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Quotes on HopeIn an earlier article I talked about the definition of hope, the importance of hope, and how to generate hope (see: https://www.ldsdimension.com/articles/having-hope-337/). In this article I am going to give several quotes from general authorities on hope to further support these previous ideas. Hope is essential. Please work to generate as much hope as reasonably possible. Remember the following scripture: And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing. (Doctrine & Covenants
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Living “Not of the World”Today, it is true that relationships between men and women, relationships, and marriages are strained. Divorce rates are high, gender conflict is common, political division is extreme, and other challenges and stresses abound. All of this was predicted in the scriptures. We read in the New Testament Paul saying the following, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in
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Thinking CelestialIn the most recent general conference in October, 2023, President Russell M. Nelson talked about the idea of “thinking Celestial”. Accordingly, here is a quote from that talk that gives the essence of the message: Here is the great news of God’s plan: the very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be! Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for
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President Nelson QuotesAn early Church leader, John A. Widtsoe said, “The most important prophet in any age is the living prophet. … To follow the living prophet, the interpreter of the past, is the essence of wisdom. The very strength of the Church lies in the doctrine of continuous revelation through a living prophet”. For us today, right now, that man is President Russell M. Nelson. Since he became the President of the Church and the main prophet, seer, and revelator from January 2018 to now, he has shared many
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Latter Day IssuesThere are certain challenges that come with being a single member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Remember that “Latter Day” means our present day, basically from the period of the restoration of the gospel in 1830 until the second coming of Jesus Christ that includes today. In this article I will review a few scriptures describing some of the challenges and signs of the times, along with some implications these scriptures have to single members particularly. Signs of the
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Conference Review—October, 2023Every 6 months, I do a brief review of the most recent general conference. In these reviews I pick out several valuable quotes from the latest conference that have particular value for and relevance to single members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Why? Because the most recent conference represents the latest and most relevant insights and inspiration for us as members. I recommend that you review these quotes and apply them to your life, as well as the rest of the
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Spiritual Feelings Versus InfatuationOne of the challenges when making the decision to date, start a relationship with or marry a person is to figure out and differentiate whether or not the positive feelings relating to the other person are feelings of the Spirit or feelings of infatuation. The first thing I want to clarify is that both sets of feelings are good, powerful, helpful, and useful to the cause in different, complementary ways. The Spirit helps clarify and reinforce that the other person and your relationship together
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Having Faith for RelationshipsThe official church website gives us the following: Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true, and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone…Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith (Rom. 10:14–17). Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although
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Quotes from President HinkleyWhen I was growing up in the church, I remember being told that “we weren’t supposed to have favorite general authorities”. However, I have failed in this regard. I have come to realize I have 6 favorite general authorities, 4 that have passed on and 2 that are still present: Joseph Smith, George Albert Smith, Gordon B. Hinkley, Thomas S. Monson, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. These prophets are those I seem to have connected with more than others. Those that have most inspired me
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April 2023 Conference—Thoughts for SinglesEvery general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I pull some different quotes that I feel could have some special significance or interest to singles. These conference thoughts represent the most current modern revelation given to the entire church on a bi-annual basis. Every conference includes some material that everyone and especially singles can use to find extra comfort, hope, direction, and inspiration. I will review a few of those thoughts now. Before I do so
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The Power of Temple AttendanceIs it more difficult to be a single member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints than a married member? Maybe. I would say, that depends. If married members are in unhappy and unhealthy marriages—even abusive marriages—then no. Their scenario is often harder or worse. Nevertheless, I agree that there are special challenges and difficulties for single members in the church. This includes feeling treated as lesser members sometimes, not being included in certain callings and
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Choosing Our Spouses— Spiritual ConfirmationsAn area of challenge amongst single members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is choice of spouse. When we choose to date, start a relationship, and marry someone, we pray about it in hopes of making the right decision. We are told to pray for guidance, direction, and inspiration. We learn we need to ask for help from the Spirit to let us know what is the right/best choice to make. So, what does that mean for the choice we ultimately make? Ask for Guidance: Here are some
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The Degrees of the Celestial KingdomA doctrinal topic of particular interest to single members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the celestial kingdom. More specifically with this particular article, the differences between the 1st degree of the celestial kingdom will be examined versus the 2nd and 3rd degrees, according to the scriptures. What are these differences and why do they matter to single members? We do know the top degree of the celestial kingdom is for those who have a temple marriage and are
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Conference Quotes, October 2022In every general conference, there are great talks and quotes for everyone. And part of that “everyone” includes single members of the church. In this article, as I have done in the past, several quotes of particular relevance, usefulness, and applicability to single members will be shared and reviewed. The spirit of this article’s purpose is contained in this classic truth: “Beware of those who would set up the dead prophets against the living prophets, for the living prophets always take
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The Role of the Spirit in the RelationshipHere is a great rule of thumb to help your current or future dating/marriage relationship: the more often you both possess the Spirit, the better your relationship will be. Now, I understand that relationships are more complex than this and more is required than whether or not you have the Spirit inside. However, it is a tremendous advantage when this is the case. We understand from our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that always having the companionship of the
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Conference Quotes from April, 2022In general conference every 6 months, we are blessed to receive the latest guidance, instruction, and inspiration from prophets, apostles, and other general authorities. In fact, the modern revelation coming from prophets is one of the special, distinguishing features of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ideally, we members pay special attention to the direction and inspiration shared at these conferences. In this article, several quotes will be taken from the most recent
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