They Spoke to Us

Making Conference Part of Our Lives

Consider using some of these statements, activities, and questions as a starting point for family discussion or personal pondering.

You can find general conference addresses online at conference.lds.org. You can also view and share multimedia excerpts from past conference addresses at mormonmessages.org.

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

For Children

• Everyone can participate in family history work! Elder Russell M. Nelson suggested that children can draw a family tree (page 91). Parents can help them add the names of their ancestors.

• Read or retell Elder Quentin L. Cook’s story about the Samoan children fleeing from the tsunami (page 83). Have family members pretend that floodwaters are entering the house and encourage them to find “higher ground,” such as a bed or a chair. Talk about places we can find higher spiritual ground in the flood of wickedness we experience today.

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson talked about William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English (page 32). Ask older children to read a verse of scripture in a language they do not speak. When they say they cannot, invite them to read it in your native language. Talk about the importance of having access to the scriptures in your native tongue.

• With your family, review one of the many general conference talks about Jesus Christ. Sing “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57). Hand out paper and pencils or crayons. Invite your children to draw a favorite story of Jesus. Read the story from the scriptures together.

For Youth

• Review President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk about patience (page 56). What are some gospel principles and practices that can teach us patience? Consider, for example, fasting or not dating until age 16. How have you and your family members benefited from demonstrating patience in following these and other principles?

• Elder M. Russell Ballard, Elder Bradley D. Foster, Sister Julie B. Beck, and Sister Elaine S. Dalton all taught about the divine nature of women (pages 18, 98, 10, and 120). If you are female, how do their talks affect how you feel about your-self? What did you learn about your purpose and gifts? If you are male, how did these messages influence your perception of your mother, sisters, friends, and other women and young women in your life?

• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences … can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil” (page 44). As a family, discuss what you can do to make your home a place where the Spirit can dwell. Examine the art, music, books, video games, and other entertainment you have and discard anything inappropriate.

For Adults

• With your family, review the story President Thomas S. Monson shared about the young man named Jason and his family (page 87). Talk about how knowledge of the plan of salvation can bless us.

• Elder L. Tom Perry shared how his mother taught her children using some of the same material she used to teach Relief Society (page 29). What are some ways you could coordinate your Church service with your family responsibilities?

• Elder Robert D. Hales emphasized the importance of talking with and listening to children and youth (page 95). What opportunities can you create to talk with your children? What have you learned as you have listened to them? How can you show your willingness to listen? In what ways might you take the opportunity to bear testimony spontaneously to children and youth? For examples, see Elder David A. Bednar’s talk (page 40).

• Several speakers addressed the importance of Duty to God and Personal Progress (see pages 22, 54, 60, 95, and 117). What can you do to help the youth in your life benefit from these programs?

The Scriptures in General Conference

As you study the messages from general conference, you might want to look up the following scriptures, which were referred to most often in conference:

• Joshua 1:9

• John 14:6, 27; 19:30

• Galatians 5:22

• 2 Nephi 2:11

• Mosiah 18:9

• Helaman 5:12

• Doctrine and Covenants 13:1; 19:16; 25:13

• Moses 1:39

Here are the seminary scripture-mastery verses that were mentioned in general conference:

• Genesis 39:9

• Job 19:25

• Proverbs 3:5–6

• Isaiah 1:18; 53:4–5

• Matthew 25:40

• John 7:17; 17:3

• 1 Corinthians 10:13; 15:21–22

• 2 Nephi 2:25; 32:3

• Mosiah 3:19

• Alma 37:6; 41:10

• Helaman 5:12

• Moroni 10:4–5

• Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; 18:10; 19:16–19; 25:12; 76:22–23; 82:10; 84:33–38

• Moses 1:39

• Joseph Smith—History 1:17

Here are some stories from the scriptures that were told in general conference:

• Gideon and his 300 soldiers (President Packer, 6)

• Alma and Korihor (Elder Christofferson, 32)

• Ahijah and Jeroboam (Elder Carlson, 38)

• Elisha and Naaman (Elder Carlson, 38)

• Laman and Lemuel (Elder Carlson, 38)

• Parable of the Pharisee and the publican (President Uchtdorf, 68)

• Easter and the Atonement (Elder Scott, 75, and President Monson, 87)

• Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail (Elder Hallstrom, 78)

• Jesus and the Nephite children (Sister Lant, 81)

• Last Supper (Elder Cook, 83)

• Jesus and His mother (Elder Foster, 98)

• Mary and Martha (Elder Schwitzer, 103)

illustration

Photographs by Cody Bell, Les Nilsson, and Laureni Ademar Fochetto; photo illustrations by Christina Smith and Craig Dimond