Dating

·         “There are many qualities you will want to look for in a friend or a serious date--to say nothing of a spouse and eternal companion--but surely among the very first and most basic of those qualities will be those of care and sensitivity toward others, a minimum of self-centeredness that allows compassion and courtesy to be evident.” –Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in “Qualities of an Eternal Companion” (June 2008)

·         “…in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command--such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another.” –Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in “Qualities of an Eternal Companion” (June 2008)

·         “Simple and more frequent dates allow both men and women to “shop around” in a way that allows extensive evaluation of the prospects.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Dating versus Hanging Out” (June 2006 Ensign)

·         “Gather your courage and look for someone to pair off with.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Dating versus Hanging Out” (June 2006 Ensign)

·         “Young women, resist too much hanging out, and encourage dates that are simple, inexpensive, and frequent.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Dating versus Hanging Out” (June 2006 Ensign)

·         “Marriage is not a group activity—at least, not until the children come along in goodly numbers.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Dating versus Hanging Out” (June 2006 Ensign)

·         “In cultures where dating is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)

·         “Because dating is a preparation for marriage, ‘date only those who have high standards.’” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)

·         “In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)

·         “Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)

Position Statement:

I know that dating can potentially lead to marriage and that’s why we should not take it lightly. To me, it’s important to know the person before starting to date them, but I’ll have to see if that’s what Heavenly Father has planned for me. I know that it’s important to date the “right way,” as far as not being completely alone in a private place. This can lead to things that will stall someone’s future for obtaining eternal marriage. It’s also important to treat others with kindness and compassion. These are good qualities to exhibit while we are dating, so that we don’t end up driving the right one away.

Enduring to the End

·         “The ways in which we handle our trials are part of the maturing of the physical and spiritual man.” –Elder Robert D. Hales in “Lessons from the Atonement That Help Us to Endure to the End” (Oct. 1895 Ensign)

·         “It is comforting to know that, though suffering, Jesus Christ was able to look down from the cross and be concerned for His mother, that she should be properly cared for, as He asked for the help of a disciple.” –Elder Robert D. Hales in “Lessons from the Atonement That Help Us to Endure to the End” (Oct. 1895 Ensign)

·         “…we can have solace knowing the joy that will come when our loved ones are reunited and continue their eternal progression because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.” –Elder Robert D. Hales in “Lessons from the Atonement That Help Us to Endure to the End” (Oct. 1895 Ensign)

·         “Believe that remaining strong and faithful to the truths of the gospel is of utmost importance.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Believe, Obey, and Endure” (April 2012 General Conference)

·         “The world around you is not equipped to provide the help you need to make it through this often-treacherous journey.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Believe, Obey, and Endure” (April 2012 General Conference)

·         “…there is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what the lighthouse of the Lord can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life.” –President Thomas S. Monson in “Believe, Obey, and Endure” (April 2012 General Conference)

·         “Because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations.” –President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in “Christ, Our Hope” (Dec. 2012 New Era)

·         “When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith.” –President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in “Christ, Our Hope” (Dec. 2012 New Era)

·         “Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers of faith for guidance and for help to endure in your service for Him.” –President Henry B. Eyring in “The Caregiver” (Broadcast)

·         “‘And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.’” .” –President Henry B. Eyring in “The Caregiver” (Broadcast)

Position Statement:

I know that when we have continuous faith and humility, it can help us endure to the end. Although this is true, we must realize that we can’t get through life without the love and guidance of Heavenly Father. I know that we all will suffer through trials and hardships, but we can learn many things throughout the good and bad of our lives. These things that we learn, I believe, will help us through things we experience in the future. In all that we experience, there is an underlying purpose and I know that Heavenly Father would not let me go through something that I won’t be able to overcome. He knows my strength and I believe has given me the particular hardships that I have faced and will face because He knows that I will “keep pushing on.”

Finances

·         “We have earthly debts and heavenly debts. Let us be wise in dealing with each of them.” –Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts” (April 2004 General Conference)

·         “Some debt—such as for a modest home, expenses for education, perhaps for a needed first car—may be necessary. But never should we enter into financial bondage through consumer debt without carefully weighing the costs.” –Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in “Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts” (April 2004 General Conference)

·         “…we can organize our families based on clear, simple family rules and expectations, wholesome family traditions and rituals, and “family economics,” where children have household responsibilities and can earn allowances so that they can learn to budget, save, and pay tithing on the money they earn.” –Elder L. Tom Perry in “Becoming Goodly Parents” (Oct. 2012 Ensign)

·         “…the law of tithing is not a remote Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Tithing” (April 1994 General Conference)

·         “Some people say, ‘I can’t afford to pay tithing.’ Those who place their faith in the Lord’s promises say, “I can’t afford not to pay tithing.’” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Tithing” (April 1994 General Conference)

·         “Tithing is a commandment with a promise.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Tithing” (April 1994 General Conference)

·         “Tithe paying is evidence that we accept the law of sacrifice. It also prepares us for the law of consecration and the other higher laws of the celestial kingdom.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Tithing” (April 1994 General Conference)

·         “‘For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.’” –Elder D. Todd Christofferson in “Come to Zion” (Oct. 2008 General Conference)

·         “We control the disposition of our means and resources, but we account to God for this stewardship over earthly things.” –Elder D. Todd Christofferson in “Come to Zion” (Oct. 2008 General Conference)

·         “Materialism is just one more manifestation of the idolatry and pride that characterize Babylon. Perhaps we can learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs.” –Elder D. Todd Christofferson in “Come to Zion” (Oct. 2008 General Conference)

Position Statement:

I have learned, especially since I’ve been on my own, that maintaining finances is a very critical and important aspect in our lives. I know that I, personally, have problems with saving my money and not spending too much money on things that are needed. I also think that timing is important when it comes to finances, especially saving money, because I need to work on not spending money, if it isn’t needed. I usually only spend money on things that are necessary, like food, but I could definitely work on using my money more wisely and at the right times. Also, tithing is super important to remember and I know that if we pay our tithing, everything else will work out.

Agency

·         “We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.” Elder David A. Bednar in “Converted unto the Lord” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “With true participation, husband and wife emerge into the synergistic oneness of an ‘everlasting dominion’ that ‘without compulsory means’ will flow with spiritual life to them and their posterity ‘forever and ever.’” –Elder Bruce C. Hafen in “Crossing Thresholds and Becoming Equal Partners” (April 2007 General Conference)

·         “… ‘Follow the principles of the gospel---and the way will be opened up, ways that are unforeseen to you right now.” –Sister Tanner in “Roundtable Discussion” (Feb. 2008 Broadcast)

·         “You haven’t failed until you stop trying.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Same-Gender Attraction” (Interview)

·         “When the Savior taught, the learner’s agency was paramount. He showed us not only what to teach but also how to teach…” –Elder Russell T. Osguthorpe in “One Step Closer to the Savior (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “Conversion is the goal of all gospel learning and teaching.” –Elder Russell T. Osguthorpe in “One Step Closer to the Savior (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s kingdom.” –President Henry B. Eyring in “Help Them Aim High” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “We know the Lord makes His servants bold.” –President Henry B. Eyring in “Help Them Aim High” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “The first gift that Adam and Eve received was agency: “Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” –President Boyd K. Packer in “How to Survive in Enemy Territory” (Oct. 2012 Ensign)

·         “You can assert your agency, and he will have to leave you alone.” –President Boyd K. Packer in “How to Survive in Enemy Territory” (Oct. 2012 Ensign)

Position Statement:

Agency was given to us by Heavenly Father’s plan. Satan’s idea and plan was for us to be forced to do things, instead of having choices. He figured that everyone would then be doing what they are supposed to and that’s all that mattered to him. Heavenly Father, on the other hand, wanted us to learn things for ourselves and make our own choices. There are people in our lives that can be good influences on us and on the decisions we make. We can help guide others, but we should never force anyone into anything.