Edward L. Kimball

You may want to marry a man or woman just like the father or mother, the exemplary priesthood leader or outstanding woman you idealize.  But remember that even spiritual giants begin in embryo.  If you are not careful, the ideal - what you hope your spouse will be - can blind you to the numerous good qualities in potential partners.  Many eligible Latter-Day Saint singles who now might not measure up to your checklist will someday be fine fathers and mothers and respected Church and community leaders.  Sister Camilla Kimball wrote: "When people ask what it feels like to be married to a prophet, I tell them, "I didn't marry a prophet. I married a young returned missionary."

Edward L. Kimball, ed., The Writings of Camilla Eyring Kimball, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1988, p. 114)

James E. Faust

Marriage is the way provided by God for the fulfillment of the greatest of human needs, based upon mutual respect, maturity, selflessness, decency, commitment, and honesty. Happiness in marriage and parenthood can exceed a thousand times any other happiness.

James E. Faust, “The Enriching of Marriage,” Ensign, Nov 1977, 9

Spencer W. Kimball

Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but also with eternal joys. It affects not only the two people involved, but also their families and particularly their children and their children’s children down through the many generations.

Spencer W. Kimball, “Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 40

Adapted from a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on 7 September 1976. The full text is published in a Deseret Book Company book, Marriage and Divorce.

Spencer W. Kimball

While marriage is difficult, and discordant and frustrated marriages are common, yet real, lasting happiness is possible, and marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person. “Soul mates” are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price.

Spencer W. Kimball, “Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, Oct 2002, 40 

Adapted from a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on 7 September 1976. The full text is published in a Deseret Book Company book, Marriage and Divorce.

Dora Toone Brough

To the Bride and Groom

If you want to be happy throughout your life,
Be patient and tolerant, avoid all strife.

Love is a priceless, wonderful thing,
Held close and secure by your wedding ring.

Faith in each other must always be
As strong and fine as a tall pine tree.


Prayer is a path between you and God,
Use it each day as a guiding rod.

Live the gospel, you will find
A treasured gift, which is peace of mind.

Source Unknown.

Jenkins Lloyd Jones

as quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley:

Anyone who imagines that bliss ... is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.  [The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. … Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Deseret News, 12 June 1973, A4 quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Conversation with Single Adults,” Ensign, Mar 1997, 58

James E Faust

Women today are encouraged by some to have it all: money, travel, marriage, motherhood, and separate careers in the world. For women, the important ingredients for happiness are to forge an identity, serve the Lord, get an education, develop your talents, serve your family, and if possible to have a family of your own.

However, you cannot do all these things well at the same time. You cannot eat all of the pastries in the baking shop at once. You will get a tummyache. You cannot be a 100-percent wife, a 100-percent mother, a 100-percent Church worker, a 100-percent career person, and a 100-percent public-service person at the same time. How can all of these roles be coordinated? I suggest that you can have it sequentially. ... I would encourage you sisters to develop all of your gifts and talents to move forward the work of righteousness in the earth.

James E. Faust, “How Near to the Angels,” Ensign, May 1998, 95