Marriage

Marriage

1.  “A man and a wife learn to be one by using their similarities to understand each other and their differences to complement each other in serving on another and those around them. “ Henry B. Erying, “That We May Be One”, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1998/05/that-we-may-be-one

2.  “That proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.  The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally.” Russell M Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng

3.  “Meanwhile, mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage.  In fact, each marriage start with two built-in handicaps.  It involves two imperfect people.  Happiness can come to them only through their earnest effort.  Just as harmony comes from an orchestra only when its members make a concerted effort, so harmony in a marriage also requires a concerted effort.  That effort will succeed if each partner will minimize personal demands and maximize actions of loving selflessness.” Russell M Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng

4.  “Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship.  Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential.  They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be.  Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully.”  Russell M Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage”, www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/nurturing-marriage?lang=eng

5.  “Two steps to strengthen marriage.  First is to comprehend the doctrinal foundation for marriage.  So, brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage-to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife.  Be a blessing to her and your children.  Second is to strengthen marriage by appreciation, communication, and contemplation.” Russell M Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage”, www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/nurturing-marriage?lang=eng

6.  “While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not.  In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman-Adam and Eve.  He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults, to more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured.  Families are the treasure of heaven.” Neil L Andersen, “Spiritual Whirlwinds”, www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng

7.  “First, both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth.  Next, faith.  Successful eternal marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Third, repentance.  Happy marriages rely on the gift of repentance.  Fourth, respect.  Husbands and wives treat each other as equal partners.  Fifth, love.  They live together in love.”  L Whitney Clayton, “Marriage: Watch and Learn,” www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/marriage-watch-and-learn?lang=eng

8. “Marriage was meant to be and can be a loving, binding, and harmonious relationship between a husband and a wife” David B. Haight, “Marriage and Divorce”, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/1984/04/marriage-and-divorce?lang=eng&clang=eng

9.  “Marriage is sustained by faith and knowledge of its divine establishment, and is sustained daily by the energy of love.  A wise man explained, ‘When the satisfaction or the security of another person becomes as significant to one as one’s own satisfaction and security then the state of love exists.” (Harry Stack Sullivan, concepts of Modern Psychiatry).” David B. Haight, “Marriage and Divorce”, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/1984/04/marriage-and-divorce?lang=eng&clang=eng

10. “In a society where marriage is often shunned, parenthood avoided, and families degraded, we have the responsibility to honor our marriages, nurture our children, and fortify our families.” W Douglas Shumway, “Marriage and Family: Our Sacred Responsibility”, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/marriage-and-family-our-sacred-responsibility?lang=eng&query=shumway+Marriage+and+family

Personal Statement:

A truly celestial and meaningful marriage takes a lot of work.  When I put the needs of my spouse before my own and he does likewise, then we both grow closer together and harmony is present in our home.  We are different from each other.  Our strengths and weaknesses can work together to form a stronger marriage partnership.  I am thankful for my marriage.  We have had our ups and downs but when we communicate well and work well together, we can overcome anything together.  I am thankful for the respect and nurturing my husband shows me.  I am blessed to have the marriage I have.