A return to virtue

"There seems to be the beginning in our society of a return to basic virtues, an appreciation of the value of the traditional family, whether large or small, whether young or old. … It just may be that the world is sick of sin, discouraged by degradation and fed up with falsehoods. When true values and basic virtues overlay and undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered, loyalty to one's best self enhanced and those virtues of character, integrity and goodness fostered. The family must hold its pre-eminent place in our way of life because it is the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present." — "The Family Must Endure," International Year of the Family Conference, March 19, 1995

Be best self

"You have been endowed with divine attributes and God-given talents. My counsel is, 'Be yourself — but be your best self. Extend the helping hand to others. Serve the Lord with all your heart." Such will keep you on your Heaven-charted course." — "Eternal Flight," CES Fireside Satellite Broadcast Feb. 4, 1996

Preparation essential

"It is necessary to prepare and to plan so that we don't fritter away our lives. Without a goal, there can be no real success. One of the best definitions of success I have ever heard goes something like this: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Someone has said the trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never crossing the goal line. . . . Preparation is hard work but absolutely essential for our progress." — "In Search of Treasure," April 2003 General Conference

Giving

"It is an immutable law that the more you give away, the more you receive. As someone said, you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." — "From Here to Eternity," BYU Commencement, April 24, 1997

Excellence in work

"Strive for excellence in your chosen field. You cannot rest content with mediocrity when excellence is within your grasp. Examine the credentials to be acquired and then put forth your best thinking, your constant study, and your earnest prayers to guide your quest." — "Your Choice," BYU Devotional, March 10, 1998

Photo by Greg Hill

INFLUENCE OF FRIENDS: Those persons whose friends married in the temple usually married in the temple, while those persons whose friends did not marry in the temple usually did not marry in the temple.

Influence of friends

In a survey which was made in selected wards and stakes of the Church, we learned a most significant fact. Those persons whose friends married in the temple usually married in the temple, while those persons whose friends did not marry in the temple usually did not marry in the temple. The influence of one's friends appeared to be a more dominant factor than parental urging, classroom instruction or proximity to a temple. … Do not associate with those who are planning for temporary convenience, shallow goals or narrow ambition; rather, associate with those who are striving for those things that matter most — even eternal objectives. — "In Pursuit of Perfection," CES Fireside, Feb. 7, 1999

Honor father and mother

If you want to please our Heavenly Father, honor your father and your mother, as He has commanded. They love you dearly. Your joy is their joy, and your sorrow is their sorrow. They want for you the heavenly guidance the Lord provides. — "Your Celestial Journey," General Young Women Meeting, March 27, 1999