Lord Jesus Christ. With the taking of each covenant and the assuming of each obligation a promised blessing is pronounced, contingent upon the faithful observance of the conditions” (The House of the Lord, rev. ed. [1976], 84).