2008
They Spoke to Us
November 2008

“They Spoke to Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 122–23

They Spoke to Us

Making Conference Part of Our Lives

How will you make the teachings in general conference part of your life and the lives of your family members? Consider using some of these statements and questions as a starting point for discussion or personal pondering.

You can also read, listen to, or watch general conference talks online at www.lds.org.

For Children

  • “May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own.”—President Thomas S. Monson (see page 106).

  • “The children of God have more in common than they have differences. … God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack.”—President Henry B. Eyring (see page 68).

  • “As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, [and] commit to keep the commandments of God, … we attain hope.”—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (see page 21).

For Youth

  • President Henry B. Eyring taught of building unity by speaking kindly of one another: “I can promise you a feeling of peace and joy when you speak generously of others in the Light of Christ” (see page 68).

  • “Young people, [sacrament meeting] is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks (see page 17).

  • Elaine S. Dalton said, “I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world, but in order to do so, we must return to virtue” (see page 78).

  • To read conference experiences by youth, go to newera.lds.org.

For Adults

  • President Boyd K. Packer recounted several of the trials faced by early Latter-day Saints (see page 88). How did their faith strengthen them during these trials? How can your faith strengthen you? (For additional ideas, see Elder Robert D. Hales’s talk, on page 72.)

  • Elder D. Todd Christofferson identified three things we need in order to be a Zion people (see page 37). Make a list of the ways you can progress in each of these areas.

  • Elder M. Russell Ballard and Silvia H. Allred talked about the gospel being spread across the nations of the earth (see pages 81 and 10). Also, in his opening address, President Thomas S. Monson said, “I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas [where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely], that we might share with them the joy of the gospel.” If you remember President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) sharing similar counsel, talk about your experience with following that counsel. What have you noticed about the growth of the Church in your own area? Talk with your family about praying together that opportunities will be granted for the gospel to be preached in additional places.

  • Whatever trials we may face, Heavenly Father will not leave us alone (see the talks on pages 21, 29, 32, 41, 75, and 102). How have you seen Heavenly Father answer your prayers as you face difficult situations?

illustration

Photo illustrations by Jerry Garns, John Luke, Matthew Reier, and Christina Smith