Road map for life
"You ask if there is one who has gone before and left a road map, that you may find your way.
"I answer that there is no guide which shows each superhighway, every fork and turning in the road, the washed-out bridge or the blocked mountain pass. Yet if we listen carefully, we seem to hear the voices of those who have walked this way before. They speak as one. Their message?
"The past is behind; learn from it. The future is ahead; prepare for it. The present is here; live in it."
— "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," BYU Commencement, April 22, 1999
To the priesthood
"You, the priesthood of God, represent a truly magnificent sight this evening. Young and old, you are part of the mighty army of the Lord. You are on His errand and are entitled to His help. For whom God calls, God qualifies. …
"Danger abounds, enemies lurk; but God is near to guide your way and ensure your victory. May I suggest four guides which, when followed, will assure your success in every endeavor you undertake:
1.Grow in wisdom
2.Walk by faith
3.Teach with testimony
4.Serve with love."
— "Preparation Precedes Performance," Priesthood Commemoration Satellite Broadcast, May 2, 1993
The true worth of a human soul
"Frequently we are too quick to criticize, too prone to judge and too ready to abandon an opportunity to help, to lift and yes, even to save. Some point the accusing finger at the wayward or unfortunate and in derision say, 'Oh, she will never change. She has always been a bad one.' A few see beyond the outward appearance and recognize the true worth of a human soul. When they do, miracles occur. The downtrodden, the discouraged, the helpless become 'no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.' True love can alter human lives and change human nature."
— "An Example of the Believers," general women's meeting, September 26, 1992
United in priesthood callings
"While we may differ in age, in custom, or in nationality, we are united as one in our priesthood callings.
"As bearers of the priesthood, we have been placed on earth in troubled times. We live in a complex world, with currents of conflict everywhere to be found. Political machinations ruin the stability of nations, despots grasp for power and segments of our society seem forever downtrodden, deprived of opportunity and left with a feeling of failure.
"We who have been ordained to the priesthood of God can make a difference. When we qualify for the help of the Lord, we can build boys. We can mend men. We can accomplish miracles in His holy service. Our opportunities are without limit."
— "Your Eternal Voyage," priesthood session general conference April 2000
A place of peace
"Now, my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.
"What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil."
— "Until We Meet Again," general conference April 2009
