|
"The
continuously righteous life with all the sacred ordinances culminating
in eternal marriage guarantees eternal life. THERE IS NO OTHER
WAY. This I know."
(Spencer
W. Kimball, "Beloved Youth, Study and Learn," cited in Life's
Directions, p180-83, 190-91)
"There
is more to a foundation of eternal marriage than a pretty face
or an attractive figure. There is more to consider than popularity
or charisma. As you seek an eternal companion, look for someone
who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness:
a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination
to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others,
and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family
crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them
the principles of truth in the home. An essential priority of
a prospective wife is the desire to be a wife and mother. She
should be developing the sacred qualities that God has given His
daughters to excel as a wife and mother: patience, kindliness,
a love of children, and a desire to care for them rather than
seeking professional pursuits. She should be acquiring a good
education to prepare for the demands of motherhood. A prospective
husband should also honor his priesthood and use it in service
to others. Seek a man who accepts his role as provider of the
necessities of life, has the capacity to do it, and is making
concerted efforts to prepare himself to fulfill those responsibilities.
"I suggest that you not ignore many possible candidates who are
still developing these attributes, seeking the one who is perfected
in them. You will likely not find that perfect person, and if
you did, there would certainly be no interest in you. These attributes
are best polished together as husband and wife."
(Richard
G. Scott, "Receive the Temple Blessings," Ensign, May 1999, 26)
"I
do not worry about you young men who have recently returned from
the mission field. You know as well as I what you ought to do.
It is your responsibility and opportunity, under the natural process
of dating and courting, to find a wonderful companion and marry
in the house of the Lord. Don't rush it unduly and don't delay
it unduly. 'Marry in haste and repent at leisure' is an old proverb
that still has meaning in our time. But do not dally along in
a fruitless, frustrating, and frivolous dating game that only
raises hope and brings disappointment and in some cases heartache."
(Gordon
B. Hinckley, "To Single Adults," Ensign, June 1989, 72)
"When
you marry, you and your eternal companion may then invoke the
power of procreation, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your
posterity This divine endowment is guarded by your Creator's law
of chastity. All through the years, remember: chastity is the
powerful protector of virile manhood and the crown of beautiful
womanhood."
"In courtship and marriage, virtue seems to come under attack
first. Mental turmoil that trails in the wake of weakness from
lust has evoked many a tear from innocent loved ones. Without
repentance, tumult within self does not quit either."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Self-Mastery," Ensign, Nov.
1985, 31)
"Honorable
marriage is more important than wealth, position, and status.
As husband and wife, you can achieve your life's goals together.
As you sacrifice for each other and your children, the Lord will
bless you, and your commitment to the Lord and your service in
His kingdom will be enhanced."
"Now, brethren, do not expect perfection in your choice of a mate.
Do not be so particular that you overlook her most important qualities
of having a strong testimony, living the principles of the gospel,
loving home, wanting to be a mother in Zion, and supporting you
in your priesthood responsibilities."
"Of course, she should be attractive to you, but do not just date
one girl after another for the sole pleasure of dating without
seeking the Lord's confirmation in your choice of your eternal
companion."
"And one good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right
one for you is this: in her presence, do you think your noblest
thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you
were better than you are?"
"God bless you single adult brethren of the Church. May your priorities
be right."
(Ezra
Taft Benson, "To the Single Adult Brethren of the Church," Ensign,
May 1988, 53)
"Marriage
relationships can be enriched by better communication. One important
way is to pray together. This will resolve many of the differences,
if there are any, between the couple before sleep comes. I do
not mean to overemphasize differences, but they are real, and
make things interesting. Our differences are the little pinches
of salt which can make the marriage seem sweeter. We communicate
in a thousand ways, such as a smile, a brush of the hair, a gentle
touch, and remembering each day to say 'I love you' and the husband
to say 'You're beautiful.' Some other important words to say,
when appropriate, are 'I'm sorry.' Listening is excellent communication."
( President
James E. Faust, "The Enriching of Marriage," Ensign,
Nov. 1977, 10)
|