Each of the following passages fundamentally changed the way I live my day to day life:
(Please forgive the formatting--I just copy and past from my always-changing list)

Ralph Waldo Emerson “Every man is my superior in some way, and in that, I learn of him.”

“When we are truly converted, all our thoughts and motivations are guided by gospel principles.”
(Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 18)

*****(R-Agency, Confidence, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing)Hinckley, We are the creatures of our thinking. Look for the good. No pickle suckers!:
“We are the creatures of our thinking.  We can think ourselves into defeat or we can talk ourselves into victory . . . Don't partake of the spirit of our times.  Look for the good and build on it.  Don't be a 'pickle sucker.'”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,” in Speeches of the Year, 1974, 269, 273.)
*****(R-AAA Admonitions, Agency, Life-Changing) Spencer W. Kimball, Your choice: exceptional or common; destiny in YOUR hands:
“Life gives to all the choice. You can satisfy yourself with mediocrity if you wish. You can be common, ordinary, dull, colorless; or you can channel your life so that it will be clean, vibrant, progressive, useful, colorful, rich. You can soil your record, defile your soul, trample underfoot virtue, honor, and goodness, and thus forfeit an exaltation in the kingdom of God. Or you can be righteous, commanding the respect and admiration of your associates in all walks of life, and enjoying the love of the Lord. Your destiny is in your hands and your all-important decisions are your own to make.”
(Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, Ch. 17)
*****(R-Accountability, Agency, Life-Changing)Spencer W. Kimball, You can blame others little and yourself almost totally:
“Your life is your own, to develop or to destroy. You can blame others little and yourself almost totally if that life is not a productive, worthy, full, and abundant one”
(“President Kimball Speaks Out on Planning Your Life,” Sept. 1981, p. 47).

*****(R-Charity-Obtain, Happiness, Life-Changing, Marriage, Sociality)Hinckley, Find people's virtues:
“Don't be critical of people.  Find their virtues—they have some—and build on those.  You will be very happy if you do.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings, 412)

*****(R-Charity, Life-Changing, Marriage, Perfection) Lynn G. Robbins, As I have loved you is higher than loving as thyself:
“In Matthew, the Lord said, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' In His mortal life, He demonstrated a perfect kind of love, then said, 'A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another' (John 13:34; emphasis added). Loving as He loved is a higher form of love than loving 'as thyself.' It is a pure love that puts another higher than self. This pure love is the same love that should exist between husbands and wives.”
(Lynn G. Robbins, “Agency and Love in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 16)

*****(R-Christian Paradoxes, Conversion-Evidences, Eternal Life, False Doctrine Killers, God-Situation Before, Happiness, Life-Changing, Repentance, Self, Truth-Hard)Busche, Lord wants us to 'sharpen our awareness' of our nothingness; become self-honest or live as slaves to prejudice covered with excuses:
“My dear brothers and sisters, the Lord does not want us to become aware of our state of nothingness and misery (see Mosiah 4:11; Alma 26:12; Hel. 12:7; Moses 1:10) only at the Day of Judgment. Now and every day in our mortal lives, He wants to sharpen our awareness, that we may become our own judges, as He calls us to a continuous process of repentance.
After Alma had spoken about repentance and desires of righteousness until the end of life, he said, 'They … are redeemed of the Lord; … for behold, they are their own judges.' (Alma 41:7.) The Apostle Paul also explained, as stated in 1 Cor. 11:31: 'For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.'
It seems that we can only effectively go through the process of continuous repentance if we literally learn to become our own judges. We ourselves and the Lord are the only ones who really know us. We do not even know ourselves unless we have learned to walk the lonely and most challenging road toward self-honesty, as constantly prompted by the Spirit.
This is the sacrifice we have to learn to offer. Nobody will ever be able to understand or even to accept principles of truth unless he or she, to some degree, has developed a painful awareness of the dimensions of self-honesty. Without the capability to recognize truth, we will not be really free: we will be slaves to habits or prejudices heavily covered with excuses. But learning to become aware of the depth of the dimensions of truth will make us free. We cannot remove a stumbling block unless we see it first. We cannot grow unless we know what is holding us back.”
(F. Enzio Busche, “University for Eternal Life,” Ensign, May 1989, 71)
*****(R-Life-Changing, Repentance, Truth-Hard)David O. McKay, Without recognizing faults, cannot progress:
“. . . failure to recognize our faults holds us back, makes life stagnant. The Prophet David O. McKay expresses the thought in these words:
What progress can there be for a man unconscious of his faults Such a man has lost the fundamental element of growth, which is the realization that there is something bigger, better, and more desirable than the condition in which he now finds himself. In the soil of self-satisfaction, true growth has poor nourishment. Its roots find great succor in discontent.
"Our pleasures and our discontents
Are rounds by which we may ascend."
Heaven pity the man who is unconscious of a fault! Pity him also who is ignorant of his ignorance! Neither one is the road to salvation.”
(David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, 12–13)
(As quoted by Spencer W. Kimball in Miracle of Forgiveness, Ch. 11)

"Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. . . . Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." 
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (New York: Wm. H. Wise & Co., 1929), pp. 77, 222)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii)
“Madame de Stael, has written of enthusiasm that 'the sense of this word among the Greeks affords the noblest definition of it; enthusiasm signifies “God in us"' (1).  The joy we feel through having the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives should translate into great enthusiasm.”
(1, Tryon Edwards, Ralph Emerson Browns, et al., The New Dictionary of Thoughts (n.p.: Standard Book Co., 1961), p. 176)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii – viii)

“it is greater to be trusted than loved.”
(Marvin J. Ashton, “Be a Quality Person,” Ensign, Feb 1993, 64)

“I want to say to all within the sound of my voice tonight that you have every reason in this world to be happy and to be optimistic and to be confident.”
(Howard W. Hunter, "An Anchor to the Souls of Men," 7 February 1993)

*****(R-Agency-Attitude, Life-Changing-Personal)Perry, Enthusiasm can be a great asset leading to things none expect, turn disadvantages into advantages:
(After relating how each of his siblings excelled in some area, and all his dad had to say about him was 'Tom surprised us')
“In spite of my lack of talent, I was enthusiastic. I learned from a very early age what an asset my enthusiasm could be. At the dinner table, I complimented my mother so enthusiastically that she consistently gave me the biggest piece of pie. At school, I would raise my hand enthusiastically before my teacher even finished asking a question; fortunately, she would never call on me. As with Joseph, my enthusiasm often helped me turn disadvantages into advantages. . . . Someone has written that 'enthusiasm is a telescope that advances the misty, distant future into the radiant, tangible present.' I believe it. I have found throughout life that my only real talent, the talent of living enthusiastically, has enabled me to accomplish much more than my modest talents would have led anyone to expect. ”
(L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. 5,7)
*****(R-Happiness-Now, Life-Changing-Personal, PoS-Earth Life) Gordon B. Hinckley, Accentuate the positive:
“I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive'”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, p. 99)
****(R-Agency-Attitude, Life-Changing-Personal, Sociality)Perry, Warm personality, Always enthusiastic, joyously solved problems:
“William T. French, chairman of the Board of First National Stores, Inc., has said of his former business associate, L. Tom Perry: 
'I would say that the principle difference between Tom Perry and anyone else with whom we were associated was his enthusiastic and continual demonstration of his Christian faith. He always knew that today’s problems were relatively unimportant in the total scheme of things as he went about vigorously and joyously solving them.” 
William M. Sanderson, president of R. H. Stearns Company, said of his short association with Elder Perry: 
'His extreme dedication to everything he did was respected in his work, as well as in his Church activities. The warmth of his personality enabled him to fit in quickly … and he was very well liked by all. … He left here an impression of devotion to his religion and his family, for which we all greatly admired him.'”
(Lee Perry, “Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve,” Ensign, Feb 1975, 9)
****(R-Holy Ghost-Sanctifier, Life-Changing-Personal)Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Through Holy Ghost, can receive Christ's words directly—helps us remain valiant:
Through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, every member of the Church can receive “the words of Christ” directly (2 Nephi 32:3), at any time or place. This personal divine guidance helps us to remain valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ and endure to the end of our days. Isn’t this wonderful!
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 18–21)
****(R-Conversion-Evidences, Happiness-Now, Hope, Life-Changing-Personal)Hunter, Commanded to be filled with bright hope:
“Disciples of Christ in every generation are invited, indeed commanded, to be filled with a perfect brightness of hope (2 Nephi 31:20).”
(Howard W. Hunter, "An Anchor to the Souls of Men," 7 February 1993)
http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=7096
***(R-Life-Changing-Personal, Marriage-Preparation, Self-Improvement, Sociality)If not beautiful, try harder in other areas. Stand out in something:
“I repeat some words from the newspaper column 'Dear Abby':
'The key to being popular with both sexes is: Be kind. Be honest. Be tactful. If you can’t be beautiful (or handsome), be well groomed, tastefully attired, conscious of your posture, and keep a smile on your face.
'Be clean in body and mind. If you’re not a ‘brain,’ try harder. If you’re not a great athlete, be a good sport. Try to be a standout in something. If you can’t dance or sing, learn to play an instrument.
'Think for yourself, but respect the rules. Be generous with kind words and affectionate gestures, but save the heavy artillery. … You’ll be glad you did” (Chicago Tribune, 17 March 1991, 6).'”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Conversation with Single Adults,” Liahona, Nov 1997, 17)
***(R-Goals, Life-Changing-Personal)Man without purpose is a ship without a rudder, throw strength of mind into your work:
“The great Thomas Carlyle said: 'The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.'”
(See Harold B. Lee, CR, October 1952, 17; Thomas S. Monson, CR, April 1982, 84)
(As quoted by Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES Fireside, 6 November 2005)
**Perry, Determined to be best at whatever he undertook:
“He volunteered for duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, and with characteristic enthusiasm determined to be the best Marine ever. 'I just hate to be second, so when we’d be on long marches, I’d drag myself to the front of the line and stay there.'” 
(Loren C. Dunn, “Elder L. Tom Perry: Serving with Enthusiasm,” Tambuli, Aug 1987, 9)
***If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill, 
Be a scrub in the valley--but be 
The best little scrub by the side of the rill; 
Be a bush if you can't be a tree. 
  
If you can't be a highway then just be a trail, 
If you can't be the sun be a star; 
It isn't by size that you win or you fail-- 
Be the best of whatever you are! 
[Douglas Malloch, "Be the Best of Whatever You Are"] 
(L. Tom Perry, “Be the Best of Whatever You Are,” BYU Devotional, 12 March 1974)

*****(R-Leadership, Life-Changing-Personal, Offense, Truth-Hard)Ashton, Counsel should be in spirit of love, but don't be offended at suggestion that our conduct is less than it should be, wise people welcome correction:
“As we strive for worthiness, a scripture we should not lose sight of is Doctrine and Covenants, section 136, verse 31: 'He that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of [the Lord’s] kingdom.' [D&C 136:31] Sometimes there is a great need for us to be chastised, disciplined, and corrected in a spirit of love, help, and hope. Guidance and suggestions should be offered in a loving way, but most of us have a tendency to rebel or be dismayed when someone suggests that our conduct is less than it should be. As Benjamin Franklin once said: 'Those things that hurt, instruct. It is for this reason that wise people learn not to dread but welcome problems.'”
(Marvin J. Ashton, “On Being Worthy,” Ensign, May 1989, 20)

*****(R-Definitions, Goals, Life-Changing-Personal, Patience, Stress-Trying)Ashton, Strive for goals, but striving more important than arriving; if you are trying, you are a success:
“Set your goals—without goals you can’t measure your progress. But don’t become frustrated if the victories don’t come quickly or easily. Remind yourself that striving can be more important than arriving. If you are striving for excellence—if you are trying your best day by day with the wisest use of your time and energy to reach realistic goals—you are a success, and you can feel proud of your accomplishments.”
(Marvin J. Ashton, “Be a Quality Person,” Ensign, Feb 1993, 64)

*****(R-Conversion-Evidences, Education, Indicators, Life-Changing-Personal)Eyring, Converted means always eager to learn:
“Conversion brings a drive to learn.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 14)
*****(R-Education-Lifelong, Life-Changing-Personal)Eyring, Eagerness to learn is a natural fruit of living the gospel:
“When the Saints in Utah were still struggling to produce enough food to live, they started schools. They felt driven to lift their children toward light and to greater usefulness by education. That drive is more than a cultural tradition passed on through the generations. It is the natural fruit of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. You see it today across the world in our missionaries coming home from their brief service in the field. Those who have planted the good word of God and have served faithfully invariably have awakened in them a great desire for self-improvement. And with that comes a desire to learn more and to gain greater skills.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 14)
*****(R-Conversion-Evidences, Education-Lifelong, Life-Changing-Personal, Truth-Hard)Eyring, No service that matters can be given by one who has stopped learning, education must never stop or we will fail:
“No service that matters can be given over a lifetime by those who stop learning. A great teacher is always studying. A nurse never stops facing the challenge of dealing with something new, be it equipment or procedure. And the workplace in every industry is changing so rapidly that what we know today will not be enough for tomorrow.
Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. . . . Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 14)
*****(R-Diligence, Education-Lifelong, Life-Changing-Personal, Patience, Self-Improvement)Eyring, No excuse to use more hours from pleasure to improve ourselves and increase our knowledge:
“For many of us, the feeling bears down on us that we must choose between spiritual and secular learning. That is a false conflict for most of us, particularly for the young. Before we have families, there is leisure time even in what is our busiest day. Too often we use many hours for fun and pleasure, clothed in the euphemism 'I’m recharging my batteries.' Those hours could be spent reading and studying to gain knowledge, skills, and culture. . . . It takes neither modern technology nor much money to seize the opportunity to learn in the moments we now waste. You could just have a book and paper and pencil with you. That will be enough. But you need determination to capture the leisure moments you now waste. ”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 14)

*****(R-Church, Conversion-Evidences, Life-Changing-Personal, Works)Ashton, Be involved, take part, serve and think of others:
“In all of our ward and stake buildings spiritual oil is available. Come and prepare. Join the ward members. Be involved. Don’t simply give—give of yourself. Don’t take without taking part. One who is thinking of others and serving others is filling his lamp with oil. ”
(Marvin J. Ashton, “A Time of Urgency,” Ensign, May 1974, 35)

*****(R-Gratitude, Happiness, Perspective, Life-Changing-Personal)Hunter, Rejoice more, despair less; give thanks for what have more, talk less about anxieties and what have not:
“I think it is incumbent upon us to rejoice a little more and despair a little less, to give thanks for what we have and for the magnitude of God's blessings to us, and to talk a little less about what we may not have or what anxiety may accompany difficult times in this or any generation.”
(Howard W. Hunter, "An Anchor to the Souls of Men," 7 February 1993)

*****(R-God-Situation Before, Life-Changing-Personal, Perfection, Truth-Hard)Hinckley, Can always do better:
“Can we not do better? Of course we can.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Look to the Future,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 69 )
(in Lynn G. Robbins, “Agency and Love in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 16)
*****(R-Charity, Christ-Attributes, Definitions, Forgiving, Introspection, Life-Changing-Personal, Marriage, Offense, Sociality)Robert D. Hales, Guileless is innocent, slow to take offense, quick to forgive; look for own fault first; ask, “Is it I?”
“To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.
These qualities are first learned in the home and family and can be practiced in all our relationships. To be guileless is to look for our own fault first. When accused, we should ask as the Savior’s Apostles did, 'Lord, is it I?' (Matthew 26:22).”
(Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 72–75)

*****(R-Blessings, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing-Personal, Peace, Perspective)Jeffrey R. Holland, Always more blessings than burdens:
“Joy in the gospel is not something that begins only in the next life. It is our privilege now, this very day. We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more blessings than burdens—even if some days it doesn’t seem so. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”(John 10:10).  Enjoy those blessings right now. They are yours and always will be.”
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “What I Wish Every New Member Knew—and Every Longtime Member Remembered,” Ensign, Oct 2006, 10–16)
*****(R-Happiness-Now, Life-Changing-Personal, Optimism, Perspective)Always will have difficulties; Things have been worse, things will always get better; no excuse for despair:
“I am here tonight to tell you that Despair, Doom, and Discouragement are not an acceptable view of life for a Latter-day Saint. However high on the charts they are on the hit parade of contemporary news, we must not walk on our lower lip every time a few difficult moments happen to confront us.
I am just a couple of years older than most of you, and in those few extra months I have seen a bit more of life than you have. I want you to know that there have always been some difficulties in mortal life and there always will be. But knowing what we know, and living as we are supposed to live, there really is no place, no excuse, for pessimism and despair. . . . I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better. They always do--especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives. ”
(Howard W. Hunter, "An Anchor to the Souls of Men," 7 February 1993)

*****(R-Gratitude, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing-Personal, Money)Philip. 4: 11, Whatever state I am, be content:
  11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

*****(R-Education, Knowledge, Life-Changing-Personal, Patience)Woodruff, Learn one thing well at a time; then be a great blessing to fellow men:
“Do not be discouraged because you cannot learn all at once; learn one thing at a time, learn it well, and treasure it up, then learn another truth and treasure that up, and in a few years you will have a great store of useful knowledge which will not only be a great blessing to yourselves and your children, but to your fellow men.”
(Wilford Woodruff , Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, Ch. 12, 269)
*****(R-Knowledge, Life-Changing-Personal)Dallin H. Oaks, less-but usable-information far better than lots of unsearchable information:
"Available information wisely used is far more valuable than multiplied information allowed to lie fallow. . .
"A poet described this delusion [of trusting in an abundance of information rather than understanding focused knowledge] as an "endless cycle" that brings "knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word," in which "wisdom" is "lost in knowledge" and "knowledge" is "lost in information"
(T. S. Eliot, "Choruses from 'The Rock,' " in The Complete Poems and Plays, 1909-1950 [1962], 96).
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities," Ensign, May 2001,  82)
*****(R-Knowledge, Life-Changing-Personal)Dallin H. Oaks, Information, internalized, makes us serviceable to our fellowmen:
We have thousands of times more available information than Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln. Yet which of us would think ourselves a thousand times more educated or more serviceable to our fellowmen than they? The sublime quality of what these two men gave to us-including the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address-was not attributable to their great resources of information, for their libraries were comparatively small by our standards. Theirs was the wise and inspired use of a limited amount of information.
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities," Ensign, May 2001,  82)
****(R-Knowledge, Life-Changing-Personal)Dallin H. Oaks, Need to develop information into wisdom:
Faced with an excess of information in the marvelous resources we have been given, we must begin with focus or we are likely to become like those in the well-known prophecy about people in the last days-"ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7). We also need quiet time and prayerful pondering as we seek to develop information into knowledge and mature knowledge into wisdom.
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities," Ensign, May 2001,  82)

*****(R-Education, Life-Changing-Personal, Repentance, Self-Improvement, Stress-Within Power)Hinckley, Regardless of situation, we can all go on learning; realize that all are capable in some directions and limited in others:
“there is a great potential within each of us to go on learning. Regardless of our age, unless there be serious illness, we can read, study, drink in the writings of wonderful men and women. As Dr. Joshua Liebman once observed: 'The great thing is that as long as we live we have the privilege of growing. We can learn new skills, engage in new kinds of work, devote ourselves to new causes, make new friends. Accepting then the truth that we are capable in some directions and limited in others, that genius is rare, that mediocrity is the portion of most of us, let us remember that we can and must change ourselves.'”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Conversation with Single Adults,” Liahona, Nov 1997, 17)

****(R-Confidence, Life-Changing-Personal, Marriage-Preparation, Sociality, Stress)Hinckley, Don't belittle selves or indulge in self-pity, greatest people 'ungifted' in certain areas:
“You are a child of God, His crowning creation. After He had formed the earth, separated the darkness from the light, divided the waters, created the plant and animal kingdoms—after all this He created man and then woman. I repeat, I hope you will never demean or belittle yourselves. Some of you may think you are not attractive, that you have no talents. Stop wandering around in the wasteland of self-pity. The greatest missionary the world has known, the Apostle Paul, is said to have been short, have a large Roman nose, rounded shoulders, and a whining voice, all of which may not sound too attractive to some persons. Abraham Lincoln, America’s greatest hero, was tragically homely. But from his great heart and mind came words such as few other men have spoken.
I hope you will not indulge in put-downs, in pessimism, in self-recrimination. Never make fun at the expense of another. Look for virtue in the lives of all with whom you associate.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Conversation with Single Adults,” Liahona, Nov 1997, 17)

****(R-Education, Knowledge, Life-Changing-Personal)Nibley, If twice as strong, world little better, but if think clearly, have a world of potential:
“The fifth-century rhetorician Isocrates once observed that if every man in Greece could lift twice as much, run twice as fast, jump twice as far, etc., the world would be little better off—animals and machinery do the fast and heavy work anyway. 'But if just one man could think properly all mankind willing to share his ideas would benefit.'”
(See George Norlin, trans., Isocrates, 3 vols. (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard Univ. Press, 1968), 1:120–21)
(Hugh W. Nibley, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Part 4,” Ensign, Oct 1990, 26)

*****(R-God-Situation Before, Humility, Life-Changing-Personal)Prov. 1: 7
  7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

****(R-Gratitude, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing-Personal)Where are the nine?
Luke 17:17: “. . . where are the nine?”
AC: Application to gratitude: We focus on the one-tenth of our life that isn't all that great, and we're unhappy.  What would happen if we focused more on the nine-tenths of life that is?  Relatedly, we could view things this way: we should always be happy because of the things that have not happened to us: if we don't have a child or sibling that has apostatized, if we have never been raped, or crippled, or any number of things that we don't have to deal with.  We sometimes let our current problems dominate our whole landscape, when currently we are a lot better off than we could be.

****(R-Leadership, Life-Changing-Personal, Youth)Eyring, Expect the most out of people:
“If you expect little, they will feel your lack of faith in them and in the Lord's promised outpouring of the Spirit. If you communicate, by word or action or even by your tone of voice, that you doubt their spiritual capacity, they will doubt it. If you see in them the potential Joel describes, they will at least have the chance to see it in themselves. Your choices of what you expect will have powerful effect on their choices of what to expect of themselves.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Raising Expectations,” CES Satellite Training Broadcast, Aug 2004)

****(R-Diligence, Education-Lifelong, Goals, Life-Changing-Personal, Obedience, Revelation, Time Management, Urgency)Ballard, I charge you to prepare, your mission will be unfolded day by day as you diligently study and cheerfully submit to His will; if you start right, it is easy to go right all the time:
Each one of you is very dear to the Lord. He knows you, and He loves you. Today, as one of the Lord's apostles, I charge you to prepare spiritually and in every other way to be prepared for the important work ahead for you to do. The Lord could well say to you as he said to Moses: 'I have a work for thee, . . . my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior' (Moses 1:6). You, too, are made in the likeness of the Savior, and He invites you, as sons and daughters of God, to prepare spiritually to enter into His work. It will require your full energy, clear thinking, best efforts, and utmost faith.
“Your mission from the Lord will be unfolded to you day by day as you pray, search the scriptures, and diligently give of yourself in the Lord's work. You will come to know your work from the Lord more and more as you submit cheerfully to His will. Remember that it is small acts of service and devotion that bring about great things. The Lord said: 'Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33).
“Make this year, this month, this day a new starting point in your life. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated, 'If we start right, it is easy to go right all the time; but if we start wrong, we may go wrong, and it [will] be a hard matter to get right' (Teachings, 343). 
(M. Russell Ballard, "The Lord Has a Work for You to Do," BYU Devotional, January 18, 2000)

***(R-Families, Life-Changing-Personal, Missionary Work)Adorn homes with spiritual pursuits:
"College students can create a gospel-sharing home when they adorn the walls of their apartments with pictures that reflect spiritual pursuits instead of the things of the world."
(M. Russell Ballard, "Creating a Gospel-Sharing Home, May 2006 Ensign, 85-86)

*****(R-Definitions, God-Situation Before, Happiness, Holy Ghost-Sanctifier, Humility, Life-Changing, Peace, Repentance, Stress)Bruce D. Porter, True joy only in full submission to God's will, same God who requires a broken heart invites us to rejoice and be of good cheer:
“Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment. We cease doing things our way and learn to do them God’s way instead. In such a condition of submissiveness, the Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur. The penitent will then experience the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, which will fill them with peace of conscience and the joy of reconciliation with God. In a wondrous union of divine attributes, the same God who teaches us to walk with a broken heart invites us to rejoice and to be of good cheer.”
(Elder Bruce D. Porter, "A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit", October 2007 General Conference)

*****(R-Happiness-Now, Life Changing, PoS-Earth Life) Gordon B. Hinckley, Once decisions are made, put them behind you and do not worry about them-put your head up and look forward:
“Deal with the problems as wisely as you can.  Make your decisions.  You may be right; you may be wrong.  Hopefully, you will be right because you have prayed earnestly over the matter and you have discussed it with your associates.  But once these decisions are made, put them behind you and do not worry about them.  Turn around, stand tall, put your head up, and look forward to the marvelous opportunities that you have.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, p. 173)
*****(R-AAA Admonitions, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing, Repentance, Stress)Brigham Young, If commit sin, sincerely repent immediately. Can say 'God knows the integrity of my heart' and live in a constant state of worthiness:
"I do not recollect that I have seen five minutes since I was baptized that I have not been ready to preach a funeral sermon, lay hands on the sick, or to pray in private or in public. I will tell you the secret of this. In all your business transactions, words, and communications, if you commit an overt act, repent of that immediately, and call upon God to deliver you from evil and give you the light of His Spirit. . . . If I commit an overt act, the Lord knows the integrity of my heart, and, through sincere repentance, He forgives me" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 12:103).
*****(R-Happiness-Now, Introspection, Life-Changing, PoS-Earth Life)Brigham Young, Life is to receive today, review the acts of the day and repent, arise and strive the next day in gratitude:
“Life is for us, and it for us to receive it today, and not wait for the Millennium. Let us take a course to be saved today, and, when evening comes, review the acts of the day, repent of our sins, if we have any to repent of, and say our prayers; then we can lie down and sleep in peace until the morning, arise with gratitude to God, commence the labors of another day, and strive to live the whole day to God and nobody else" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 8:124-25; emphasis added).

*****(R-Families-Parenting, Life-Changing, Love, Truth-Hard) Mere kindness doesn't care if it is what is best for the person, those we really love we want to be their best, not content with mediocrity:
"Kindness, merely as such, cares not whether its object becomes good or bad, provided only that it escapes suffering . . . it is for people whom we care nothing about that we demand happiness on any terms: with our friends, our lovers, our children, we are exacting and would rather see them suffer much than be happy in contemptible and estranging modes."
(C.S. Lewis, Problem of Pain, Chapter 3, p.29)
*****(R-Families-Parenting, Gratitude, Life-Changing, Love, Truth-Hard) Maxwell, Correction is affection:
“be grateful for people in your lives who love you enough to correct you . . . correction can be an act of affection. ”
(Neal A. Maxwell, “Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been,” Ensign, May 2004, 44)
*****(R-Families-Parenting, Life-Changing, Love, Truth-Hard) Discipline is love; shouldn't withhold if want real growth:
“Discipline is a form of love, an expression of it.  It is necessary and powerful in people's lives.
“When a toddler is playing near the road, we steer carefully around him.  That is, unless it is our own child or grandchild.  If we love them enough we will do it.  To withhold discipline when it would contribute to spiritual growth is an evidence of lack of love and concern.”
(Boyd K. Packer, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, 1991, 15-19)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.102)
*****(R-Life-Changing, Teaching, Truth-Hard)Boyd K. Packer, Don't be a skeptic or overly cautious in declaring truth, have courage in your convictions:
“One thing professional teachers need to guard against is the tendency to be turned into skeptics or to be overcautious when declaring the truth. . . . What a refreshing thing to have a teacher who has the courage of his convictions and who can tell right from wrong and is willing to say so!”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 329)

*****(R-Agency, Leadership, Life-Changing, Perspective)Boyd K. Packer, I can't solve my problems? Don't you realize who you are? You have powerful resources within:
“It is critically important that a person already knows right from wrong, that he is innately, inherently, and intuitively good.  When someone says, 'I can't!  I can't solve my problems! – I want to thunder out, 'Don't you realize who you are?  Haven't you learned yet that you are a son or a daughter of Almighty God?  Do you not know that there are powerful resources inherited from Him that you can call upon to give you steadiness and courage and great power?”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 242)

*****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing, Sin, Stress)Benson, If do good, feel good; if heavy laden, need to come unto Christ:
“In the Book of Mormon we read that 'despair cometh because of iniquity.' (Moro. 10:22.) 'When I do good I feel good,' said Abraham Lincoln, 'and when I do bad I feel bad.' . . . Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God’s laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28–30.) ”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,” Ensign, Nov 1974, 65)

*****(R-Charity-Obtain, Indicators, Life-Changing, Words)Glenn L. Pace, Praise others:
“One way we can practice charity is to be generous in our praise of others, thus helping them gain confidence as well.”
(Glenn L. Pace, “Confidence and Self-Worth,” Ensign, Jan 2005,  32–35)

*****(R-Charity, Life-Changing, Missionary Work, Sociality, Words)Robert D. Hales, Criticism give an opportunity to reach out, aim should be helping the other person, not defending our ego:
“As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos or score points in a theological debate.”
(Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 72–75, emphasis in original)

*****(R-Knowledge, Life-Changing, Missionaries, Scripture Study, Teaching)Henry B. Eyring, Study Gospel to be an emissary-when increase gospel teaching power, helping Father to gather:
“You can study the word of God, not for yourself alone but to be an emissary of the Lord Jesus Christ to all the world. When you increase your power to teach the gospel, you are qualifying to help Heavenly Father in gathering His children.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 2008, 61–64)

*****(R-AAA Admonitions, Life-Changing, Sociality) Gordon B. Hinckley, Develop a capacity to mingle with people.  Have a vibrant personality:
"I hope you will develop a spirit of fellowship, a social ease, a capacity to mix and mingle with people whenever you meet them, of low caste or high caste, recognizing their strengths and powers and capacities and goodness...A vibrant personality that comes out of the capacity to listen and learn, that comes of the ability to contribute without boring, that comes of a talent for mingling and mixing with people in a constructive way is something precious."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Out of Your Experience Here,” BYU Devotional, October 16, 1990)

*****(R-Education-Lifelong, Goals, Life-Changing, Perspective, Self-Improvement)Eyring, Take advantage of every opportunity, never know what the future holds: 
“Part of the tragedy you must avoid is to discover too late that you missed an opportunity to prepare for a future only God could see for you. The chance to learn another language is for me a painful example. My father was born in Mexico. He grew up speaking Spanish as his first language. I lived in his home for more than 20 years. Sadly, I never asked him to teach me a word of Spanish. Now I am the first contact in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church in Mexico, in Central America, and in Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It was no accident that I was born into a home with a Spanish-speaking father. . . . What a blessing I might have had by taking the counsel I give you now. ”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 14)

*****(R-Confidence, Humility, Man-Divine Potential, Life-Changing, Stress-Trying)Perry, Don't depreciate self:
“One of the greatest weaknesses in most of us is our lack of faith in ourselves. One of our common failings is to depreciate our tremendous worth.” 
(L. Tom Perry, “Be the Best of Whatever You Are,” BYU Devotional, 12 March 1974)

*****(R-Atonement-Enabling Power, Grace, Life-Changing, Perspective, Stress)David A. Bednar, Atonement strengthens us to be good beyond our individual desire and capacity:
“On page 697 [of the Bible Dictionary], under the word grace, we read:
'A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.'
. . .
"'It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts' (emphasis added by Elder Bednar).
“That is, grace represents that divine assistance or heavenly help each of us will desperately need to qualify for the celestial kingdom. Thus the enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity. . . Such a perspective will change us in remarkable ways.”
(David A. Bednar, "In the Strength of the Lord", BYU Devotional, 23 October 2001)

*****(R-Atonement, Families, Knowledge, Life-Changing, Mercy, Perspective, PoS-Earth Life, Sin, Stress)Bruce C. Hafen, Because of Atonement, we can learn from our mistakes without being condemned by them; having problems is part of life's purpose; Seeing weaknesses in self a sign of progress:
“Adam and Eve learned constantly from their often harsh experience. They knew how a troubled family feels. Think of Cain and Abel. Yet because of the Atonement, they could learn from their experience without being condemned by it. Christ’s sacrifice didn’t just erase their choices and return them to an Eden of innocence. That would be a story with no plot and no character growth. His plan is developmental—line upon line, step by step, grace for grace.
So if you have problems in your life, don’t assume there is something wrong with you. Struggling with those problems is at the very core of life’s purpose. As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger (See Ether 12:27).  If you’re seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you’re moving nearer to God, not farther away.”
(Bruce C. Hafen, “The Atonement: All for All,” Ensign, May 2004, 97)
*****(R-Atonement, Life Changing, PoS-Earth Life, Stress)Bruce C. Hafen,  Inadequacy, Innate capacity, falling short, Atonement:  
“Inadequacy is not the same as being sinful—we have far more control over the choice to sin than we have over our innate capacity . . . a sense of falling short or falling down is not only natural but essential to the mortal experience.  Still, after all we can do, the Atonement can fill that which is empty, straighten out our bent parts, and make strong that which is weak. 
“The Savior's victory can compensate not only for our sins but also for our inadequacies; not only for our deliberate mistakes but also for our sins committed in ignorance, our errors of judgment, and our unavoidable imperfections.” 
(Bruce C. Hafen, Broken Heart, Deseret Book. 2008. 23)

*****(R-Happiness-Now, Humor, Life-Changing, Stress) Gordon B. Hinckley, Live with a light tone and a sense of humor:
“Let there be something of a light tone in your life.  Let there be fun and happiness, a sense of humor, the capacity to laugh occasionally at the things that are funny.”
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Challenging Time—A Wonderful Time,” An Evening with President Gordon B. Hinckley, 7 February 2003)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.18)
*****(R-Humor, Life-Changing, Prophets, Stress)Boyd K. Packer, Have a good sense of humor, the prophets did:
“A sense of humor is oil for the machinery of life.  A good sense of humor is a characteristic of a well-balanced person.
“It has always been apparent that the prophets were men with very alert and pleasing senses of humor.  Despite the fact that they are dealing with the most serious and sometimes the most tragic and difficult things in life, the Brethren can always smile.”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 249)

*****(R-God-Nature, Life-Changing, Trials-Purpose, Truth-Hard)Neal A. Maxwell, God loves us too much to let us go on being what we are now, but this refinement requires heat:
“God is a tutorial activist who loves His children too much to let us go on being just what we now are because He knows what we have the power to become.  But this kind of refinement requires some heat.[then quotes JST Hebrews 11:40, 'God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect.']”
(Neal A. Maxwell, “Those Seedling Saints Who Sit Before You,” 1983 Old Testament Symposium Supplement, pp. 1-6)

*****(R-False Doctrine Killers, Forgiving, Life-Changing) Spencer W. Kimball, The offended one must forgive regardless of offender attitude:
“A common error is the idea that the offender must apologize and humble himself to the dust before forgiveness is required. Certainly, the one who does the injury should totally make his adjustment, but as for the offended one, he must forgive the offender regardless of the attitude of the other. Sometimes men get satisfactions front seeing the other party on his knees and grovelling in the dust, but that is not the gospel way.”
(Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, Ch. 19)

*****(R-Conversion, Life-Changing, Love, Priesthood)Joseph Smith, Man of God not content with blessing just his own family, but whole world:
“Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” (History of the Church, 4:227.)
(As quoted by Howard W. Hunter, “The Gospel—A Global Faith,” Ensign, Nov 1991,  18)
*****(R-Home Teaching, Life-Changing, Priesthood)Harold B. Lee, Priesthood holders on the Lord's errand; our purpose is to help others :
“You see, when one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord’s errand.”
(Harold B. Lee, In Conference Report, Mexico City Mexico Area Conference 1972, 77)
(As quoted by Thomas S. Monson, “The Sacred Call of Service,” Ensign, May 2005,  54)
*****(R-Charity, Conversion, Life-Changing, Prayer)Carlos H. Amado, Strive to ennoble, build, look for the good in others, have a cheerful countenance, a spirit of kindness, want to share and serve:
“Those who serve will always seek to please God and live in harmony with Him. They will be full of peace; they will have a cheerful countenance and a spirit of kindness.
Those who serve will strive to ennoble, build, and lift their fellowmen; therefore, they will find the good in others, and they will not find reason or have time to become offended. They develop the virtue of praying for those who criticize. They don’t expect recognition or reward. They possess the love of Christ.
Those who serve will always be willing to share what they possess and what they know at all times, in all places, and with all people.”
(Carlos H. Amado, “Service, a Divine Quality,” Ensign, May 2008, 35–37)
*****(R-Conversion, Indicators, Life-Changing)Robert J. Whetten, Are you a blessing to others?
"Every unselfish act of kindness and service increases your spirituality. God would use you to bless others. Your continued spiritual growth and eternal progress are very much wrapped up in your relationships—in how you treat others. Do you indeed love others and become a blessing in their lives? Isn’t the measure of the level of your conversion how you treat others? The person who does only those things in the Church that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection. Service to others is what the gospel and exalted life are all about."
(Robert J. Whetten, “Strengthen Thy Brethren,” Ensign, May 2005,  91)
*****(R-Charity, God-Situation Before, Home Teaching, Life-Changing, Kindness, Service, Sociality)Eyring, Not much you can give God, but you can give kindness to his children; it means a lot to Him:
“You will find something else in the pattern of correction you have felt. Do you notice how much of it is an urging to do something for someone else? That is no surprise. God loves his children. They have great needs. Everything belongs to God, so there is not much you can give him, after you have given him a repentant heart. But you can give kindness to his children. If you were my earthly friend, you would win my heart by being kind to my children. God loves his children more than any earthly parent, so think what your kindness to his children means to him.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “To Draw Closer to God,” Ensign, May 1991, 65)

*****(R-Agency, Atonement-Enabling, Charity-Obtain, Life-Changing, Perfection, Self-Improvement)George Q. Cannon, Duty to strive to correct all imperfections, not 'this is just the way I am':
"If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, 'Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.' He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them.”
(George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, 23 Apr. 1894, 260).
(Quoted in Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual (1999), 84-85)
*****(R-Leadership, Life-Changing, Self-Improvement, Sociality) Kimball, Develop the capacity to communicate; we should be developing constantly:
“We urge you as leaders, fathers, husbands, and sons to develop even more your capacity to communicate with each other in your families, in your quorums, in your wards, and in your communities. Accept the reality that personal improvement on the part of each priesthood holder is expected by our Father in heaven. We should be growing and we should be developing constantly. If we do, others will sense the seriousness of our discipleship and can then more easily forgive us our frailties which we sometimes show in the way in which we lead and manage.”
(Spencer W. Kimball, “Boys Need Heroes Close By,” Ensign, May 1976, 45)

*****(R-Conversion, Eternal Life, Life-Changing, Obedience)Bruce R. McConkie, Eternal Life is the kind, type, and quality of life that God enjoys:
“only those who obey the fulness of the gospel law will inherit eternal life. . . . It is ‘the greatest of all the gifts of God’ . . . , for it is the kind, status, type, and quality of life that God himself enjoys. Thus those who gain eternal life receive exaltation; they are sons of God, joint-heirs with Christ, members of the Church of the Firstborn; they overcome all things, have all power, and receive the fulness of the Father”
(Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 237).”
(As quoted by L. Tom Perry, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2008, 44–46)

*****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing)Boyd K. Packer, Understand Plan=Worldly Things not Affect Happiness:
"If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness." (Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 26; or Ensign, May 1994, 20.)

*****(R-Charity-Obtain, Life-Changing)Must see people through Savior's eyes:
“So there’s a neighbor who makes you angry or someone you don’t like. What’s the problem? The problem is you don’t have charity, the pure love of Christ, toward him or her. How do you get it? You need to ‘pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart’ and ask Him to give you charity toward that person. You need to ask to see that person through the Savior’s eyes so you will be able to see him or her as good and lovable.”
(“Falling Out of Love … and Climbing Back In,” Ensign, Jan 2005, 26)
*****(R-Charity-Obtain, Life-Changing)Look for the good, will grow in understanding of how God sees them:
“Look for the good in others.  As you discover the good qualities in others, you will grow in your understanding of them as children of God.  The Spirit will confirm the truth of your discoveries about them, and you will appreciate and love them more.”
(Teaching: No Greater Call, 12)

*****(R-Life-Changing, Stress)Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Disdain and dissatisfaction; dishonest bookkeepers, don't study replays:
“We can distinguish more clearly between divine discontent and the devil’s dissonance, between dissatisfaction with self and disdain for self. We need the first and must shun the second, remembering that when conscience calls to us from the next ridge, it is not solely to scold but also to beckon.
“… We can contemplate how far we have already come in the climb along the pathway to perfection; it is usually much farther than we acknowledge. …
“… We can make quiet but more honest inventories of our strengths. … Most of us are dishonest bookkeepers and need confirming ‘outside auditors.’ He who was thrust down in the first estate delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan; there is none of it in heaven. We should, of course, learn from our mistakes, but without forever studying the instant replays as if these were the game of life itself.”
(Neal A. Maxwell, “Notwithstanding My Weakness,” Ensign, Nov. 1976, 14 )

*****(R-Accountability, Church, Leadership, Life-Changing, Light of Christ)Boyd K. Packer, Most people come for counsel because they are tempted to do wrong and want ratification:
“Most people who come to stake presidents, bishops, branch presidents, General Authorities, and teachers for counsel don't come because they are confused and unable to see the difference between right and wrong.  They come because they're tempted to do something that deep down they know is wrong, and they want that decision ratified.”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 243)

*****(R-Gratitude, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing, Money)Philip. 4: 11, Whatever state I am, be content:
  11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

*****(R-Happiness-Now, Indicators, Life-Changing, Stress)Constant companionship of the Spirit is evidence that our lives are in order and we will be exalted:
“Is there any way to know we are saved other than receiving the more sure word of prophecy? I think there is. That same Holy Spirit of Promise that searches the hearts of men and women, that ratifies and approves and seals ordinances and lives, that same Holy Spirit serves, as Paul indicates, as the "earnest of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14).
“Though this passage refers specifically to being sealed up unto eternal life, I believe the principle is also true in regard to our qualifying for and cultivating the gift and influence of the Holy Ghost. That is, the Lord sends to us "the earnest of the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:5) as an evidence that our lives are in order. The Lord's "earnest money" on us, his down payment, his indication to us that he will save us, is the Holy Spirit. We know that we are on course when we have the companionship of the Spirit. We know that our lives are approved of God when we have the companionship of the Spirit. We know that we are in Christ, in covenant, when we have the companionship of the Spirit. And we know, I suggest, that we are saved when we truly have the constant companionship of the Spirit.
“If we live in such a way that we can take the sacrament worthily, hold and utilize a current temple recommend, maintain the gift and gifts of the Spirit (including the greatest gifts of faith, hope, and charity), and in all things yield our hearts to God (see Helaman 3:35; D&C 20:31), then we are in the line of our duty; we are approved of the heavens, and if we were to die suddenly, we would go into paradise and eventually into the celestial kingdom.”
(Robert L. Millet, Within Reach, 77-78)
*****(R-Diligence, Happiness-Now, Indicators, Justification and Sanctification, Life-Changing, Stress)Assurance that we are on the right path need not be a distant realization, Spirit witnesses that are lives our approved:
“Sanctification may be a condition, but it is also a process. 'Those who go to the celestial kingdom of heaven,' Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained to BYU students in 1976, 'have to be sanctified, meaning that they become clean and pure and spotless. They've had evil and sin and iniquity burned out of their souls as though by fire. . . . It is a process. Nobody is sanctified in an instant, suddenly. But if we keep the commandments and press forward with steadfastness after baptism, then degree by degree and step by step we sanctify our souls until that glorious day when we're qualified to go where God and angels are' ("Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," 1976 Devotional Speeches of the Year, p. 399).
“Each of us longs for the day when we can stand before our Savior confidently and comfortably, worthy and prepared to be with him and go where he goes. But the assurance that we are on course need not be a distant realization; we can know by the quiet but certain witness of his Spirit that our lives are approved of God. We can be at peace.”
(Robert L. Millet, Within Reach, 55-56)

*****(R-Conversion)D. Todd Christofferson, Can go through motions and not change unless personally  apply:
“The gospel cannot be written in your heart unless your heart is open. Without a heartfelt desire, you can participate in sacrament meetings, classes, and Church activities . . . but it won’t make much difference. . . you must lay aside any feeling of pride that is so common in the world today . . . you need to know what it is and grow to understand it more fully . . . you must not only open your heart to a knowledge of the gospel and the love of God, you must practice the gospel law. You cannot fully understand or appreciate it unless you personally apply it in your life. . . ”
(D. Todd Christofferson, “When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign, May 2004,  11)
*****(R-Justice, Knowledge, Revelation)D&C 82: 4, Apply the counsel you hear-else what does it profit?
        4 Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.
*****(R-Conversion, Introspection, Life-Changing, Obedience)Spencer W. Kimball, assume counsel applies to us; eternal life depends on our hearkening:
“Now as we conclude this general conference, let us all give heed to what was said to us. Let us assume the counsel given applies to us, to me. Let us hearken to those we sustain as prophets and seers, as well as the other brethren, as if our eternal life depended upon it, because it does!
“. . . May I stress again the value of reading the addresses given at our general conferences in the Ensign magazine.” (Ensign, May 1978, p. 77.)
*****(R-Accountability, Church, Knowledge, Life-Changing, Teaching)A. Roger Merrill, Responsibility to receive by the spirit:
“In our Church meetings, in our personal and family scripture study, and even this day as we listen to the Lord's prophets and apostles, some of us will receive more than others. Why? I am learning that those who truly receive do at least three things that others may not do.
First, they seek. We live in an entertainment world, a spectator world. Without realizing it, we can find ourselves coming to conference or going to church with the attitude, "Here I am; now inspire me." We become spiritually passive.
“When we focus instead on seeking and receiving the Spirit, we become less concerned about a teacher or speaker holding our attention and more concerned about giving our attention to the Spirit. “Remember, receive is a verb. It is a principle of action. It is a fundamental expression of faith. . . those who receive by the Spirit intend to act. As the prophet Moroni instructed, to receive a witness of the Book of Mormon, we must ask 'with real intent' (Moroni 10:4). The Spirit teaches when we honestly intend to do something about what we learn.
“. . . We often focus, appropriately, on the importance of teaching by the Spirit. But we need to remember that the Lord has placed equal, if not greater, importance on receiving by the Spirit. (See D&C 50:17–22)”
(A. Roger Merrill (70), “Receiving by the Spirit”, Ensign, November 2006, 93-94)
*****(R-Life-Changing)Brigham Young, Faith Vain if not act.
“When Brigham Young received the news [of the Willie and Martin handcart companies starving and trapped in a snowstorm], he immediately stood before the congregation and said:
"I will now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak to-day and during the conference, it is this, on the 5th day of October, 1856, many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with hand-carts, and probably many are now 700 miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them. The text will be, 'to get them here.' I want the brethren who may speak to understand that their text is the people on the plains, and the subject matter for this community is to send for them and bring them in before the winter sets in. . . . 
"I shall call upon the Bishops this day, I shall not wait until to-morrow, nor until [the] next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen, I want good horses and mules. They are in this Territory, and we must have them; also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, . . . 60 or 65 good spans of mules, or horses, with harness. . . . 
"I will tell you all," said he, "that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the celestial kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains, and attend strictly to those things which we call temporal, or temporal duties, otherwise your faith will be in vain; the preaching you have heard will be in vain to you, and you will sink to hell, unless you attend to the things we tell you" (Deseret News, Oct. 15, 1856, 252).” - As quoted by President Gordon B. Hinckley, (“The Faith to Move Mountains”, Ensign, November 2006, 84)

*****(R-Charity, Happiness, Life-Changing)Boyd K. Packer's rule to live by: trust everyone until THEY show a reason not to; has been much happier since living that principle:
    "A few years ago I indulged on one occasion in some introspection and found there were reasons why I didn't like myself very well.  Foremost among them was the fact that I was suspicious of some I met.  I had in mind this thought: 'What is his angle?  What's he going to try to do?'  This came about because I had been badly used by someone I trusted.  Cynicism and bitterness were growing within.  I determined to change and made a decision that I would trust everyone.  I have tried to follow that rule since.  If someone is not worth of trust, it is his responsibility to show it--not mine to find out. . . .
    As I begin a new relationship . . . it is on the basis of confidence and trust.  I have been much happier since.  Of course, there have been times when I have been badly used.  I do not care about that.  Who am I not to be so misused or abused?  Why should I be above that?  If that is the price of extending trust to everyone, I am glad to pay it."  
(Elder Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005), 94-95)

*****(R-Life-Changing, Love, Service, Sociality, Truth-Hard)Boyd K. Packer, To receive the love of the world, must deserve it:
[after a daughter came home on valentines without receiving a single valentine]
“'Ruth, my dear, a valentine is an expression of love.  If you are to receive the love of those around you in the world, you must be the kind of person who earns and deserves their love.'  The wise mother gently told her that she had not received their love because she had not deserved it.”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 248)

*****(R-Easy Way, Judging, Just Rewards, Life-Changing)Christofferson, when have the capacity to act, must act; if cannot act, God will accept our desire:
“Where we can act, where we have the capacity and the means, we must act if we are to retain a justified and sanctified status. But where we legitimately and truly cannot act, the Lord will accept the desire for the deed.”
(D. Todd Christofferson, “Justification and Sanctification,” Ensign, Jun 2001, 18)

*****(R-Atonement, Forgiving, Life-Changing, Perspective, Selfishness)James L. Ferrel, Failing to forgive is ungratefully holding out for more from Christ's Atonement:
“Although the Lord doesn't actually ask us to forgive him, the effect of the atonement is such that it's as if that's what he is asking.  'Inasmuch as ye have done it [or done it not] unto one of the least of these, ' the Savior taught, 'ye have done it [or done it not] unto me' [See Matthew 25:40, 45].  When we withhold forgiveness from others . . . we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin.  We are holding our for more.  We are finding fault with the Lord's offering.  We are in essence demanding that the Lord repent of an insufficient atonement.  So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive the Lord . . . your failure to forgive is in effect a withholding from the Lord—he who has claimed and atoned for the sins and weaknesses in Carol that you insist on carrying with a grudge.”
(James L. Ferrell, The Peacegiver, pg. 65-67)
(See Matthew 18:23-35)

*****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing, Stress)“The gospel is a happy and a pleasant gospel”
(Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 250)
*****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing)Joseph B. Wirthlin, NOT A GOSPEL OF CHAINS, BUT OF WINGS:
“The Savior taught that 'whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give . . . shall never thirst; [for it] shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.' (John 4:14).
Fully understood and embraced, the gospel of Jesus Christ heals broken hearts, infuses meaning into lives, binds loved ones together with ties that transcend mortality, and brings to life a sublime joy.
President Lorenzo Snow said, 'The Lord has not given us the gospel that we may go around mourning all the days of our lives.' (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1996), 61)
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a religion of mourning and gloom. The faith of our fathers is one of hope and joy. It is not a gospel of chains but a gospel of wings.
To embrace it fully is to be filled with wonder and to walk with an inner fire. Our Savior proclaimed, 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' (John 10:10).
Do you seek peace of mind?
Drink deeply of living waters.
Do you seek forgiveness? Peace? Understanding? Joy?
Drink deeply of living waters.”
(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Abundant Life”, May2006 Ensign, 100)
****(R-Church, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Happiness, Life-Changing, PoS-Earth Life) Cling to the Church and its principles your life will be happy:
“Cling to the Church and live its principles and I do not hesitate to promise you that your lives will be happy, that your accomplishments will be significant, and that you will have reason to get on your knees and thank the Lord for all He has done for you in giving to you the marvelous and wonderful opportunities that you have”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, quoted in Church News, 3 Aug. 1996, 2).
(As quoted by Virginia H. Pearce, footnote#2, “The Ordinary Classroom—a Powerful Place for Steady and Continued Growth,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 11)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.59)

*****(R-Life-Changing, Service)Anthony D. Perkins, If help others, less capacity to agonize over own shortcomings:
“. . . find joy each day. One source of joy is service, for when you are busy helping others, you will have less capacity to agonize over your own shortcomings. The Savior wisely taught, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."(Mark 8:35; see also Alma 36:24–25. )
You will experience greater joy in life as you eradicate adult-onset pessimism and substitute childlike optimism. Optimism is a virtue that allows us to see God's loving hand in the details of our life.”
(Anthony D. Perkins, "The Great and Wonderful Love", Ensign, November 2006, 76)

*****(R-Conversion, Judgment, Life-Changing)Dallin H. Oaks, Final judgment judging what WE have BECOME:
"the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.
A parable illustrates this understanding. A wealthy father knew that if he were to bestow his wealth upon a child who had not yet developed the needed wisdom and stature, the inheritance would probably be wasted. The father said to his child:
“All that I have I desire to give you—not only my wealth, but also my position and standing among men. That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself."
(Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov 2000,  32)

*****(R-Charity, Gratitude, Humility, Life-Changing, Marriage-Preparation For, Patience, Perspective) Sandra Rogers: Remember that people ask 'embarrassing' questions only because they care for you:
“I grew up in the small town of Joseph City, Arizona. After my service as a full-time missionary, it seemed that every time I went home to visit I was asked when I would get married. When traveling home one time and dreading more inquiries into my unmarried status, it seemed that a beam of pure light entered my heart through a tiny crack. I remembered my feelings of love for those who always asked me those embarrassing questions. They had taught me in Primary and Mutual and Sunday School. I remembered their goodness as neighbors. I was struck by several impressions: These people care about you. They are interested in you. They have no idea what kind of job you have, so they can’t ask about it. Their questions come out of their neighborliness and their interest—not because they want to hurt you. Be grateful. What a difference that realization made! The usual questions came,but I felt no resentment, no sense of inadequacy. That ray of humility made me stop judging their intent as hurtful and start viewing it as an expression of their love and concern.”
(Sandra Rogers, “Knitting a Worldwide Church Together,” Ensign, Sept. 1998, 49)

*****(R-Example, Sacrifice)Lynn G. Robbins, Never really an excuse for us not to serve/sacrifice
"One reason the Lord illustrates doctrines with the most extreme circumstances is to eliminate excuses. If the Lord expects even the poorest widow to pay her mite, where does that leave all others who find that it is not convenient or easy to sacrifice?"
(Lynn G. Robbins, “Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute,” Ensign, May 2005,  34)

*****(R-Definitions, Humility, Life-Changing)Glen L. Pace, Humility and Lack of Self-Confidence:
“To be humble is to recognize our utter dependence upon the Lord. We are conscious of our strengths, but we do not exalt ourselves and become prideful, for we know that all good things ultimately come from God. We are conscious of our weaknesses, but we know the Lord can use those very weaknesses to bless our lives and that through Him, as we learn from the book of Ether, our weaknesses can become strengths.
“To lack confidence is to have feelings of low self-worth. We are preoccupied with our weaknesses, and we lack faith in the Lord’s ability to use those weaknesses for our good. We do not understand our inestimable worth in the eyes of God, nor do we appreciate our divine potential. Ironically, both pride and a lack of self-confidence cause us to focus excessively on ourselves and to deny the power of God in our lives.”
(Glenn L. Pace, “Confidence and Self-Worth,” Ensign, Jan 2005, 32–35)

*****(R-Life-Changing, Love, Marriage) Spencer W. Kimball, Love needs to be continually fed, or it dies:
"Love is like a flower, and, like the body, it needs constant feeding. The mortal body would soon be emaciated and die if there were not frequent feedings. The tender flower would wither and die without food and water. And so love, also, cannot be expected to last forever unless it is continually fed with portions of love, the manifestation of esteem and admiration, the expressions of gratitude, and the consideration of unselfishness."
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Marriage and Divorce" BYU Devotional, September 7, 1976)

*****(R-Understanding)Elder Robert S. Wood, Before Criticizing-First Present Argument that the Other Side Would Accept:
“I recall that as a graduate student I wrote a critique of an important political philosopher. It was clear that I disagreed with him. My professor told me that my paper was good, but not good enough. Before you launch into your criticism, she said, you must first present the strongest case for the position you are opposing, one that the philosopher himself could accept. I redid the paper. I still had important differences with the philosopher, but I understood him better, and I saw the strengths and virtues, as well as limitations, of his belief. I learned a lesson that I've applied across the spectrum of my life.”  (Elder Robert S. Wood, “Instruments of the Lord's Peace”, April 2006 Conference/May 2006Ensign, 94)  

*****(R-Charity)Bishop H. David Burton, Immediate response to need:
“A group of men were talking with the Prophet Joseph Smith one day when news arrived that the house of a poor brother who lived some distance from town was burned down. Everyone expressed sorrow for what had happened. The Prophet listened for a moment, then “put his hand in his pocket, took out five dollars and said, ‘I feel sorry for this brother to the amount of five dollars; how much do you all feel sorry?’” (Andrew Workman, in “Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Juvenile Instructor, Oct. 15, 1892, 641 ) The immediacy of the Prophet’s response is significant.”
(Tender Hearts and Helping Hands, May 2006 Ensign, Pg.8)
*****(R-Definitions, Gratitude, Life-Changing)David O. McKay, Gratitude is more than just thanks; shown in acts:
“Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
(“Gratitude Quotations,” Friend, Nov 1975,  39)

*****(R-Callings, Stress)M. Russell Ballard, Serving Smarter, not Harder-Have individuals been changed?:
“May I suggest six ways in which we can serve both wisely and well?
First, focus on people and principles—not on programs. . . Second, be innovative. As we work to magnify our callings, we should seek the inspiration of the Spirit to solve problems in ways that will best help the people we serve. We have handbooks of instruction, and their guidelines should be followed. But within that framework are substantial opportunities to think, to be creative, and to make use of individual talents. The instruction to magnify our callings is not a command to embellish and complicate them. To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify.
Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them.
Being innovative also means that we do not have to be told everything we should do. The Lord said, "It is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant" (D&C 58:26). We trust you, brothers and sisters, to use inspiration. We trust that you will do so within the framework of Church policies and principles. We trust that you will be wise in counseling together to help build faith and testimony in the lives of those whom you serve.
Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility. There is a difference between being responsible for getting the work done and doing the work yourself. . . Assignments should be made, responsibilities should be delegated, and members should be allowed to fulfill their stewardship as best they can. Counsel, advise, persuade, motivate—but don't do the work for them. Allow others to progress and grow, even if it means sometimes getting less-than-perfect results on the reports.
Fourth, eliminate guilt. I hope it goes without saying that guilt is not a proper motivational technique for leaders and teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must always motivate through love and sincere appreciation, not by creating guilt. I like the thought "Catch others doing something right."
. . . As mortals, we simply cannot do everything at once. Therefore we must do all things "in wisdom and order" (Mosiah 4:27). Often that will mean temporarily postponing attention to one priority in order to take care of another. Sometimes family demands will require your full attention. Other times professional responsibilities will come first. And there will be times when Church callings will come first. Good balance comes in doing things in a timely way and in not procrastinating our preparation or waiting to fulfill our responsibilities until the last minute.
 . . .Brothers and sisters, may we focus on the simple ways we can serve in the kingdom of God, always striving to change lives, including our own. What is most important in our Church responsibilities is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed.  Our task is to help others find the peace and the joy that only the gospel can give them. In seven words, Jesus summarized how we can accomplish this. He said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).
(M. Russell Ballard, “O Be Wise”, Ensign, November 2006, 18-20)

*****(R-Church, Life-Changing, Teaching) Don't teach uninspired, teach with outstanding effectiveness:
“President Spencer W. Kimball once pled: 'Stake presidents, bishops, and branch presidents, please take particular interest in improving the quality of teaching in the church. . . . I fear,' he said, 'that too often many of our members come to church, sit through a class or a meeting, and . . . then return home having been largely [uninspired].  It is especially unfortunate when this happens at a time . . . of stress, temptation, or crisis [in their life].  We all need to be touched and nurtured by the Spirit,' he said, 'and effective teaching is one of the most important ways this can happen.  We often do vigorous work,' President Kimball concluded, 'to get members to come to Church but then do not adequately watch over what they receive when they do come.' [The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 524;, brackets and italics added by Elder Holland].  On this subject President Hinckley himself has said, 'Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church.'  May I repeat that: 'Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church.  Eternal life,' President Hinckley continued, 'will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they change and discipline their lives.  They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven.  They must be led, and that means teaching.' [“How to Be a Teacher When Your Role as a Leader Requires You to Teach,” General Authority Priesthood Board Meeting, 5 Feb. 1969; italics added by Elder Holland.”]”
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 25-27)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.13)

*****(R-Commandments)John B. Dickson, Commandments given for happiness, help us become more like our Heavenly Father
"It is interesting to note that, like tithing, every commandment is designed for your eternal happiness and to help you become more like your Father in Heaven."
(John B. Dickson, “Commitment to the Lord,” Ensign, May 2007,  14–15)

*****(R-Agency, Offense)David A. Bednar, No one can offend us – it is our choice/Indicator of Spiritual Maturity to be merciful to offensive actions of others:
  “When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else. . . Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation. . . One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, 'it mattereth not.'”
(“And Nothing Shall Offend Them”, Ensign, November 2006, 90-91)
*****(R-Forgiving, Judging, Offense)Lance B. Wickman, Joseph Smith's Method of dealing with hurtful rumors:
“When an enemy had told a scandalous story about him, which had often been done, before he rendered judgment he paused and let his mind run back to the time and place and setting of the story to see if he had not by some unguarded word or act laid the block on which the story was built. If he found that he had done so, he said that in his heart he then forgave his enemy, and felt thankful that he had received warning of a weakness that he had not known he had possessed.”
(As told by Jesse W. Crosby in The Teachings of Joseph Smith, ed. Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon (1997), 361)
(Quoted in Lance B. Wickman, “‘Friends Again at Last’: Justice and Mercy in the Warming Glow of Charity,” Ensign, Jun 2000,  30)

*****(R-Judging, Kindness)Joseph B. Wirthlin, Kind to all, no matter what:
“When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental. The Savior taught, 'Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.' (Luke 6:37) He also taught that 'with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.' (Matt. 7:2)
'But,' you ask, 'what if people are rude?'
Love them.
'If they are obnoxious?'
Love them.
'But what if they offend? Surely I must do something then?'
Love them.
'Wayward?'
The answer is the same. Be kind. Love them.
Why? In the scriptures Jude taught, 'And of some have compassion, making a difference.' (Jude 1:22)
Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?”
“The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005,  26

*****(R-Life-Changing, Scripture Study)David A. Bednar, 3 Ways to Study the Scriptures:
"I now want to review with you three basic ways or methods of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir: (1) reading the scriptures from beginning to end, (2) studying the scriptures by topic, and (3) searching the scriptures for connections, patterns, and themes. Each of these approaches can help satisfy our spiritual thirst if we invite the companionship and assistance of the Holy Ghost as we read, study, and search.

Reading a book of scripture from beginning to end initiates the flow of living water into our lives by introducing us to important stories, gospel doctrines, and timeless principles. This approach also enables us to learn about major characters in the scriptures and the sequence, timing, and context of events and teachings. Reading the written word in this way exposes us to the breadth of a volume of scripture. This is the first and most fundamental way of obtaining living water.

Studying by topic typically follows, grows out of, and builds upon our reading of the scriptures from beginning to end. For example, as we read the Book of Mormon we may identify and seek to find answers to important doctrinal and practical questions...
Focusing upon such questions and studying by topic, using the Topical Guide and index to the triple combination, allow us to dig into and explore the depth of the scriptures and obtain a much richer spiritual knowledge. This approach increases the rate at which living water flows into our lives.

Both reading from beginning to end and studying by topic are prerequisites to the third basic method of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir. Whereas reading a book of scripture from beginning to end provides a basic breadth of knowledge, studying by topic increases the depth of our knowledge. Searching in the revelations for connections, patterns, and themes builds upon and adds to our spiritual knowledge by bringing together and expanding these first two methods; it broadens our perspective and understanding of the plan of salvation.

In my judgment, diligently searching to discover connections, patterns, and themes is in part what it means to “feast” upon the words of Christ. This approach can open the floodgates of the spiritual reservoir, enlighten our understanding through His Spirit, and produce a depth of gratitude for the holy scriptures and a degree of spiritual commitment that can be received in no other way. Such searching enables us to build upon the rock of our Redeemer and to withstand the winds of wickedness in these latter days...
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we should “search the Scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God” (History of the Church, 1:282)."
(David A. Bednar, CES Fireside for Young Adults, "A Reservoir of Living Water", 4 February 2007.)

*****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing, Self-Mastery)Allen E. Bergin, 5 characteristics of Mastering Self
A large number of research studies permits us to outline additional specific dimensions of self-control and self-regulation. These include:
(1) The ability to delay gratification, to resist the temptation of immediate rewards or pleasures in favor of more distant and often higher satisfactions, in accordance with abstract principles of right and wrong. This includes the ability to tolerate tension, discomfort, and frustration.
(2) The ability to discern clearly the connections between means and ends, between behaviors and their immediate and ultimate consequences. It is the inability to maintain awareness of means-ends sequences, that is, to anticipate consequences, that commonly characterizes the impulsive behavior of delinquents and criminals.
(3) The ability to frame one’s life and behavior within a future time perspective. The briefer one’s time span, the greater is the difficulty with self-control. The more one is capable of long-range planning, the better is his control.
(4) An internal locus of control. Self-regulatory deficiencies often arise in persons who feel that they are the passive subjects of the forces of fate surrounding them. Their external locus of control leads them to behave in ways that only reinforce their belief in fate.
(5) A sensitive guilt response Guilt is a signal to us that something is wrong and, in that sense, it is friendly. Guilt aids us in preserving the integrity of our controls just as pain assists us in preserving the integrity of our bodies. If pain did not alert us to physical dangers and diseases, we would soon die. If our guilt mechanisms are not alert to moral dangers, we die just as certainly in a spiritual sense. While it is possible to overdo guilt and become neurotically obsessed with seeming misdeeds, this is not usually the case. Cultivating a positive guilt response is therefore adaptively in the service of effective self-regulation."
(Allen E. Bergin, “Toward a Theory of Human Agency,” New Era, Jul 1973,  33)

*****(R-Humility, Knowledge, Life-Changing)Prov. 19: 20, Receive instruction:
        20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
*****(R-Humility, Life-Changing, Repentance)Ezra Taft Benson, The proud defend their position by rationalizing; it takes a humble person to change:
“The proud do not change to improve, but defend their position by rationalizing. Repentance means change, and it takes a humble person to change. But we can do it.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” Ensign, May 1986, 4)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.63)

*****(R-Born Again, Repentance)Dallin H. Oaks, Not enough to be cleansed, must be changed to a person able to dwell with God:
"Why is it necessary for us to suffer on the way to repentance for serious transgressions? We tend to think of the results of repentance as simply cleansing us from sin. But that is an incomplete view of the matter. A person who sins is like a tree that bends easily in the wind. On a windy and rainy day, the tree bends so deeply against the ground that the leaves become soiled with mud, like sin. If we focus only on cleaning the leaves, the weakness in the tree that allowed it to bend and soil its leaves may remain. Similarly, a person who is merely sorry to be soiled by sin will sin again in the next high wind. The susceptibility to repetition continues until the tree has been strengthened.
When a person has gone through the process that results in what the scriptures call a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the Savior does more than cleanse that person from sin. He also gives him or her new strength. That strengthening is essential for us to realize the purpose of the cleansing, which is to return to our Heavenly Father. To be admitted to his presence, we must be more than clean. We must also be changed from a morally weak person who has sinned into a strong person with the spiritual stature to dwell in the presence of God."
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Sin and Suffering,” Ensign, Jul 1992,  70)

*****(R-Gratitude)Bonnie D. Parkin, Through gratitude, we become gladdened by the smallest things
"Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. 'Live in thanksgiving daily,' said Amulek, 'for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.'(Alma 34:38)"
(Bonnie D. Parkin, “Gratitude: A Path to Happiness,” Ensign, May 2007,  34–36)
*****(R-God-Situation Before, Gratitude, Happiness, Humility, Life-Changing) Maxwell, There should be times where we water our pillow with gratitude:
“Sobered and humbled by the grandeur of the Restoration and all that it brings to us, there should be times when you and I leave tears on our pillows out of gratitude for what God has given us.”
(Neal A. Maxwell, “The Wondrous Restoration,” Ensign, Apr 2003, 30)
****(R-Gratitude, Life-Changing)Joseph B. Wirthlin, grateful people brighten those around them:
"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like
to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them.
They make others feel better about themselves."
(Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8)

*****(R-False Doctrine Killers, Repentance)Russell M. Nelson, I always need to be repenting:
"The Lord's imperative emphasis on repentance is evident as we read from section 19 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
"But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." (D&C 19:15–17)
While the Lord insists on our repentance, most people don't feel such a compelling need (21). They include themselves among those who try to be good. They have no evil intent (22). Yet the Lord is clear in His message that all need to repent—not only from sins of commission but from sins of omission as well."
(21)In the minds of some people, the word repent also conjures up terms like penalty and penalize, which connote punishment. If they are not guilty of punishable sin, they may reason that they have no need to repent.
(22) President Spencer W. Kimball said: "There is a prevalent, perhaps subconscious, feeling that the Lord designed repentance only for those who commit murder or adultery or theft or other heinous crimes. This is of course not so. If we are humble and desirous of living the gospel we will come to think of repentance as applying to everything we do in life, whether it be spiritual or temporal in nature. Repentance is for every soul who has not yet reached perfection" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, 37). See also 1 John 1:8;
(Russell M. Nelson, “Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign, May 2007,  102–5)

*****(R-Atonement, False Doctrine Killers, Life-Changing, Repentance, Stress)Elder J. Devn Cornish, Christ means you too, Question is not if we are worth forgiving, but if we have repented:
“[Common Misunderstanding#1] Some have a difficult time accepting in their hearts that when the Lord says 'all' He means them too. They seem to say to themselves, 'I believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind, but what I have done is so terrible or so repeated that I don’t think the Atonement will work for me.' Some who are faithful members of the Church actually seem to believe that they will never make it back to Heavenly Father’s presence. It is the idea that Christ can save all mankind, but He may not be able to save me. This kind of feeling is terribly discouraging, and it can become an excuse to dabble in sin. 'After all,' some rationalize, 'I’m not going to make it anyway.' . . .The question is not whether we are perfect or whether we are worth forgiving, but whether we are willing to admit when we do wrong, feel sorry, confess as appropriate, do all we can to set things right, and ask the Lord to forgive us. This is what the Savior meant when He said we must have 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit' (3 Ne. 9:20). I know that the Lord is ready, even anxious, to forgive each of us personally if we will but come to Him (see Mosiah 26:30).”
(J. Devn Cornish, “Learning How the Atonement Can Change You,” Ensign, Apr. 2002, 20)

*****Gordon B. Hinckley, A Piece of String:
"Guy de Maupassant, the French writer, tells the story of a peasant named Hauchecome who came on market day to the village. While walking through the public square, his eye caught sight of a piece of string lying on the cobblestones. He picked it up and put it in his pocket. His actions were observed by the village harness maker, with whom he had previously had a dispute.
"Later in the day the loss of a purse was reported. Hauchecome was arrested on the accusation of the harness maker. He was taken before the mayor, to whom he protested his innocence, showing the piece of string that he had picked up. But he was not believed and was laughed at.
"The next day the purse was found, and Hauchecome was absolved of any wrongdoing. But, resentful of the indignity he had suffered because of a false accusation, he became embittered and would not let the matter die. Unwilling to forgive and forget, he thought and talked of little else. He neglected his farm. Everywhere he went, everyone he met had to be told of the injustice. By day and by night he brooded over it. Obsessed with his grievance, he became desperately ill and died. In the delirium of his death struggles, he repeatedly murmured, “A piece of string, a piece of string.” (The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Roslyn, New York: Black’s Reader Service, n.d., pp. 34–38.)
"With variations of characters and circumstances, that story could be repeated many times in our own day. How difficult it is for any of us to forgive those who have injured us. We are all prone to brood on the evil done us. That brooding becomes as a gnawing and destructive canker. Is there a virtue more in need of application in our time than the virtue of forgiving and forgetting? There are those who would look upon this as a sign of weakness. Is it? I submit that it takes neither strength nor intelligence to brood in anger over wrongs suffered, to go through life with a spirit of vindictiveness, to dissipate one’s abilities in planning retribution. There is no peace in the nursing of a grudge. There is no happiness in living for the day when you can “get even.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘Of You It Is Required to Forgive’,” Ensign, Jun 1991,  2)

*****(R-Accountability, False Doctrine Killers, Forgiving, Justice, Life-Changing)Madison U. Sowell, Forgiving others does NOT always mean do nothing about offense-punish 'according to thy works' by the law, but do so NOT in bitterness but by Holy Ghost:  
“'To forgive another' does not imply 'to disregard judgment.' Certainly forgiving another does not mean that we hold in contempt the law of justice. In fact, Doctrine and Covenants 64:11 affirms that the one who forgives should embrace judgment and hold the transgressor--especially, I would argue, the serious offender--accountable for what he or she has done. Verse 11 states unequivocally: 'And ye ought to say in your hearts--let God judge between me [the offended] and thee [the offender], and reward thee according to thy deeds.' This latter phrase echoes the words of Paul regarding one who had done him 'much evil.' The apostle prays that 'the Lord reward him according to his works' (2 Timothy 4:14), and this should be our prayer as well. But it must be a prayer uttered not in hatred, not in bitterness, but rather as 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost' (D&C 121:43).”
(Madison U. Sowell, “On Measuring Flour and Forgiveness,” BYU Devotional, 22 October 1996)

*****(R-Families-Parenting, Forgiving, Kindness, Life-Changing, Mercy) Joseph Smith, Correct instead of chasten; Be understanding and merciful of other's mistakes:
"In teaching the Saints not to accuse one another, the Prophet said, “What many people call sin is not sin” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, [1976], 193). I believe that the large category of actions that are mistakes rather than sins illustrates the truth of that statement. If we would be more understanding of one another’s mistakes, being satisfied merely to correct and not to chasten or call to repentance, we would surely promote loving and living together in greater peace and harmony.
"The appropriateness of that approach as applied to mistakes is surely illustrated by the Prophet Joseph Smith’s well-known teachings to the first Relief Society. There he taught the sisters to be kind and loving toward those who made mistakes, and also toward sinners. He said:
“Suppose that Jesus Christ and holy angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful to one another, and overlook small things. …
“Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind. …
“… There should be no license for sin, but mercy should go hand in hand with reproof”
(Teachings, 240–41).
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Sins and Mistakes,” Ensign, Oct 1996,  62)

*****(R-Life-Changing, Mission)Gordon B. Hinckley, Mission a time of development:
“The two years I spent in England were very productive in terms of my development.”
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Challenging Time—A Wonderful Time,” An Evening with President Gordon B. Hinckley, 7 February 2003)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.16)

*****(R-Definitions, Diligence, Life-Changing)Think out what you are doing and what will come of it:
“Prudence means . . . taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it.”
(C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 74-75)

*****(R-Goals, Happiness-Now, Life-Changing)Benson, Setting goals puts despondency asunder:
“Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. . . . Of Jesus’ preparation for his mission, the scripture states that he “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” asked the Master, and he answered, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure.”
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,” Ensign, Nov 1974, 65)

*****(R-Accountability, Life-Changing, Light and Truth) Spencer W. Kimball, take notes, make a list and work on it, given truth has a bearing on every soul:
“We hope you have made copious notes of the thoughts that have come to your mind as the Brethren have addressed you. Many suggestions have been given that will help you as leaders in the perfection of your work. Many helpful thoughts have been given for the perfection of our own lives, and that, of course, is the basic reason for our coming.
“While sitting here, I have made up my mind that when I go home from this conference this night there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through with conference. . . . [President Kimball then reviewed several of the sermons given in that conference.]
“I wish there were time to mention some of the other wonderful sermons, because it helps me to summarize these things and decide what I have heard, what I want to retain, what I want to do something about. . . .
“Well, now, brothers and sisters, this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to all who are listening in, we haven’t been fooling. What we have said to you in these three days is truth, downright truth, and it has a definite bearing upon the salvation and exaltation of every soul that could listen and hear.”
(Ensign, Nov. 1975, pp. 111–12.)

*****(R-Prayer, Revelation)Thomas S. Monson, Follow promptings, no sweeter feeling than knowing answered someone's prayer:
“I have learned that when we heed a silent prompting and act upon it without delay, our Heavenly Father will guide our footsteps and bless our lives and the lives of others. I know of no experience more sweet or feeling more precious than to heed a prompting only to discover that the Lord has answered another person’s prayer through you.”
(Thomas S. Monson, “Peace, Be Still,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 53–56)
****(R-Prayer, Revelation)Elder Don. R. Clark, We receive revelation – write it down and answer someone's prayer:
“I have a little book that I carry with me, where I record the inspiration and thoughts that I receive from the Spirit. It does not look like much, and it becomes worn out and needs to be replaced from time to time. As thoughts come to my mind, I write them down and then I try to do them. I have found that many times, as I have done something on my list, my action was the answer to someone's prayer. There have also been those times that I didn't do something on my list, and I have found out later that there was someone I could have helped, but I didn't. When we receive promptings regarding God's children, if we write down the thoughts and inspiration we receive and then obey it, God's confidence in us increases and we are given more opportunities to be instruments in His hands.”
(“Becoming Instruments in the Hands of God”, Ensign, November 2006, 99)
****(R-Prayer, Service)Bonnie D. Parkin said it a different way: "Never suppress a generous thought! . . . Every interaction we have is an opportunity to lift another."
(BYU Devotional, February 13, 2007)

****(R-God-Situation Before, Grace, Works)M. Russell Ballard, Works hollow without a complete dependence on Christ
“. . . Nephi teaches us that it is ultimately by the grace of Christ that we are saved even after all that we can do (see 2 Ne. 25:23). No matter how hard we work, no matter how much we obey, no matter how many good things we do in this life, it would not be enough were it not for Jesus Christ and His loving grace. On our own we cannot earn the kingdom of God—no matter what we do. Unfortunately, there are some within the Church who have become so preoccupied with performing good works that they forget that those works—as good as they may be—are hollow unless they are accompanied by a complete dependence on Christ.”
(“Building Bridges of Understanding,” Ensign, Jun 1998,  65)

****(R-Hypocrites, Just Rewards, Priestcraft)Matt. 6: 1-6, If do for men, rewarded of men; lose God's reward
        1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
        2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
        3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
        4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
        5 ¶ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
        6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

****(R-Diligence, Knowledge, Life-Changing)Richard G. Scott, Record and do what you hear:
“I will share a pattern that will provide you even greater access to truth. It is summarized in this statement of principle:
“Throughout the remainder of my life, I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things I learn, and I will do them.
“I suggest that you write down what you see projected above me. If I were to end this message at this point, you would have received one of the most meaningful ways to learn that I could impart. If the principle just shared doesn’t seem that important, think again. Many of the vital lessons I have learned and treasure, I have learned by carefully following it.”
(Richard G. Scott, "To Learn and to Teach More Effectively," BYU Campus Education Week Devotional August 21, 2007)

****(R-Education, Happiness, Knowledge, Life-Changing, Stress, Time Management, Trials)Monson, Be explorers, make the world better, improve everything you do including attitude:
“You can be explorers in spirit, with a mandate to make this world better by discovering improved ways of living and doing things . . . . [this] includes developing the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.”
(Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES Fireside, 6 November 2005)

****(R-Life-Changing, Mission)Mission greatly impacted my life, means everything 47 years later:
“My mission had a great impact on my life. I learned to rely more on the Lord, to seek the guidance of the Spirit, and to feel an overwhelming love for God’s children. My knowledge of the scriptures and my understanding of the doctrines increased. So did my desire to be obedient and to keep the commandments with exactness. My testimony of the Savior and His infinite Atonement was strengthened. My missionary experiences became part of who and what I am. Missionary work became my passion. It has impacted my life and that of my family more than anything else.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland describes the impact his mission has had in his life with these words: 'My mission means everything to me 47 years after the fact. There may have been one day in those 47 years that I have not thought of my mission; I’m just not sure what day that would have been.'”
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Atonement” (seminar for new mission presidents, June 26, 2007), 1)
(Silvia H. Allred, “Go Ye Therefore,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 10–12)

****(Confidence, Life-Changing, Self, Stress)“If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgment more than men’s, we will have self-esteem.”  
(Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989, 4)

****(R-God-Situation Before, Happiness, Humility, Life-Changing)2 Ne. 9: 42-43, Think you know what's up? Compared to God, you're a fool. Remembering that brings true enlightenment:
        42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.
        43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them forever—yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.

****(R-Indicators, Life-Changing, Sabbath Day)Sunday behavior a reflection of our commitment to God.
"Our Sabbath-day behavior is a reflection of our commitment to honor and worship God.  By keeping the Sabbath day holy, we show God our willingness to keep our covenants."
-Preach My Gospel, 74

****(R-Knowledge, Life-Changing, Perspective, Teaching)Dallin H. Oaks, The most significant talks change the listener's way of thinking:
“The most significant academic talks I heard during my service at BYU had one common characteristic. Instead of providing new facts or advocating a particular position, as many lectures do, the most significant talks changed the listeners' way of thinking about an important subject. ”
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Timing,” BYU Devotional, 29 January 2002)
(As quoted in Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings BYU Manual, Religion 370, 471, 475, p.133)

****(R-Happiness-Now, Hope, Life-Changing)Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Hope is a commandment, we have a responsibility to make it active in lives, cannot receive kingdom of God without hope:
“Hope is a gift of the Spirit(See Moroni 8:26). It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior(See Moroni 7:41). This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment (See Colossians 1:21–23), and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace(See Romans 15:13), mercy(See Psalm 33:22), rejoicing(See Romans 12:12), and gladness(See Proverbs 10:28). The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet(See 1 Thessalonians 5:8); it is the foundation of our faith(See Hebrews 11:1; Moroni 7:40) and an anchor to our souls(See Hebrews 6:19; Ether 12:4).
Moroni in his solitude—even after having witnessed the complete destruction of his people—believed in hope. In the twilight of the Nephite nation, Moroni wrote that without hope we cannot receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God(See Ether 12:32; see also Romans 8:24).”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 21–24)

****(R-Happiness, Life-Changing, Sociality, Teaching)Remembering and using people's name a heavenly pattern:
“What was it that Moroni did to help dispel this fear? Joseph said, “He called me by name” (Joseph Smith—History 1:32–33; see also v. 49). Teachers who love their students and call them by name are following a heavenly pattern (See Matthew 3:17; 3 Nephi 11:7; Moroni 2:1–2; Joseph Smith—History 1:17).  In a recent meeting with President Thomas S. Monson, I noticed that he greeted each of us by name.”
(William D. Oswald, “Gospel Teaching—Our Most Important Calling,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 95–98)

****(R-Congratulations, Life-Changing, Sociality) Henry B. Eyring, Search for anything on which you agree; help people see any truth shared:
“Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer.
One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences.”
(Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 68–71)

****(R-Definitions, Hope, Life-Changing, Teaching)Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Hope is trusting in God; manifest in enthusiasm and confidence:
“Hope is not knowledge(See Romans 8:24), but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future(See D&C 59:23). It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.
In the language of the gospel, this hope is sure, unwavering, and active. The prophets of old speak of a “firm hope”(Alma 34:41) and a “lively hope.”(1 Peter 1:3) It is a hope glorifying God through good works. With hope comes joy and happiness(See Psalm 146:5). With hope, we can “have patience, and bear . . . [our] afflictions(Alma 34:41).”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 21–24)

****(R-Repentance, Trials)Jeffery R. Holland, On overcoming trials-Fixing all we can-then Atonement:
“. . . we must change anything we can change that may be part of the problem. In short we must repent, perhaps the most hopeful and encouraging word in the Christian vocabulary. 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. Certainly not everything we struggle with is a result of our actions. Often it is the result of the actions of others or just the mortal events of life. But anything we can change we should change, and we must forgive the rest. In this way our access to the Savior's Atonement becomes as unimpeded as we, with our imperfections, can make it. He will take it from there.”
(“Broken Things to Mend” Apr.2006 Conf/ May 2006Ensign, 69)

****(R-Life-Changing, Politics, Same-Gender Attraction)Tolerance does not mean changing standards nor insulation from examination:
“Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.”
(Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Weightier Matters,” BYU Devotional speech, 9 February 1999).

****(R-Agency, Life-Changing, Politics, Righteousness, Works)Ballard, We need to influence and be an active force for good rather than avoiding problems:
“Members of the Church need to influence more than we are influenced. We should work to stem the tide of sin and evil instead of passively being swept along by it. We each need to help solve the problem rather than avoid or ignore it.”
(M. Russell Ballard, “The Effects of Television,” Ensign, May 1989, 78)

****(R-Repentance, Sacrifice)Christofferson, Repentance is giving a gift to the Savior:
“Is there something in you or in your life that is impure or unworthy? When you get rid of it, that is a gift to the Savior. Is there a good habit or quality that is lacking in your life? When you adopt it and make it part of your character, you are giving a gift to the Lord.  Sometimes this is hard to do, but would your gifts of repentance and obedience be worthy gifts if they cost you nothing? (2 Sam. 24:24) Don’t be afraid of the effort required. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Jesus Christ will help you make of yourself a worthy gift. His grace will make you clean, even holy. Eventually, you will become like Him, “perfect in Christ.” (See Moro. 10:32–33. ) ”
(D. Todd Christofferson, “When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign, May 2004,  11)

****(R-Definitions, Humility, Life-Changing, PoS-Earth Life)Lance B. Wickman, In submissiveness, let 'why' questions go unanswered; Ask 'why not' instead:
“It is in nurturing humility (see Alma 32:6–21) and submissiveness (see Mosiah 3:19) that we may comprehend a fulness of the intended mortal experience and put ourselves in a frame of mind and heart to receive the promptings of the Spirit. Reduced to their essence, humility and submissiveness are an expression of complete willingness to let the “why” questions go unanswered for now, or perhaps even to ask, “Why not?” It is in enduring well to the end (see 2 Ne. 31:15–16; Alma 32:15; D&C 121:8) that we achieve this life’s purposes. I believe that mortality’s supreme test is to face the “why” and then let it go, trusting humbly in the Lord’s promise that “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32).”
(Lance B. Wickman, “But If Not,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 30)

****(R-Goals, Life-Changing)Man without purpose is a ship without a rudder, throw strength of mind into your work:
“The great Thomas Carlyle said: 'The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.'”
(See Harold B. Lee, CR, October 1952, 17; Thomas S. Monson, CR, April 1982, 84)
(As quoted by Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES Fireside, 6 November 2005)

****(R-Example, Families-Parenting, Life-Changing, Youth)Scott, I commend those called fanatical that hold fast to true principles despite others not understanding:
“My parents gave me a beautiful watch for high school graduation. I looked at it frequently because of the love it communicated. Each night I carefully cleaned and wound it. As years passed, I often neglected to wind the watch. Consequently, it stopped being useful, often when I most needed it.
Today I use an automatic watch. It is consistent and always gives me the correct time. It is totally dependable. I never need to worry whether I can count on it or not.
I realize that as with watches, there are differences in youth. Some need to be wound up, while others are automatic because of important decisions already made.
I commend you who are automatic, who have committed to be true to the Lord and to live by faith when you cannot see the end from the beginning. When faced with choices, you select the path consistent with the teachings of the Savior. I know you are sometimes criticized by those who call you fanatical, who cannot understand why you don’t do what the crowd does. Hold fast to your principles.”
(Richard G. Scott, “Making the Right Decisions,” Ensign, May 1991, 34)

***(R-Example, Friends, Goals, Life-Changing)Monson, We become like who we admire; associate for those with eternal objectives:
“We tend to become like those whom we admire. Just as in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic account “The Great Stone Face,” we adopt the mannerisms, the attitudes, even the conduct of those whom we admire—and they are usually our friends. Associate with those who, like you, are planning not for temporary convenience, shallow goals, or narrow ambition but rather for those things that matter most—even eternal objectives. ”
(Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny,” CES Fireside, 6 November 2005)

***(R-Prayer)Pray with real intent
"We should pray with 'real intent' which means we are committed to act on the answer we receive." (Preach My Gospel, Lesson 4)
Ex. Alma 31: 26-38

***(R-Charity, Knowledge, Life-Changing)Dallin H. Oaks, Need courage and charity to say 'I don't know':
“We do not need to judge nearly so much as we think we do. This is the age of snap judgments. … [We need] the courage to say, ‘I don’t know. I am waiting further evidence. I must hear both sides of the question.’ It is this suspended judgment that is the supreme form of charity” (great essayist William George Jordan “The Supreme Charity of the World,” The Kingship of Self-Control [n.d.], 27–30; emphasis in original).
(As quoted by Dallin H. Oaks, “‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug 1999,  7)

***(R-Judging, Life-Changing, Offense, Words)Matt. 18: 15-17, Discuss fault ALONE
        15 ¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

***(R-False Doctrine Killers, Light and Truth)James E. Faust, Respecting other religions:
“'the great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.' (First Presidency statement, Feb. 15, 1978).  Thus, we have respect for the sincere religious beliefs of others and appreciate others extending the same courtesy and respect for the tenets we hold dear.
(James E. Faust, “The Restoration of All Things,” Ensign, May 2006, 61–62, 67–68)