Helaman's Army

"The returning prodigals are never numerous enough, but regularly some come back from “a far country”. Of course, it is better if we are humbled “because of the word” rather than being compelled by circumstances, yet the latter may do! Famine can induce spiritual hunger." Neal A. Maxwell, The Tugs and Pulls of the World, LDS General Conference, October 2000 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/the-tugs-and-pulls-of-the-world?lang=eng

"Latter-day Saints understand the word of the Lord, who declared, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” “This great unity is the hallmark of the true church of Christ,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley. “It is felt among our people throughout the world.” President Hinckley continued, “We pray for one another that we may go on in unity and strength.” Throughout the world, however, strident voices are engaged in divisive disputation and name-calling. Often demeaning nicknames are added to—or even substituted for—given names. Unfortunately, terms of derision obscure the true identity of children of the covenant. In contrast, God employs names that unify and sanctify. When we embrace the gospel and are baptized, we are born again and take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. We are adopted as his sons and daughters and are known as brothers and sisters. He is the Father of our new life. We become joint heirs to promises given by the Lord to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their posterity." Russell M. Nelson, Children of the Covenant, LDS General Conference, April 1995

"Granted, some sincerely wish for more power in order to do good, but only a few individuals are good enough to be powerful." Neal A. Maxwell, The Tugs and Pulls of the World, LDS General Conference, October 2000 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/the-tugs-and-pulls-of-the-world?id=p9&lang=eng#p9

"Good cheer is best shared by those who will discard fear, cheerfully accept what comes and use it wisely, become converted, obey the commandments of God, avoid self-deceit and rationalization. Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets into sunrises." Marvin J. Ashton, Be of Good Cheer, LDS General Conference, April 1986 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/04/be-of-good-cheer?id=p33-p34&lang=eng#p33

"For example, we have to be careful that love and empathy do not get interpreted as condoning and advocacy or that orthodoxy and loyalty to principle not be interpreted as unkindness or disloyalty to people. As near as I can tell, Christ never once withheld His love from anyone, but He also never once said to anyone, “Because I love you, you are exempt from keeping my commandments.” We are tasked with trying to strike that same sensitive, demanding balance in our lives." Jeffrey R. Holland, The Second Half of the Second Century of Brigham Young University, BYU Speech, August 23, 2021 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/the-second-half-second-century-brigham-young-university/

"But that which is positive, which comes of personal conviction, builds and lifts and strengthens in a marvelous manner. In matters of religion, when a man is motivated by great and powerful convictions of truth, then he disciplines himself, not because of demands made upon him by the Church but because of the knowledge within his heart that God lives; that he is a child of God with an eternal and limitless potential; that there is joy in service and satisfaction in laboring in a great cause." Gordon B. Hickey, The True Strength of the Church, LDS General Conference, April 1973 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/04/the-true-strength-of-the-church?id=p19&lang=eng#p19

"You have not failed until you have quit trying, and please remember that your example in your home will be a more persuasive sermon than will any other kind of preachment." Gordon B. Hinkley, Live Up to Your Inheritance, 1983 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1983/10/live-up-to-your-inheritance?id=p25&lang=eng#p25

"We live in a critical time in the world’s history. Satan and his forces are busy. His temptations are relentless, deceiving many, sometimes even the very elect. He would lead us to believe that gospel standards which we know to be good—virtue, honesty, morality, courtesy, industry, cleanliness of mind and body—are no longer important. Let me reaffirm that the Lord’s eternal values are still true. The ways of the world may have changed, but the commandments of our Heavenly Father, given for our welfare, are still in force, and true joy comes only from doing his will." Barbara W. Winder, Finding Joy in Life, LDS General Conference, October 1987 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/10/finding-joy-in-life?id=p5&lang=eng#p5

"Contrastingly, the perks of discipleship are such that if we see a stretch limousine pulling up, we know it is not calling for us. God’s plan is not the plan of pleasure; it is the “plan of happiness.”" Neal A. Maxwell, The Tugs and Pulls of the World, LDS General Conference, October 2000 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/the-tugs-and-pulls-of-the-world?lang=eng

Proverbs 3:5-7,11-13 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Read by Richard G. Scott, The Power of Scriptures, 2011 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Power of Scripture https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?lang=eng Proverbs 3 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/3?lang=eng

Johnny Lingo, one of the sharpest traders in the south pacific islands decides to bargain for a wife, and offers a record price of eight cows for Mahana, a plain girl who shuns contact. This causes quite a sensation on the island. A year later Johnny and his wife return for the first time since the marriage, and all find that something miraculous has occurred to Mahana. Johnny explains that by paying eight cows he proved that she was worth more to him than any other woman on the island. He gave her a great gift, that of self-worth.

"The greatest job that any mother will ever do will be in nurturing, teaching, lifting, encouraging, and rearing her children in righteousness and truth. None other can adequately take her place." Gordon B. Hinckley, Women of the Church, LDS General Conference, October 1996 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/10/women-of-the-church?id=p37&lang=eng#p37

"Robert West wrote, “Nothing is easier than fault-finding; no talent, no self-denial, no brains … are required to set up in the grumbling business.” (Richard Evans’ Quote Book, Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1971, p. 221.) Whether accusations, innuendos, aspersions, or falsehoods are whispered or blatantly shouted, the gospel of Jesus Christ reminds us that we are not to retaliate nor contend. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness to God.” (James 1:19–20.)" Marvin J. Ashton, Pure Religion, LDS General Conference, October 1982 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1982/10/pure-religion?id=p9-p12&lang=eng#p9

"Whether descriptively designated as Creator, Only Begotten Son, Prince of Peace, Advocate, Mediator, Son of God, Savior, Messiah, Author and Finisher of Salvation, King of Kings—I witness that Jesus Christ is the only name under heaven whereby one can be saved! (See D&C 18:23.) I testify that He is utterly incomparable in what He is, what He knows, what He has accomplished, and what He has experienced. Yet, movingly, He calls us His friends. (See John 15:15.) We can trust, worship, and even adore Him without any reservation! As the only Perfect Person to sojourn on this planet, there is none like Him! (See Isa. 46:9.) In intelligence and performance, He far surpasses the individual and the composite capacities and achievements of all who have lived, live now, and will yet live! (See Abr. 3:19.) He rejoices in our genuine goodness and achievement, but any assessment of where we stand in relation to Him tells us that we do not stand at all! We kneel! Neal A. Maxwell, O, Divine Redeemer, 1981 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1981/10/o-divine-redeemer?lang=eng

"Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ extends that same invitation to you today. I plead with you to come unto Him so that He can heal you! He will heal you from sin as you repent. He will heal you from sadness and fear. He will heal you from the wounds of this world. Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His mercy, His doctrine, and His restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to Him! Follow Him!" Russell M Nelson, The Answer Is Always Jesus Christ, LDS 2023 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/58nelson?id=p7-p8&lang=eng#p7

"Above all, have faith in the Savior! Fear not! As we diligently live the gospel, we become strong in the Lord. With His strength we are able to reject the anti-Christ who says, “Eat, drink, and be merry,” for God “will justify [you] in committing a little sin; … there is no harm in this … , for tomorrow we die.” In the strength of the Lord we are able to stand against any philosophy or creed that denies the Savior and contradicts the great, eternal plan of happiness for all of God’s children." - Robert D. Hales, Stand Strong in Holy Places, 2013 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/stand-strong-in-holy-places?lang=eng

"We live in a critical time in the world’s history. Satan and his forces are busy. His temptations are relentless, deceiving many, sometimes even the very elect. He would lead us to believe that gospel standards which we know to be good—virtue, honesty, morality, courtesy, industry, cleanliness of mind and body—are no longer important. Let me reaffirm that the Lord’s eternal values are still true. The ways of the world may have changed, but the commandments of our Heavenly Father, given for our welfare, are still in force, and true joy comes only from doing his will." Barbara W. Winder, Finding Joy in Life, 1987 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy. Some like to think good cheer is found in a bottle, a six-pack, an injection, a pinch under the lip, rationalization, or self-deceit. Incidentally, it has been my observation over the years that those who try to drown their sorrows with drink only sicken their tomorrows. With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light." Marvin J. Ashton, Be of Good Cheer, 1986 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/04/be-of-good-cheer?id=p5&lang=eng#p5

"As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. As we share the light we have received from Him, His light and His transcendent saving power will shine on those willing to open their hearts. Jesus said, “I … come [as] a light into the world.”" Neil L. Anderson, We Talk of Christ, 2020 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/45andersen?id=p23&lang=eng#p23

“If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.” Neal A. Maxwell, Response to a Call, LDS General Conference April 1974 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1974/04/response-to-a-call?id=p18&lang=eng#p18

"Permissiveness never produced greatness. Integrity, loyalty, strength are virtues whose sinews are developed through the struggles that go on within a man as he practices self-discipline under the demands of divinely spoken truth." - Gordon B. Hinckley, The True Strength of the Church,1973 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"One more matter: There are among us many loose writings predicting the calamities which are about to overtake us. Some of these have been publicized as though they were necessary to wake up the world to the horrors about to overtake us. Many of these are from sources upon which there cannot be unquestioned reliance. Are you priesthood bearers aware of the fact that we need no such publications to be forewarned, if we were only conversant with what the scriptures have already spoken to us in plainness?" Harold B. Lee, Admonitions for the Priesthood of God, 1972 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/admonitions-for-the-priesthood-of-god?lang=eng Writings like this, often popular among conservatives, should be considered "secondary questions" as defined by Lawrence Corbridge in his BYU speech, Stand Forever.

Did you think to pray? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

"Brethren, let’s treat our wives with dignity and with respect. They’re our eternal companions. Sisters, honor your husbands. They need to hear a good word. They need a friendly smile. They need a warm expression of true love." Thomas S. Monson, Abundantly Blessed, LDS General Conference, April 2008

"You may have had days when you wished you could don your pajamas, curl up in a ball, and ask someone to awaken you when the turmoil is over. But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen." Russell M. Nelson, Overcome the World and Find Rest. LDS General Conference October 2022 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/47nelson?id=p2-p3&lang=eng#p2