Meaningful Application to my life (Phase 3)

For phase three I decided to choose the topic. “Family”. I feel that out of everything in my life, my family is the most important. I have been really busy with school and trying to get into graduate school so I wanted to spend the six weeks finding ways to strengthen my family and lead them in righteousness. I am hoping to continue this application even after the semester has ended. During the past six weeks I have been focusing on family home evening, and finding ways to include my 18-month-old daughter into our lesson. I have also spent a couple days a week each week preparing for the family home evening lesson. My wife and I decided to study from the topical guide, because we felt that as we studied each subject we would better understand the doctrine and that in return would help us teach the doctrine in such a way that our daughter would understand. We started teaching about the atonement, and how the atonement can bless our lives. We then went on to studying repentance, and prayer, which then led into studying and teaching about the Holy Ghost, and how the Holy Ghost teaches us truth. This activity has strengthened my family so much. It’s amazing to see how much my family has grown in such a short time. My daughter prayed the other night! Of course, she didn’t say full sentences. But she said words like, “thank you” and “mommy/daddy”. I felt that was a great milestone. Not only has it been teaching my daughter about the gospel and the things we must do in our lives at a young age, but it has also helped my wife and I stay closer to our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to apply the things that I learned in this class to my life at home, I feel that my family will be forever blessed because of the things I learned during this semester in this class.

Following the Holy Ghost

1.     Never postpone promptings because one of the greatest blessings in life is to be the answer to someone else’s prayer. - Thomas S. Monson, Consider the Blessings, Conference October 2012

2.     It is through the repeated process of feeling impressions, recording them, and obeying them that one learns to depend on the direction of the Spirit more than on communication through the five senses. - Richard G. Scott, Helping Others to Be Spiritually Led” CES fireside, Aug. 11, 1998

3.     Our own desires, rather than a feeling of “Thy will be done,” create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time… We remove the pavilion when we feel and pray, “Thy will be done” and “in Thine own time.” His time should be soon enough for us since we know that He wants only what is best. - Henry B. Eyring, Where is the Pavilion? Conference October 2012

4.     We all have an inner braking system that will stop us before we follow Satan too far down the wrong road. It is the still, small voice within us. But if we allow ourselves to succumb to Satan’s tempting, the braking system begins to leak brake fluid and our stopping mechanism becomes weak and ineffective. - James E. Faust, The Forces That Will Save Us, First Presidency Message, January 2007

5.     In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances.  - David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation, Conference April 2011

6.     “If you want to obtain and keep the guidance of the Spirit, you can do so by following this simple four-point program. One, pray. Pray diligently. … Second, study and learn the gospel. Third, live righteously; repent of your sins. … Fourth, give service in the Church” ~President Marion G. Romney , Guidance of the Holy Spirit, Ensign, Jan. 1980, 5.

7.     “There is no greater blessing that can come into our lives than the gift of the Holy Ghost—the companionship of the Holy Spirit to guide us, protect us, and bless us, to go, as it were, as a pillar before us and a flame to lead us in paths of righteousness and truth. That guiding power of the third member of the Godhead can be ours if we live worthy of it.”  ~Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 259.

8.     “There is indeed such a thing as absolute truth—unassailable, unchangeable truth. This truth is different from belief. It is different from hope. Absolute truth is not dependent upon public opinion or popularity. Polls cannot sway it. Not even the inexhaustible authority of celebrity endorsement can change it.” ~ Deiter F. Utchdorf, What is Truth, CES fireside 2012

9.     “Seldom will you receive a complete response [to a prayer] all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father’s capacity to respond. While sometimes it’s very hard, it results in significant personal growth.” ~ Richard G. Scott, Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, Conference April 2007

10.   “Revelation from our Father, in its most familiar form, comes through the Holy Ghost as thoughts to our minds and feelings to our hearts. Thus, God communicates with us through our very thoughts and feelings! It should not be hard to understand why we are counseled to avoid polluting our minds with pornography, watching R-rated and inappropriate movies and television programs, and taking into our bodies harmful and addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol. These tools of the Adversary can restrict and eventually destroy our ability to recognize and respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.” ~David A. Bednar, Receiving, Recognizing, and Responding to the Promptings of the Holy Ghost, BYUI Devotional, August 1999

Our loving Heavenly Father wants us to succeed in this life, and because of that he has given us several tools to lead us back to Him. One of these guidance’s is the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost testifies of truth and is always there to help us choose the correct path. When we are in a place of doubt or when we are desperate for answers the Holy Ghost can touch our hearts and help us see the truth. It can reassure a broken heart and help us strengthen our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that as we follow our Heavenly Father and do the things that He has asked us to do that we will always have the Holy Ghost to be there to help us through the hardest times of our lives.

Repentance

1.     "Where there is sin, repentance is essential." - Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2012, In Tune with the Music of Faith, General Conference.

2.     "Should choices be wrong, they can be rectified through repentance. When its conditions are fully met, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, provides a release from the demands of justice for the errors made." - Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2012, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, General Conference.

3.     "No pain will last forever. It is not easy, but life was never meant to be either easy or fair. Repentance and the lasting hope that forgiveness brings will always be worth the effort." - President Boyd K. Packer, April 2012, And a Little Child Shall Lead Them, General Conference.

4.     "You may in time of trouble think that you are not worth saving because you have made mistakes, big or little, and you think you are now lost. That is never true! Only repentance can heal what hurts. But repentancecan heal what hurts, no matter what it is." - President Boyd K. Packer, October 2011, Counsel to Youth, General Conference.

5.     "Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you." - President Boyd K. Packer, October 2010, Cleaning the Inner Vessel, General Conference

6.     "For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Repentance is turning away from some things, such as dishonesty, pride, anger, and impure thoughts, and turning toward other things, such as kindness, unselfishness, patience, and spirituality. It is “re-turning” toward God." - Elder Neil L. Anderson, October 2009, "Repent... That I May Heal You", General Conference. 

7.     "First, repentance involves an attitude of humility." - Elder L. Tom Perry, April 2008, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, General Conference.

8.     "To be complete, however, repentance requires a covenant of obedience. This is the covenant expressed by Benjamin’s people “to do [God’s] will, and to be obedient to his commandments” (Mosiah 5:5)." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson, April 2008, Born Again, General Conference.

9.     "In addition to stimulating our repentance, the very experience of enduring chastening can refine us and prepare us for greater spiritual privileges." - D. Todd Christofferson, April 2011, "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten", General Conference.

10.  "Repentance is the sweet fruit that comes from faith in the Savior and involves turning toward God and away from sin." - Elder David A. Bednar, October 2007, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, General Conference.

I mentioned before that the atonement was the greatest blessing that we have been fortunate enough to receive, and repentance is one of the fruits of the atonement. Because of the atonement we are able to repent. Repentance gives us the ability to be forgiven for the sins that we have committed. Without repentance we would not be able to return back to live with our Heavenly Father. One of the quotes that I quoted above says that “repentance involves and attitude of humility”. We must humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father and admit that we have done something wrong. I know that repentance is important, and without repentance we could not progress.

Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ

1.     “We conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.“ ~ Dallin H. Oaks, The Challenge to Become, Conference October 2000

2.     “It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God… We, however, will be far better equipped to deal with them, to learn from them, and to overcome them if we have the gospel at our core and the love of the Savior in our hearts.” ~ Thomas S. Monson, Stand in Holy Places, October 2011 Conference 

3.     “The call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work. … As we follow Him, He blesses us with gifts, talents, and the strength to do His will, allowing us to go beyond our comfort zones and do things we’ve never before thought possible.” ~Robert D. Hales, Being a More Christian Christian, Conference October 2012

4.     “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.” Sadly, much of modern Christianity does not acknowledge that God makes any real demands on those who believe in Him, seeing Him rather as a butler “who meets their needs when summoned” or a therapist whose role is to help people “feel good about themselves.” It is a religious outlook that “makes no pretense at changing lives.” ~ D. Todd Christofferson, “As Many As I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” General Conference October 2012

5.     “Some young people inform me that in our current culture it is not “cool” to try too hard in many areas, including living strictly in accordance with righteous principles. Please do not fall into this trap.” ~ Quinton L. Cook, Can You Feel So Now? Conference October 2012

6.     “There are many others who, for different reasons, find themselves waiting on the road to Damascus. They delay becoming fully engaged as disciples. They hope to receive the priesthood but hesitate to live worthy of that privilege. They desire to enter the temple but delay the final act of faith to qualify. They remain waiting for the Christ to be given to them like a magnificent Carl Bloch painting—to remove once and for all their doubts and fears. The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time.” ~ Dieter F. Utchdorf, Waiting On The Road to Damascus, Conference April 2011

7.     “There is no greater calling, no greater challenge, and no greater source of joy—both proximate joy and ultimate joy—than that which is found in the process of discipleship. This process brings its own joys and reassurances. We must not, however, expect the world to understand or to value our discipleship; they will not. In a way, they may admire us from afar, but they will be puzzled about the priorities resulting from our devotion.” ~ Neal A. Maxwell, Becoming A Disciple, Ensign June 1996

8.     “Conversion must mean more than just being a card carrying' member of the church with a tithing receipt.. (or) a temple recommend... (One who is converted) strive(s) continually to improve inward weaknesses and not merely the outward appearances.” ~ Harold B. Lee, Church News, 25 May 1974, 2

9.     “More Importantly, we should be concerned with the spiritual dimension of our people and the enlargement of this dimension. There is a tendency in all of us to ask for better statistical performance. There is a tendency to impose quotas behind which usually lies imposition of pressure to achieve improved statistics. In the work of the Lord there is a more appropriate motivation than pressure. There is the motivation that comes of true conversion.” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley, Regional Representatives’ seminar, 6 Apr. 1984

10.  “The call is to come back, to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand. To all within the sound of my voice, the voice of Christ comes ringing down through the halls of time, asking each one of us while there is time, “Do you love me?” And for every one of us, I answer with my honor and my soul, “Yea, Lord, we do love thee.” And having set our “hand to the plough,” we will never look back until this work is finished and love of God and neighbor rules the world.” ~ Jeffery R. Holland, The First Great Commandment, Conference October 2012

During our earth life one of the objectives that we will need to accomplish is to become a strong disciple of Jesus Christ. There are many ways that we can do that, one of those is to strengthen your testimony. We can strengthen our testimony by reading our scriptures and going to church. I know that one of the best ways that we can be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to serve others. As we serve others we develop the Christ-like attribute of charity. Charity is one of the most important attributes a disciple of Christ can have. Charity allows us to see others the way Christ sees them. I know that as we do these things we can be better and more efficient Disciples of Christ.

Eternal Marriage

1.     I like to tell a young couple who are being married that in the marriage relationship they ought to look first to one another, as they do across the altar during their marriage not first to their parents, not first to their siblings, not first to their friends, but in solving all of their problems, they should look first to one another, because the unity between them under the presiding, loving authority of a Heavenly Father in that triangle… is what will get them over the inevitable problems of marriage.  - Elder Oaks, Round table discussion, 2008 leadership Training Meeting: Building Up a Righteous Posterity.

2.     Happiness does not consist of a glut of luxury, the world’s idea of a “good time” Nor must we search for it in faraway places with strange sounding names. Happiness is found at home. - Thomas S. Monson, Hallmarks of a Happy Home, Ensign October 2001

3.     Some of our most important choices concern family activities. May breadwinners worry that their occupations leave too little time for their families. Here is no easy formula for that contest of priorities. However, I have never known of a man who looked back on his working life and said, “I just didn’t spend enough time with my job.” - Dallin H. Oaks, Good Better Best, October 2007 conference.

4.     Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less an consume less of the world’s goods in order so spend more time with their children- more time eating together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. - Julie B. Beck, Mothers Who Know. October 2007, General Conference

5.     There are multitudes of pure and holy spirits waiting to take tabernacles, now what is or duty? To prepare tabernacles for them; to take a course that will not tend to drive those spirits into the families of the wicked, where they will be trained in wickedness, debauchery, and every species of crime. It is the duty of every righteous man and woman to prepare tabernacles for all the spirits they can. - Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young by John A. Widtsoe

6.     “True love is a process.  True love requires personal action” Marvin J. Ashton (Ensign, Nov. 1975, 108).

7.     “If we would truly seek to be more like our Savior and Master, learning to love as He loves should be our highest goal” Ezra Taft Benson (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 275).

8.     “Fidelity to one’s marriage vows is absolutely essential for love, trust and peace” Ezra Taft Benson (Ensign, July 1992, 3).

9.     “Marriage. . . is the most glorious and most exalting principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  No ordinance is of more importance and none more sacred and more necessary to the eternal joy of man.  Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter.” Ezra Taft Benson (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 533–34)

10.  “Our Heavenly Father wants our hearts to be knit together.  That union in love is not simply an ideal.  It is a necessity” Henry B. Erying (Ensign, May 1998, 66).

I have been married for almost three years and have learned so much during that time. There is nothing more important than the relationship we have with our spouses. We must learn to love them through the thickest and thinnest of times. We must learn to develop Christ-like attributes so that we can have a deeper love within our marriage. We must hold an eternal perspective throughout our marriage. When we understand that a lot of the issues we experience in marriage don’t have much affect on the eternities we are able to have more patience and love for our spouse. I know that by staying close to the gospel we will be able to strengthen our eternal marriage.

The Atonement

1.     It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. - Deiter F. Utchdorf, Of Resolutions and Regrets, Conference October 2012

2.     That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement: to take anyone who comes, anyone who will join, and put them through an experience so that at the end of their life, they can go through the veil having repented of their sins and having been washed clean through the blood of Christ. - Boyd K. Packer, The Atonement, Conference October 2012

3.     It was required, indeed it was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone. - Jeffery R. Holland, None Were With Him, Conference April 2009

4.     Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking, even a change of heart. But there is good news. This mighty change of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God. - Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy, Conference April 2012

5.     As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins.”  - Elder Hales, Being a More Christian Christian, Conference October 2012

6.     “Do not misunderstand. Repentance is not easy or painless or convenient. It is a bitter cup from Hell. But only Satan, who dwells there, would have you think that a necessary and required acknowledgment is more distasteful than permanent residence. Only he would say, “You can’t change. You won’t change. It’s too long and too hard to change. Give up. Give in. Don’t repent. You are just the way you are.” That, my friends, is a lie born of desperation. Don’t fall for it.” ~Jeffery R. Holland, For Times of Trouble, March 1980 BYU Devotional

7.     The scriptures speak of His arms being open,  extended, stretched out, and encircling. They are described as mighty and holy,  arms of mercy, arms of safety,  arms of love,  “lengthened out all the day long… The Lord’s desire that we come unto Him and be wrapped in His arms is often an invitation to repent. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.” ~ Neil L. Anderson, Repent That I May Heal You, Conference October 2009

8.     “The Redeemer will safely lead you over the most difficult obstacles of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness. True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ.” ~ Richard G. Scott, The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness, April 2009

9.     “Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely… He Loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” - ~Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Love of God, Conference October 2009

10.  As one of His latter-day witnesses, I testify that He lives today. He is a resurrected Being. He is our Savior, our Lord, the very Son of God. I testify that He will come again as our glorified, resurrected Lord. That day is not far distant. To all who accept Him as Savior and Lord, His literal resurrection means that life does not end at death, for He promised: “Because I live, ye shall live also. ~ Ezra Taft Benson, The Meaning of Easter, Conference April 1992

There is nothing more important then the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. His sacrifice makes everything else possible. We are able to be forgiven for all of the sins that we have committed and every sin that we will eventually commit in our lives. We are able to live with our families, savior, and our Heavenly Father forever. The atonement also allows us to have comfort throughout our trails that we face during our earth life. Jesus Christ has felt everything that we have felt and will feel. If we utilize the atonement we will be able to have access to all of the blessings that our Heavenly Father has in store for us.

Pornography

1.     Immoral thoughts, words, and deeds always are immoral, even in cyberspace… We are all accountable to God, and ultimately we will be judged of Him according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts. - David A. Bednar, Things as They Really Are, CES Fireside, May 3, 2009 BYU-Idaho

2.     Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others. - Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography. Ensign, May 2005

3.     Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes. - Boyd K. Packer, Cleansing The Inner Vessel, October 2010 Conference

4.     Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thought can and do seek entrance to our minds. But we don’t have to throw open the door, serve them tea and crumpets, and tell them where the silverware is kept! Throw the rascals out! Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful messages an joyful memories; picture the faces of those who love you and would be shattered if you let them down. - Jeffery R. Holland, Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul, Conference April 2009

5.     Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, drugs, the power of peer pressure- all these and more- cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams. - Thoma S. Monson, Believe, Obey , and Endure, Conference October 2013

6.     “Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. - Richard G. Scott, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance, April 2009

7.     “Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has been proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome.” -~ Thomas S. Monson, Priesthood Power, Conference April 2011

8.     “We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home. We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace.” - D. Todd Christofferson Conference October 2012

9.     “Be Cautious. These same technologies can allow evil influences to cross the threshold of your homes. These dangerous traps are only a mouse click away. Pornography, violence, intolerance, and ungodliness destroy families, marriages, and individual lives. These dangers are distributed through many media, including magazines, books, television, movies, and music, as well as the internet.” - Deiter F. Utchdorf, A Matter of a Few Degrees, April 2008

10.  “(Pornography) is utterly without redeeming social value. We urge our families to protect their children in every way possible. We live in a permissive world, but we must make certain we do not become a part of that permissive world, that degenerate world.” - Spencer W. Kimball, God Will Not Be Mocked, Conference October 1974

There is nothing more destructive than pornography. As the apostles and prophets have explained that as we indulge into pornography we experience a spiritual death. Pornography doesn’t only destroy us, but it can destroy and hurt our families as well. We begin to look at it only a few times, and then a few times becomes multiple times, and then it finally becomes an addiction that we cannot refrain from. Once pornography has us in its grips we start to view our spouses differently. This addiction can lead to other things such as infidelity to our spouse. I know that as we stay away from pornography we will be able to be free from addiction.