They Spoke to Us

Ideas for Children and Their Families

Do you remember what happened at general conference? What did you learn? Here are some ideas to help you apply Church leaders’ counsel in your own life.

President Gordon B. Hinckley: “To our young people, the glorious youth of this generation, I say, be true. Hold to the faith. Stand firmly for what you know to be right. …

“… Live by your standards. Pray for the guidance and protection of the Lord. He will never leave you alone. He will comfort you. He will sustain you.”

Discuss this counsel from the talk beginning on page 82. Then review My Gospel Standards, found on the back of your Faith in God booklet. Discuss with your parents the ways you are living your standards.

President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency: “As our youngest son, Clark, was approaching his 12th birthday, he and I were leaving the Church Administration Building when President Harold B. Lee approached and greeted us. I mentioned that Clark would soon be 12, whereupon President Lee turned to him and asked, ‘What happens to you when you turn 12?’

“… Clark, without hesitation, said to President Lee, ‘I will be ordained a deacon!’

“The answer was the one President Lee had sought. He then counseled our son, ‘Remember, it is a great blessing to hold the priesthood.’”

Turn to the talk beginning on page 56. Read about the service President Monson gave to a ward member when he was a deacon. Discuss ways you can give service to a neighbor or a ward or branch member.

President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “Grandfather took a trip in the winter to Idaho, where he met an acquaintance who had fallen on hard times. It was cold, and Grandfather’s friend had no coat. Grandfather took off his coat and gave it to him.

“… Begin to unlock the knowledge of who you really are by learning more about your forebears.”

Review some of the stories in the talk beginning on page 53. Ask your parents to tell a favorite story about one of their ancestors. Write down the story.

President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Remember the First Vision when young Joseph knelt in the grove. Immediately thick darkness gathered around him. He was seized by the power of the enemy, an actual being from the unseen world. He did what every one of you can do. He called upon God, and the evil power left him.

“There is great power in prayer. As a son or a daughter of God, you can, as Joseph did, pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ for strength.”

Discuss this story from the talk beginning on page 24. Then tell the rest of Joseph Smith’s experience in the Sacred Grove. See Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Think of the faith of a boy, about eight years of age, who was facing an emergency operation for acute appendicitis. As he lay on the operating table, he looked up at the surgeon and said, ‘Doctor, before you begin to operate, will you pray for me?’

“The surgeon looked at the boy in amazement and said, ‘Why, I can’t pray for you.’”

Find out what the boy did next by reading this story from the talk beginning on page 44. Then think of a time when your prayers were answered. If you would like to, share your experience with your family.

Elder Sheldon F. Child of the Seventy: “If God loves us enough to send us prophets, then we need to love Him enough to follow them. Following the prophets will help protect us against the storms of life and lead us to Christ.”

See the talk beginning on page 8. Make a list of ways you will follow the counsel President Hinckley gave in conference.

Sydney S. Reynolds, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency: “The Savior gave His life for each one of us. He knows our joys and our sorrows. He knows my name and your name.”

See the talk beginning on page 76. How do you know that Jesus Christ knows your name, your joys, and your sorrows? Discuss how you can show your love for Him.