Always be grateful for your blessings, especially your heritage. When we are blessed with goodly parents, we should be grateful. This is the debt each of us owes for our heritage.
Quentin L. CookEven worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals.
Quentin L. CookHow we preserve time for family is one of the most significant issues we face in most cultures.
Quentin L. CookEven with the trials of life, because of the Savior's Atonement and his grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace.
Quentin L. CookAnd whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
Quentin L. CookOne of your greatest protections against making bad choices is to not put on any mask of anonymity.
Quentin L. CookSome have immersed themselves in internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and in some cases invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.
Quentin L. CookIf the grim realities you are facing at this time seem dark and heavy and almost unbearable, remember that in the soul-wrenching darkness of Gethsemane and the incomprehensible torture and pain of Calvary, the Savior accomplished the Atonement, which resolves the most terrible burdens that can occur in this life. He did it for you, and He did it for me. He did it because He loves us and because He obeys and loves His Father. We will be rescued from death-even from the depths of the sea.
Quentin L. CookI have felt an urgency to counsel each of us to seek the higher ground---the refuge and eternal protection of the temple.
Quentin L. CookWe rejoice in all the Savior has done for us. He has made it possible for each of us to gain our salvation and exaltation.
Quentin L. CookThe desire of our hearts, of course, is not only to acquire salvation and immortality but also to attain eternal life with a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior in the celestial kingdom with our families. We can obtain eternal life only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
Quentin L. CookThe need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family. The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish. There is indeed beauty all around when there's love at home.
Quentin L. CookAs you go forth and share our core beliefs and the fruits of our doctrines, misperceptions will dissolve, prejudices will diminish, and people will come to see Latter-day Saints as devout disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Quentin L. CookParents must have the courage to say no, to defend truth, and to bear powerful testimony.
Quentin L. CookWhat does it mean to be a Saint? In the Lord's Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior, follow His teachings, and receive saving ordinances in order to live in the celestial kingdom with God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Quentin L. CookImmersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. The word of God inspires commitment and acts as a healing balm for hurt feelings, anger, or disillusionment . When our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.
Quentin L. CookThe Savior accomplished the Atonement, which resolves the most terrible burdens that can occur in this life.
Quentin L. CookSome parents place undue priority on temporal and material possessions. Some are far less diligent in their efforts to immerse their children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember that having religious observance in the home is as important as providing food, clothing and shelter.
Quentin L. CookWhen we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed with a consequence that is consistent with our choice.
Quentin L. CookHusbands and wives are equal partners. They have different but complementary responsibilities.
Quentin L. CookYouth who have been exposed to immoral images at a very early age are terrified that they may have already disqualified themselves for missionary service and sacred covenants. ... I want to assure you young people [that] through repentance you can qualify for all the blessings of heaven. That is what the Saviorโs Atonement is all about.
Quentin L. CookSexual immorality and impure thoughts violate the standard established by the Savior. We were warned at the beginning of this dispensation that sexual immorality would be perhaps the greatest challenge. Such conduct will, without repentance, cause a spiritual drought and loss of commitment.
Quentin L. CookIt is our faith in Jesus Christ that sustains us at the crossroads of life's journey.
Quentin L. CookThis feeling of accountability, which is encompassed by the first great commandment to love God, has been described by some as 'obedience to the unenforceable.' [John Fletcher Moulton.] We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven, not because someone is forcing us to obey.
Quentin L. CookOur 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. CookWhen our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.
Quentin L. CookThe family is the most important unit in time and in eternity and is ordained of God.
Quentin L. CookPeace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are, knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies.
Quentin L. CookAs servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our sacred responsibility to teach His standard of morality, which is the same for all of His children.
Quentin L. CookOur women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of lifeโquite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offerโfrom marriage or lack of marriage, childrenโs choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problemsโthey remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith. Our sisters throughout the Church consistently โsuccor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
Quentin L. CookWhen we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us.
Quentin L. CookGodโs plan provides a way for family relationships to extend beyond the grave. We can return to the presence of God, eternally united with our families.
Quentin L. CookComparing [our] blessings [with others] is almost certain to drive out joy. We cannot be grateful and envious at the same time. If we truly want to have the Spirit of the Lord and experience joy and happiness, we should rejoice in our blessings and be grateful.
Quentin L. CookI believe it is of particular importance in our day, when Satan is raging in the hearts of men in so many new and subtle ways, that our choices and decisions be made carefully, consistent with the goals and objectives by which we profess to live. We need unequivocal commitment to the commandments and strict adherence to sacred covenants. When we allow rationalizations to prevent us from temple endowments, worthy missions, and temple marriage, they are particularly harmful. It is heartbreaking when we profess belief in these goals yet neglect the everyday conduct required to achieve them.
Quentin L. Cook