They Spoke to Us

Making Conference Part of Our Lives

Consider using some of these activities and questions as a starting point for family discussion or personal pondering as you make the teachings of general conference a part of your life.

You can find all general conference talks online at conference.lds.org.

Note: The page numbers listed below indicate the first page of the talk mentioned.

For Children

• President Thomas S. Monson announced that the Church will build three new temples, bringing the total number of temples operating, under construction, or announced to 160. Look at a map to find Meridian, Idaho, USA; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and the temple nearest your home. Read or retell some of the stories President Monson told of faithful members who had sacrificed greatly to attend the temple (page 90). Make goals to attend the temple as soon as you can, or discuss ways to remain worthy to enter the temple.

• When Adam and Eve lived on earth, one of the ways they worshipped Heavenly Father was by sacrificing animals. Elder L. Tom Perry taught that the Savior introduced the sacrament to His disciples on the Sabbath day as a new form of worship. We continue to worship by partaking of the sacrament on the Sabbath. Review Elder Perry’s talk (page 6) as a family to learn about proper Sunday dress and other ways to honor the sacrament and the Sabbath.

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught that Jesus Christ instructed us that we ought to strive to be like Him and our Heavenly Father (page 97). Our Heavenly Father sometimes “chastens” His children to help us become more like Him. Discuss what it means to chasten. Read or retell the story of the overgrown currant bush. Talk about how having a setback or failure can actually help us grow stronger and be more fruitful.

• Elder Richard J. Maynes taught that families can be like ropes (page 37). A rope has many strands that are weak on their own but are strong when woven together. Similarly, when all the members of a family do what is right and help one another, each person in the family is strengthened and can do more than he or she could do alone. Give each member of your family a piece of string or yarn. Talk about ways each family member serves and strengthens other family members. Then see how strong the pieces of string or yarn are when they are put together.

For Youth

• Is your class or quorum as unified as possible? After reviewing President Henry B. Eyring’s talk about unity (page 62), make a list of what you can do to bring your group closer together.

• Elder Russell M. Nelson talked about the “cafeteria approach” to obedience (page 34). Discuss with your family, class, or quorum what this means and why it doesn’t work.

• Elder M. Russell Ballard described the pure love of Christ as an active love (page 46) that is shown in simple acts of kindness and service. Plan a way your class or quorum can show love to someone in your ward, branch, or community and then carry out your plan.

• Elder Quentin L. Cook told the story of a purse found after a youth dance (page 18). What the leaders found inside the purse spoke volumes about the young woman who owned it. What do the contents of your purse, wallet, or schoolbag say about you, and what changes might you want to make in the things you keep close to you?

• Elder Lynn G. Robbins talked about becoming more like the Savior (page 103). Think about what it means to be like Jesus Christ rather than just doing what He asks. Then think about what changes you can make in your life to become more like the Savior.

For Adults

• President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (page 58) shared a story about a man who lived below his privileges as he missed out on the many activities and good food offered on his cruise ship because he didn’t realize all of these things were included in the price of his ticket. Discuss with family members who hold the priesthood ways they can live up to their “privileges when it comes to the sacred power, gifts, and blessings that are [their] opportunity and right as bearers of God’s priesthood.”

• President Boyd K. Packer taught about the power of forgiveness (page 30). Are there people you need to forgive, or are there troubling experiences you need to “leave … alone”? Seek the Lord’s help in finding peace and the power to forgive.

• Elder Richard G. Scott told of how he and his wife, Jeanene, showed affection by writing notes to each other (page 94). Consider writing a note saying how much you love and appreciate your spouse. Put it where your spouse will find it.

• Elder David A. Bednar quoted President Joseph F. Smith’s experience with gaining a testimony (page 87). Review this story and think about what experiences have influenced your testimony.

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