(1/30/01)
"None of his faithful children will miss out on the opportunity for eternal marriage with one who is equally prepared for eternal life." — Marlin K. Jensen, "A Union of Love and Understanding," Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 49

(1/31/01)
"Before God created woman, He knew that man should not be alone. Following the creation of Eve, the first woman, the Lord instituted the union of marriage, then instructed the first man, Adam, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh' (Gen. 2:24). Adam learned that the bonds of marriage are stronger than any other family bond. The sacred bonds of marriage invite unity, fidelity, respect, and mutual support." — L. Tom Perry, "An Elect Lady," Ensign, May 1995, p. 72

(2/1/01)
"In earliest biblical culture, the family was more than a parent and child unit. It included all who were related by blood and marriage. This kindred family, as I prefer to call it, was strongly linked by natural affection and the patriarchal priesthood. The elderly were venerated for their experience and wisdom. There were strength and safety in numbers, and, through love and support, members established solidarity and continuity. Many social and economic conditions in today’s world militate against such a kindred family. Throughout the ages, evil forces have attacked the family. Why do you suppose Satan is so obsessed with its dissolution? Because it stands for everything he wants and cannot have. He cannot be a husband, a father, or a grandfather. He cannot have posterity now or ever. Satan cannot even keep those he has led away from God. He has no eternal kingdom or inheritance." — J. Richard Clarke, "Our Kindred Family—Expression of Eternal Love," Ensign, May 1989, p. 60

(2/2/01)
"It would seem that a major underlying cause of divorce is in not understanding that marriage and families are God-given and God-ordained. If we understood the full meaning we would have less divorce and its attendant unhappiness. Couples would plan for a happy marriage relationship based on divine instruction. If couples understood from the beginning of their romance that their marriage relationship could be blessed with promises and conditions extending into the eternities, divorce would not even be a considered alternative when difficulties arise. The current philosophy—get a divorce if it doesn’t work out—handicaps a marriage from the beginning." — David B. Haight, "Marriage and Divorce," Ensign, May 1984, p. 12

(2/3/01)
"Marriage is not an easy venture. It is largely a one-time-through, do-it-yourself project for the husband and wife. I repeatedly encounter the illusion today, especially among younger people, that perfect marriages happen simply if the right two people come together. This is untrue. Marriages don’t succeed automatically. Those who build happy, secure, successful marriages pay the price to do so. They work at it constantly." — Dean L. Larsen, "Enriching Marriage," Ensign, Mar. 1985, p.20

(3/14/04)
"Keeping the garden of marriage well cultivated and free from weeds of neglect requires the time and commitment of love. It is not only a pleasant privilege, it is a scriptural requirement with promise of eternal glory. (See Eph. 5:25, 33; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:1; Jacob 3:7; D&C 132:19)" - Russell M. Nelson, "Listen to Learn," Ensign, May 1991, p. 23

(1/14/05)
"May I quickly suggest four cornerstones upon which to build that house? There are others, but I choose to emphasize these. They come of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are not difficult to understand nor difficult to follow. They are well within your reach with a little effort; and I do not hesitate to promise you that if you will establish the home of which you dream on these foundation stones, the perils of your married life will be diminished, your love for one another will strengthen through the years, you will bless the lives of your children and of your children's children, and you will know happiness in this life and joy eternal....

"The first of these I call Respect for One Another, the kind of respect that regards one's companion as the most precious friend on earth and not as a possession or a chattel to be forced or compelled to suit one's selfish whims....

"The second thing I mention is a very simple thing, but I regard it as a very basic thing. For want of a better phrase I call it The Soft Answer....

"I turn now to the third cornerstone on which to establish a stable and happy home. I title it Honesty with God and with One Another....

"Now in conclusion, as the fourth cornerstone I should like to suggest Family Prayer." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "Except the Lord Build the House...," Ensign, June 1971, p. 72

(1/24/05)
"Divorce is usually the result of one or both not living the gospel. I suppose this is the same reason divorce was finally permitted in the time of Moses, as referred to by the Savior as he answered the Pharisees, when he said: 'Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.' (Matt. 19:8.) And so in our day members do not abide by the law of the gospel in its fullness, and, as in the day of Moses, divorce is permitted, when deemed necessary, although it was never intended to be.

"If, in marriage, both parties would make gospel standards and principles the basis of their marriage, few problems would arise they could not handle. When one or the other or both begin to compromise gospel standards, problems follow." - James A. Cullimore, "Marriage Is Intended to Be Forever," Ensign, June 1971, p. 93