They Spoke to Us:

Making Conference Part of Our Lives

As you make the October 2004 general conference a part of your own and your family’s life, you might consider using the following ideas for personal study and family home evening. Or you may wish to create your own questions, activities, and discussion ideas. (Page numbers refer to the beginning of the talks.)

For Children

1. Did children take part in conference in the Conference Center? If so, what did a group of them do? (Clue: See the photograph on p. 29.)

2. Where will two new temples be built? How many temples will there be when all those announced so far are built? (Clue: Search President Gordon B. Hinckley’s talk, p. 4.)

3. Name the two new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Find one interesting fact about each of them. (Clue: Look at the General Authority chart in the center of the magazine. See stories about them on p. 125 and p. 126.)

4. When Elder John H. Groberg was a young missionary, for weeks he and many others suffered great hunger because of a hurricane. What are some of the things he found as evidence that Heavenly Father loves him? (Clue: See p. 9.) List some of your blessings that show God’s love for you.

5. “We are all brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. We must reach out to those that for some reason have forgotten the path,” said Elder Ned B. Roueché. (See p. 30.) Do you have a friend who has not attended church lately? Think of ways you could encourage him or her to come with you.

For Youth

6. What’s so bad about looking at pornography? Read what President Hinckley says about this dangerous addiction and find out how you can break free from this “evil monster.” (See p. 59.)

7. Where do your temptations come from? Are you placing yourself unnecessarily in the path of temptation and deception? Elder Dallin H. Oaks talks about how we can avoid Satan’s lies. (See p. 43.)

8. Are you struggling with adversity? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why me?” Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin talks about a better question to ask. (See p. 101.)

9. “I’ve repented, but how can I know if I’ve been forgiven?” If you’ve ever wondered about this question, you’ll want to read Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk on finding peace of conscience. (See p. 15.)

10. Have you ever questioned the strength of your own testimony? Elder Donald L. Staheli gives suggestions for those who are “looking for further confirmation of [their] testimony.” (See p. 37.)

For Family Home Evening or Personal Study

11. President Hinckley spoke of the attitude we should have toward women. (See p. 82.) Invite family members to list things they appreciate about their mother, wife, sister, aunt, or grandmother and ways they can better show her their love.

12. “The choices we make determine our destiny,” said President Thomas S. Monson. (See p. 67.) How have some of your seemingly small everyday choices affected your life? What decisions could you make to help you progress spiritually?

13. “Joy can be ours if we are willing to sacrifice all for the Lord,” said President James E. Faust. (See p. 18.) What are some sacrifices you can make for the Lord? What bad habits can you give up? What service can you give? What items can you donate to those in need? How can you give time and talents to strengthen your family, your ward or branch, or your neighborhood?

14. Who is Oliver Granger? How does the Lord’s promise that “his name shall be had in sacred remembrance … forever and ever” apply to you and your family? (See President Boyd K. Packer’s talk, p. 86.)

15. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “It is not enough to know that President Gordon B. Hinckley is God’s prophet. We must put his teachings to work in our lives.” (See p. 43.) Study President Hinckley’s talks in this issue. (See p. 4, p. 59, p. 82, and p. 104.) What counsel did he give that you can put to work in your own life? Make a list. Begin today.