Mary N. Cook

Born :

June 8, 1951

Just as the Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build, stone by stone, you are building a virtuous life, step by step.

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Unity is a spiritual quality. It's the sweet feelings of peace and purpose that come from belonging to a family. ... It's wanting the best for others as much as you want it for yourself. ... It's knowing that no one is out to harm you. It means you will never be lonely.

lonely spiritual sweet

When you save a girl, you save generations

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To gain a testimony, you must nourish it step by step. '[Your testimony] will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see your testimony continue to develop.'

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One of the great blessings of the plan is that we are organized into families. You have parents whose greater wisdom and experience will help you reach your divine potential. Trust them. They want the best for you.

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The first group started along the strait and narrow path, but they did not take hold of the iron rod that would keep them on the path, and they got lost in the mists of darkness

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To navigate through these mists of darkness we need the iron rod, which represents the word of God (see 1 Nephi 15:23-24). We must study and understand the truths and commandments found in the scriptures. We must listen carefully to the words of our latter-day prophets, whose teachings will give us guidance, direction, and protection. And we must hold to the standards found in For the Strength of Youth.

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What will help you to press forward and continually hold fast to the iron rod? Center your life on the Savior and develop daily habits of righteous living.

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