Finances

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' take on Finances through quotes from prophets and leaders, along with my thoughts.

"I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships. Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses. And for both debt and addiction, the hopeful solution is the same—we must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and our uncontrolled wants."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. Some of us feel embarrassed, ashamed, less worthwhile if our family does not have everything the neighbors have. As a result, we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude. Money we could have used to care for ourselves and others must now be used to pay our debts. What remains is often only enough to meet our most basic physical needs. Living at the subsistence level, we become depressed, our self-worth is affected, and our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the Lord are weakened. We do not have the time, energy, or interest to seek spiritual things."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"These two lessons are the essence of provident living. When faced with the choice to buy, consume, or engage in worldly things and activities, we all need to learn to say to one another, “We can’t afford it, even though we want it!” or “We can afford it, but we don’t need it—and we really don’t even want it!”"

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"The foundation of provident living is the law of the tithe. The primary purpose of this law is to help us develop faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Tithing helps us overcome our desires for the things of this world and willingly make sacrifices for others. Tithing is the great equitable law, for no matter how rich or poor we are, all of us pay the same one-tenth of our increase annually (see D&C 119:4), and all of us receive blessings so great “that there shall not be room enough to receive [them]” (Malachi 3:10)."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"In addition to our tithes, we should also be an example with the payment of fast offerings. A fast offering is at least the cost of the two consecutive meals from which we fast each month. By not eating these two meals, we draw close to the Lord in humility and prayer and also participate in anonymous giving to bless our brothers and sisters all over the world."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"Another important way we help our children learn to be provident providers is by establishing a family budget. We should regularly review our family income, savings, and spending plan in family council meetings. This will teach our children to recognize the difference between wants and needs and to plan ahead for meaningful use of family resources."

-Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually", LDS General Conference April 2009

"It is in the home where fathers and mothers can teach provident living to their children. Sharing of tasks and helping one another set a pattern for future families as children grow, marry, and leave home. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest. President Gordon B. Hinckley continues to stress the avoidance of unnecessary debt, the fallacy of living beyond one’s means, and the temptation to let our wants become our necessities."

-Thomas S. Monson, "Your Personal Influence", LDS General Conference April 2004

"In the financial operations of the Church, two basic and fixed principles are observed. First, the Church lives within its means and does not spend more than it receives. Second, a portion of the annual income is set aside as a reserve for contingencies and unanticipated needs. For decades the Church has taught its membership the principle of setting aside additional food, fuel, and money to take care of emergencies that might arise. The Church as an institution simply follows the same principles that are taught repeatedly to the members."

-David A. Bednar, "The Windows of Heaven", LDS General Conference October 2013

"The honest payment of tithing is much more than a duty; it is an important step in the process of personal sanctification. To those of you who pay your tithing, I commend you. To those of you who presently are not obeying the law of tithing, I invite you to consider your ways and repent. I testify that by your obedience to this law of the Lord, the windows of heaven will be opened to you. Please do not procrastinate the day of your repentance. I testify spiritual and temporal blessings come into our lives as we live the law of tithing. I bear witness that such blessings often are significant but subtle."

-David A. Bednar, "The Windows of Heaven", LDS General Conference October 2013

"Are we generous in the payment of our fast offerings? That we should be so was taught by President Spencer W. Kimball, who urged that “instead of the amount saved by our two or more meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more [be given] when we are in a position to do it.” (Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 79.) Are we prepared for the emergencies of our lives? Are our skills perfected? Do we live providently? Do we have on hand our reserve supply? Are we obedient to the commandments of God? Are we responsive to the teachings of prophets? Are we prepared to give of our substance to the poor, the needy? Are we square with the Lord?"

-Thomas S. Monson, "A Provident Plan - A Precious Promise", LDS General Conference April 1986

The Savior refused to take sides on this issue, but He did teach an important lesson. “Beware of covetousness,” He told him, “for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” ¹

Brothers and sisters, beware of covetousness. It is one of the great afflictions of these latter days. It creates greed and resentment. Often it leads to bondage, heartbreak, and crushing, grinding debt.

-Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts", LDS General Conference April 2004

"The number of marriages that have been shattered over money issues is staggering. The amount of heartbreak is great. The stress that comes from worry over money has burdened families, caused sickness, depression, and even premature death."

-Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts", LDS General Conference April 2004

"In spite of the teachings of the Church from its earliest days until today, members sometimes fall victim to many unwise and foolish financial practices. Some continue to spend, thinking that somehow the money will become available. Somehow they will survive. Far too often, the money hoped for does not appear. Remember this: debt is a form of bondage. It is a financial termite. When we make purchases on credit, they give us only an illusion of prosperity. We think we own things, but the reality is, our things own us. Some debt—such as for a modest home, expenses for education, perhaps for a needed first car—may be necessary. But never should we enter into financial bondage through consumer debt without carefully weighing the costs."

-Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts", LDS General Conference April 2004

"I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage."

-Gordon B. Hinckley, "To the Boys and to the Men", LDS General Conference October 1998

"In the home, money management between husband and wife should be on a partnership basis, with both parties having a voice in decision- and policy- making. When children come along and reach the age of accountability, they too should be involved in money concerns on a limited partnership basis. Peace, contentment, love, and security in the home are not possible when financial anxieties and bickerings prevail. Whether we are anticipating marriage or are well into it, today is the time for all of us to review and repent as necessary to improve our money management skills and live within our means."

-Marvin J. Ashton, "One For the Money", p. 2, Revised November 2006

"Married couples show genuine maturity when they think of their partner's and their family's needs ahead of their own spending impulses."

-Marvin J. Ashton, "One For the Money", p. 4, Revised November 2006

"God help us to realize that money management is an important ingredient in proper personal welfare. Learning to live within our means should be a continuing process. We need to work constantly toward keeping ourselves free of financial difficulties. It is a happy day financially when time and interest are working for you and not against you. Money in the lives of Latter-Day Saints should be used as a means of achieving eternal happiness. Careless and selfish uses cause us to live in financial bondage. We can't afford to neglect personal and family involvement in our money management. God will open the windows of heaven to us in these matters if we will but live close to Him and keep His commandments."

-Marvin J. Ashton, "One For the Money", p. 11, Revised November 2006

Money management is crucial, yet it can be increasingly difficult in this debt-ridden world we live in.  Debt is a form of bondage, and once in that prison, those chains only bind tighter and tighter, making it increasingly more difficult to get out - it is better to just stay out. I find it especially important that when we do get into one of the better forms of debt: buying a house, that we make sure to be modest in that purchase.  Don't be extravagant. The most important principle to learn regarding finances I feel is making sure we do not covet. Coveting will get us nowhere except into a cloud of misery and woe.  It does us no good.  We need to be wise in all of our financial aspects. We need to be modest and prepare for the future.  Most importantly, is that we need to pay God back first - pay your tithing and fast offerings, and be generous.  We will only be blessed for it.

Time Management

Quotes about Time Management and keeping our Priorities straight.

"Because of increased life expectancies and modern timesaving devices, most of us have far more discretionary time than our predecessors. We are accountable for how we use that time."

-Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities", LDS General Conference April 2001

"Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time. Someone has said, “Three things never come back—the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.” We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever."

-Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities", LDS General Conference April 2001

"Good choices are especially important in our family life. For example, how do family members spend their free time together? Time together is necessary but not sufficient. Priorities should govern us in the precious time we give to our family relationships. Compare the impact of time spent merely in the same room as spectators for television viewing with the significance of time spent communicating with one another individually and as a family. 

To cite another example, how much time does a family allocate to learning the gospel by scripture study and parental teachings, in contrast to the time family members spend viewing sports contests, talk shows, or soap operas? I believe many of us are overnourished on entertainment junk food and undernourished on the bread of life."

-Dallin H. Oaks, "Focus and Priorities", LDS General Conference April 2001

"Time is never for sale; time is a commodity that cannot, try as you may, be bought at any store for any price. Yet when time is wisely used, its value is immeasurable. On any given day we are all allocated, without cost, the same number of minutes and hours to use, and we soon learn, as the familiar hymn so carefully teaches, “Time flies on wings of lightning; we cannot call it back” (“Improve the Shining Moments,” Hymns,no. 226). What time we have we must use wisely. President Brigham Young said, “We are all indebted to God for the ability to use time to advantage, and he will require of us a strict account of [its] disposition” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 286).

With the demands made of us, we must learn to prioritize our choices to match our goals or risk being exposed to the winds of procrastination and being blown from one time-wasting activity to another."

-Ian S. Ardern, "A Time to Prepare", LDS General Conference October 2011

"Satan will tempt us to misuse our time through disguised distractions. Although temptations will come, Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that “Saints who respond to the Savior’s message will not be led astray by distracting and destructive pursuits” (“Are You a Saint?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2003, 96)."

-Ian S. Ardern, "A Time to Prepare", LDS General Conference October 2011

"Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that we find fascinating or become so consumed by mundane responsibilities that we lose sight of God’s objectives. As you consistently focus your life on the most basic principles, you will gain an understanding of what you are to do, and you will produce more fruit for the Lord and more happiness for yourself."

-Richard G. Scott, "I Have Given You an Example", LDS General Conference April 2014

"Do not become so absorbed with trivial things that you miss learning the doctrine and teachings of The Lord."

-Richard G. Scott, "I Have Given You an Example", LDS General Conference April 2014

In all the important decisions in our lives, what is most important is to do the right thing. Second, and only slightly behind the first, is to do the right thing at the right time. People who do the right thing at the wrong time can be frustrated and ineffective. They can even be confused about whether they made the right choice when what was wrong was not their choice but their timing.

-Dallin H. Oaks, "Timing", BYU Devotional Address January 22, 2002

"The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity."

-Henry B. Eyring, "This Day", LDS General Conference April 2007

"A morning prayer and an early search in the scriptures to know what we should do for the Lord can set the course of a day. We can know which task, of all those we might choose, matters most to God and therefore to us. I have learned such a prayer is always answered if we ask and ponder with childlike submission, ready to act without delay to perform even the most humble service. On many days, doing what matters most will not be easy. It is not supposed to be. God’s purpose in creation was to let us prove ourselves."

-Henry B. Eyring, "This Day", LDS General Conference April 2007

"One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives. It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", LDS General Conference October 2010

"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", LDS General Conference October 2010

Managing our time in this crazy world is very difficult.  I struggle focusing with my ADHD and it only makes it harder, but as long as we keep our priorities in line, everything will fall into place.  If we always put God first, He will help us to accomplish every needful thing.  A lot of the time we are over-scheduling ourselves and there are many things that aren't actually "needed".  God will help us accomplish the necessary tasks as long as we put Him first. He loves us and we need to love Him more than anything else.  We need to make Him our highest priority and by so doing, we can align the rest of our priorities as needed, and be capable of more than we thought possible.  

Charity

Quotes and thoughts about Charity: The Pure Love of Christ.

"I have always loved your Relief Society motto: “Charity never faileth.”  What is charity? The prophet Mormon teaches us that “charity is the pure love of Christ.” In his farewell message to the Lamanites, Moroni declared, “Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God.” 

-Thomas S. Monson, "Charity Never Faileth", LDS General Conference, Relief Society Session, October 2010

I consider charity—or “the pure love of Christ”—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

-Thomas S. Monson, "Charity Never Faileth", LDS General Conference, Relief Society Session, October 2010

I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

-Thomas S. Monson, "Charity Never Faileth", LDS General Conference, Relief Society Session, October 2010

"As you serve others for Him, He lets you feel His love. And in time, feelings of charity become part of your very nature."

-Henry B. Eyring, "A Witness", LDS General Conference October 2011

"The Lord is keeping His promise to you as you keep yours. As you serve others for Him, He lets you feel His love. And in time, feelings of charity become part of your very nature. And you will receive the assurance of Mormon in your heart as you persist in serving others in life that all will be well with you."

-Henry B. Eyring, "A Witness", LDS General Conference October 2011

Hope is critical to both faith and charity. When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith. When frustration and impatience challenge charity, hope braces our resolve and urges us to care for our fellowmen even without expectation of reward. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity.

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope", LDS General Conference October 2008

"We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is achieved not just by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure love of Christ. The Apostle Paul illustrated this in his famous teaching about the importance of charity (see 1 Cor. 13). The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness he cited is that charity, “the pure love of Christ” (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes. Thus, as Moroni declared, “except men shall have charity they cannot inherit” the place prepared for them in the mansions of the Father (Ether 12:34; emphasis added)."

-Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become", LDS General Conference October 2000

"Christlike love is the greatest need we have on this planet in part because righteousness was always supposed to accompany it. So if love is to be our watchword, as it must be, then by the word of Him who is love personified, we must forsake transgression and any hint of advocacy for it in others. Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once)."

-Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Cost - and Blessings - of Discipleship", LDS General Conference April 2014

"Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world."

-Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Cost - and Blessings - of Discipleship", LDS General Conference April 2014

"We can alter the face of the earth one family and one home at a time through charity, our small and simple acts of pure love. Charity, the Savior’s pure love, is the “highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,” ¹ which we “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart” ² to possess. Elder Dallin H. Oaks teaches us that charity “is not an act but a condition or state of being [one becomes].” ³ Our day-to-day offerings ofcharity are “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; … in [the] fleshy tables of [our] heart[s].” ⁴ Little by little our charitable acts change our natures, define our characters, and ultimately make us women with the courage and commitment to say to the Lord, “Here am I; send me.”

-Anne C. Pingree, "Charity: One Family, One Home at a Time", LDS General Conference Relief Society Meeting October 2002

"The greatest act of charity in time and all eternity was the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He willingly laid down His life to atone for my sins and yours."

-Anne C. Pingree, "Charity: One Family, One Home at a Time", LDS General Conference Relief Society Meeting October 2002

"Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. At the end the angry mob took His life. And yet there rings from Golgotha’s hill the words: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do'—a crowning expression in mortality of compassion and love."

—Thomas S. Monson, "Love—the Essence of the Gospel"

Charity is a trait that we all must have.  There is so much strength and beauty that comes from being charitable.  I hope that that is a term that people will use widely when describing me.  I want to be filled with the love of Christ and emanate it.  Flowing with charity and righteousness truly can change the world just like Elder Holland said.  Our Savior was the perfect example of charity, and I strive each and every day to be more like Him. We need more love in our modern society, more kind words and deeds, and more patience and long-suffering; I hope that my children can see my as charitable and that I can be an example to them of these things.

Application of Charity in My Life:

As I studied, read, and learned more about charity, I wanted to better myself and be filled more with the love of Christ. To do this I gave myself specific rules to follow:
1. Be patient: patient with your children and with your husband, no matter how headstrong they may seem.
2. Be kind: speak kinds words, praise others, recognize the good things people do, and thank everyone.
3. Forgive: forgive no matter the circumstance, even when it is difficult, forgive right away.
4. Serve: find opportunities to serve where you can.
These were key traits that I wanted to implement.
We are building a house currently and it is extremely stressful.  My husband has a particularly hard time with it and can get very frustrated - he tends to take his frustration out on me inadvertently. Throughout this time I feel I have become a better example of charity. It wouldn't have been hard for me to lash back at my husband, but I would stay calm, and allow him to vent. I would do my best to find words of comfort and if those were no good, I would be patient and allow him the time he needed to cool off. I had to be very tolerant as it can be extremely difficult to deal with a hot-headed person, but we must not get upset, or degrade somebody for their mistakes. We need to be patient and love them. Through our love they will come to learn and find motivation to be better. My husband thanked me and praised me today for my tolerance and charity towards him as we have been finishing up building. He understands that he has been difficult to deal with and has noticed my patience with him as I have stayed calm and been kind to him. I never broadcasted his mistakes to him, telling him that he was in the wrong, I only loved him. Finding opportunities to serve has been deemed more difficult as our free time available to us is zero but I have found small things that I have been able to do. We have had a lot of family come and help us on our house for ours on end and my way of serving them back has been to feed them while they are working on our house. I'll bring lunch and make them all an individual sandwich to their liking.  On a particularly hot day, I surprised everyone with frosties from Wendy's. The joy that comes from serving is worth every ounce of inconvenience that we think service is, however once the service is completed we never view it as an inconvenience, only a blessing. I want to strive to always be filled with charity. I want others to view me as charitable. That is a trait that I will strive my whole life to have as I feel it is one of the most important attributes to possess.

Family History Work

Quotes from our prophets and leaders regarding the importance of Family History.

"Many of you may think family history work is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. You are sons and daughters of God, children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family."

-David A. Bednar, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn", LDS General Conference October 2011

"It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation. I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories."

-David A. Bednar, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn", LDS General Conference October 2011

"My beloved young brothers and sisters, family history is not simply an interesting program or activity sponsored by the Church; rather, it is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation. You have been prepared for this day and to build up the kingdom of God. You are here upon the earth now to assist in this glorious work."

-David A. Bednar, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn", LDS General Conference October 2011

"The doctrine of the family in relation to family history and temple work is clear. The Lord in initial revelatory instructions referred to “baptism foryour dead.”¹³ Our doctrinal obligation is to our own ancestors. This is because the celestial organization of heaven is based on families. The First Presidency has encouraged members, especially youth and young single adults, to emphasize family history work and ordinances for their own family names or the names of ancestors of their ward and stake members. We need to be connected to both our roots and branches. The thought of being associated in the eternal realm is indeed glorious."

-Quentin L. Cook, "Roots and Branches", LDS General Conference April 2014

 "Don’t underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts and the joy of ultimately meeting those you serve. The eternally significant blessing of uniting our own families is almost beyond comprehension."

-Quentin L. Cook, "Roots and Branches", LDS General Conference April 2014

"Every human being who comes to this earth is the product of generations of parents. We have a natural yearning to connect with our ancestors. This desire dwells in our hearts, regardless of age. Consider the spiritual connections that are formed when a young woman helps her grandmother enter family information into a computer or when a young man sees the name of his great-grandfather on a census record. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."

-Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love", LDS General Conference April 2010

"The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.”  New technology makes it easier than ever to fulfill that responsibility."

-Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love", LDS General Conference April 2010

"While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families."

-Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love", LDS General Conference April 2010

"I encourage you to begin to unlock the knowledge of who you really are by learning more about your forebears. Alex Haley, the author of the book Roots, said: “In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness. We can have exciting experiences as we learn about our vibrant, dynamic ancestors. They were very real, living people with problems, hopes, and dreams like we have today. In many ways each of us is the sum total of what our ancestors were. The virtues they had may be our virtues, their strengths our strengths, and in a way their challenges could be our challenges. Some of their traits may be our traits. I noticed a while ago that one of my great-grandsons, a toddler, seemed to have an interesting kind of a walk. My wife said, “He walks just like you do!” Now I wonder from whom I inherited this characteristic. It is a joy to become acquainted with our forebears who died long ago. Each of us has a fascinating family history. Finding your ancestors can be one of the most interesting puzzles you young men can work on."

-James E. Faust, "The Phenomenon That Is You", LDS General Conference October 2003

"The great work of providing the saving ordinances for our kindred dead is a vital part of the threefold mission of the Church. We do this work for a purpose, which is to redeem our dead ancestors. Temple work is essential for both us and our kindred dead who are waiting for these saving ordinances to be done for them. It is essential because “we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect.”  They need the saving ordinances, and we need to be sealed to them. For this reason it is important that we trace our family lines so that no one is left out. 

Searching for our kindred dead isn’t just a hobby. It is a fundamental responsibility for all members of the Church. We believe that life continues after death and that all will be resurrected.  We believe that families may continue in the next life if they have kept the special covenants made in one of the sacred temples under the authority of God. We believe that our deceased ancestors can also be eternally united with their families when we make covenants in their behalf in the temples. Our deceased forebears may accept these covenants, if they choose to do so, in the spirit world.  

The great vicarious work for our kindred dead in our temples demonstrates both the justice and the fairness of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

-James E. Faust, "The Phenomenon That Is You", LDS General Conference October 2003

"In the great vision in the Kirtland Temple, Elijah the prophet appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and committed the keys of temple work and the sealing power into Joseph Smith’s hands.  This fulfilled Malachi’s prophecy that Elijah would be sent “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.” 

So what does this mean? To turn our hearts to our fathers is to search out the names of our deceased ancestors and to perform the saving ordinances in the temple for them. This will forge a continuous chain between us and our forefathers eventually all the way back to Father Adam and Mother Eve."

-James E. Faust, "The Phenomenon That Is You", LDS General Conference October 2003

"The process of finding our ancestors one by one can be challenging but also exciting and rewarding. We often feel spiritual guidance as we go to the sources which identify them. Because this is a very spiritual work, we can expect help from the other side of the veil. We feel a pull from our relatives who are waiting for us to find them so their ordinance work can be done. This is a Christlike service because we are doing something for them that they cannot do for themselves."

-James E. Faust, "The Phenomenon That Is You", LDS General Conference October 2003

"In an epistle written over 150 years ago, Joseph Smith stated: “The Saints have the privilege of being baptized for … their relatives who are dead … who have received the Gospel in the spirit, through … those who have been commissioned to preach to them.”² Later he added, “Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.”³ The prophet Elijah committed the keys for vicarious work to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple⁴ to fulfill the Lord’s promise that “he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.”⁵ Through further revelation to Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets, there has come an understanding of and the provision for temple work and the family history effort that supports it. Every prophet since Joseph Smith has emphasized the imperative need to provide all ordinances for ourselves and our deceased ancestors. Temple and family history work is one work divided into two parts. They are connected together like the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost."

-Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead", LDS General Conference October 2012

"Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received. The First Presidency has declared, “Our preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify our own ancestors.”

-Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead", LDS General Conference October 2012

"We encourage those of you who have a large reservation of names to share them so that members of your extended family or ward and stake can help you in completing that work. You can do this by distributing temple cards to ward and stake members willing to help or by using the FamilySearch computer system to submit the names directly to the temple."

-Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead", LDS General Conference October 2012 

"But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves...This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful. "

-Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead", LDS General Conference October 2012 

Reading about family history work really helps to motivate me into wanting to do more.  It's not only something we should want to do, but it's something that we are responsible to do, and need to do! Technology truly has made doing family history work so easy if we only take the time. Any time and work we do will be very well spent. I'm excited as I soon start my degree, as I hope that I can take what I learn in my degree about Web Development and maybe someday assist in making family history work easier, maybe I can somehow solve the duplicate entries issue, or something.