Russell M. Nelson

In legal language, a covenant generally denotes an agreement between two or more parties. But in a religious context, a covenant is much more significant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms.

Obedience brings success exact obedience brings miracles.

Surely wisdom will come as we listen to learn from children, parents, partners, neighbors, Church leaders, and the Lord.

To bear means to support the weight of that which is held. It is a sacred trust to bear the priesthood, which is the mighty power and authority of God.

Marriage and family are ordained of God. The family is the most important social unit in time and in eternity. Under God's great plan of happiness, families can be sealed in temples and be prepared to return to dwell in His holy presence forever. That is eternal life!

As we dread any disease that undermines the health of the body, so should we deplore contention, which is a corroding canker of the spirit.

As a medical doctor and cardiac surgeon, I had the responsibility of performing open-heart surgery on President Spencer W. Kimball in 1972, when he was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

As a medical doctor, I have known the face of adversity. I have seen much of death and dying, suffering and sorrow. I also remember the plight of students overwhelmed by their studies and of those striving to learn a foreign language. And I recall the fatigue and frustration felt by young parents with children in need.

Prior to my call to the Twelve, I served as a medical doctor and surgeon.

A faithful woman can become a devoted daughter of God - more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish, more anxious to exercise compassion than to exercise dominion, more committed to integrity than to notoriety. And she knows of her own infinite worth.

We were born to die and we die to live. As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven.

One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant.

Many institutions of higher learning will grant an 18- to 30-month deferral to prospective missionaries. This will enable you elders and sisters to serve without worrying about where you will begin your advanced education. We are very grateful to leaders of educational institutions who are making such planning possible!

Our personal intelligence is everlasting and divine.

Eternal principles that govern happiness apply equally to all.

Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love.

Have you not learned that strength comes to an ordinary soul when given an extraordinary calling?