They Spoke to Us

Report from the 159th Semiannual General Conference, September 30 and October 1, 1989

President Ezra Taft Benson: We encourage families to give their elderly parents and grandparents the love, care, and attention they deserve. …

To honor and respect our parents means that we have a high regard for them. We love and appreciate them and are concerned about their happiness and well-being. We treat them with courtesy and thoughtful consideration. … Certainly obedience to parents’ righteous desires and wishes is a part of honoring.

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: All through life, men, women, even little children receive the right to inspired direction to guide them in their lives—personal revelation!

Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: I … continue to be … awed by the goodness and majesty of the Creator, who knows not only the names of the stars but knows your name and my name—each of us as His sons and daughters.

Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: We have been promised that the President of the Church will receive guidance for all of us as the revelator for the Church. Our safety lies in [listening] to that which he says and following his counsel.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: One of the best qualities in any of the sons and daughters of God, whatever their circumstances, is a determination to become better. Since we all have a need to improve, we should always be willing to recognize goodness and encourage improvement in everyone.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The missionaries need our faith and prayers. Pray fervently every day for their safety and protection, for this is one very important way we all can support them in accomplishing their essential assignment of proclaiming the gospel to all the world.

Elder Dean L. Larsen of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy: There is a special power in the scriptures. Scripture study, combined with daily, purposeful prayer, can [help us] offset the influences so prevalent in the world that lead us into forbidden ways.

Elder W. Eugene Hansen of the First Quorum of the Seventy: Be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others, always careful not to demean or belittle by either word or act. Be encouraging, uplifting, careful not to break down a person’s confidence.

Elder Benjamin B. Banks of the Second Quorum of the Seventy: Live clean, pure lives. Study the scriptures—not just read, but study the scriptures—especially the Book of Mormon, as President Benson has counseled us to do. Be strong enough to live the Word of Wisdom, and follow the counsel of your parents and priesthood leaders.

Photo by Peggy Jellinghausen