Ensign » 2008 » November
"They Spoke to Us," Ensign, Nov 2008, 122-23
How will you make the teachings in general conference part of your life and the lives of your family members? Consider using some of these statements and questions as a starting point for discussion or personal pondering.
You can also read, listen to, or watch general conference talks online at www.lds.org.
* "May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own."-President Thomas S. Monson (see page 106 ).
* "The children of God have more in common than they have differences. ... God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack."-President Henry B. Eyring (see page 68 ).
* "As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, [and] commit to keep the commandments of God, ... we attain hope."-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (see page 21 ).
* President Henry B. Eyring taught of building unity by speaking kindly of one another: "I can promise you a feeling of peace and joy when you speak generously of others in the Light of Christ" (see page 68 ).
* "Young people, [sacrament meeting] is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting," said Elder Dallin H. Oaks (see page 17 ).
* Elaine S. Dalton said, "I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world, but in order to do so, we must return to virtue" (see page 78 ).
* To read conference experiences by youth, go to newera.lds.org.
* President Boyd K. Packer recounted several of the trials faced by early Latter-day Saints (see page 88 ). How did their faith strengthen them during these trials? How can your faith strengthen you? (For additional ideas, see Elder Robert D. Hales's talk, on page 72 .)
* Elder D. Todd Christofferson identified three things we need in order to be a Zion people (see page 37 ). Make a list of the ways you can progress in each of these areas.
* Elder M. Russell Ballard and Silvia H. Allred talked about the gospel being spread across the nations of the earth (see pages 81 and 10 ). Also, in his opening address, President Thomas S. Monson said, "I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas [where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely], that we might share with them the joy of the gospel." If you remember President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) sharing similar counsel, talk about your experience with following that counsel. What have you noticed about the growth of the Church in your own area? Talk with your family about praying together that opportunities will be granted for the gospel to be preached in additional places.
* Whatever trials we may face, Heavenly Father will not leave us alone (see the talks on pages 21 , 29 , 32 , 41 , 75 , and 102 ). How have you seen Heavenly Father answer your prayers as you face difficult situations?
In his conference talk, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: "When our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, was asked on his birthday this past August what would be the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him, he said without a moment's hesitation, 'Find someone who is having a hard time, ... and do something for them.'"1
Children, would you like to give President Monson a birthday present? Think of an act of service you could do for someone. Maybe your grandpa needs help around the house. Or perhaps that new boy at school needs a friend. There are many people who need help, and many kind children to help them! Tell us about your act of service, and then read about many others in the August 2009 Liahona and Friend-President Monson's birthday month!
Please e-mail your letter, photo, and permission to friend@ldschurch.org or to liahona@ldschurch.org. Or send your letter, photo, and permission to:
Birthday Service
Friend [or Liahona] Magazine
50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, USA
The following information and permission must be included:
Full Name
Age
State/Province, Country
I grant permission to print submission and photo:
Signature of parent or legal guardian
Please respond by December 15, 2008. Children whose letters are submitted should be at least three years old.
Photo illustrations by Jerry Garns, John Luke, Matthew Reier, and Christina Smith
1. Thomas S. Monson, quoted in Gerry Avant, "Prophet's Birthday: Milestone of 81," Church News, Aug. 23, 2008, 4.
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