(9/11/00)
"The most important thing we can do--young or old--is develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If we do, we will always be comfortable with ourselves. Any questions of self-esteem and self-worth will diminish, and we will have a quiet confidence that will see us through any trial. And the Savior's promise to us is 'Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world' (D&C 50:41)." — "Make Thee An Ark", Elder W. Don Ladd, General Conference, October 1994

(9/12/00)
"Life never was intended to be easy. Rather, it is a period of proving and growth. It is interwoven with difficulties, challenges, and burdens. We are immersed in a sea of persistent, worldly pressures that could destroy our happiness. Yet these very forces, if squarely faced, provide opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development. The conquering of adversity produces strength of character, forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect, and assures success in righteous endeavor." — "The Plan for Happiness and Exaltation", Elder Richard G. Scott, General Conference, October 1981

(9/13/00)
"Every time we use the priesthood, whether by assignment or through voluntary acts of service, it is as though we are stepping up to the foul line. Every time the priesthood is tested by temptation or trial, it is as though we are stepping up to the foul line. The hits and the misses that have preceded the moment of testing have a great bearing on how we will perform the next shot. Our spiritual confidence is largely determined by our prior spiritual successes and, unfortunately, by our prior spiritual mishaps. Our prior choices will greatly influence how our spiritual basket will look, large or small, the next time we are at the line." — "That Thy Confidence Wax Strong", Bishop Richard C. Edgley, General Conference, October 1994

(9/14/00)
"We always see the guideposts in our life more clearly after we have passed them and have reached a higher vantage point. If we were more alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we would see them before we reach them and thereby be guided more effectively. This process requires self-mastery, self-control, and a heart willing to accept change." — "Happiness Now And Forever", Elder Richard G. Scott, General Conference, October 1979

(9/15/00)
"Through obedience to gospel principles, the enticements of the world lessen in our lives. With each right choice we make, we spiritually empower ourselves. The accumulation of right choices builds inner spiritual strength and divine character. We should expect temptation, for without temptations there would be little education and little character improvement." — "Temptation", Elder Rulon G. Craven, General Conference, April 1996