FHE Tonight

Christmas is a time for giving and letting others know that they are special and loved, and what better way to do that than with SUGAR COOKIES!
We will be decorating
Christmas sugar cookies to give away and spread Christmas Cheer. This is also a great missionary opportunity to give some Christmas cheer and share the gospel.

Icing and cookies will be provided, but bring any special toppings that you can think of i.e. sprinkles, red hots, gummy bears, etc.
Date: Monday, December 7th
Time:
7:30 pm
Location: King Street Chapel (
2810 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302)
Bring: toppings and friends

President Nixon Teaching Institute/Announcing New Singles Ward

It will be my privilege to teach the Mid-Singles Institute class this
Tuesday evening
, December 8, 2009, 7:45 PM, at the King Street Chapel. In
addition to my lesson on Joseph Fielding Smith, I will take the opportunity
to announce the First Presidency’s approval of the new Mount Vernon Virginia
Stake
Singles Ward.

At that time, I will also be sharing:

The Stake Presidency’s vision for this new ward.

The name of the new ward.

The names of the new bishopric members.

The place and time when the new ward will start meeting.

Who is eligible to attend the new ward.

Why the creation of this ward required approval from the Quorum of the
Twelve
and the First Presidency.

On that occasion, I will also introduce the new bishop and allow him to
share his testimony and vision for the ward, its members and future.

With gratitude and love,

President Nixon

Dinner Groups Sign Up by Friday!

Last chance to sign up for small group dinners on Saturday, November 21st!
If you want to join a dinner group email Ellen Stucki at stuckiest@yahoo.com by noon on Friday.
If you can't make it for dinner, but you still want to party, join us for desert and karaoke beginning at 8:30. Just come to 3092 South Glebe in Arlington (a.k.a the Melrose) - no R.S.V.P. required. Parking is available along South Glebe and in the shopping center across the street.
Hope to see you there!

THANKSGIVING DINNER - THIS SATURDAY!

Reminder: The annual mid-singles Thanksgiving Dinner is this Saturday!!! This should be a really fun event, and last year approximately 300 people attended. We still need volunteers to bring food and help with set-up and take down.

Turkey will be provided, and we are asking people to sign up to bring a traditional Thanksgiving side dish. If you are planning to attend, please email Joy Buhler (joybuhler@gmail.com) and let her know which of the following sides you are planning to bring:

Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
Gravy
Stuffing
Green bean casserole (or other vegetables)
Cranberries
Dinner rolls
Pie
Beverages

Also, we will need approximately 5 volunteers to help set up around 4:30pm and then 5 to help clean up after. Please email Michael Taylor at MTAYL2@yahoo.com if you can you help.

As a reminder, the dinner will be held at the Stake Center at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. We hope to see you there!

Halloween Extravaganza!

Mid-Single Adult Halloween Extravaganza

What: *Hay Rack Rides
*Costume Contest
*Bonfire
*DJ
*Stick Pulling Contest
*Apple Bobbing
*Much - Much - More!!!

When: Saturday October 24th - Party Starts at 8pm!

Where: The Awesome Folger Pratt Barn
1101 Sugar Loaf Mtn. Rd
Dickerson, MD 20842
http://www.mapquest .com/mq/9- LDFt

Who: For Mid-Singles 30-45 in the Greater DC Metro Area and Beyond. Come! Join us and bring your friends for this great fall fun. You'll be glad you made the drive! (Costumes recommended, but not required. :-) )

Questions: Email Michael Amesquita at mikeamesquita@ gmail.com

Harpers Ferry Tubing Trip - This Saturday

The Harpers Ferry Tubing Trip is finally here!! This Saturday - come and join us!!

The weather on Saturday will be 70 degrees in Harpers Ferry. Only 30% chance of rain, so things are looking really good for our 2 ½ hour tubing trip! (If the weather deteriorates, we’ll do a historical tour of Harpers Ferry, but I think we’ll be able to tube. :-) )

We will be floating at 12:15pm with the River Riders. If we miss that time, the next start time isn’t until 2:30pm. So…

We are meeting at the Chevy Chase building at 9:45am. We must be on the road by 10am to ensure we get to the departure point on time. Please be on time. Chapel address: 5460 Western Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (On Western between Connecticut and Wisconsin)

For those of you coming from VA, if you’d like to drive separately, please note the driving directions below and plan to meet us at the River Riders location at noon.

We will be back in DC/NoVA in time for the sisters to get ready for the General Relief Society Broadcast that evening, if they choose to attend.

What to bring:

  • $25 - $20 for the tubing trip and $5 gas money for your driver
  • You MUST wear shoes that are strapped to your feet and around your ankle. Old sneakers, water shoes, or strapped sandals are appropriate. River Riders won’t let you go without them.
  • Lunch – it will be easier if you pack food. At the very least, bring snacks for yourself.
  • Bottled water.
  • You may want to wear the clothes you plan on floating in so we can get right into the water when we get there.
  • Dry clothes for the return trip. (Your drivers will thank you.)
  • A car – if you are willing to drive others. (Thank you!)
  • Cap, visor or inexpensive sun glasses; bathing suit or shorts and a T-shirt; sun screen.
  • Depending on the weather, you may not want to wear cotton. Cotton is a poor insulator when wet. (And you will get wet.) If you wear it, or you may be cold. Wool, polyester, polypropylene, nylon and other synthetics are good.

Additional Notes:
It is a good idea to make sure you have a secure place to keep your keys and other valuables while you are on the trips. They have one-time-use lockers to rent for $2 that take tokens or you can leave everything in your car and they can check your keys for $3.

Directions: (If you get lost on Saturday, please call Lisa Chapman at 202 270 9582.)

From the DC Area:

I-270 north to Frederick, MD. Merge with I-70 West at Frederick for about 1/2 a mile, Take Exit 52 - 340 West to Charles Town. Follow US 340 for 16 miles and cross the Potomac River Bridge. Continue 2 miles and cross the Shenandoah River Bridge. Follow 340 to the top of the hill and see Cliffside Quality Inn on the left. Get in the left lane and proceed downhill. (Look to your left and you will see our building - it is a large blue building with a red roof and "River Riders" in black letters on the front.) At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Millville Road (you will see a large flea market open on the weekends). Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.

From Northern VA:

Take 66 West to the Dulles Toll Road/Rt 267. Take the Rt 28 North Exit. Rt 28 ends at Rt 7. Get in the left lane and Take Rt. 7 (Leesburg Pike) west past Leesburg. Exit onto Rt. 9 West to Charles Town. Follow all the way to Charles Town. (Do not take Harpers Ferry Road - Rt. 671 to 340.) From Rt. 9 West exit onto 340 North towards Harpers Ferry. Go several miles and exit to stay on 340 North. Go 3 7/10 miles on US 340 north. Turn right onto Millville Road. Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.

If you took Harpers Ferry Rd - Rt 671, at the end, turn left onto 340 and follow for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Millville Rd and follow the above directions.

See you Saturday!!

Chevy Chase Mid-Single Adult Group

Iron Chef Crystal City

If you choose to accept this challenge, you and your team of chefs will have 60 minutes to prepare a minimum of three dishes based on a secret ingredient.
Location: The "Melrose" 3092 Glebe Rd, Arlington, there's plenty of parking across the street at the Giant.
On Monday October 5 we will meet at 7:00pm to divide into teams and the competition will begin at exactly 7:15pm. You must step away from the stove/table/knives at 8:15 sharp and judging will commence at 8:20pm
The dishes will be tasted by a panel of three judges. Each team of chefs can be awarded up to 20 points by each judge; consisting of up to 10 points for taste, up to 5 points for plating (the appearance of their presentation), and up to 5 points for the originality of their dishes. The team of chefs with the higher score is declared the winner.
The secret ingredient will be provided for you, but please bring an ingredient or two to contribute. Remember, the quality of your dishes will depend on the quality of the ingredients that you bring.
The secret ingredient will be chosen from one of the following:
-Artichoke
-Sweet Potato
-Mango
-Plantain
-Mushroom

Kennedy Center Open House THIS SATURDAY

Kennedy Center Open House THIS Saturday, September 12th at 1:15 PM.
We walk among spectacular performers every day. They entertain on street corners, sidewalks, subway platforms, and improvised stages across the globe. All they ask is that we stop, watch, and appreciate their art. The Kennedy Center Open House presents boulevard entertainers from France, Canada, Australia, and the D.C. area as part of the Washington D.C. Street Performance Festival in conjuction with the French-American Cultural Foundation. Meet characters large and small, from the Unicycle Lady™ on her six-foot-tall one-wheeled ride to the tiny Alberti Flea Circus. Plus there's lots more music and fun! Bounce to the Afrofunk of Chopteeth or rock out to Mambo Sauce, PT Walkley, and DJ Lunch Money while constructing a cardboard-box skyline with We Built This City. Then sit and watch L'Arsenal à Musique's wild interpretation of the Carnival of the Animals with the National Symphony Orchestra. Discover a world of performance art that's lit by both spotlights and stoplights.
Meet up at 1:15 on the North Plaza of the Kennedy Center (call Jennifer Fox if you can't find the group 571-215-2880 - if you're really late please text) There are multiple performances going on all over the Kennedy Center so your best bet is to show up on time and break into groups depending on what performances you'd like to see.
La Voile (Meet up performance)
Aerialist performs hanging high in the air in front of the theater
After this I'm heading to Urban Artistry for breakdancing on the front plaza at 2:15. You can stay as long as you like but I'll probably end my evening at Bio Ritmo - a salsa band in the Theater Lab dance hall from 5:00-5:45.

Full Performance Schedule: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/openhouse/schedule.cfm

Map: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/openhouse/OpenHouseMap.pdf

FHE Service Project - Sept 14 from 7:30-8:45pm

Mark your calendars and please join us for FHE on September 14th from 7:30-8:45pm. There is an elderly couple in Crystal City that desperately needs our help with yard work. It has been years since major yard work has been done, leaving the back yard completely overgrown. We will be pulling weeds, pruning trees and bushes, edging, weed whacking, sweeping, making minor repairs and potentially doing a little outdoor painting. Please dress appropriately. Work gloves will be provided. The service project will be held across the street from Jen Anderson & Mandy Wollenzien's home. The address is 2747 Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. We will meet at Mandy & Jen's place afterwards for refreshments.

If you have yard tools, such as pruning shears, weed whackers, rakes, industrial brooms or dust pans, etc, please send Jen Anderson an email and let her know. Her email is jennifer.anderson1@netzero.com (860) 395-8232. We will be sure there are enough tools and assignments for everyone to be productive.

Quarterly Mid-Singles Temple Trip

Endowment Session Saturday August 29th at 3:00 pm

After you've done some good works, join in for some socializing...
Option A-
Take a short drive to Taipei Tokyo Cafe for some delicious Japanese and/or Chinese food.
11510 Rockville Pike # A, Rockville, MD
Option B-
Take a long drive (about an hour) out 66 West for a fantastic night of Polo. It's true, you can attend a real polo match with real polo ponies and pretend that you are British royalty, and it's all great fun. It's $20 per car, and there is great BBQ that you can buy or you can bring your own picnic.
Also bring some blankets and chairs for your viewing comfort.
Call 801-518-3586 (Amanda) with any questions.

Institute Kickoff BBQ

There are no mid-singles institute classes in August. However, mark your calendars for a fully catered BBQ to kick of fall 2009 mid-singles institute! The BBQ will be held at 7:30 p.m. sharp on Tuesday, September 1, at the King Street Chapel. Bring a friend!

The course of study for fall 2009 mid-singles institute will be the modern prophets. We will focus on Truman G. Madsen's, "The Presidents of the Church: Insights into Their Lives and Teachings."
See you on September 1!

Paddle Boat on the Tidal Basin

Saturday, August 22 at 10:30


Come enjoy the last days of Summer with us! Rent a paddle boat from Tidal Basin Paddle Boats and enjoy the fresh air and terrific views of the Jefferson Memorial. The Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Dock is located on the eastern shore, next to the concession stand. From the National Mall, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street, turn left and head south along 15th Street toward the Jefferson Memorial. The boat dock is to the right and we will meet you there. Cost: $10.00 per hour - 2 passenger boat or $18.00 per hour - 4 passenger boat (they accept Visa/Mastercard).


After the paddle boats we’ll head to the US Botanical Gardens. During the Culinary Arts festival, you can discover the role plants play in food. Sample different recipes and explore the culinary arts. This event is free will happen outside under a tent rain or shine from 10-3 pm. There are plenty of places to eat nearby so we may break into informal lunch groups around noon. Hope to see you there!


On-site Contact: Jennifer Fox 571-215-2880 or jenniferjfox@gmail.com

Sunday Brunch

Declare your independence and bring WHATEVER DISH YOU WANT to our brunch this Sunday!

Sunday, July 19 at 11:30am
Sharyn, Patty, Angela, Karyn's house
3744 12th St. S, Arlington, VA 22204

Please park on the street
(if you park in the adjacent apartment parking lot you will be towed).

Single Adult Southern BBQ and Dance
Saturday, July 25

Dinner at 7pm
Dance 8-11:30pm
Centreville Stake Center
14150 Upperridge Dr.
Centreville, VA 20120
Email your music requests to: jsondiototal@gmail.com

Institute

Come join us Tuesday at 7:30pm for Institute. The lesson will cover:

Physical Self-Reliance: Health Issues for People in their 30s and 40s.

Meet at the King Street Chapel (2810 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302)

Great Race Scavenger Hunt

A spy is loose in Washington, D.C. with a mission - and you and your teammates must race against each other and be the first to stop him!

Join the Chevy Chase Ward Mid-Single Adults for an exciting brand new 3 hour race in Washington, D.C.on Saturday May 30th, filled with unique activities, great exercise and lots of fun!

How does it work?

1) Sign up by sending an email to mikeamesquita@gmail.com or lisachapman@att.net

or contact Mike Amesquita or Lisa Chapman to get on the list. Teams consist of 6-8 people and you may form your own team or be assigned.

2.) We will begin at 1pm and meet at a central location where you will be placed onto one of many teams. You'll be given a clue as to the location of the next check in point (where the spy has last been seen). Then, the game is on!

You must RSVP to Mike or Lisa to be added to a team. Details on where to meet will be provided when you register. You can also join the facebook page for this event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95974239104 . Note: If you join the facebook page, you must still email Lisa or Mike to get on the list.

Feel free to invite friends. You won't want to miss this event!

Summer Institute

Summer 2009 Mid-Singles Institute

Tuesdays, June 2 - July 28

7:30pm

King Street Chapel - 2810 King St., Alexandria

June 2: Doctrinal basis of self-reliance

· The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance – Marion G. Romney

· Developing Christlike Attributes - Dieter F. Uchdorf

· Principles of Temporal Salvation - Marion G. Romney

· Becoming Self-Reliant – L. Tom Perry

June 9: Financial self-reliance: Buying a house

June 16: Financial self-reliance: Saving, budgeting, and planning for retirement

· The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family – James E. Faust

· Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare – Thomas S. Monson

· All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances

· Family Home Storage: A New Message

June 23: Emotional self-reliance: Maintaining good emotional health

June 30: Physical self-reliance: Food storage, 24 hour kits, emergency preparedness

· All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage

· Family Home Storage: A New Message

· I Have a Question

July 7: Physical self-reliance: Health Issues for People in their 30s and 40s

July 14: Spiritual self-reliance

· Becoming Self-Reliant—Spiritually and Physically – Elder M. Russell Ballard

July 21: Emotional self-reliance: Psychological aspects of self-reliance, including overcoming additions and dealing with abuse

· To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse - Richard G. Scott

· The Power to Change – James E. Faust

· Addiction or Freedom - Russell M. Nelson

July 28: Intellectual self-reliance: History of Prophets’ Counsel Regarding Education


FHE - June 1st

Are you super excited about all the summer BBQ's on the way but ashamed that you really don't know the difference between gas and charcoal, think that dry rub refers to a scary Swedish massage option, or have never touched a can of lighter fluid in your life? (if you ever went to boy scout camp I won't believe that last statement) Or do you just want some good food?
If so, you're in luck! Family Home Evening is going to be an evening of BBQ techniques and tips taught to us by the talented at everything Adam Ellison.
When: Monday, June 1st, 7:00 pm
Where: At Adam's house 1603 11th St S, Arlington, Virginia 22204

Important Info*: This is a BYOM&B (bring your own meat and buns) event, so whether you want chicken, hot dogs, bratwurst, filet mignon, or tofu burgers- bring it along with you.
Also if you're feeling generous and want to show off your summer salad making skills, you will not be turned away.
p.s. It's rumored that Adam owns a copy of Lord of the Dance, and we may be able to persuade him to put it on the big screen, if he has a VCR that is :)

* Don't forget the Midsingles conference on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th for mid-singles from around the country ages 31-45! Go to www.mtvernonmidsingles.com for more information and to register and pay on the website! *

Institute

Classes for the Mid-Singles Institute will be held Tuesday May 19 at 7:30 pm at the King Street Chapel 2810 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302

The lessons will cover the following talk by Elder Marvin J. Ashton:
May 19: Know He Is There

This will be the last lesson for a couple weeks (Happy Memorial Day!). More information to come about the next "semester" of classes.

The First-Ever Washington, DC MIDSINGLES Conference
Ages 31-45 (sponsored by the Mt. Vernon, Virginia Stake)

Join up to 400 Mid-singles from the Washington, DC Metro Area and beyond for first-ever Washington, DC Midsingles Conference to take place on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2009!! Highlights include Sunday Service with President Earl C. Tingey - Washington, DC Temple President and former member of the Seventy, Friday Night Cruise on the Potomoc River, and Fireworks on the National Mall!! In addition, we will have break out small group dinners in Old Town Alexandria and Saturday morning July 4th break out activities all over the metro area! Midsingles from all over the country have registered so far. Get online and claim your spot now. Remember, this event is limited to the first 400 midsingles who register and pay the registration fee.
Get details, register and pay at www.mtvernonmidsingles.com ($60 by May 15, $75 after)

Eastern Market THIS SATURDAY

How About Breakfast on the Hill? Meet up at Eastern Market!
Saturday May 16th, 8:30 AM - Join the Midsingles for a delicious breakfast in one of America's 10 best neighborhoods. While many people are willing to stand in line for the scrumptious pancakes, word on the street is that there are waffles available as well. For the French palate, crepes are also for sale near the arts and crafts area, in front of the numerous fresh fruit stands. Walk around, eat around, and/or shop around at your leisure. Afterward, at 10:30 AM, we will make our way over to explore the Visitors Center for the U.S. Capitol building. Feel free to spend part or all of your morning with us!
Location: 7th Street & North Carolina Avenue, SE Washington, D.C.; accessible by metrorail, just north of the Eastern Market stop (Orange and Blue Lines).

Assateague Island Camping Trip







"Some people believe that the wild ponies of Assateague arrived on Assateague Island when a Spanish galleon cargo ship (with a cargo of horses) sank off the coast and the horses swam to shore. Others believe the wild horses arrived there via early colonial settlers. Recently in 1997, a Spanish shipwreck was discovered off Assateague Island, which lends credit to the first theory."

And you may not be allowed to touch the ponies, but there are no signs that say the ponies can't touch you!

When- Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th. Hopefully we'll be arriving Friday evening with enough light left to set up camp, and leaving Sunday morning with plenty of time to be back for 3:00 church.

Where- Assateague Island Maryland State Park (the side that believes in mosquito abatement, hooray!)

Getting there: Parking can be limited in the campsites, so carpooling is a good idea. Please let someone on the Mid-Singles Committee (Jen Athay, Amanda Morgan or Scott Porter) know if you need help finding a ride.

(From Washington D.C.): Assateague Island is about a 3 hour drive. The park is in the eastern portion of the state in Worcester County, 8 miles south of Ocean City, and may be reached via MD RT 50 to MD RT 611.

Assateague State Park
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, MD 21811

Cost- $20 per person for camping and food, or $10 per person for food. We can only fit around 60 people in the campsites, so this is a first come first served outing. Amanda Morgan is collecting money so contact her to get on the list, 801-518-3586 or adangerm@gmail.com. If you have a tent please let Amanda know when you sign up as well as who you want to stay in your tent. Spaces will NOT be reserved without payment. Please make checks payable to Amanda Morgan. The $20 includes campsite, Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. You're on your own for any other meals, so pack some food or plan on buying food in town or at the snack bar.

Accommodations- We have 9 sites that can each accommodate 2 tents. That means no more than 18 tents, so the more tents we have that can fit more than just 2 people, the more people can come. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are hot water bathhouse facilities available.

If you are not inclined to sleep out of doors, there are plenty of options to stay in town and you can meet up with us for fun times with the ponies. You can find information about lodging here

What to bring:

-Tent

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping mat

-Pillow

-Flashlight or lantern

-Swimwear and Towel

-Sunscreen and a hat

-Mosquito repellent

-Lunch on Saturday or money for lunch

-Beach toys: Frisbee, floaties, boogie boards, sandcastle materials, kites, etc.

FHE Tonight

So what do you do?
Join us at Brother Talbot's home (2100 S. Kenmore Street Arlington, Virginia 22204) at 7:30pm and bring your resume or CV and business cards to learn about other people's career paths. Even if you have a job and love it, come and share so that those who are looking now or who may be in the near future can learn from you. We're hoping to pool our resources in this tough economy to help each other out with our careers.

We will have a lesson and opportunity for all to talk briefly about your career path. We will also have Angela Roundy and Sheila Banister, who have experience helping with resumes and interviewing skills on hand to give you pointers on how to improve your resume.

When: Mon May 4 7:30 pm
Where: Brother Talbot's home (2100 S. Kenmore Street Arlington, Virginia 22204)

Hope to see you there!

Watershed Community Service Project

Saturday is the big day! It's the day we, the Crystal City Ward, have the opportunity to help beautify our neighborhood. Wear your grubby clothes, grab your family and friends (ALL AGES ARE ENCOURAGED), and some work gloves and come join your neighbors in cleaning up the Potomac River Watershed. We have committed to having 60 members to contribute to this project. Below are all the details you need.

Date: Saturday, April 18 (in two days)
Time: 9 am to 12 pm (you can any time during this shift)
Who: Members of the Crystal City ward, their friends and family...All ages are welcomed!
Where: We will meet at the foot bridge in Shirlington Park . This is just off of Arlington Mill Dr, in between Randolph and Taylor streets (this is near the storage company). Parking is available in the Campbell Garage from Arlington Mill Drive or at Jennie Dean Park on S. Nelson Street
What to bring: Gloves and water (it should be a beautiful day)

DC Midsingles Conference

Join 400 other mid-singles from the Washington, DC, area and beyond for a three-day conference from July 3 - 5, 2009. The schedule includes small group dinners and activities, a cruise on the Potomac, a BBQ lunch, fireworks on the Mall or elsewhere, a closing Sunday service, optional temple sessions, and more. The registration fee is $60 through May 15.

For additional information, please visit www.mtvernonmidsingles.com.
Also, post messages on the DC Midsingles Conference Facebook Group where you can talk to others going about carpools, hotels, activity group, or another topic that will make this conference an absolutely AWESOME experience! (Facebook group just created - join now and get the discussion started) http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=92331836814&ref=mf

Convenient payment found on the website. Register early. The conference will be capped at 400 midsingles!!

Save the Date: June 12-14 for Assateague State Park Camping Trip

The CCW Midsingles are planning a beach camping trip at Assateague Island at Assateague State Park where we have reserved a number of camp sites. Assateague State Park is Maryland's only ocean park. It is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The island's bayside offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.

When: June 12-14 (plan to arrive Friday afternoon/evening and plan to return early Sun morning so that we can be back in time for church)
Why: Because camping on the beach is awesome and is even more fun with friends
Where:
Assateague State Park in Maryland

Save the date and watch for further messages because space will be limited...

Tuesday Night Institute:

Marvin J. Ashton: "Strengthen the Feeble Knees"

We'll be meeting at the King Street Chapel, 2810 King St, at 7:30pm.

Happenings This Week...

FHE -
Boot Camp Fitness at the King Street Chapel, 1900 (7pm)

Boot Camp Fitness for all fitness levels – whether you work out daily or haven’t worked out since high school. All activities will be structured so that you can choose the appropriate intensity for your fitness level.

Mid-Singles Activity -
Cherry Blossom Festival Picnic and Fireworks
Saturday, April 11th from 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Bring your own picnic dinner and a dessert to share.
Gravelly Point (location may change - we'll keep you posted)

Potluck -
Mid-Singles Easter Pot Luck LUNCH - Sunday April 12th - 11:30 AM - It is time to break out your Mom's best Easter recipes. Tyler De Lange is hosting before church at - 1603 11th Street South, Arlington, Virginia 22204. See you there!

If your last name begins with...
A - B please bring Drinks
C - N please bring a Main Dish Please!
O - S please bring a Side Dish
T - Z please bring a Dessert

THE DOCTRINE OF CELESTIAL MARRIAGE
Bishop Kyle Sampson
Crystal City Ward
March 22, 2009

Introduction

My remarks today are on the “Doctrine of Celestial Marriage.” I asked Noelle this
morning for her assurance that I would do well in giving these remarks. She assured me that
watching me give this talk would be like watching a NASCAR race: it would be exciting, and fun
to watch, and really great if it ends with a crash.

I gave myself this assignment and chose this topic for several reasons. Recently,
President Nixon informed the Bishops in the Stake that Elder Dallin H. Oaks had suggested, in
training Area Authorities and Stake Presidents on the East coast, that, as a Church, we are not
doing enough to teach the doctrine of Celestial Marriage. He counseled Church leaders in our
area to devote their best efforts to the strengthening of marriage and the home. Another
reason is the state of our world today. From Hollywood to Capitol Hill, our modern culture
seems intent on attacking the sanctity of marriage and undermining the importance of family.
From movies to public policy debates, the “background noise” we constantly hear transmits
messages of confusion about the meaning of marriage, the conduct that is acceptable in our
relationships, and so on.

Another reason I gave myself this assignment is the unique demographics of our ward.
As you know, we are blessed with an abundance of both Single Adults and newly married
couples (and a dearth of Youth). By my rough count, more than 80 percent of the active
members of our ward either are single or have been married for less than five years. (By
contrast, we have only five Young Women and two Young Men). So, unlike many Bishops, my
counseling often is more concerned with courtship and marriage than it is with merit badges or
MIA Maids.

Finally, I have chosen to speak on the doctrine of Celestial Marriage because, as
President Boyd K. Packer has taught, our understanding of our doctrine will influence our
behavior much more than talking about behavior will influence our behavior.1 On this point,
Elder David A. Bednar said, in remarks directed at single members of the Church: “The doctrine
of the plan leads men and women to hope and prepare for eternal marriage, and it defeats the
fears and overcomes the uncertainties that may cause some individuals to delay or avoid
marriage.”2 To married members of the Church, Elder Bednar stated: “A correct understanding
of the plan also strengthens our resolve to steadfastly honor the covenant of eternal
marriage.”3

Challenges

I have been somewhat nervous about giving remarks on this subject. I know that there
are some who feel guilty that they are not yet married (or believe that talks like this one are
designed to make them feel guilty). Others feel great frustration or even hopelessness about
being single -- so much so that they question their testimony of God’s love for them or the
truthfulness of His church. Still others have marriages that, for a variety of reasons, are really,
truly challenging.

When he spoke on the subject of Celestial Marriage, Elder Bednar said: “My hope is
that a review of our eternal possibilities and a reminder about who we are and why we are here
in mortality will provide direction, comfort, and sustaining hope for us all, regardless of our
marital status or personal present circumstances.”4 That is my hope as well. In addition, my
hope in speaking on this subject today is that each of us -- whether single or married, male or
female -- will, first, have a greater desire and hope for the blessings of Celestial Marriage and,
second, commit to make choices and take steps that will ultimately result in the obtaining of
those blessings. This is my hope for you and for me.

Questions

As you listen to my remarks, I invite you to consider the following questions: First, am I
striving to become a better husband or wife, or preparing to be a husband or wife, by
understanding the doctrine of Celestial Marriage? If you are married, perhaps you might reflect
on the one or two obstacles that you personally face that are hindering you from becoming a
better husband or wife. Similarly, if you are single, perhaps you might reflect on the one or two
obstacles that you personally face that might be hindering you from getting married. Second,
am I helping those around me to understand and apply the doctrine of Celestial Marriage?
Those around you may include your spouse, children, roommates, persons you home or visit
teach, or family members.

As you ponder these questions, please also consider the doctrine of choice. Recognizing
and taking responsibility for what is within our realm of control expands our sense of agency,
frees us from being “acted upon,” opens the channel for further light and inspiration, and
allows for growth even as we “wait upon the Lord.” This idea is encapsulated in our ward
theme: “Therefore, dearly beloved . . . , let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and
then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm
to be revealed” (D&C 123:17). Truly there is much that each of us can choose to do as we seek
to strengthen our marriages or as we prepare for marriage.

Understandings

I want to focus my remarks on the doctrinal “ideal of marriage.” The doctrinal ideal of
marriage is hard to describe. To me, it is:

· That perfect relationship that each of us -- married or single -- wants desperately. (Or
maybe that perfect relationship that we sometimes think others have.)
· It is that place where we experience joy and fulfillment and happiness and security and
completeness, and it includes mutual respect, affection, trust, and love between a
husband and wife.
· It is characterized by charity, and unity with our spouse, and closeness to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
· It is “eternal” in its duration, and “celestial” in its quality.
· It is where we experience and obtain “the ultimate blessings of love and happiness.” (This one is my favorite description.)
· It is where we long to be.

This ideal type of marriage is sometimes referred to by Church members as “temple
marriage,” but it is more than that. Men and women who are worthy can be married in the
temple, but only those who honor the marriage covenants made there can obtain this ideal
type of marriage.5 This ideal type of marriage is sometimes referred to as “righteous marriage,”
or “covenant marriage,” or “eternal marriage.” In my remarks, I will refer to this type of
marriage as “Celestial Marriage.” At the Church’s last General Conference, in October 2008,
Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that

[t]he full realization of the blessings of a [celestial] marriage is almost beyond our mortal
comprehension. Such a marriage will continue to grow in the celestial realm. There we
can become perfected. . . . . Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal
life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right
authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully.6

I believe that all of Heavenly Father’s children -- members of the Church or not -- long
for Celestial Marriage, even if we don’t completely understand why. Sociologist Victor L. Brown,
Jr. has said that

[m]arriage is the relationship toward which most of us direct our social and emotional
interests. . . . The hunger for . . . [it] is, next to survival needs, our deepest human
longing. The very bizarreness of the searches we see today testifies to the strength of
that hunger.”7

Indeed, this yearning is the stuff that art and literature and music (especially music) are
made of. Let me share one example: during the 1990-91 school year, I was awakened every
single morning at 6:00 a.m. when an inconsiderate roommate blasted one of two songs -- it was
always one of two songs -- while he was getting ready to go to his ROTC meetings. I know the
words to both songs by heart because I heard them over and over that year. (I hope my
recitation of the lyrics will not be too irreverent in this setting.) The beginning of the first verse
of the first song went like this:

I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details . . . .

You’ve heard it? The beginning of the second verse went like this:

I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and
With every breath . . . .

And Depeche Mode doesn’t even know what we know about Celestial Marriage! The second
song that was played repeatedly that year was called “Everlasting Love,” by an artist named
Howard Jones. The chorus of that song is similarly emblematic of the universal longing for love:

I need an everlasting love,
I need a friend and a lover divine,
An everlasting precious love,
Wait for it, wait for it, give it some time.

This is a true story! That inconsiderate roommate preparing for ROTC meetings is now an Air
Force Colonel who is posted at the Pentagon and lives in the Kingstowne Ward with his wife
and six children. His name is Trevor Rosenberg -- you can look him up.
The universal longing for Celestial Marriage is much more than bad, 1980s-era love
poetry. It is God given. In speaking of the desire of single sisters to marry and have children,
Sister Julie B. Beck taught that this desire “probably won’t go away if they’re righteous, because
that is a God-given desire. It speaks to their very natures and the training they received in the
heavens. So that longing will not go away.”8 Although Sister Beck was speaking of sisters, I
believe that this longing for marriage and family is given by God to each of us, irrespective of
our gender.

But enough with the preliminaries: you now know why I’m speaking on this subject, and
what questions I want you to ask yourselves, and what I mean when I say “Celestial Marriage”
-- and you now all have at least conceded that we all desperately desire to obtain the ultimate
blessings of love and happiness that come from Celestial Marriage. So, let’s talk about some
doctrinal principles that hopefully will give us greater understanding and motivate us to change
our behavior where it needs to be improved.

Principles

I have gleaned the following doctrinal principles from the scriptures, the teachings of
Church leaders,9 and from many of you. Please know that there are other gospel principles that
can inform our understanding of the doctrine of Celestial Marriage.10 I have chosen the following principles because I think they have particular relevance for us.

Principle No. 1: Marriage is a divine commandment.
Scriptures declare that “it is lawful that [a man] should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation” (D&C 49:16). Another affirms that “the man [is not] without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:11). Thus, we know that marriage is a commandment.

We also know that the “Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save
he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth
them” (1 Ne. 3:7). Accordingly, whether single or married, we should not be afraid to try for a
Celestial Marriage, or be dissuaded if others are fearful, or worry if the world laughs at us or
mocks us. And we should try not to get discouraged by the challenges of dating or marriage,
which often are caused by the decisions of another or circumstances beyond our control. To
the contrary, we should be courageous and help others to understand and keep this
commandment.

The Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”
The Lord commanded Nephi to go and build a boat.
Nephi’s older brothers believed it would not float.
Laughing and mocking, they said he should not try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go, I will do, the thing the Lord commands,
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”
The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:
“I will go, I will do, the thing the Lord commands,
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”11

Principle No. 2: Seeking for Celestial Marriage is risky and dangerous.

At dinner last week, a friend compared his decision to marry to the decision each of us made to leave our Heavenly Parents and come to earth. He told Noelle and me that the decision to marry
required him to exercise faith “all the way to the alter” because -- like the decision each of us
made to follow Heavenly Father’s plan and come to earth -- there was so much uncertainty and
risk involved, and there were indications that it would, at times, be difficult. He knew, however,
that it was the right thing to do if he wanted to follow Heavenly Father’s plan, and if he wanted
to learn and grow, and if he wanted to obtain the ultimate blessings of love and happiness.
On this point, C.S. Lewis said:

Of all arguments against love none makes so strong an appeal to my nature as “Careful!
This might lead to suffering.” To my nature, my temperament, yes. Not to my
conscience. When I respond to that appeal I seem to myself to be a thousand miles
away from Christ. If I am sure of anything I am sure that His teaching was never meant
to confirm my congenital preference for safe investments and limited liabilities.12

Professor Lewis goes on:

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung
and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your
heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little
luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your
selfishness. But in that casket -- safe, dark, motionless, airless -- it will change. It will
not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.13

Interestingly, Lewis ties our love and commitment to another person -- and our vulnerability before them14 -- to our relationship with Christ and our ability to be redeemed. He suggests that our vulnerability in that relationship enables or facilitates our relationship with Christ.

Principle No. 3: Celestial Marriage is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ.15

Our Heavenly Father declared, “This is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the
immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The Atonement of Jesus Christ enabled both
of these objectives to be realized. Because of the Atonement, immortality -- or resurrection
from the dead -- became a reality for everyone. Because of the Atonement, eternal life -- which
is living forever in God’s presence, the “greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7) -- became a
possibility.

To qualify for eternal life, to make that possibility a reality, we must make an eternal
and everlasting covenant with Heavenly Father. This “eternal and everlasting covenant” is
described in D&C 132:19:

And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and
by the new and everlasting covenant [that is, in the temple by Priesthood authority], and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise [that is, they honor that covenant so
that their temple marriage becomes a Celestial Marriage] . . . , [then, that marriage]
shall be . . . of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the
angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, . . .
which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

This means that a Celestial Marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a
partnership with God. Elder Nelson has explained that:

While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. Only those who are
married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise will
continue as spouses after death and receive the highest degree of celestial glory, or
exaltation. A temple marriage is also called a celestial marriage. Within the celestial
glory are three levels. To obtain the highest, a husband and wife must be sealed for
time and all eternity and keep their covenants made in a holy temple. The noblest
yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death.16

In addition to establishing a pathway to eternal life, the Atonement also provides the
means for getting on the pathway and staying there. It is through receiving the blessings of the
Atonement that we can:
· Repent, so that we are worthy to receive inspiration about our dating or marriage relationships.
· Have our hearts changed so that we can be less selfish and love more fully.
· Forgive and be forgiven.
· Be healed when we have been injured.
· Learn from our experiences -- in life and in marriage -- without being condemned by them.

Principle No. 4: Celestial Marriage is achieved over time through hard work and God’s grace.

Temple marriage is not the end of the road, the crowning achievement of our mortal
lives. To the contrary, it is the beginning of a great project that two people launch together -- a
team project that provides opportunities for growth that cannot be gained any other way.
This conception of marriage often leads me to counsel individuals to put notions of
“romance” or “chemistry” to the side and think of marriage like they would think of a corporate
merger. Like a company considering a merger, I have found myself encouraging a cool-headed
assessment of the possible merger partner: What assets would he or she bring to the
combined company? Will both companies improve as a result of the merger? Are the two
corporate cultures compatible? Would the combined companies be more “productive”
together than they would be separately? More “profitable”? (What about possible tax
benefits?) Would a merger help the two companies get to where they need to go?

A recently married brother described this principle -- that marriage is a team project or
merger, not an achievement -- this way: “[M]arriage provide[s] a unique environment to learn
and grow in a way not otherwise possible; . . . the venue of marriage was specifically set up to
help us get to a place we need[] to go, but otherwise, on our own [cannot] . . . .”17

Elder Bednar has taught that one reason this is so is because the natures of male and
female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to
progress together toward exaltation. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual
premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose and, for divine purposes, male and female
spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. The unique combination of spiritual,
physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both men and women are needed to implement
the plan of happiness. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness
and a unity that can be achieved in no other way. The man completes and perfects the woman
and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen
and bless each other.18

To be sure, this team project of marriage is, at times, challenging. Like no other
relationship, it requires us to have and exercise charity. We must suffer long and be kind, and
envy not, and not be puffed up, and seek not our own, and not be easily provoked. We must
bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.19 Jesus Christ, of course,
is the perfect example of charity -- the one we should emulate in all of our relationships. Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland has said that Christ

is the great example of one who bore and believed and hoped and endured.
We are invited to do the same in our courtship and in our marriage to the best of our ability. Bear up and be strong. Be hopeful and believing. Some things in life we have little or no
control over. These have to be endured. Some disappointments have to be lived with
in love and in marriage. These are not things anyone wants in life, but sometimes they
come. And when they come, we have to bear them; we have to believe; we have to
hope for an end to such sorrows and difficulty; we have to endure until things come
right in the end. One of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in these
times.20

I agree with Elder Holland that one of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in
tough times. I certainly have a testimony of that.

Principle No. 5: Celestial Marriage is a process that takes time and experience together.

I agree with Elder Holland that one of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in
tough times, but I also believe that true love -- a.k.a., Celestial Marriage -- is a consequence of
enduring difficult times together. In many respects, as James Thurber said, “love is what you go
through together.”21 Thus, although we long right now for Celestial Marriage (i.e., that
relationship wherein we obtain the ultimate blessings of love and happiness), Celestial
Marriage is a process that takes time. Understanding this principle -- that Celestial Marriage is a
process that takes time -- can change our behavior.

Consider a wife who dwells on the things about her husband that bother her. Flaws or
idiosyncrasies or even conduct that she wants him to change right now so that she can have the
happiness she wants. If she understands that obtaining Celestial Marriage is a process that
takes time, she will -- instead of nagging or making ultimatums or threatening to leave the
marriage or worse -- remember the covenants she made in the temple and consider her
husband’s great potential and focus on the things she can do to be supportive and caring, the
things she can do to strengthen their marriage. Over time, with her love, the husband will
change, or the flaws will not really matter, or the flaws will even become endearing. Right,
Noelle? (This hypothetical example obviously applies with gender roles reversed.) “Harmony in
marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of
priorities. When that really happens, a celestial marriage becomes a reality, bringing great joy
in this life and in the life to come.”22

Similarly, consider the single brother or sister “who [is] looking for that idealized partner
who is some perfect amalgamation of virtues and characteristics seen in parents, loved ones,
Church leaders, movie stars, sports heroes, political leaders, or any other wonderful men and
women they may have known.”23 A greater understanding of the doctrine that Celestial
Marriage is a process that takes time should change dating patterns, as both men and women
consider the potential of their dating partners and whether the person they are dating is
someone with whom a “corporate merger” just might make sense -- not whether that person,
right now, matches up to some list of required qualities.

A recently married brother told me that before he was married, while he “was insistent
on dating a good solid LDS girl, [he] was also hoping that she [would be] . . . musical, athletic,
physically, socially, and emotionally attractive . . . the list goes on [and on] . . .” He also
expected that she would be “a big sports [fan] (especially BYU).” He confessed that the woman
he married, however, “is not musical, is completely disinterested in ALL sports, and . . . went to
the U!” He said that for a year and a half prior to meeting his wife, he had been praying for a
greater understanding of Celestial Marriage. The result was that “while [we] were dating I
knew there was a good chance things might work out because I was not only willing, but
anxious to overlook things that in other situations I either would not, or felt like, no matter how
much I tried, I could not [overlook].” The doctrinal nugget he gleaned from his experience:
“What we [think we] want and what we need are often different. In all aspects of our [lives],
we need to learn to yield our will to God’s.”24

To yield our will to God’s will, we need to be open to the possibility that what we think
we want in a spouse is not, in fact, what we need. We need to worry less about the qualities
we want from others, and more the qualities we can give -- the virtues we have developed, and
the people we are trying to be and know that God expects us to be.

True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about
ourselves. That is Christ’s great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the respect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships.25

Indeed, as Christians, we should be kind and respectful and selfless and courteous in all our
relationships, be they dating relationships or marriage.

Principle No. 6: Although it is hard work, Celestial Marriage is definitely worth it.

Although achieving Celestial Marriage is hard work, like any worthwhile project, it is more than
worth it. Indeed, the benefits -- intellectual and emotional and physical and spiritual -- are both
incomparable and innumerable.

Regarding the spiritual benefits, a recently married brother in our ward -- a different
fellow than the one I’ve previously referenced -- told me that, for him, being married was “like
having an additional member of the Godhead in [his] presence.” What a testament to his wife!
He said that the

loving, refining and edifying influence conveyed by the Holy Ghost is similar to the
feeling shared by a righteous and loving marital companion. . . . I anticipated that this
should be the case when I was single and looking forward to marriage, but only since
marrying . . . have I actually experienced it.26

Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of a Celestial Marriage. As a result, Elder
Bednar taught, as the

husband and wife are each drawn to the Lord, as they learn to serve and cherish one
another, as they share life experiences and grow together and become one, and as they
are blessed through the uniting of their distinctive natures, they begin to realize the
fulfillment that our heavenly father desires for His children. [The u]ltimate [blessings of
love and] happiness, which [are] the very object of the Father’s plan, [are] received
through the making and honoring of eternal marriage covenants.27

Conclusion

I testify that these principles are true: that Celestial Marriage is a divine commandment
that “brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.”28 I testify that
Celestial Marriage is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And I know that
Celestial Marriage -- although risky and dangerous and a lot of hard work -- is definitely worth it.

Noelle and I do not yet have a Celestial Marriage, but we catch glimpses of it from time to time
and, when we do, it is indescribably wonderful. I know that marriage is the most important
relationship we will have “in time and eternity -- and [I know that for] . . . the faithful what
doesn’t come in time will come in eternity.”29

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1 See Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona (May 2004) (“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and
behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will
improve behavior.”).
2 David A. Bednar, “Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign (June 2006).
3 Id.
4 Id.
5 Regarding the “quality” of our marriage relationships and how that quality might affect their duration, C.S. Lewis
insightfully stated: “Theologians have sometimes asked whether we shall ‘know one another’ in Heaven, and
whether the particular love-relations worked out on earth would then continue to have any significance. It seems
reasonable to reply: ‘It may depend what kind of love it had become, or was becoming on earth.’” C.S. Lewis, The
Four Loves 137 (Harcourt 1960).
6 Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” Ensign (Nov. 2008).
7 Victor L. Brown, Jr., Human Intimacy: Illusion & Reality 81 (Parliament 1981).
8 Julie B. Beck, Roundtable Discussion, 2008 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Building Up a Righteous
Posterity (Feb. 9, 2008).
9 Particularly helpful, but not otherwise quoted or cited herein, was Elder Bruce R. Hafen’s book, Covenant Hearts:
Marriage and the Joy of Human Love (Shadow Mountain 2005).
10 Other relevant principles include (1) that “Satan desires that all men and women might be miserable like unto
himself,” see Bednar, supra Note 2; (2) that “Celestial Marriage is an integral part of Heavenly Father’s plan for His
children,” see Nelson, supra Note 6 (“Whenever scriptures warn that the ‘earth would be utterly wasted,’ the
warning is connected to the need for priesthood authority to seal families together in holy temples.”); and (3) that
“By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best
setting for the rearing and nurturing of children,” see Bednar, supra Note 2; see also The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, “The Divine Institution of Marriage,” (Aug. 13, 2008) (responding to criticism of the Church’s
public support for California’s Proposition 8), available at lds.org.
11 “Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook 120 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2009) (emphases
added).
12 Lewis, supra Note 5, at 120.
13 Id. at 121.
14 On our vulnerability in interpersonal relationships, especially with our spouses, see Jeffrey R. Holland, “How Do I
Love Thee?,” Speeches: Brigham Young University 1999-2000 (Feb. 15, 2000) (“I want to impress upon you the
vulnerability and delicacy of your partner’s future as it is placed in your hands for safekeeping -- male and female,
it works both ways.”).
15 The discussion of this principle is taken primarily from Nelson, supra Note 6.
16 Id.
17 E-mail from S.H. to Kyle Sampson (Mar. 17, 2009).
18 See Bednar, supra Note 2.
19 See Moroni 7:45; 1 Corinthians 13:4.
20 Holland, supra Note 14 (emphasis added).
21 “Thurber,” Life (Mar. 14, 1960), at 108.
22 Nelson, supra Note 6.
23 Jeffrey R. & Patricia T. Holland, “Some Things We Have Learned -- Together,” Speeches: Brigham Young
University 1984-85 (Jan. 15, 1985).
24 E-mail, supra Note 17.
25 Holland, supra Note 14.
26 E-mail from O.C. to Kyle Sampson (Mar. 19, 2009).
27 Bednar, supra Note 2.
28 Nelson, supra Note 6.
29 Holland, supra Note 14 (emphasis in original); see also Nelson, supra Note 6 (“But what of the many mature
members of the Church who are not married? Through no failing of their own, they deal with the trials of life
12
alone. Be we all reminded that, in the Lord’s own way and time, no blessings will be withheld from His faithful
Saints. The Lord will judge and reward each individual according to heartfelt desire as well as deed.”).