Joy Through Obedience

The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fulness of joy. This is the first concept I wish to stress: The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines that will help us find true happiness and joy.

President Ezra Taft Benson - October 1989 Ensign "A Mighty Change of Heart"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/10/a-mighty-change-of-heart?lang=eng

Hope in Change

The sixth and final point I wish to make about the process of repentance is that we must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope. Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible. . . We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope.

President Ezra Taft Benson - October 1989 Ensign "A Mighty Change of Heart"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/10/a-mighty-change-of-heart?lang=eng

Change of Heart

When we have undergone this mighty change, which is brought about only through faith in Jesus Christ and through the operation of the Spirit upon us, it is as though we have become a new person. Thus, the change is likened to a new birth. Thousands of you have experienced this change. You have forsaken lives of sin, sometimes deep and offensive sin, and through applying the blood of Christ in your lives, have become clean. You have no more disposition to return to your old ways. You are in reality a new person. This is what is meant by a change of heart.

President Ezra Taft Benson - October 1989 Ensign "A Mighty Change of Heart"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/10/a-mighty-change-of-heart?lang=eng

Happy Marriage

The secret of a happy marriage is to serve God and each other. The goal of marriage is unity and oneness, as well as self-development. Paradoxically, the more we serve one another, the greater is our spiritual and emotional growth.


 President Ezra Taft Benson - July 1992 Ensign "Salvation - A Family Affair"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/07/salvation-a-family-affair?lang=eng

Salvation and Family

In an eternal sense, salvation is a family affair. God holds parents responsible for their stewardship in rearing their family. It is a most sacred responsibility. . . Family life should be a time of happiness and joy that children can look back on with fond memories and associations. . . Thank God for the joys of family life. I have often said there can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from a good home. The sweetest influences and associations of life are there.

President Ezra Taft Benson - July 1992 Ensign "Salvation - A Family Affair"
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/07/salvation-a-family-affair?lang=eng