Women, Food and God Quotes
“It's never been true, not anywhere at any time, that the value of a soul, of a human spirit, is dependent on a number on a scale. We are unrepeatable beings of light and space and water who need these physical vehicles to get around. When we start defining ourselves by that which can be measured or weighed, something deep within us rebels.
“The Eating Guidelines
1. Eat when you are hungry.
2. Eat sitting down in a calm environment. This does not include the car.
Quotes by Women
"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling or being unwanted, uncared for, deserted by everybody. The greatest evil is the lack of love and charity, the terrible indifference towards one’s neighbor who lives at the roadside, the victim of exploitation, corruption, poverty, and disease."
I am a Woman
“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of christian, But the fact that I am a christian does make me a different kind of woman.”
"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in the world."
"My definition of happiness is having something to do what you love to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to."
"A Woman"
This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, the book where all of the sayings and preaching of Rabbis are conserved over time.
Quotes
1) “Sisters, this is a call to arms, it’s a call to action, a call to arise. A call to arm ourselves with power and with righteousness. A call to rely on the arm of the Lord rather than the arm of flesh. A call to “arise and shine forth, that our light may be a standard for the nations. A call to live as women of God so that we and our families may return safely home. ” (Sheri Dew, November 1999 Ensign, We are Women of God)
2) “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the church are seen as distinct and different–in happy ways–from the women of the world. ” (President Spencer W. Kimball, November 1979 Ensign, The Role of Righteous Women)
3) “This society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls. ” (Joseph Smith, RS Minute Book, 1842)
4) “Emma was called “an elect lady.” That is, to use another line of scripture, she was a “chosen vessel of the Lord.” (See Moro. 7:31 .) Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
5) “The Lord has declared, ‘If ye are not one ye are not mine.’ We will continue to be united in one purpose–namely, the furtherance of the work of the Lord.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, May 2008 Ensign, Looking Back and Moving Forward)
6) “We ask our Sisters of the Relief Society never to forget that they are a unique organization in the whole world, for they were organized under the inspiration of the Lord. … No other woman’s organization in all the earth has had such a birth.” (Pres. Joseph F. Smith, “A Centenary of Relief Society,” p. 7, Deseret News Press, 1942.)
7) “You are…more blessed than any other women in all the world. You were the first women to have the franchise; the first women to have a voice in the work of a church. It was God that gave it to you and it came as a result of revelation to a Prophet of the Lord. Since that time, think what benefits the women of this world have enjoyed. Not only you belonging to the Church have enjoyed the blessing of equality, but when the Prophet Joseph Smith turned the key for the emancipation of womankind, it was turned for all the world, and from generation to generation the number of women who can enjoy the blessings of religious liberty and civil liberty has been increasing.” (President George Albert Smith, Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1945)
8) “The nearer we get to our Heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs.” (Joseph Smith, spoken at a meeting of the Female Relief Society, at the Grove, Nauvoo, Jun 9, 1842)
9) “The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life.” (Pres. Julie B. Beck, Fall 2008 RS Women’s Meeting)
10) “The adversary is delighted when we act like sightseers, meaning those who are hearers rather than doers of the word, or shoppers, meaning those preoccupied with the vain things of this world that suffocate our spirits.” (Sheri L. Dew, We are Women of God, Ensign, Nov 1999)
11) “To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous educational effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many—your families and others—now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
12) “We are a covenant people willing to make sacrifices to get to the Tree.” (Mary Ellen Smoot, private conversation)
13) “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.” (Lucy Mack Smith)
14) “The average woman today, I believe, would do well to appraise her interests, evaluate the activites in which she is engaged, and then take steps to simplify her life, putting things of first importance first, placing emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring, and ridding herself of the less rewarding activities. The endless enticements and demands of life today require that we determine priorities in allocating our time and energies if we are to live happy, poised, productive lives.” (Belle S. Spafford, 9th General President of the Relief Society)
15) “A married woman’s place is in the home, where she sustains and supports her husband; a woman’s place is in the Church, where she expounds scripture, writes wise documents, and learns much; a woman’s place is out rendering compassionate service to her fellow beings, in and out of the Church; a woman’s place is in preaching the gospel and doing missionary work; her calling is to do good and work righteousness in every place and under all circumstances.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Our Sisters from the Beginning, Ensign, Jan 1979)
16) “…Don’t you see we are one?… That is the way we have got to be… We have got to come to that; and when we do, the Spirit of God will rest upon us, and the Spirit of Jesus, and of all the Prophets, and Apostles, and holy men of God that ever did live or ever will. Then the same Spirit and power will rest upon our sisters as it did upon Mary, and Elizabeth, and Anna, and thousands of others.” (Heber C. Kimball, JD 5:87)
17) “I am convinced there is no other organization anywhere to match the Relief Society of this Church. It has a membership of more than five million women across the earth. If they will be united and speak with one voice, their strength will be incalculable…It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing Strong and Immovable, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan 2004)
18) “Sisters, some will try to persuade you that because you are not ordained to the priesthood you have been shortchanged. They are simply wrong, and they do not understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings of the priesthood are available to every righteous man and woman. We may all receive the Holy Ghost, obtain personal revelation, and be endowed in the temple, from which we emerge ‘armed’ with power. Sisters, we as women are not diminshed by priesthood power, we are magnified by it.” (Sheri Dew, It is not Good for Man or Woman to be Alone, Liahona, Jan 2002)
19) “Sisters, prepare yourselves and your families to receive the blessings of the covenant. We do this by keeping the commandments, by seeking the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, and by transforming our beliefs into action.” (Barbara W. Winder, Striving Together: Transforming Our Beliefs into Action, Ensign, Nov 1984)
20) “We will be noticed. We should be a light on a hill. It is our responsibility to study, prepare, and work to be able to clearly teach the truth about our priorities and privileges as women in the Church.” (Patricia T. Holland, A Woman’s Perspective on the Priesthood, Ensign, Jun 1982)
21) “I have told you many times that there are multitudes of pure and holy spirits waiting to take tabernacles, now what is our 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… This is the reason why the doctrine of plurality of wives was revealed, that the noble spirits which are waiting for tabernacles might be brought forth. If the men of the world were right, or if they were anywhere near right, there might not be the necessity which there now is. But they are wholly given up to idolatry, and to all manner of wickedness… Do you not ask for the righteous to increase, while the unrighteous shall decrease and dwindle away? Sisters, I am not joking, I do not throw out my proposition to banter your feelings,… that there is no cessation to the everlasting whining of many of the women in this Territory… And if the women will turn from the commandments of God and continue to despise the order of heaven, I will pray that the curse of the Almighty may be close to their heels, and that it may be following them all the day long. And those that enter into it and are faithful, I will promise them that they shall be queens in heaven, and rulers to all eternity.” (Brigham Young, JD 4:56)
22) “Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than on visibility. Remember, it is as wrong to do things just to be seen of women as it is to do things to be seen of men.” (President Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov 1979)
23) “What a different world and Church this would be if every Latter-day Saint sister excelled at making, renewing, and keeping covenants; if every sister qualified for a temple recommend and worshipped more often in temples; if every sister studied the scriptures and doctrines of Christ and knew them so well that she could teach and defend those doctrines at any time or place. Think of our combined strength if every sister…prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily and had a family home evening once a week, we would be stronger. If every sister was self-reliant enough to be able to give freely of her knowledge, talents, and resources and if every sister’s discipleship was reflected by what she said and what she wore, we would be immovable in that which is correct.” (Julie B. Beck, What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable, Ensign, Nov 2007)
24) “Relief Society is an organization of divine origin. Within it lies the power to strengthen sisters and their families and to create a worldwide family of sisters.” (Virginia U. Jensen, Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment, Ensign, Nov 1999)
25) “The daughters of Zion should do better than to trail silks and satins in the mud when walking in the street. The Female Relief Societies should lay hold of and regulate these things, and introduce fashions that are comely and comfortable; it is their duty to do it.” (Wilford Woodruff, JD 18:129)
26) “If we are going to lead in righteousness, there can’t be any question where we stand. Small uncertainties on our part can produce large uncertainties in our youth. I wonder sometimes if we as mothers are the ones who make our children feel the pressure to be popular and accepted. Educating our desires so our standards are the Lord’s standards sends a clear message that in the Lord’s kingdom there are no double standards. We have made covenants with the Lord, and leading often tests the level of our commitment to those covenants.” (Sharon G. Larsen, Fear Not: For They That Be with us Are More, Liahona, Jan 2002)
27) “What a remarkable charge to…all of the women of this Church. There must be learning, there must be preparation, there must be organization of thought, there must be an expounding of the scripture, there must be an exhortation to good works as directed by the Holy Spirit.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, If Thou Art Faithful, GC, Oct 1984)
28) “Never have women had greater influence than in today’s world. Never have the doors of opportunity opened wider for them. This is an inviting, exciting, challenging, and demanding period of time for women. It is a time rich in rewards if we keep our balance, learn the true values of life, and wisely determine priorities.” (Belle S. Spafford, A Woman’s Reach, pg 21)
29) “There are many women in the Relief Society who are not married. Death, divorce, and indeed lack of opportunity to marry have in many instances made it necessary for a woman to stand alone. In reality, she need not stand alone, for a loving Heavenly Father will be by her side to give direction to her life and provide peace and assurance in those quiet moments where loneliness is found and where compassion is needed.” (President Thomas S. Monson, The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society, Ensign, Nov 1997)
30) “Sisters, it is for us to be wide awake to our duties. The kingdom will roll on, and we have nothing to fear but our own imperfections. May God bless you and endow you with energy and determination to act.” (Zina D. Young, Special Meeting of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association of the First Ward, held in the Schoolhouse, Sept 26th, 1877, as reported in the Women’s Exponent)
31) “[Joseph Smith] could have revealed a great many things to us if we had been ready; but he said there were many things that we could not receive because we lacked that diligence and faithfulness that were necessary to entitle us to those choice things of the kingdom. He revealed the doctrine of celestial marriage, and the abuse of this holy principle caused many to stumble and fall away from the Church of the living God, but that was their own fault and they have nobody else to blame.” (Heber C. Kimball, JD 10:167)
32) “The sectarian world and their ministers teach people how to die; but we want to learn how to live, that we may be prepared to dwell with angels and holy beings; and if we do not live lives of purity, we will not receive the reward that we otherwise would.” (Emmeline B. Wells, Special Meeting of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association of the First Ward, held in the Schoolhouse, Sept 26th, 1877, as reported in the Women’s Exponent)
33) “I have long been satisfied that the devil was making great exertions to drive a wedge in between parents and children – trying to inspire and instill into the minds of the sons and daughters of the Saints those corrupting notions that will prevent them from following the footsteps of their fathers and mothers; but this cannot be done! The sons and daughters of this people, if we do our duty; will be held by the strength and in the name of Israel’s God.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 269-270)
34) “I always feel happy to meet with my sisters; today I feel a peculiar sweetness and heavenly influence. What we have heard is calculated to inspire us to action. The world has a great deal of teaching and preaching done, but we want to act, for by our acts we will be judged. it has been suggested here that we have a great deal to do, and those who are alive to their religion know that there is much to do. The sisters have weighty duties placed upon them, and duties that cannot be accomplished singly, but require a unity of heart and feeling. We must be united.” (Eliza R. Snow, Special Meeting of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association of the First Ward, held in the Schoolhouse, Sept 26th, 1877, as reported in the Women’s Exponent)
35) “Each of you should be grateful to be a woman! To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help, to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife. ” (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, New Era, Jan 1979)
36) “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this. ” (Neal A. Maxwell, The Women of God, Ensign, May 1978)
37) “With a giving mentality, we would prepare for Sunday lesson discussions in order to make a contribution. We would faithfully attend home, family, and personal enrichment meeting because we had something to offer–maybe just a word of encouragement to the sister sitting next to us. We would use our visits with each other to witness of the Lord’s truth as we discuss the Visiting Teaching Message. The value we place on our membership in Relief Society should be evident in all we do and say.” (Bonnie D. Parkin, Oh, How We Need Each Other. Liahona, Mar 2004)
38) “We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection.” (Patricia T. Holland, “One Thing Needful: Becoming Women of Greater Faith in Christ, Ensign, Oct 1987)
39) “We feel truly thankful that through the blessing of our Heavenly Father, we, His handmaidens are called to be co-laborers with our brethren in building up the kingdom of God upon the earth, in assisting to build Temples, wherein we can receive blessings for time and eternity. In all the ordinances received in the house of the Lord, woman stands beside the man, both for the living and the dead, showing that the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. Then what manner of women should we be? Faithful in performing all the duties devolving upon us as daughters of God. God bless you, sisters! and give you strength to do all your hearts desire to do in righteousness.” (Mary Isabella Horne, President of the Retrenchment Assoc., 1877)
40) “Sisters, strengthen yourselves by seeking the source of true strength—the Savior. Come unto him. He loves you. He desires your happiness and exults in your desires for righteousness. Make him your strength, your daily companion, your rod and your staff. Let him comfort you. There is no burden we need bear alone. His grace compensates for our deficiencies. Your strength will strengthen others—your children, your husband, your friends, and your sisters in the gospel. That strength will flow back from them to you when you need it.” (Chieko N. Okazaki, Strength in the Savior, Ensign, Nov. 1993)
41) “Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.” (Robert D. Hales, Modesty, Liahona, Aug 2008)
42) “I find that some women are shortchanged in that a priesthood leader is more persuaded by a son rather than a daughter of Father in Heaven. That imbalance simply must never occur.” (Richard G. Scott, Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well, Ensign, Oct 2008)
43) “Where there are disobedient and rebellious children in the midst of Israel, tell me who their father and mother are, and I will point out to you disobedient, rebellious, disaffected parents; and if there is a woman in any family whose children dishonor their father, I will show you a woman that dishonors her husband and shows him disrespect, from which the children take their example. We do not want such women in Israel: we do not want their offspring, nor anything that pertains to them, except they repent.” (Erastus Snow, JD 5:291)
44) “When persons entertain evil thoughts long enough for the Spirit to withdraw, they lose their spiritual protection and they are subject to the power and direction of the evil one.” (Dallin H. Oaks, Pornography, Ensign, May 2005)
45) “We don’t need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved… There’s only been one perfect person, and that’s the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path – thus charting a course leading to eternal life – and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship. I’m not saying that you don’t have to keep the commandments. I’m saying you don’t have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this: You get on the path that’s named the “straight and narrow.” You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that’s called eternal life. If you’re on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you’ll never get off the path… You don’t have to do what Jacob said, “Go beyond the mark.”… What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church – keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you’re on that path when death comes – because this is the time and the day appointed, this is the probationary estate – you’ll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure. (Bruce R. McConkie, “The Probationary Test of Mortality.” University of Utah Address, Jan. 10, 1982)
46) “Please warn the brethren (and sisters). Pornography is not some titillating feast for the eyes that gives a momentary rush of excitement. [Rather] it has the effect of damaging hearts and souls to their very depths, strangling the life out of relationships that should be sacred, hurting to the very core those you should love the most.” (From a letter written by a fellow sister to Pres. Hinckley, A Tragic Evil Among Us, Ensign, Nov 2004)
47) “It’s so important that we include every sister. Let’s not forget the women who are serving in Primary or Young Women. There are many…women in our wards. Please find them, love them, and bring them into the circle of sisterhood. Don’t assume…[do] your part to get to know them.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, In Covenant with Him, Ensign, Nov 2003)
48) “’Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive.’ (D&C 25:15) That was the promise of the Lord to Emma Hale Smith. It is the promise of the Lord to each of you. Happiness lies in keeping the commandments. For a Latter-day Saint woman there can be only misery in the violation of those commandments. And for each who observes them, there is the promise of a crown, a queenly crown for each daughter of God, a crown of righteousness and eternal truth.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, If Thou Art Faithful, Nov 1984)
49) “One kindness, one expression of love, one thoughtful gesture, one willing hand at a time. But my message is not to those who receive such acts of charity but to all of us who must practice such holiness every day.” (Kathleen H. Hughes, That We May All Sit Down in Heaven Together, Ensign, Nov 2005)
50) “I consider that the mother has a greater influence over her posterity than any other person can have. And the question has arisen some time ‘When does this education begin?’ Our prophets have said, ‘When the spirit life from God enters into the tabernacle.’ The condition of the mother at that time will have its effect upon the fruit of her womb; and from the birth of the child, and all through life, the teachings and the example of the mother govern and control in a great measure, that child, and her influence is felt by it through time and eternity.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 269-270)
51) “‘I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words…Go…[into] your homes…ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask…the Father…that ye may understand.’ (3 Ne. 17:2-3) The Savior’s words were written for us. It’s OK if we’re weak, as long as we don’t stay weak, as long as we do something about it.” (Carol B. Thomas, Developing Our Talent for Spirituality, Ensign, May 2001)
52) “There are those who suggest that males are favored of the Lord because they are ordained to hold the priesthood. Anyone who believes this does not understand the great plan of happiness. The premortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by God Himself, and it is simply not within His character to diminish the roles and responsibilities of any of His children.” (M. Russell Ballard, Women of Righteousness, Ensign, Apr 2002)
53) “…every sister in this church should be a preacher of righteousness…because we have greater and higher privileges than any other females upon the face of the earth.” (Eliza R. Snow, “Great Indignation Meeting”, Deseret Evening News, 15 Jan 1870)
54) “…I speak, not to the slackers in the Kingdom, but to those who carry their own load and more; not to those lulled into false security, but to those buffeted by false insecurity, who, though laboring devotedly in the Kingdom, have recurring feelings of falling forever short…The first thing to be said of this feeling of inadequacy is that it is normal…Following celestial road signs while in telestial traffic jams is not easy, especially when we are not just moving next door-or even across town.” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Not withstanding My Weaknesses, Ensign, Nov 1976, p. 12)
55) “One person can make a difference. Each one of you has unique gifts. Use your gifts to serve others. As we walk in His light, we become women of courage and conviction. We become women of vision, women of destiny, and women of eternal value. Join with us to build spiritual strength, to radiate truth to the world and to celebrate the family. We are a worldwide circle of sisters.” (Mary Ellen Smoot, Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord, Ensign, Nov 1998)
56) “More than ever before we need women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity, as the Relief Society Declaration proclaims. We need women who can hear, and who will respond to the voice of the Lord, women who at all costs will defend and protect the family. We don’t need women who want to be like men…dress like men…act like men. We do need women who…have a spiritual confirmation of their identity, their value, and their eternal destiny. Above all, we need women who will stand up for truth and righteousness and decry evil at every turn.” (M. Russell Ballard, Women of Righteousness, Ensign, Apr 2002)
57) “Mormon women in their true setting as handmaidens of the Lord are the freest women on earth. They have the greatest opportunity for self-expression and service to others of any women in the world. Why? Because they have the gospel.” (Mark E. Petersen, Why Every Woman Needs Relief Society, Ensign, Mar 1976)
58) “As sisters in Relief Society we are to assist one another preparing for the day the bridegroom returns. By actively taking part in the Relief Society organization, our lamps will be full. Our faith will remain strong…Many times we think just being a member of the Church will entitle us to all the Lord has promised. But each blessing requires obedience.” (Mary Ellen Smoot, Come, Let Us Walk in the Light of the Lord, Ensign, Nov 1998)
59) “God is looking down upon you, the angels are recording your secret acts…Let us pray daily, and try to become more refined and visionary and bring up our children to be polite and refined, that they may be useful monuments to society. Endeavor to make home happy, keep your children from various company; and while you study to dress them neatly, do not neglect to adorn them much with those principles which will tend to elevate and ennoble them, and prepare them for future usefulness in the kingdom of our God.” (Eliza R. Snow, From Minutes of the Original Relief Society)
60) “There is neither man or woman in this Church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and it is to do good, to promote righteousness, to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail upon themselves and everybody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life” (Brigham Young, Deseret News, July 3, 1867, 210. )
61) “Missionary work is but [visiting] teaching to those who are not now members of the Church, and [visiting] teaching is nothing more or less than missionary work to Church members” (Harold B. Lee, Improvement Era . Dec. 1964, 1978)
62) “What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others…A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.” (Howard W. Hunter,“The Atonement and Missionary Work,” seminar for new mission presidents, June 1994)
63) “We have a mission in the world: each man, each woman, each child who has grown to understanding or to the years of accountability, ought…to be qualified to preach the truth, to bear testimony of the truth.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 13th ed. [1968], 251–52)
64) “So if your prayers don’t always seem answered, take heart. One greater than you…cried, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani…My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ (Matt. 27:46) If sometimes the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived.” Jeffrey R. Holland, The Inconvenient Messiah, Ensign, Feb 1984)
65) “We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians–whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family…Become scholars of the scriptures–not to put others down, but to lift them up.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Role of Righteous Women, Conference Report, Oct 1979)
66) “Your Heavenly Father knows your name and knows your circumstances. He knows your fears and frustrations, as well as your hopes and dreams. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, To Young Women, Conference Report, Oct 2005)
67) “The place of importance that was assigned to the women’s Relief Society is really analogous to the place of mother in the home. The sacred and responsible status in each case was established by the Lord himself. In both callings women are to stand side by side with the men who hold the Priesthood. Even as a wife is a helpmate in the home, so the Relief Society, being an extension of the home, is a helpmate to the Priesthood.” (Hugh B. Brown, Relief Society-An Extension of the Home, Relief Society Magazine, Dec 1961))
68) “To be a mother in Israel in the full gospel sense is the highest reward that can come into the life of a woman. This designation has a deep and significant meaning, one that is far more than marrying and bearing children in this life, great and important as that course is. In fact, in the full and true sense of the word, the blessing of being mothers in Israel shall come in due course to some who, through no fault of their own, are denied the opportunity to marry and to bear children in this life.” (Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, Mothers in Israel, Relief Society Magazine, Dec 1970)
69) “…We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints (including women), so that it may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet [see Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45]; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints (including women), to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.” (Joseph Smith and his counselors made this declaration to the members of the Church on Sept. 1840. History of the Church, 4:185–86)
70) “Each of us has a vital role, even a sacred mission to perform as a daughter in Zion. It is a new day, the dawning of a new era. It is our time, and it is our destiny to rejoice as we fill the earth with greater kindness and gentleness, greater love and compassion, greater sympathy and empathy than has ever been known before. It is time to give ourselves to the Master and allow Him to lead us into fruitful fields where we can enrich a world filled with darkness and misery. Each of us, no matter who we are, no matter where we serve, must arise amd make the most of each opportunity that comes. We must follow the counsel given by the Lord and His servants and make our homes houses of prayer and havens of security and safety. We can and must deepen our faith by increasing our obedience and sacrifice. In this individual process a miracle will take place. The Relief Society will begin to stretch and reach out to the millions in need. It will continue to become an organization that brings relief and rejoicing. This will happen one sister at a time. We will unite in our righteousness and truly partake of the fruit of the tree of life together. The fruits of our labors can heal the world, and, sisters, in the process they can heal us too!” (Mary Ellen Smoot, Rejoice, Daughters of Zion, Ensign, Nov 1999)
71) “To save souls opens the whole field of human activity and development; relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman. What a magnificent commission!” (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987, p. 308; as quoted by Dallin H Oaks, Ensign, May 1992)
72) “I believe one of our greatest preventative measures against nuclear family disintegration is to take upon ourselves to fortify our own families, and then, from that position of strength, we will be able to reach next door and further strengthen our neighbors. The power of personal example is great,” (Bonnie D. Parkin at the World Conference on Families in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1998)
73) “One of the purposes of the organization of the Relief Society was that a system might be inaugurated by which study of religious subjects, or Church doctrine and government, might be pursued by women. The administration of charity under the direction of the Bishopric…was to be part of their active work. But this was not intended to absorb their activities to the exclusion of the development of faith, and the advancement of women in literary, social and domestic activities of life.” (James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–75, 5:217.)
74) “A prophet’s plea is good enough for me.” (Coleen K. Menlove, Joining in the Mighty Work of God, Oct 2002)
75) “I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, from Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley . p. 696)
76) “One sister has discovered, when you learn to do something well, you find joy in it. Her way of doing things may not be your way, but that’s the beauty of following a righteous pattern. Each of us has our own cloth, woven with our strengths and talents, and then we follow the pattern the Lord has set for creating eternal families. The Lord’s pattern is in the scriptures and in the prophetic utterances of His prophets and servants. The pattern for raising a righteous family can be found in the scriptures. As we search the scriptures, we will find the answers and direction we need concerning our own families. Each of you has a story to tell. Your faith, hope, and charity are what make you remarkable and qualify you for the work.” (Mary Ellen Smoot, As Sisters in Zion, We’ll All Work Together, BYU Women’s Conference, 2001)
77) “There is certainly a place for formal teaching in our homes with our families. There is also a power in informal teaching that goes on in families. Informal councils involve parents and children to bless families and strengthen individuals. I like to call them “kitchen councils”. The mother went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and her daughters joined her. They stood side by side peeling and chopping, talking and coordinating activities. They were counseling together! Second, in ward or stake councils, besides representing your organization, you also represent your own point of view. Women who attend these council meetings can be the family filter, which would certainly include being a defender and a protector of the family. When activites are discussed, a woman can voice her perspective on how an activity will affect the family.” (Sis. Margaret D. Nadauld, The Joy of Womanhood, Nov 2000)
78) “We are privileged above all other women-kind on the face of the earth. How necessary for the Saints of the living God to be more of a distinct people than what they are…to be as different from the rest of the world as our privileges are more exalted–we should be a shining light to the nations of the earth. But I often say to myself, are we what we should be?” (Eliza R. Snow, 14 Aug 1873, Woman’s Exponent)
79) “Here is the truth about womanhood. Our Father gave His daughters a divine endowment of gifts that give us unique influence. First and foremost, we have the high privilege of bearing children…No wonder our Father placed us at the heart of the family and thus at the center of the plan of salvation. We are the Lord’s secret weapon…The world won’t tell us this stunning truth, but the Spirit will…It is time for us to wake up to the potential magnitude of our full influence as latter-day women of God and then to arise and do what we were sent here to do.” (Sheri Dew, May 1, 2008, BYU Women’s Conference)
80) “Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with ‘good things’ so there is no room for the essential ones. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?” (Richard G. Scott, First Things First, July 2001)
81) Many individuals preoccupied by the cares of the world are not necessarily in transgression. But they certainly are in diversion and thus waste “the days of [their] probation” (2 Ne. 9:27). Yet some proudly live “without God in the world” (Alma 41:11), with gates and doors locked from the inside! (Neal A. Maxwell, The Tugs and Pulls of the World, Oct 2000)
82) “There is nothing more beautiful than a woman under the influence of the Holy Ghost. There is nothing more compelling than a woman who with gentle strength stands for righteousness, whether within the walls of her own home or before an international gathering of women.” (Sheri Dew)
83) “To come to Zion, it is not enough for you or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. We are to become not only good but holy men and women.” (D. Todd Christofferson)
84) “In my experience, women bent on being Christlike and sincerely working for the betterment of their families are invariably extraordinary.” (Anne C. Pingree)
85) “Just believing, just having a molecule of faith…when focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, has ever been and always will be the first principle of His eternal gospel, the first step out of despair. We thank our Father in heaven we are allowed to change, we thank Jesus we can change, and ultimately we do so only with their divine assistance.” (Jeffrey R. Holland)
86) “Paul the Apostle anciently spoke of holy women. It is the duty of each one of us to be a holy woman. We shall have elevated aims, if we are holy women. We shall feel that we are called to perform important duties. No one is exempt from them. There is no sister so isolated, and her sphere so narrow but what she can do a great deal towards establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth.” (Eliza R. Snow)
87) “Relief Society is unique because it was organized after the “pattern of the priesthood” and we operate on a general and local level under the direction of priesthood leaders. We work in partnership with priesthood leaders, who hold keys which give them authority to preside in the name of the Lord. We operate in the manner of the priesthood–which means that we seek, receive, and act on revelation; make decisions in councils; and concern ourselves with caring for individuals one by one. Ours is the priesthood purpose to prepare ourselves for the blessings of eternal life by making and keeping covenants. Therefore, like our brethren who hold the priesthood, ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people.” (Julie B. Beck)
88) “Let every man, woman, and child realize the importance of the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion alone.” (Joseph Smith)
89) “No matter what they may be without, are your homes pure within? Are morning prayers offered there regularly? Or do the things of this world take you away from your home and make you deprive yourself of morning prayers with the children? Woe to that home where the mother abandons her holy mission or neglects the divine instruction, influence, and example—while she bows, a devotee, at the shrine of social pleasure; or neglects the essential duties in her own household, in her enthusiasm to promote public reform.” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 481)
90) “Another great and important duty devolving upon this people is to teach their children, from their cradle until they become men and women, every principle of the gospel, and endeavor, so far as lies in the power of the parents, to instill into their hearts a love for God, the truth, virtue, honesty, honor and integrity to everything that is good. That is important for all men and women who stand at the head of a family in the household of faith. Teach your children the love of God, teach them to love the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 292-293)
91) “I should like to say a word to the women of the Church, the “first aid” to the Priesthood in their trials and tribulations. From the beginning of time until now woman has comforted and nursed the Church.” (J. Reuben Clark)
92) “What fashionable young lady has any time to devote to religious purposes? All can plainly see they have none whatever. This life is very short to all…then how foolish it does appear for mortal beings to use their energies for the gratification and pleasure of these earthly tabernacles, instead of striving for that which will adorn, make lovely, pure and godlike our spirits, which are destined to live forever. (Mary Freeze, Salt Lake Stake YLMIA President, Women’s Exponent, Feb. 1884)
93) Sisters of the Church, the chastity of the youth of the church is largely in your hands. You must enthrone virtue in its sovereign place; you must bring back modesty, must let the beauty of chaste blushes still adorn your cheeks. Mothers in Israel, teach your sons to honor and revere, to protect to the last, pure womanhood; teach your daughters that their most priceless jewel is a clean, undefiled body; teach both sons and daughters that chastity is worth more than life itself. We Priesthood shall help as best our natures permit, but the burden for that task is now and always has been, in the greatest part, yours. Unless you shall do this, the whole world will sink into a welter of sin and corruption. May God help you in your task!” (J. Reuben Clark )
94) “The fact that the Relief Society — the largest Women’s organization in the world — works under priesthood direction makes it completely unique. Carrying out what has been outlined will require “increased levels of counseling and communication between Relief Society presidents and bishops.” (Julie B. Beck, Relief Society: A Sacred Work, Oct 2009)
95) “Sisters, we have work to do. The time has come for us to be anxiously engaged in the work of saving souls. The time has come for the sisters of Relief Society to stand with and for the prophet in helping build the kingdom.” (Sheri L. Dew, Ensign, Nov 2000, Stand Tall and Stand Together)
96) “To our hundreds of thousands of home teachers and visiting teachers, I suggest that it is good to visit our assigned families; it is better to have a brief visit in which we teach doctrine and principle: and it is best of all to make a difference in the lives of some of those we visit. That same challenge applies to the many meetings we hold–good to hold a meeting, better to teach a principle, but best to actually improve lives as a result of the meeting.” (Dallin H. Oaks)
97) “Everything we do in Relief Society matters because Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth. Relief Society was part of that restoration.” (Julie Beck)
98) “ Gracias, danke, merci — whatever language is spoken, ‘thank you’ frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
99) “In the beginning, God created man, male and female, and bestow’d upon man certain blessings peculiar to a man of God, of which woman partook, so that without the female all things cannot be restor’d to the earth. It takes all to restore the Priesthood.” (Bishop Newel K. Whitney, Nauvoo RS Minute Book)
100) “Modesty is the first line of defense for chastity. We can have a style of our own, a modest one! Plan your family life so that virtue will garnish the thoughts of your children. Be firm and courageous in standing for the right, regardless of what the world designs, or how it may beckon you into its evil pursuits.” (Mark E. Petersen)
101) “What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.” (Richard G. Scott, To Acquire Spiritual Guidance, Nov. 2009)
102) “Mormon women are basically strong, independent, and faithful. They have chosen to live by a creed and a way of life that can be demanding at best. From the earliest days of the Church, active membership has meant faith, fortitude, denial, selflessness, and service.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, Oct. 1978)
103) “We live in a time when too often success is determined by the things we gather, accumulate, collect, measure, and even compare in relation to what others gather and accumulate. This pattern of living invites its own consequences and built-in stress. It is as we learn to simplify and reduce, prioritize and cut back on the excesses, that we have enough time and money for the essentials, for all that we ultimately want and even more.” (Ardeth G. Kapp)
104) “Marriage is a partnership. Each is given a part of the work of life to do. The fact that some women and men disregard their work and their opportunities does not change the program. This is the great, irreplaceable work of women. Life cannot go on if women cease to bear children. Modal life is a privilege and a necessary step in eternal progression. Mother Eve understood that. You must also understand it.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Sep 16, 1978))
105) “Count your wonderful blessings. Do not worry away your lives with concerns over ‘rights’, so-called, but move forward, concerned with responsibilities and opportunities. Your potential is limitless. You are daughters of God, endowed by inheritance with marvelous gifts and immeasurable potential. Accept the challenge. Go forward with confidence in the knowledge that the differences you face are not those which come of discrimination so much as those which come of designation. That you may be happy, and that your lives may be rich with that satisfaction which comes from the development of your spiritual gifts.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ten Gifts From the Lord, Sep 1985)
106) “In order to be successful in Relief Society work, one must not only partake of the influence of it, but must put one’s soul into the work and give it the stamp and seal of her personal life and character; and be so engrossed with the real merit and beauty of it as to be joyous and make it a part, as it were of herself, a life work;–and assuredly a work of love.” (Emmeline B. Wells)
107) “Our girls [should]…pay attention to their business a little better, they have got cows to milk instead of novels to read–but…our young women just hope and pray, if they ever thought of prayer, ‘I do wish some villain would come along and break open my room and steal me and carry me off. I want to be shipwrecked and to go through some terrible scene, so that I can experience what this beloved lady has experienced whom I have been reading about. Oh, how affecting! and they read with the tears running down their cheeks, until their books become perfectly wet, and they do so wish that somebody or other would come and steal and carry them off. If I had the dictation of a society, all this would stop, you would have none of it. I would have every person learning something useful.” (Brigham Young)
108) “Relief Society women have never been satisfied with mere self improvement. They have had a feeling that life was incomplete unless through their work and themselves they were able to make a contribution toward the welfare of others.” (Amy Brown Lyman)
109) “The Lord never sends apostles and prophets and righteous men to minister to his people without placing women of like spiritual stature at their sides. Adam stands as the great high priest, under Christ, to rule as a natural patriarch over all men of all ages, but he cannot rule alone; Eve, his wife, rules at his side, having like caliber and attainments to his own. Abraham is tested as few men have been when the Lord commands him to offer Isaac upon the altar; and Sarah struggles with like problems when the Lord directs that she withhold from the Egyptians her status as Abraham’s wife. And so it goes, in all dispensations and at all times when there are holy men there are also holy women. Neither stands alone before the Lord. The exaltation of the one is dependent upon that of the other” ( Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:302).
110) “Music is the reward of the righteous, and the ocupation of the angels. The birth of the Savior was announced by a heavenly choir, and all the forms and rituals of the early and later Hebrews held music as the very center and speech of all rituals. Music is but the exalted expression of love, harmony and worship.” (Susa Young Gates)
111) “Who can describe the patience, the loving tenderness, the indomitable faith, the carefulness, the skill, and the study necessary to prepare these women for their profession. Would that we possessed more of the same type of women amongst us today.” (Susa Young Gates, talking about Mormon Women Midwives and Doctors)
112) “President John Taylor said at the founding meeting of Relief Society that he rejoiced that the Relief Society was founded according to the laws of heaven, which are divine laws, priesthood administered. The priesthood is government according to divine law. I’m perfectly satisfied to work under priesthood direction. The Lord has divine missions for his daughters; he loves them and he respects their talents, abilities, and mental capacities. He assigns them to the divisions of labor according to their natures. He has placed the man at the head of the institution of the home. It must be according to the plan of the Lord. It’s as simple as that.” (Belle Spafford)
113) “If the youth throughout our land would follow good examples [by organizing worthy societies of good works] there would be much less sin, iniquity, misery, and degradation among the young people than there is at the present day; there would not be as many suffering poor, neither would there be as much immorality among the people. But on the contrary, peace, good order, happiness, cheerfulness, and plenty, would reign in the land.” (J. M. Monroe, 1917)
114) “Our Heavenly Father’s spirit is constantly available to us. He sorrows with us and is with us in our pain when abuse occurs. He is there when we start to make the first steps back. His love is steadfast. We may feel betrayed by our family, our church, our society, and even by God, but God does not betray us. His love is never changing.” (Chieko Okazaki)
115) “It is so important that we increase our efforts to teach our young women the ways of eternal truth, to make virtue attractive and all-important, to make testimony a pearl to be sought after and worn with dignity and pride, to hold out the incomparable blessings that come from temple marriage and a wholesome, rewarding family life.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
116) “The true spirit of the Church gives to women the highest place of honor in human life. To maintain and merit this high dignity, she must possess those virtues which have always demanded and which will ever demand the respect and love of mankind.” (David O. McKay)
117) “In the little kingdom of a family, each spouse freely gives something the other does not have and without which neither can be complete and return to God’s presence. Spouses are not a soloist with an accompanist, nor are they two solos. They are the interdependent parts of a duet, singing together in harmony at a level where no solo can go.” (Bruce and Marie Hafen)
118) “Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good. Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
119) From Pres. Hinckley’s interview with Mike Wallace in 1996: “Question: ‘Are there any conflicts between your convictions about families and women’s roles with the family and the aspirations of some women to occupy leadership positions in your Church?’ Reply: ‘We have a few women who feel that women should hold the priesthood. We have a great women’s organization. I believe it is the largest women’s organization in the world–our women’s Relief Society. They have their own officers who preside over their own organization. They carry forward a tremendous program of education among women.’ Question: ‘Why must only men run the Church? Reply: ‘Only men do not run the Church. Women have a tremendous place in this Church.’ Question: ‘But they don’t have the power.’ Response: ‘They have office. They have responsibility. They have control of their organizaiton.’ Mr. Wallace: ‘But the men run it.’ Answer: ‘The men hold the priesthood, yes. But my wife is my companion. In this church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are co-equals in this life in a great enterprise.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
120) “I fear that we brethren often get far too engrossed in the apparent importance of our own activities and relegate the less visible contributions of the sisters to a lesser role. They serve very quietly and effectively, often unnoticed, unrecognized, and unappreciated. I wonder if we really understand the fulness of these queenly endowments. If we could recognize the true greatness of these women, we would not treat them as we sometimes do. The world often uses and abuses women. We holders of the priesthood should honor good women in and out of the Church as true sisters, not as objects and sources of service or pleasure.” (James E. Faust)
121) “Man is at his best when complemented by a good woman’s natural influence.” (Ezra Taft Benson)
122) “Without the wonderful work of the women I realize that the Church would have been a failure.” (Heber J. Grant)
123) “Grateful daughters of God guard their bodies carefully, for they know they are the wellspring of life and they reverence life. They don’t uncover their bodies to find favor with the world. They walk in modesty to be in favor with their Father in Heaven. For they know He loves them dearly.” (Margaret D. Nadauld)
124) “None of us ever need hesitate to speak up for this Church, for its doctrine, for its people, for its divine organization and divinely given responsibility. It is true. It is the work of God. the only things that can ever embarrass this work are acts of disobedience to its doctrine and standards by those of its membership. That places upon each of us a tremendous responsibility. This work will be judged by what the world sees of our behavior. God give us the will to walk with faith, the discipline to do what is right at all times and in all circumstances, the resolution to make of our lives a declaration of this cause before all who see us, I humbly pray.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, This Thing Was Not Done in a Corner, Nov 1996)
125) “That which people, especially women, seek as they cry for liberation is already in their midst; it is so close they do not see it, so simple that they cannot understand it: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who tell women to rise up and be liberated and demand a new role in life are only advocating liberation from the very functions created in them by God that make them different from men. God created man to be the husband, the father, and the breadwinner and the woman to be the wife, the mother, the childbearer and child-raiser. She is to be a helpmeet to her husband. She is to be a partner in the patriarchal order, an order that was determined before she came to this earth and that rules in heaven, in mortality, and in the eternities to come. The home is the castle, the husband the king, the mother the queen, the children the princesses and princes.” (Florence S. Jacobsen, Women, This is Our Time, Area Conference in Manchester, England, Aug 28, 1971)
126) “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.” (Margaret D. Nadauld, The Joy of Womanhood, Ensign, Nov 2000)
127) I feel likewise that it ill becomes any man who holds the priesthood of God to abuse his wife in any way, to demean or injure or take undue advantage of the woman who is the mother of his children, the companion of his life, and his companion for eternity if he has received that greater blessing. Let us deal in kindness and with appreciation with those for whom the Lord will hold us accountable. ” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Reach Out in Love and Kindness, CR, Nov. 1982)
128) “I am reminded of a little cartoon I once saw showing a mother busily pinning the bridal veil on her daughter’s head, as she was about to be married, and saying to her, ‘And then after you peel the carrots and dice them, you add one half cup water and a fourth of a teaspoon of salt.’ As she dresses to be married is not the time to teach your daughter the fundamentals of cooking.” (Florence S. Jacobsen)
129) “You good sisters, who are single and alone, do not fear, do not feel that blessings are going to be withheld from you. If in your hearts you feel that the gospel is true, and would under proper conditions receive these ordinances and sealing blessings in the temple of the Lord; and that is your faith and your hope and your desire, and that does not come to you now; the Lord will make it up, and you shall be blessed–for no blessing shall be withheld.” (Joseph Fielding Smith)
130) Concerning temple work: “I have felt a compelling interest in this; it bothers me night and day.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
131) “I want women to have social, financial, and legal rights; I want each woman to be a valued individual, creative, and with many options as to how she will develop. I want to see a woman become the best woman, the best citizen, responsible and participating, both in her own country and in the kingdom of God, the best homemaker, the greatest individual she is capable of becoming. I want her to be self-confident, trained, a great participator and partner in life, but I want to be sure that the laws enacted will provide for these things to happen. The Equal Rights Amendment is not the way.” (Barbara B. Smith)
132) “All of us, I think, need to honestly evaluate our lives–ask ourselves where we are going, ask ourselves if we like what we are becoming. We need to analyze our priorities and see if they square with the guidelines set by the Lord for our happiness.” (Barbara B. Smith)
133) “It is a beauty that all men love, a virtue that wins all men’s souls. That beauty is chastity.” (David O. McKay)
134) “I pray, sisters, that we will rejoice and go on to victory as we prepare for the second coming of our Savior. I pray that we will not be led away by the subtle enticings of the world that sometimes come to us even from those near and dear to us—the enticings that say to us, “Seek for visibility; seek for power and influence; be sure your own needs are being met.” These are not the teachings of him whose coming we await. He says to us, rather, be the servant of all; let your light so shine.” (Barbara W. Winder, Becoming a Prepared People, GC, Oct 1988)
135) “We know that the purpose of Relief Society as established by the Lord is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life…The history, purpose, and work of Relief Society are unique…We show respect for the Lord and the sisters when we use Relief Society time in an inspired way…I feel a certainty that as each sister does her part to ensure that the purposes of Relief Society are fulfilled, angels will be our associates and we will be participants in amazing miracles.” (Julie B. Beck)
136) “Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time”, complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinte blessing of your own ‘happily ever after’. But such a blessing does not come without a price. It is not given simply because you desire it. It comes only through understanding who you are and what you must become in order to be worthy of such a gift.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
137) “Today I ask you to undertake with me a spiritual journey worthy of our best efforts. I ask you to press forward with me in the quest for unparalleled levels of personal spirituality. Let us seek keener vision and stronger hearts. Let us make “Charity Never Faileth” a motto of such personal significance that the whole world will be blessed by us, the daughters of God who are the sisters of Relief Society.” (Elaine L. Jack)
138) “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the…women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and…purifying to the children of men.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church [1998], pg. 184)
139) “Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless…With all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers…No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever.” (M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, Ensign, Apr 2010)
140) “Do you, my good brethren and sisters, want your families, your children; do you want to be sealed to your fathers and your mothers before you…? If so, then you must begin by teaching at the cradle-side. You are to teach by example as well as precept.” (Joseph Fielding Smith)
141) “Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.” (L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, Ensign, Apr 2010)
142) “Teach your daughters about things of the Spirit. Point them to the scriptures. Give them experiences that will help them cherish the blessing of priesthood power in their lives. Through keeping covenants they will learn to hear the voice of the Lord and receive personal revelation. God will truly hear and answer their prayers.” (M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, Ensign, Apr 2010)
143) “I pray that mothers and daughters will participate with more vigor, that husbands will support their wives, and that both mothers and fathers will prepare their daughters for Relief Society. I encourage priesthood leaders to shepherd God’s daughters, young and old, into Relief Society—one of the many miracles of the Restoration. As we take these steps, we will be overwhelmed with gratitude for this sacred organization.” (Bonnie D. Parkin)
144) “Spiritual warnings should lead to increasingly vigilant watching. You and I live in “a day of warning”. And because we have been and will be warned, we need to be…”watching…with all perseverance.” (Elder David A. Bednar)
145) “I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children…Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been…God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children.” (Elder L. Tom Perry)
146) “How does a woman in our day find answers to her own questions and stand strong and immovable?…The Lord depends on His daughters to do their part to strengthen the homes of Zion and build His kingdom on the earth. As they seek and qualify for personal revelation, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids.” (Julie B. Beck)
147) “Fathers, mothers, and leaders of youth, we urge you to participate in Personal Progress and Duty to God with your children and with the youth…you will grow together in a bond of faith and friendship that will allow you to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path forever, to indeed be an eternal family.” (Robert D. Hales)
148) “In my experience, lives are blessed when leaders make wise use of committees and councils. They move the work of the Lord forward much faster and farther, like a fine automobile operating at peak efficiency. Committee and council members are unified. Together they experience a much more pleasant trip along the highway of Church service.” (M. Russell Ballard, Counseling with our Councils, May 1994)
149) “I am addicted to the temple!” (Gladys Knight)
150) “Christ did not just speak about love; he showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.'” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, You Are His Hands, Ensign, May 2010)
151) “I should prefer to deal with the Mormon pioneers, if I can, as human beings of their time and place, the earlier ones westward-moving Americans, the later ones European converts…Suffering endurance, discipline, faith, brotherly and sisterly charity, the qualities so thoroughly celebrated by Mormon writers…That I do not accept the faith that possessed them does not mean I doubt their frequent devotion and heroism in its service. Especially their women. Their women were incredible.” (Wallace Stegner)
152) “With good health, we can be happier and more successful. Without it, we are curtailed in almost every other way.” (Joe J. Christensen)
153) “One of our most precious possessions is our families. The domestic relations precede, and, in our present existence, are worth more than all other social ties. They give the first throb to the heart and unseal the deep fountains of its love. Home is the chief school of human virtues. Its responsibilities, joys, sorrows, smiles, tears, hopes, and solicitudes form the chief interests of human life.” (David O. McKay)
154) “Live in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and walk humbly before Him, and He will exalt thee in His own due time.” (Joseph Smith to Vienna Jacques)
155) “A woman with a mother heart has a testimony of the restored gospel, and she teaches the principles of the gospel without equivocation. She is keeping sacred covenants made in holy temples. Her talents and skills are shared unselfishly. She gains as much education as her circumstances will allow, improving her mind and spirit with the desire to teach what she learns to the generations who follow her.” (Julie B. Beck, A Mother Heart, Ensign, May 2004)
156) “Lift where you stand.” (Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
157) “The spirit of the gospel will always exist within this Society in direct ratio to the strength of the testimonies of the women who make up its membership.” (Belle Spafford)
158) “We are getting too far away from the spiritual side of our great work, and from the thought that inspired the first organization of the Relief Society. The Society stands first for spirituality, and then for charity and mercy.” (Emmeline B. Wells)
159) “Provoke the brethren to good works, but don’t provoke the brethren while doing so.” (Susa Young Gates’ motto)
160) “Mother Teresa…spoke this profound truth: ‘If you judge people, you have no time to love them.’ The Savior has admonished, ‘This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.’ I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer–with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot.” (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
161) “Do you have a daily habit of reading the scriptures? If we are not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit.” (Harold B. Lee)
162) “No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis.” (James E. Faust)
163) “If only you could see the vision as I have. I wish I had your bodies to do this work. I would run from house to house telling everyone of the Gospel, and after I had lost my strength to run I would walk, after I had collapsed from walking I would begin to crawl, and after my knees were so bloody, I’d use my arms to drag myself, and once every muscle in my body was gone I would begin to yell! Oh, if only you could see the vision that I have.” (President Spencer. W. Kimball)
164) “Because Relief Society is divinely designed, it blesses not only women but the family and the Church.” (Bonnie Parkin)
165) “There is a temptation to try to solve problems by changing boundaries, altering programs, reorganizing the leadership, or providing more comfortable buildings. What we really need is a retrenchment such as we have read about in Church (Relief Society) history. What we really need is a revival of the basic gospel principles in the lives of all the Latter-day Saints. The true essence of priesthood administration is not in procedure—it is in principle, in doctrine! An ordinary young man (woman) knows how to approach the Lord through the veil and get revealed instruction. That is the essence…of priesthood government. That is a principle of the gospel. It is a law of God that he will reveal his will to his servants. Not just to the prophets and Apostles, but to his servants across the world. It is a precious principle that must be guarded and nurtured, and when we are overprogrammed it sometimes is smothered.” (Boyd K. Packer)
166) “The Book of Mormon…cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring [Joseph and Hyrum] forth for the salvation of a ruined world; and that if the fire can scathe a green tree for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the dry trees to purify the vineyard of corruption. [Joseph and Hyrum] lived for glory; they died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward.” (John Taylor, D&C 135)
167) “I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can’t be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures. There’s an increase in faith and a desire to do what’s right and a feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel—meaning particularly the Standard Words—and who ponder the principles, that can’t come in any other way.” (Bruce R. McConkie)
168) “We understand the power of a group working in faith, strengthening homes, and seeking out to help one another. One of my favorite stories in scripture is the story of the Lamanite mothers in the Book of Mormon. The real power of that story was their unity…There wasn’t one mother in that 2060 who was weak in her faith. It was the combination of the support they provided for each other and the help they gave to each other that made their homes unitedly powerful. That is what we provide for each other as sisters and daughters of God in the Lord’s work.” (Julie B. Beck)
169) “Sisters, you are each like the lioness at the gate. This means that there has to be some prioritizing. I was taught years ago that when our priorities are out of order, we lose power. If we need power and influence to carry out our mission, then our priorities have to be straight.” (Julie B. Beck, BYU Women’s Conference, 2010)
170) “I pray that mothers and daughters will participate with more vigor, that husbands will support their wives, and that both mothers and fathers will prepare their daughters for Relief Society. I encourage priesthood leaders to shepherd God’s daughters, young and old, into Relief Society—one of the many miracles of the Restoration. As we take these steps, we will be overwhelmed with gratitude for this sacred organization.” (Sis. Parkin)
171) “Pres. Smith the Prophet said women should ask us for advice and the time should come when the women of this Church should lead in such matters. We should make suggestions to each other for improvement.” (Sarah Kimball)
172) “The spirit of the gospel will always exist within this Society in direct ratio to the strength of the testimonies of the women who make up its membership. A knowledge of the gospel, obedience to its teachings, a willingness to keep the commandments of God on the part of Relief Society women are prerequisites to their well-being as individuals and to the well-being of Relief Society as an organization.” (Belle Spafford)
173) “Woman occupies a position all her own in the eternal economy of the Creator; and in that position she is as truly superior to man as is he to her in his appointed place. Woman shall yet come to her own, exercising her rights and her privileges as a sanctified investiture which none shall dare profane.” (James E. Talmage)
174) “I say to everyone within the sound of my voice, ‘Do not fail the Lord.’ We must accept the truth that the gospel principles are not on trial but that we are.” (Spencer W. Kimball)
175) “What is the object of the Female Relief Society? I would reply–to do good–to bring into requisition every capacity we possess for doing good, not only in relieving the poor but in saving souls. United effort will accomplish incalculably more than can be accomplished by the most effective individuals energies.” (Eliza R. Snow)
176) “I hope our granddaughters and grandsons grow up knowing that they are not and have never been third-party observers of the priesthood. The blessings of the priesthood, which ‘are available to men and women alike’, are woven in and through and around their lives. Each of them is blessed by sacred ordinances, and each of them can enjoy the blessings of spiritual gifts by virtue of the priesthood.” (Julie B. Beck)
177) “Good homes are still the best source of good humans.” (Neal A. Maxwell)
178) “Sisters, the Lord needs women who will teach children to work and learn and serve and believe. Whether they are our own or another’s, we must stand up and state, “Here am I; send me to watch over your little ones, to put them first, to guide and protect them from evil, to love them.” (Sis. Parkin)
179) “No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future.” (Hugh B Brown)
180) “Ideals are stars to steer by; they are not sticks to beat ourselves with.” (Barbara B. Smith)
181) “The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other. The goal of marriage is unity and oneness, as well as self-development. Paradoxically, the more we serve one another, the greater is our spiritual and emotional growth.” (Ezra Taft Benson)
182) “Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith.” (Boyd K. Packer)
183) “The Church exists to exalt the family. And the family is the fundamental unit of the Church.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson)
184) “Lucifer is determined to devour marriages and families, because their demise threatens the salvation of all involved and the vitality of the Lord’s kingdom itself.” (Sister Sheri L. Dew)
185) “We must study the scriptures to the Lord’s commandment and we must let them govern our lives and the lives of our children…So I ask all to begin now to study the scriptures in earnest, if you have not already done so.” (President Spencer W. Kimball)
186) “Covenants can keep us and those we love spiritually safe and spiritually prepared by putting first things first. For instance, when it comes to families, we cannot afford indifference and distraction.” (Sis. Parkin)
187) “If you ponder the scriptures and begin to do what you covenanted with God to do, I can promise you that you will feel more love for God and more of His love for you.” (Henry B. Eyring)
188) “It is not given to woman to exercise the authority of the Priesthood independently; nevertheless, in the sacred endowments associated with the ordinances pertaining to the House of the Lord, woman shares with man the blessings of the Priesthood. When the frailties and imperfections of mortality are left behind, in the glorified state of the blessed hereafter, husband and wife will administer in their respective stations, seeing and understanding alike, and co-operating to the full in the government of their family kingdom.” (James E. Talmage)
189) “We don’t have to be perfect today. We don’t have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the very best we can.” (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin)
190) “Now it is time to ‘bind [ourselves] to act in all holiness before [the Lord]‘. In other words,…we need to decide on specific actions to bring about needed changes in our lives. This action is called faith, and the changes are repentance. Blessings always follow these two principles. If we do not take action quickly, then the very thing which could have sanctified us may turn to our condemnation.” (H. Aldridge Gillespie, “The Blessing of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,” Ensign, Nov 2000)
191) “The members of the Relief Society have most surely exemplified in their lives pure and undefiled religion; for they 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.” (Lorenzo Snow, The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 143)
192) “People wonder what we do for our women. I’ll tell you what we do. We get out of their way and look with wonder at what they’re accomplishing.” (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley)
193) “Before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as are those we sustain as prophets and apostles!” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979).
194) “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says: ‘Oh Crap, She’s up!'” (Candace Salima, Radio Talk Show Host)
195) “No matter to what heights God has attained or may attain, he does not stand alone; for side by side with him, in all her glory, a glory like unto his, stands a companion, the Mother of his children. For as we have a Father in heaven, so also we have a Mother there, a glorified, exalted ennobled Mother.” (Melvin J. Ballard)
196) “Your duties in many ways must be like those of the home teachers, which briefly are ‘to watch over the church always’—not twenty minutes a month but always—‘and be with and strengthen them’—not a knock at the door, but to be with them, and lift them and strengthen them, and empower them, and fortify them.” (Spencer W. Kimball)
197) “Home teaching and visiting teaching are inspired programs. They are designed to reach each member of the Church each month, both the active and the less active. Please give home teaching and visiting teaching an increased emphasis.” (Ezra Taft Benson)
198) “Sometimes when I’ve gone out visiting teaching I’ve…wondered if maybe women in Manitoba, Canada, or in Mexico, or in France, or even in the Soviet Union were out doing their visiting teaching at the same time I was. It’s quite a concept, to be part of something that is so much bigger than ourselves” (Elaine Jack)
199) “We are sometimes so anxious about our personal images, when it is His image we should have in our countenances.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Answer Me, GC, Oct 1988)
200) “The society could provoke the brethren to good works, look after the needs of the poor, and perform charitable acts. Women must assist in correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community.” (Joseph Smith)
201) “The members of the society must act in concert, or nothing can be accomplished…this must be a select society, separate from the evils of the world.” (Joseph Smith)
202) “Let kindness, charity and love crown your work.” (Joseph Smith)
203) “The vision of Relief Society…was to better prepare for the terrible challenges ahead.” (Amy Brown Lyman)
204) “The purpose of Relief Society, as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life.” (Julie Beck)
205) “The Lord has declared, ‘If ye are not one ye are not mine.’ We will continue to be united in one purpose–namely, the furtherance of the work of the Lord.” (Thomas S. Monson)
206) “Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
207) “The Relief Society is designed to be a self-governing organization. If difficulties arise between members upon any matters pertaining to the Relief Society itself, which they cannot settle between the members themselves, aided by the teachers, instead of troubling the bishop, the matter should be referred to their president and her counselors. If the branch board cannot decide satisfactorily, an appeal to the Stake Board is next in order; if that fais to settle the question, the next step brings it before the General Board, from which the only resort is to the Priesthood; but, if possible, we should relieve the bishops instead of adding to their multitudinous labors.” (Eliza R. Snow Smith)
208) “The thought has impressed itself upon me that the brethren of this church, myself included have been wonderfully favored of the Lord in having the companionship and assistance of such faithful, loyal wives and mothers as He has blessed us with…in the midst of trial and privation they have exhibited a fortitude and self-help that has been truly inspiring. Thank God for the women of this church!” (Lorenzo Snow)
209) “Because families are eternal, we cannot afford to be casual or complacent about those relationships. Much of the great work of this society in the past has been centered in helping Latter-day Saint women strengthen families, with emphasis on improving our nurturing skills—homemaking skills, parenting skills, and marriage skills. Families mean work, but they are our great work—and we are not afraid of work. This is what we do best; no one does families better than the sisters of this Relief Society. We uphold, nourish, and protect them.” (Julie B. Beck)
210) “The kingdom of God is like a besieged city surrounded on all sides by death. Each man has his place on the wall to defend and no one can stand where another stands, but nothing prevents us from calling encouragement to one another.” (Martin Luther)
211) “An eternal bond doesn’t just happen as a result of sealing covenants we make in the temple…To receive the blessings…that our Heavenly Father has given to us, we have to keep the commandments and conduct ourselves in such a way that our families will want to live with us in the eternities.” (Robert D. Hales)
212) “No man receives the fullness of the priesthood [in the temple] without a woman at his side (D&C 131:1-4)… She is there beside him in that sacred place. She shares in all that he receives… The man cannot ascend to the highest ordinances–the sealing ordinances–without her.” (Boyd K. Packer)
213) “How grateful I am, how grateful we all must be for the women in our lives.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
214) “I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm yet deals justice to his neighbors and mercifully deals his substance to the poor, than the long, smooth-faced hypocrite.” (Joseph Smith)
215) “If we are to hold up this Church as an ensign to the nations and a light to the world, we must take on more of the luster of the life of Christ.” (Gordon B. Hinckley)
216) “The Prophet Joseph said that Sister Emma was named in the revelation recorded in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants concerning the Elect Lady, and furthermore that she had been ordained to expound the Scriptures…The ordination then given did not mean the conferring of the Priesthood upon those sisters, yet the sisters hold a portion of the Priesthood in connection with their husbands. (Sisters Eliza R. Snow and Bathsheba W. Smith stated that they so understood it in Nauvoo and have looked upon it always in that light.) I could not ordain these sisters to anything more or to greater powers than had been conferred upon Sister Emma who had previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures, and that Joseph said, at that time, that being an Elect Lady had its significance and that the revelation was then fulfilled in Sister Emma being thus elected to preside over the Relief Society.” (John Taylor)
217) “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. The sisters ought to be mindful of their political duties and privileges even though all seems calm. If all would vote for those who fear God we would continue to be a free people.” (Angus M. Cannon)
218) “Sisters, you must graduate from thinking that you only attend Relief Society to feeling that you belong to it!” (Boyd K. Packer, The Relief Society, May 1998)
219) “The Apostle James said that ‘pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’ Accepting that as true, the members of the Relief Society have most surely exemplified in their lives pure and undefiled religion; for they 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.” (Lorenzo Snow, The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1984], 143.)
220) “No matter to what heights God has attained or may attain he does not stand alone; for side by side with him, in all her glory, a glory like unto his, stands a companion, the Mother of his children. For as we have a Father in heaven, so also we have a Mother there, a glorified, exalted, ennobled Mother.” (Melvin J. Ballard, Cited in Bryant S. Hinckley, Sermons and Mission Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1949, p. 205)
221) “There are people fond of saying that women are the weaker vessels. I don’t believe it. Physically, they may be; but spiritually, morally, religiously and in faith, what man can match a woman who is really convinced? Daniel had faith to sustain him in the lion’s den, but women have seen their sons torn limb from limb, and endured every torture satanic cruelty could invent, because they believed. They are always more willing to make sacrifices, and are the peers of men in stability, Godliness, morality and faith.” (Joseph F. Smith, Reading, Young Woman’s Journal, Aug. 1917, 412–13)
222) “It is not my general practice to counsel the sisters to disobey their husbands, but my counsel is– obey your husbands ; and I am sanguine and most emphatic on that subject. But I never counselled a woman to follow her husband to the devil.” (Brigham Young, JD, 1:77)
223) “I recollect most vividly a circumstance that occurred in the days of my childhood. My mother was a widow, with a large family to provide for. One spring [between 1849 and 1852] when we opened our potato pits, she had her boys get a load of the best potatoes and she took them to the tithing office; potatoes were scarce that season. I was a little boy at the time, and drove the team. When we drove up to the steps of the tithing office, ready to unload the potatoes, one of the clerks came out and said to my mother, ‘Widow Smith, it’s a shame that you should have to pay tithing.’ … He chided my mother for paying her tithing, called her anything but wise or prudent; and said there were others who were strong and able to work that were supported from the tithing office. My mother turned upon him and said: ‘… Would you deny me a blessing? If I did not pay my tithing, I should expect the Lord to withhold his blessings from me. I pay my tithing, not only because it is a law of God, but because I expect a blessing by doing it.’ ” President Smith explained: “She prospered because she obeyed the laws of God. … Then that widow had her name recorded in the book of the law of the Lord. That widow was entitled to the privileges of the house of God. No ordinance of the gospel could be denied her, for she was obedient to the laws of God, and she would not fail in her duty.” (Joseph F. Smith, Edward H. Anderson, “A Biographical Sketch,” in Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 529)
224) “President Brigham Young explained that our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents.” (L. Tom Perry, CR, Apr 2003)
225) “Now sisters, let’s love Him enough to be obedient. This is the season for strength. This is a time for us to choose to stand as a people who have made covenants through baptism, and in the temple to be valiant, and to be lifters of those not as blessed as we are. Recently, I was doing some prayerful thinking about this heavy responsibility I have right now–On this occasion I felt inadequate, and as I measured my weakness, against all the wickedly clever ones in the world, I admit I sagged for a time. But after praying earnestly, I looked deep inside to the core of me, where the Spirit can touch us, and I knew then that I wouldn’t give up. Whatever I am, whatever I need to overcome, I will be one upon whom the Lord can count. We can all use our agency this way–to be one upon whom the Lord can count. Let’s do it! (Elaine A. Cannon, YW Gen. Pres. Women’s Meeting, Oct 1983)
226) While giving a talk at BYU, “Thank you so much, President Samuelson…I miss him at Church headquarters–greatly and personally! It’s always easy to praise Sharon (Samuelson) because she represents, as does my wife–as do so many others–the faithful women of this dispensation, without whom this work simply could not be done. They are the kind of souls who are high yield and low maintenance.” (Neal A. Maxwell, BYU Devotional, Mar 16, 2004)
227) “Some mothers in today’s world feel “cumbered” by home duties and are thus attracted by other more “romantic” challenges. Such women could make the same error of perspective that Martha made. The woman, for instance, who deserts the cradle in order to help defend civilization against the barbarians may well later meet, among the barbarians, her own neglected child.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward)
228) “In my lifetime the women’s role in administering care and mercy has changed. They seem to have less time to magnify the feelings of charity and benevolence that the Prophet Joseph said comes naturally to them (see History of The Church, 4:605). Life has become harder and more complex; in some ways, it demands more of all of us. It has become more difficult for mothers and wives to meet all of the challenges and expectations that are placed upon them. Our seemingly insatiable appetites for material things suggest that probably these demands could very well increase in the future. If our good women are to continue in their primary roles as nurturers, teachers, homemakers, and managers, they will need more support and help in order for them to find time to give compassionate service to their families and others. If this help is withheld, our lives, our homes, the Church, and the world will be the poorer, for so much love, gentleness, and understanding will be lost.” (James E. Faust, The Highest Place of Honor, CR, Apr. 1988)
229) “Faith was built into the Prophet Joseph Smith in his youth. Too many young people are being taught concepts in school and elsewhere that do not harmonize with the teachings of the gospel of Christ. They are encouraged to find out for themselves, to try this and try that. This deviating approach permits looseness and uncontrolled appetites. The Lord has said: “. seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (D&C 88:63) (Delbert L. Stapley, CR, Apr 1970)
230) “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” (Brigham Young)
231) “My dear sisters, this is your day, this is your time. The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives. Our goal, gain knowledge through study.” (Thomas S. Monson, The Mighty Strength of Relief Society, CR, Oct. 1997)
232)”You sisters who are called to serve in the Primary or the Young Women may miss the Relief Society class, but you do not really miss Relief Society; you belong to it.” (Boyd K. Packer, The Relief Society, May 1998)
233) “I wonder if we really understand the fulness of these queenly endowments. If we could recognize the true greatness of these women, we would not treat them as we sometimes do. The world often uses and abuses women. We holders of the priesthood should honor good women in and out of the Church as true sisters, not as objects and sources of service or pleasure. Our consideration for women should spring from esteem for the daughters of Zion and an awareness of their true identity more than from a concern with their functions and roles.” (James E. Faust, The Highest Place of Honor, CR, Apr. 1988)
234) “Without the wonderful work of the women I realize that the Church would have been a failure” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham, Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1941, p. 150).
235) “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” (Richard L. Evans’ Quote Book, Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1971, p. 11.)
236) “A husband should always try to treat his wife with the greatest courtesy and respect, holding her in the highest esteem. He should speak to her in a kind and a soft manner, showing his love by word and deed. As she feels this love and tenderness she will mirror it and return it tenfold.” (James E. Faust, The Highest Place of Honor, CR, Apr. 1988)
237)”You sisters may be surprised to learn that the needs of men are seldom, if ever, discussed in priesthood quorums. Certainly they are not preoccupied with them. They discuss the gospel and the priesthood and the family!” (Boyd K. Packer, The Relief Society, May 1998)
238) “We are raising our children in enemy territory!” (Julie B. Beck, 2012 RS Auxiliary Leadership Training Video)
239) “The greater things are the spiritual things, those things that build up the faith of men and women, those things that give light and intelligence and power to resist evil and temptations to evil, power to discern deceitfulness of men and the cunning and the craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive. That intelligence, that spiritual knowledge, spiritual intelligence which will enable you to discern between truth and error, and between light and darkness and good and evil, this is the great thing for us to seek after and to obtain.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church, pg. 188)
240) “Our sisters do not wish to be indulged or to be treated condescendingly; they desire to be respected and revered as our sisters and our equals. I mention all these things, my brethren, not because the doctrines or the teachings of the Church regarding women are in any doubt, but because in some situations our behavior is of doubtful quality. These things are not mentioned because of any sense of alarm, but because of a general concern that our people in the kingdom will need to become even more different from the people of the world. We will be judged, as the Savior said on several occasions, by whether or not we love one another and treat one another accordingly and by whether or not we are of one heart and one mind. We cannot be the Lord’s if we are not one!” (Spencer W. Kimball, Our Sisters In the Church, GC Oct. 1979)
241) “For too long in the Church, the men have been the theologians while the women have been the Christians. To be equal partners, each should be both a theologian and a Christian.” (Bruce R. Hafen, A Disciple’s Life: The Biography of Neal A. Maxwell (2002), 14–15, 555.)
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