Service

"In a similar way, our spiritual progress is inseparably bound together with the temporal service we give to others.
     "The one complements the other. The one without the other is a counterfeit of God's plan of happiness."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"Too often we notice the needs around us, hoping that someone from far away will magically appear to meet those needs. Perhaps we wait for experts with specialized knowledge to solve specific problems. When we do this, we deprive our neighbor of the service we could render, and we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to serve. While there is nothing wrong with experts, let's face it: there will never be enough of them to solve all the problems. Instead, the Lord has placed His priesthood and its organization at our doorsteps in every nation where the Church is established. And, right by its side, He has placed the Relief Society. As we priesthood holders know, no welfare effort is successful if it fails to make use of the remarkable gifts and talents of our sisters."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"Whether we are rich or poor, regardless of where we live on this globe, we all need each other, for it is in sacrificing our time, talents, and resources that our spirits mature and become refined."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"We lose our life by serving and lifting others. By so doing we experience the only true and lasting happiness. Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made."
(President Marion G. Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance", October 1982 General Conference)

Personal Conversion

"We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies not just a convincing but a profound change of nature."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become", October 2000)

"Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. As we do so, we should remember that our family relationships—even more than our Church callings—are the setting in which the most important part of that development can occur. The conversion we must achieve requires us to be a good husband and father or a good wife and mother. Being a successful Church leader is not enough. Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and it is our mortal family experiences that are best suited to prepare us for it."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become", October 2000)

Consecration

"My dear sisters, seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the 'why' of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    "The 'what' and 'how' of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The 'why' of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not", October 2011 General Conference)

"The Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work."
(President Henry B. Eyring, "Opportunities to Do Good", April 2011 General Conference)

"One who lives a consecrated life does not seek to take advantage of another but, if anything will turn the other cheek and, if required to deliver a coat, will give the cloak also."
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", General Conference October 2010)

"To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives - that is, our time and choices to God's purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny."
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", General Conference October 2010)

"A consecrated life is a beautiful thing. Its strength and serenity are 'as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit' (D&C 97:9). Of particular significance is the influence of a consecrated man or woman upon others, especially those closest and dearest. The consecration of many who have gone before us has helped lay the foundation for our happiness. In like manner future generations will take courage from your consecrated life, acknowledging their debt to you for the possession of all that truly matters."
(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", General Conference October 2010)

Adversity

"Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, 'all these things shall (be for our) experience, and ...(our) good.'"
(Elder Robert D. Hales, "Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done", General Conference October 2011)

Discipleship

"What is discipleship? It is primarily obedience to the Savior. Discipleship includes many things. It is chastity. It is tithing. It is family home evening. It is keeping all the commandments. It is forsaking anything that is not good for us. Everything in life has a price. Considering the Savior's great promise for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come, discipleship is a price worth paying. It is a price we cannot afford not to pay. By measure, the requirements of discipleship are much, much less than the promised blessings."
(President James E. Faust, "Discipleship", General Conference October 2006)

"We enter the waters of baptism with joy and anticipation. The Savior beckons, 'Come unto me,' and we respond, taking His name upon us. Not one of us wants this journey to be a brief flirtation with spirituality or even a notable but finite chapter. The road of discipleship is not for the spiritually faint of heart. Jesus said: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' 'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.'"
(Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Never Leave Him", General Conference October 2010)

"Some ask, 'Do I have to be so different from others?' 'Can't I be a disciple of Christ without thinking so much about my behavior?' 'Can't I love Christ without keeping the law of chastity?' 'Can't I love and do what I want on Sunday?' Jesus gave a simple answer: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.'"
(Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Never Leave Him", General Conference October 2010)

Self-Reliance/Provident Living

"We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others."
(Elder Robert D. Hales, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service", April 2012 General Conference)

"The Lord has said, 'It must needs be done in mine own way,' He is not only interested in our immediate needs; He is also concerned about our eternal progression. For this reason, the Lord's way has always included self-reliance and service to our neighbor in addition to caring for the poor."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"The lesson we learn generation after generation is that rich and poor are all under the same sacred obligation to help their neighbor. It will take all of us working together to successfully apply the principles of welfare and self-reliance."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"Learn how the principles of care for the needy, service to neighbor, and self-reliance complement each other. The Lord's way of self-reliance involves in a balanced way many facets of life, including education, health, employment, family finances, and spiritual strength."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Providing in the Lord's Way", General Conference October 2011)

"When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others."
(Elder Robert D. Hales; "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", April 2009 General Conference)

"All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others."
(Elder Robert D. Hales; "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", April 2009 General Conference)

"It is in the home where fathers and mothers can teach provident living to their children. Sharing of tasks and helping one another set a pattern for future families as children grow, marry, and leave home. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest. President Gordon B. Hinckley continues to stress the avoidance of unnecessary debt, the fallacy of living beyond one’s means, and the temptation to let our wants become our necessities."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Your Personal Influence", April 2004 General Conference)

"Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Perpetual Education Fund", April 2001 General Conference)

"We teach members to be self-reliant, to do everything possible to sustain themselves"
(Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Inspired Church Welfare", April 1999 General Conference)

"Since the beginning of time man has been counseled to earn his own way, thereby becoming self-reliant. It is easy to understand the reason why the Lord places so much emphasis on this principle when we come to understand that it is tied very closely to freedom itself."
(President Marion G. Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance", October 1982 General Conference)

"We cannot afford to become wards of the government, even if we have a legal right to do so. It requires too great a sacrifice of self-respect and in political, temporal, and spiritual independence.

"In some countries it is extremely difficult to separate earned from unearned benefits. However, the principle is the same in all countries: We should strive to become self-reliant and not depend on others for our existence."

(President Marion G. Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance", October 1982 General Conference)

 

"Self-reliance is not the end, but a means to an end. It is very possible for a person to be completely independent and lack every other desirable attribute. One may become wealthy and never have to ask anyone for anything, but unless there is some spiritual goal attached to this independence, it can canker his soul."

(President Marion G. Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance", October 1982 General Conference)

"The principle of self-reliance or personal independence is fundamental to the happy life. In too many places, in too many ways, we are getting away from it.

"The substance of what I want to say is this: The same principle self-reliance—has application to the spiritual and to the emotional."

(President Boyd K. Packer, "Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Own Way", April 1978 General Conference)

 

Position Statement

 

There is a need to have a provident life and being self-reliant. I feel that there are too many people looking for hand outs and having a feeling of entitlement. We have been told over and over again that we need to be debt free and that we need to have a food storage, that we need to live below our means. The world we live in right now doesn't encourage this but try to get people to almost believe that it is perfectly okay for them to have debt and that in this world that is what is to be expected in this day and age. I do not believe that it is alright for us to be massively in debt being in debt is a feeling that I do not wish on anyone. I am currently in debt because of my previous schooling to become a massage therapist and although it is not a huge debt compared to many others it still puts a weight on my shoulders and makes me feel limited in what I can do until it is repaid which is why I am striving to get it paid off in the next year being in debt is not a pleasant feeling and I want more freedom in my income. I know that when we are free from the weight of debt we can feel the Spirit more as well as feeling lighter.

Inspiration/ Personal Revelation

"Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "These Things I Know", April 2013 General Conference)

"I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual [...]. The fact that He can, that He does, is a testimony to me."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Consider the Blessings", October 2012 General Conference)

"My brothers and sisters, the Lord’s purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Consider the Blessings", October 2012 General Conference)

"One must be ever mentally and physically clean and have purity of intent so that the Lord can inspire. One who is obedient to His commandments is trusted of the Lord. That individual has access to His inspiration to know what to do and, as needed, the divine power to do it."
(Elder Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration", April 2012 General Conference)

"There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.

   " Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.

  "Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.

  "On the other hand, spiritual communication can be enhanced by good health practices. Exercise, reasonable amounts of sleep, and good eating habits increase our capacity to receive and understand revelation. We will live for our appointed life span. However, we can improve both the quality of our service and our well-being by making careful, appropriate choices.

   It is important that our daily activities do not distract us from listening to the Spirit"
(Elder Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration", April 2012 General Conference)

"Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence: the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ; the truthfulness of the restored gospel; and God’s purpose and direction for us."
(Elder Robert D. Hales, "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets", October 2007 General Conference)

"Revelation comes on the Lord’s timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire."
(Elder Robert D. Hales, "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets", October 2007 General Conference)

"You have your agency, and inspiration does not—perhaps cannot—flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you.

"No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command, to pray—to ask.

"Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees."

(President Boyd K. Packer, "Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise", October 1994 General Conference)

 

"This timeless offer to provide personal revelation is extended to all of His children. It almost sounds too good to be true. But it is true! I have received and responded to that heavenly help. And I have learned that I always need to be ready to receive it."

(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Ask, Seek, Knock", October 2009 General Conference)

 

"Every Latter-day Saint may merit personal revelation. The invitation to ask, seek, and knock for divine direction exists because God lives and Jesus is the living Christ. It exists because this is His living Church."

(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Ask, Seek, Knock", October 2009 General Conference)

 

 Position Statement

I believe that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We have evidence through the scriptures that inspiration and personal revelation was received anciently and I know that it can happen today, and into the future. I believe that it was through revelation that the Church of Jesus Christ is back on the earth after the Great Apostasy. Also I know that I have received inspiration and personal revelation for my self and those whom I have stewardship or with whom I need to share the gospel. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and I am so grateful that I don't have to live without divine help. I know that I need to ask for the help and that I need to study things out in my mind but that I will be led to the truth and to the plan that Heavenly Fathers wants me to follow. I am so grateful for divine help and pray that I will follow the inspiration and personal revelation that He sends.

Education

"For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad.”
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy", October 2009 General Conference)

"Brethren, you have a duty to learn as much as you can. Please encourage your families, your quorum members, everyone to learn and become better educated. If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your 'university'—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy", October 2009 General Conference)

"We live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, because of the illness or death of your husband or because of economic necessity, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should an emergency arise, you are prepared to provide.

Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your children in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life"

(President Thomas S. Monson, "Be Thou an Example", General Relief Society Meeting 2001)

"If we make an effort to obtain the best education available to us, we are in a better position to be self-sufficient and not to become a burden on the society in which we live."
(Elder L. Tom Perry, "Youth of the Noble Birthright", October 1998 General Conference)

"Work for an education. Get all the training that you can. The world will largely pay you what it thinks you are worth."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry", April 1998 General Conference)

"Education is the key to economic opportunity. The Lord has laid a mandate upon us as a people to acquire learning 'by study, and also by faith' (D&C 109:14). It is likely that you will be a better provider if your mind and hands are trained to do something worthwhile in the society of which you will become a part."
 (President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry", April 1998 General Conference)

"...gain an adequate education. Learn a trade or a profession to enable you to obtain steady employment that will provide remuneration sufficient to care for yourself and your family. The rapidly changing world breeds obsolescence and requires us to be continually engaged in preparing ourselves for the future. We can become antiquated in our professions if we do not stay up-to-date. Imagine how many patients a dentist would have if he continued to use the same tools and techniques he used a decade ago. What about a businessman that tried to compete without the use of computers? Or a builder who had not stayed abreast of the latest materials and methods available? Education has, of necessity, become a lifelong pursuit. We must, in our scheduling of time, allot sufficient time to educate ourselves for now and for the future."
(Elder L. Tom Perry, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear", October 1995 General Conference)

"Our purpose [in Church schools] is to produce students who have that rare and precious combination of a superb secular education, complemented by faith in the Lord, a knowledge of the doctrines He has revealed, and a testimony that they are true."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "To Be Learned is Good if...",October 1992 General Conference)

"We encourage our youth in every country to get an education. Even if at times it seems hopeless. With determination and faith in the Lord, you will be blessed with success. It is a dream well worth pursuing."
 (President Boyd K. Packer, "To Be Learned is Good if...",October 1992 General Conference)

"Leaders of this Church have repeatedly emphasized the importance of education. It is a vital component of wisdom. Not long after the pioneers began construction of their temple in Illinois, they established the University of the City of Nauvoo. The First Presidency proclaimed that this university 'will enable us to teach our children wisdom, to instruct them in all the knowledge and learning, in the arts, sciences, and learned professions.'"
(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Where is Wisdom?", October 1992 General Conference)

Position Statement

Education is important hence the reason I am in the Pathway program. I have taken a number years of higher education and as I apply that education I know that I am in need of more so that I can improve myself. Education is very needful during our mortal probation but it is also important after this life and is the only thing that we can take with us from this world and has eternal value to all. I am grateful that I have the ability to learn and make what I learn a part of me.

Visiting Teaching/Home Teaching

"Home teaching answers many prayers and permits us to see the transformations which can take place in people's lives"
(President Thomas S. Monson, "True Shepherds", October 2013 General Conference, Priesthood Session)

"Brethren, as the priesthood of God we have a shepherding responsibility. The wisdom of the Lord has provided guidelines whereby we might be shepherds to the families of the Chruch, where we can serve, we can teach, and we can tetify to them. Such is called home teaching"
(President Thomas S. Monson, "True Shepherds", October 2013 General Conference, Priesthood Session)

"Home teaching is more tan a mechanical visit onece per month. Ours is the responsibility to teach, to inspire, to motivate, and where we visit those who are not active, to bring to activity and to eventual exaltation the sons and daughters of God."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "True Shepherds", October 2013 General Conference, Priesthood Session)

"The members of Relief Society have always been trusted by local priesthood shepherds. Every bishop and every branch president has a Relief Society president to depend upon. She has visiting teachers, who know the trials and the needs of every sister. She can, through them, know the hearts of individuals and families. She can meet needs and help the bishop in his call to nurture individuals and families."
(President Henry B. Eyring, "The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society", October 2009 General Conference)

"...each time you and your companion prepare to go visiting teaching, you just need to remember what success will be. It will be more than getting in the door. It will be more than giving a message. It will be more than asking how you can help. Success will come perhaps only after many visits. And you may not in this world see the evidence that you have succeeded. But you can feel by the Spirit if you are on the way."
 (President Henry B. Eyring, "The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society", October 2009 General Conference)

"Countless are the acts of service provided by the vast army of Relief Society visiting teachers. A few years ago I heard of two of them who aided a grieving widow, Angela, the granddaughter of a cousin of mine. Angela’s husband and a friend of his had gone snowmobiling and had become victims of suffocation through a snowslide. Each of them left a pregnant wife—in Angela’s case, their first child, and in the other case, a wife not only expecting a child but also the mother of a toddler. In the funeral held for Angela’s husband, the bishop reported that upon hearing of the tragic accident, he had gone immediately to Angela’s home. Almost as soon as he arrived, the doorbell sounded. The door was opened, and there stood Angela’s two visiting teachers. The bishop said he watched as they so sincerely expressed to Angela their love and compassion. The three women cried together, and it was apparent that these two fine visiting teachers cared deeply about Angela. As perhaps only women can, they gently indicated—without being asked—exactly what help they would be providing. That they would be close by as long as Angela needed them was obvious. The bishop expressed his deep gratitude in knowing they would be a real source of comfort to her in the days ahead.

Such acts of love and compassion are repeated again and again by the wonderful visiting teachers of this Church—not always in such dramatic situations but just as genuinely, nevertheless."

(President Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You", General Relief Society Meeting 2007)

"Home teaching isn’t about numbers or reporting visits to a home; visits and numbers are just a measuring stick. Home teaching is about love of people and service to and watchcare over our Heavenly Father’s children"
(Elder M. Russell Ballard, "O Be Wise", October 2006 General Conference)

 "Home teaching is part of today’s plan to rescue."
President Thomas S. Monson, "Stand in Your Appointed Place", April 2003 General Conference)

"In performing our home teaching responsibilities, we are wise if we learn and understand the challenges of the members of each family. A home teaching visit is also more likely to be successful if an appointment is made in advance."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Home Teaching-A Divine Service", October 1997 General Conference)

"Home teaching answers many prayers and permits us to see the occurrence of living miracles."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Home Teaching-A Divine Service", October 1997 General Conference)

"The most common calling received for men is home teacher and for women is Relief Society visiting teacher. When properly performed, these vital callings can substantially lighten the load of the bishopric. Home teachers and visiting teachers are the eyes and ears and hands of the bishop. Brothers and sisters, help the bishop and his counselors by reliable, faithful performance of your visits and oversight as home teachers and visiting teachers."
(Elder Dallin H Oaks, "Bishop, Help!", April 1997 General Conference)

"Home teachers, it is your responsibility to see that the unbaptized are baptized, the unordained are ordained, the inactive are brought into activity, the lost members are found."
(Elder L. Tom Perry, Home Teaching-A Sacred Calling", October 1978 General Conference)

"If our home teaching assignments are to be given their proper priority, then our preparation for those visits must be careful and complete, tailored to the individual needs of fathers and mothers and their families. As home teachers, should not this basic program receive our earnest effort to seek inspiration and guidance of the Lord in this most sacred obligation?"
 (Elder L. Tom Perry, Home Teaching-A Sacred Calling", October 1978 General Conference)

Position Statement

I know that there are many adult members who don't seem to think to much about the need to visit/home teach, indeed many forget about it or put it as one of there lowest priorities that they might get to this month or next year. There are many wonderful stories as to the reality of the blessings that it have been given by the visiting/home teacher and to those they teach. I think that it is a very needful thing especially since it can be hard to visit every one if it was just left up to those in leadership positions, especially since people's situations can easily change within a month and there are those occasions when people don't know who to call and then they remember their visiting or home teachers. I studied this subject thinking about how to encourage the members of my ward to do this more because I know that the numbers are low and I am one of those in a leadership position and so I look for ways to improve especially since I know that I can't meet everyone's needs personally, and as we fulfil our duty to do our visiting/home teaching we become friends with them and I feel that it would be better to delegate some of the things I am asked of to help to someone who is already a friend with the person.

Individual Worth

"We must never forget that we are God's literal spirit children. We were His children before we came to this world, and we will be His Children forevermore. This basic truth should change the way we look at ourselves, our brothers and sisters, and life itself."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Four Titles", April 2013 General Conference Priesthood Session)

"The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy," April 2012 General Conference)
"There is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation - worlds without end - within our grasp. And it is God's great desire to help us reach it."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Matter to Him", October 2011 General Conference)

"Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people."
(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Face the Future with Faith", April 2011 General Conference)

"[...]in our zeal we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. We know from modern revelation that 'the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.' We cannot gauge the worth of another soul any more than we can measure the span of the universe. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen."
(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You are My Hands", April 2010 General Conference)

"If we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God."
(Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Atonement and the Value of One Soul", April 2004 General Conference)

"Surely, if the Atonement of Christ was foremost in the minds of ward and branch leaders, no new or reactivated member would ever be neglected. Because every soul is so precious, leaders will counsel together to see that each one is taught the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
(Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Atonement and the Value of One Soul", April 2004 General Conference)

"Then let us encourage every woman who questions her value to turn to her Heavenly Father and His glorified Son for a supernal confirmation of her immense individual worth."
(Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Sanctity of Womanhood",  April 2000 General Conference)

"A few see beyond the outward appearance and recognize the true worth of a human soul. When they do, miracles occur."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "An Example of the Believers", October 1992 General Conference)

"Each faithful young woman in the Church proclaims that individual worth is one of her most cherished values. She declares, 'I am of infinite worth with my own divine mission which I will strive to fulfill.' (Personal Progress, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1989, p7.) Each daughter of God is of infinite worth because of her divine mission."
(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Woman-Of Infinite Worth", October 1989 General Conference)

Position Statement

This was a somewhat hard subject to find good quotes for but I am happy with what I got and that I looked for these quotes as I have learned quite a bit. I know that there is a great need for us to understand our individual worth. I know that I am a child of God and even though He has created all that is in the universe, and much more, that He knows who I am what I am struggling with and my joys and sorrows. He knows me by name and he thinks that my soul is of great worth and I also know that He has charity to all people for he does not place one above another but loves us all. I am so grateful that this is one of the values of Young Women's and I strive to remember this and I try to remind those around me or teach them about it especially women since we seem to forget this more easily then men.

(Picture from johnathanhines.wordpress.com)
(individual worth is not measured by money but I liked the visual)
 

Pornography

"In out day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plaque sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010, General Conference)

"Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010, General Conference)

"Strangely enough, it may be that the simplest and most powerful prevention and cure for pornography, or any unclean act, is to ignore and avoid it. Delete from the mind any unworthy thought that tries to take root. Once you have decided to remain clean, you are asserting your God-given agency. And then as President Smith counseled, 'Don't look back.'"
(President Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010, General Conference)
 
"Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after 'anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you.
      "Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings", April 2010 General Conference Priesthood Session)

The third obstacle to endurance mentioned by the Savior is “the lusts of other [things].” The plague of pornography is swirling about us as never before. Pornography brings a vicious wake of immorality, broken homes, and broken lives. Pornography will sap spiritual strength to endure. Pornography is much like quicksand. You can become so easily trapped and overcome as soon as you step into it that you do not realize the severe danger. Most likely you will need assistance to get out of the quicksand of pornography. But how much better it is never to step into it. I plead with you to be careful and cautious.
 (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Press On", October 2004 General Conference)

"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."
(President Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010, General Conference)

"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. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the heart and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit exercises its vicious control."
(Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", October 2009 General Conference)

"Here, brethren, I must tell you that our bishops and our professional counselors are seeing an increasing number of men involved with pornography, and many of those are active members. Some involved in pornography apparently minimize its seriousness and continue to exercise the priesthood of God because they think no one will know of their involvement. But the user knows, brethren, and so does the Lord."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography", April 2005 General Conference)

"Pornography is also addictive. It impairs decision-making capacities and it “hooks” its users, drawing them back obsessively for more and more. A man who had been addicted to pornography and to hard drugs wrote me this comparison: “In my eyes cocaine doesn’t hold a candle to this. I have done both. … Quitting even the hardest drugs was nothing compared to [trying to quit pornography]” (letter of Mar. 20, 2005)."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography", April 2005 General Conference)

"My brethren who are caught in this addiction or troubled by this temptation, there is a way.

First, acknowledge the evil. Don’t defend it or try to justify yourself. For at least a quarter century our leaders have pleaded with men, and also with women and children, to avoid this evil. Our current Church magazines are full of warnings, information, and helps on this subject—with more than a score of articles published or to be published this year and last year alone.

Second, seek the help of the Lord and His servants. Hear and heed President Hinckley’s words:

“Plead with the Lord out of the depths of your soul that He will remove from you the addiction which enslaves you. And may you have the courage to seek the loving guidance of your bishop and, if necessary, the counsel of caring professionals” (Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 62).

Third, do all that you can to avoid pornography. If you ever find yourself in its presence—which can happen to anyone in the world in which we live—follow the example of Joseph of Egypt. When temptation caught him in her grip, he left temptation and “got him out” (Gen 39:12)."

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography", April 2005 General Conference)

"While the matter of which I speak was a problem then, it is a much more serious problem now. It grows increasingly worse. It is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful. I speak of pornography in all of its manifestations."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Tragic Evil Among Us", October 2004 General Conference)

"[Pornography] is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Tragic Evil Among Us", October 2004 General Conference Priesthood Session)

"Hence, I warn against pornography. It is degrading of women. It is evil. It is infectious, destructive, and addictive. The body has means by which it can cleanse itself from harmful effects of contaminated food or drink. But it cannot vomit back the poison of pornography. Once recorded, it always remains subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind, with power to draw you away from the wholesome things in life. Avoid it like the plague!"
(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women", April 1999 General Conference Priesthood Session)

"I plead with you boys tonight to keep yourselves free from the stains of the world. You must not indulge in sleazy talk at school. You must not tell sultry jokes. You must not fool around with the Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with pornography of any kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. 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."
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry", April 1998 General Conference General Priesthood Session)

"Pornography is not a victimless crime. Who are its victims? First, those who either intentionally, or sometimes involuntarily, are exposed to it. Pornography is addictive. What may begin as a curious exploration can become a controlling habit. Studies show that those who allow themselves to become drawn to pornography soon begin to crave even coarser content. Continued exposure desensitizes the spirit and can erode the conscience of unwary people. A victim becomes a slave to carnal thoughts and actions. As the thought is father to the deed, exposure can lead to acting out what is nurtured in the mind."
(Elder David B. Haight, "Personal Morality", October 1984 General Conference)

"...let each of us resolve this day to keep our minds, our bodies, and our spirits free from the corrupting influence of pornography, including everything that is obscene and indecent. Let it have no place in our homes, our minds, or our hearts."
(Elder David B. Haight, "Personal Morality", October 1984 General Conference)

"Members of the Church everywhere are urged to not only resist the widespread plague of pornography, but as citizens to become actively and relentlessly engaged in the fight against this insidious enemy of humanity around the world."
(President Spencer W. Kimball, "A Report and a Challenge", October 1976 General Conference)

Position Statement

Pornography really is an unpleasant thing and that is putting it very lightly. I am sadden by how easy it is to get or see and I am also sadden that some people don't think twice about whether they should look at it or not it almost seems to be a natural thing to some people in the world as something that you just do when you reach puberty. I know that it is an unpleasant thing and I know of marriages that have been close or have been ruined because of the evil clutch that it has on some peoples minds. Also I know that you have to ever keep up your wall around it and I think that it is perfectly okay to walk out of a movie with even the slightest bit of pornography or to close a book or a magazine if you think that it is close to pornography even if it dramatically cuts down how many movies, books, or magazines you see or read.  I have been given a hard time because some of my friends think that I am overly sensitive to it but I rather be over sensitive to it then to be desensitized to it. I know that as we keep our minds clean of this garbage that we can build a closer relationship with Heavenly Father and that I have received many blessings from keeping myself away from it.