Making Conference Part of Our Lives

Consider using some of these activities and questions as a starting point for family discussion or personal pondering.

The page numbers listed with the idea indicate the first page of the talk.

For Children

President Thomas S. Monson spoke about the importance of obedience and how disobedience always brings consequences (page 89). Think about a time you obeyed family rules. What about a time when you obeyed God’s rules? How did being obedient make you feel?
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told the story of a little girl who planted a tomato from a small seed (page 18). Read or retell this story as a family and talk about what it teaches about how you can become like Heavenly Father. You could set a goal to do one thing to grow closer to Heavenly Father.
Elder Enrique R. Falabella of the Seventy spoke about what makes families strong (page 102). He taught that some of the most important words to use with your family are “I love you,” “Thank you very much,” and “Forgive me.” Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president, suggested saying, “I love everything about you” (page 81). See what happens when you use these words with your family. Does it make them happy? How do you feel?

President Thomas S. Monson taught four principles for preparing to do missionary work—not just as a full-time missionary but also as a Church member (page 66). You could study his talk with this question in mind: What can I do to be a better missionary now?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that it’s OK to have doubts and questions, but he also taught: “Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. … Be true to the faith you do have” (page 93). Consider writing in your journal your beliefs, testimony, and some spiritual experiences you have had. Also write down questions you have and keep them so that as you read the scriptures and this issue, you can look for answers.
Many speakers talked about obedience and its blessings. For example, President Monson taught, “A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God” (page 89). Consider searching this issue to highlight or write down the many blessings of obedience. Identifying these blessings can inspire you to continue to live righteously.
Several speakers taught that you can serve anytime, not just during service projects. “Minister every day,” taught Brother David L. Beck, Young Men general president. “Opportunities are all around you.” In Brother Beck’s talk, you can read some examples of youth serving others (page 55).

Many of the speakers testified of Jesus Christ. What can you learn about His divine character, mission, and ministry from the talks on pages 22, 70, 96, 99, and 109?
May’s youth curriculum topic is on prophets and revelation. If you teach youth at church or have teenage children, you could discuss with them the curriculum and this question: Why is it important to listen to and follow the living prophets? Consider studying this issue to identify prophecies and warnings that, if heeded, will help us thrive in troubled times.
Several speakers focused on strengthening the family. For example, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “When [the Savior] is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity” (page 29). Look for ways to make the Savior the center of your home as you study Elder Scott’s talk as well as the talks on pages 6, 81, 83, and 102.