My Conference Notebook

April 2018 General Conference

Meekness vs. Humility

“Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated. … Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign, May 2018, 32.

Diving Deeper

Small and Simple Things

Consider using the following resources to explore the power of small and simple things:

• In general conference: Dallin H. Oaks, “Small and Simple Things,” Ensign, May 2018, 89.

• In the scriptures: 1 Nephi 16:29; Alma 37:6; Doctrine and Covenants 64:33; 123:16.

• In this issue of the Ensign: “A Touch of Faith,” 25; “Making Home an MTC,” 52; “Jet Lag and the Word of Wisdom,” 77.

“God walks with us along the covenant path as we seek Him through prayerful pleadings, scriptural searchings, and obedient strivings.”

Elder Brian K. Taylor of the Seventy, “Am I a Child of God?” Ensign, May 2018, 14.

Answers to Questions

What spiritual gifts will help me minister as the Savior did?

“It seems there are two things [great ministers] do. Great ministers have qualified for the Holy Ghost as a nearly constant companion. And they have qualified for the gift of charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Those gifts have grown in them as they have used them in serving out of love for the Lord. …

“… If you ask with real intent and with faith in Jesus Christ for inspiration, you will receive it in the Lord’s way and in His time. … He has placed you in the way of other children of God to serve them for Him.”

President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “His Spirit to Be with You,” Ensign, May 2018, 88, 89.

What questions did you have that were answered by something you heard at conference? Share your experience on our Facebook page: facebook.com/ensign.magazine.

What Will I Do?

We Watched Children While Parents Relaxed

Illustrations by Getty Images

President Russell M. Nelson’s talk “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” (Ensign, May 2018, 93) helped to strengthen our faith in receiving personal revelation on a daily basis. After conference we decided that we would each start our own prayer journal. Every night when we say our couple and personal prayers, we have our prayer journals next to us. After we pray, we wait and listen. We then record thoughts, feelings, and impressions we receive. Sometimes they come immediately and sometimes they come later.

Just recently, we both felt prompted to serve someone specific. We decided to take our friends’ kids for the evening so their dad and eight-months-pregnant mom could have a relaxing evening together. Even though we had just moved, are about to have our own baby, and are college students, Heavenly Father blessed us with the time and energy to serve and follow the prompting we had received. We are so grateful for President Nelson’s counsel. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet on the earth today who knows exactly what God needs to tell us.

—Ethan and Allie Groen, Utah, USA

Have an experience you would like to share? Submit your story at ensign.lds.org, or share it on our Facebook page.

Ponder This …

“What will I teach, or what am I teaching, my children by my acts and attitudes of obedience?”

Devin G. Durrant, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, “Teaching in the Home—a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility,” Ensign, May 2018, 44.

Share your thoughts on the Ensign Facebook page, or record your thoughts in your journal.

Conference Numbers!

Map from Getty Images

Nearly 40 percent of Latter-day Saint General Authorities were born outside the 50 United States in the following places:

Germany, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, South Korea, Guatemala, Argentina, Italy, Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Peru, South Africa, American Samoa, England, Puerto Rico, Australia, Venezuela, Kenya, the Philippines, Portugal, Fiji, China, Japan, Chile, Colombia, and France.

Have you or someone you know been to one or more of these places?