Capstone Practicum

1.

“Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship... That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God.”

2.

"We know that the marriage of a man and a woman is necessary for the accomplishment of God’s plan. Only this marriage will provide the approved setting for mortal birth and to prepare family members for eternal life. We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks- General Conference October 2013 "No Other Gods" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng

3.

4.

"Husbands and wives, learn to listen, and listen to learn from one another... Taking time to talk is essential to keep lines of communication intact. If marriage is a prime relationship in life, it deserves prime time! Yet less important appointments are often given priority, leaving only leftover moments for listening to precious partners. Keeping the garden of marriage well cultivated and free from weeds of neglect requires the time and commitment of love. It is not only a pleasant privilege, it is a scriptural requirement with promise of eternal glory. Wise partners, listen to learn from one another."
5.

"I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion."
President Gordon B. Hinckley- General Conference April 1991“What God Hath Joined Together” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/04/what-god-hath-joined-together?lang=eng

6.
"Are you faithful to your spouse mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another person that you wouldn't want your spouse to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your spouse and children? Brethren, do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home? Do you tell your wife often how very much you love her? It will bring her great happiness. I’ve heard men tell me when I say that, “Oh, she knows.” You need to tell her. A woman grows and is greatly blessed by that reassurance. Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful. Don’t withhold those natural expressions of love... Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children."
Elder Richard G. Scott- General Conference April 2011“The Eternal Blessings of Marriage” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-eternal-blessings-of-marriage?

7.

"In Mormon’s and Paul’s final witnesses, they declare that “charity [pure love] never faileth”. It is there through thick and thin. It endures through sunshine and shadow, through darkest sorrow and on into the light. It never fails. So Christ loved us, and that is how He hoped we would love each other. In a final injunction to all his disciples for all time, He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you”. Of course such Christlike staying power in romance and marriage requires more than any of us really have. It requires something more, an endowment from heaven. Remember Mormon’s promise: that such love—the love we each yearn for and cling to—is “bestowed” upon “true followers of Christ.” You want capability, safety, and security in dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus. Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate [marriage] from discipleship at your peril. Or, to phrase that more positively, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, is the only lamp by which you can successfully see the path of love and happiness for you and for your sweetheart. How should I love thee? As He does, for that way “never faileth.”"
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland- BYU Devotional February 15, 2000 "How Do I Love Thee?" http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=326

8.

"The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death. Fidelity to a temple marriage does that. It allows families to be together forever... 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."
Elder Russell M. Nelson- General Conference October 2008“Celestial Marriage"  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?

9.

"It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord. I have seen how that companionship is crucial for felicity in a marriage. The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time."
Elder Henry B. Eyring- General Conference October 2013“To My Grandchildren"  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/to-my-grandchildren?

10.

"Brethren and sisters, when was the last time you took your eternal companion in your arms and said, “I love you”? ...Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should sincerely and frequently express love. ...We should remember that saying “I love you” is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love."
Elder David A. Bednar- General Conference October 2009 “More Diligent and Concerned at Home"  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?

My wife and I have been married for almost six years. For the most part I feel like we have been blessed with good communication, but we have had our challenges like any couple. I wanted to use this project as an opportunity to study what I can do to help our marriage be strong and happy. There were some really great talks, especially this one by Elder Nelson about nurturing marriage. My wife and I have prayerfully discussed the talks I studied and we have been trying to apply what we have learned. I feel like we have grown closer together and I am excited to continue building up our relationship. I have a testimony that our loving Heavenly Father gave us the gift of eternal marriage. I know that if my wife and I work together and are faithful to our covenants and obedient to the Lord's commandments that we can have a strong and happy marriage and that we will be together for eternity.