They Spoke to Us

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 in the November 2004 Ensign.)

Search the Words Activity

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 loved him? (Clue: See p. 9.) List some of your blessings that show God’s love for you.

Quotes and Activities

1. 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, or grandmother and ways they can better show her their love.

2. “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?

3. “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?

4. 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 own family? (See President Boyd K. Packer’s talk, p. 86.)

5. 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, p. 104.) What counsel did he give that you can put to work in your own life? Make a list. Begin today.

6. “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.

Stories to Read and Share

Are you preparing a talk or lesson? In the conference talks beginning on the pages listed below, you’ll find stories you can tell and insights you can share.

• Woman expresses gratitude for latter-day Apostles, 6

• Missionary nearly starves in South Pacific, 9

• Missionary is thrown into sea when boat overturns, 9

• Blind Welsh convert crosses plains, 18

• Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball leave for mission to England, 23

• Priesthood leaders take action after Idaho dam breaks, 26

• Activated member thanks missionary, 30

• Man bears testimony on Brazilian bus, 40

• Young Elder Dickson deals with arm amputation, 52

• Young President Monson raises pigeons, 56

• School crossing guard teaches man the gospel, 56

• Young man cares for grandmother, 67

• Elderly sister invites young Elder Uchtdorf’s family to church, 74

• Large Filipino family is reverent, pays tithing, shares the gospel, 92

• Father and son read Book of Mormon, 95

• Boy has too many toy cars, 98

• Missionary has difficulty memorizing, 98

Photography by Kelli Pratt