Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Sunday Afternoon General Session

All too soon, another general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concluded. Although each conference is relatively predictable, there's always a twinge of regret when the president of the Church says "Conference is now over" during his closing remarks. The spirit of general conference does not necessarily require attendance in person to experience; it can apparently be transmitted via cyberspace.

Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. Those who don't want to wait can read the LDS Church News summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning general session HERE.

KSL news video embedded below:

LDS General Conference focuses on faith and relationships | ksl.com

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke about the power of deliverance, leavening his discourse with two examples from the Book of Mormon. He constrated the examples of the people of Alma with the people of Limhi; both held captive by the Lamanites, but only one of them, the people of Alma, delivered. The difference: The people of Alma were peaceful and more righteous, they had already been baptized and entered into a covenant with the Lord, and they humbled themselves before the Lord even before their tribulations started. In the final analysis, Elder Perry reminded us that the Book of Mormon is just another testament of Jesus Christ; the first testaments of our Savior are the Old and New Testaments — or the Bible.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve compared the Holy Ghost to a divine version of the GPS navigational system; if heeded, it can bring us safely back onto the right path, where the atoning sacrifice of the Savior can once again take effect and return us home. In contrast to secular conventional wisdom that some sectors of society have stronger values and families because they are more educated and prosperous, Gospel-centered conventional wisdom holds that they are more educated and prosperous because of their values and strong families. Elder Mallard suggested four steps to avoid becoming lost. First, prioritize; second, do things in the right order, which means marriage FIRST, then family; third, husbands and wives should be equal partners in marriage; and fourth, use the family resources of the Church.

Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the Seventy discussed how we can gain the vision necessary to do those things that will bring us closer to the Savior. The trick is to see ourselves as the Savior sees us rather than through our own imperfect mortal perspective. An example is when Jesus called humble fishermen to be his disciples; they may have looked rude and crude on the outside, but Jesus saw an inner strength not visible to most others. The upshot -- although Peter denied the Christ three times in one night, he ultimately became the Rock upon who Christ built his Church. But Elder Haleck also reminded people that the Holy Ghost and inspired Church leaders can help give a deeper understanding of our Savior's vision for us.

Elder Larry Y. Wilson of the Seventy spoke on the necessity of using power only upon principles of righteousness. He cited a personal anecdote where, early in his marriage, he made the mistake of telling his new bride that he had the right to tell her how to drive the car simply because he was her husband and he held the priesthood. A couple of days of being "cut off" from her presence and sleeping on the couch undoubtedly disabused him of that notion. Elder Wilson explained that the Doctrine and Covenants holds that the right to use the priesthood is directly connected with righteousness in our lives, and that we lose access to the Holy Spirit and to whatever authority we may have from God when we exercise control over another person in an unrighteous manner. Another drawback with using unnecessary coercion is that it negates learning opportunities for those being coerced. The bottom line -- some lessons can only be learned through trial and ERROR.

Elder David F. Evans of the Seventy gave a short but useful talk on the importance of sharing the Gospel. Many times, when you convert one person, it opens the door to the convert's family and friends. Elder Evans tells us we can ask our Heavenly Father for inspiration as to who we should reach out to first, and then make sure we act forthwith upon any promptings received. He advises us to do it in a natural and normal way, letting them know of your love for them and for the Lord.

Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy added his voice to those who already addressed this conference on the Holy Spirit and divine encounters. While our experiences with the divine will not be as dramatic as those of Moses or Joseph Smith, they are no less valid, even though they can be so natural and so subtle that we may overlook them or attribute them to reason or intuition, and our strength to endure faithfully depends upon us recognizing, remembering and holding sacred that which we receive from above. But Elder Pieper notes that, just as in ancient times, there is a battle for priority between the sacred and the secular in each human heart. Secular voices increasingly browbeat believers to abandon beliefs the world considers irrational and unreasonable. Nevertheless, Elder Pieper warns us that the sacred cannot be selectively surrendered; those who choose to abandon even one sacred thing will have their minds darkened and, unless they repent, the light they have shall be taken from them.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve reminded us that Jesus Christ is a two-dimensional figure; while he preaches love, he also condemns sin. "Even with His love for all mankind, Jesus reprovingly referred to some around Him as hypocrites, fools and workers of iniquity," Elder Andersen said. "He approvingly called others children of the kingdom and the light of the world. He disapprovingly referred to some as blinded and unfruitful; He commended others as pure in heart, and hungering after righteousness. He lamented that some were faithless and of the world, but others He esteemed as chosen, disciples, friends..."

President Thomas S. Monson closed out the conference by assuring people that although the Brethren are far removed from many of us, they feel of our spirit and dedication, and they send their love and appreciation to us wherever we are. In closing, President Monson said, "We live in troubled times. I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face. He loves each of us and desires to bless us and to help us. May we call upon Him in prayer, as He admonished when He said: 'Pray always, and I will pour out my spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing — yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth'."

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Times and Seasons, Feminist Mormon Housewives, Wheat and Tares

Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Sunday Morning General Session

The Sunday morning general session of the 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was headlined by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who delivered what could be considered a "red-letter address" calling upon Church members to be less judgmental and more forgiving. The primary beneficiary of forgiveness is the forgiver. In addition, the departing Relief Society President Julie M. Beck gave an exit address that effectively communicated the vision and purpose of Relief Society.

Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. For those who don't want to wait, LDS Church News makes summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon general session HERE.

Summary: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, delivered a sharp and succinct message calling upon people to stop being judgmental. "When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm — please apply the following: Stop it!", proclaimed President Uchtdorf. He characterized refusal to forgive, to include one's own self, as a grievous sin. Forgiveness is required so that we ourselves can be forgiven. Forgiveness requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking — even a change of heart, which is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring about.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the relationship between body and spirit. Noted that although our Heavenly Father gave us a wondrous physical body, that it is animated by the spirit tabernacle it encloses, which also gives it personality. Elder Nelson noted that the attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual, including love, virtue, integrity, compassion and service to others.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy discussed how trusting in God's will is central to mortality. He cited the example of parents who willingly and knowingly bring a disabled child into this world, and how their anguish of knowing that this will continues every day, without relief, during the lifetime of the parent or the child is countered by countless heavenly and earthly ministering angels prepared to lighten the burden when it becomes critical. Though many people face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches and all manner of afflictions, a loving Savior will always be there.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve noted the growing public interest in the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and used this opportunity to publicly address confusion about our doctrine and how it is established. Unlike some faith traditions, where theologians claim equal teaching authority with the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and doctrinal matters may become a contest of opinions between them, in the LDS Church today, just as in the first Christian church, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation to those the Lord endows with apostolic authority. The president of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him. Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Revelation is the centerpiece.

Sister Julie M. Beck, the outgoing Relief Society President, summarized the vision of Relief Society in three words: Faith, family, and relief. From the counsel given by living prophets, it is clear that the purposes of Relief Society are to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and seek out and help those in need. Sister Beck characterized Relief Society as more than just a "program", explaining "It is an official part of the Lord's Church that is divinely ordained of God to teach, strengthen and inspire sisters in their purpose regarding faith, family and relief. Relief Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women and its influence extends beyond a Sunday class or social gathering. It follows the pattern of female disciples who served with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles in His ancient Church."

President Thomas S. Monson talked about the race of life. Many get caught up in everyday concerns, but a life crisis a diagnosis of a potentially fatal medical condition can cause one to suddenly shift focus upon more important concerns such as family, friends and the gospel. President Monson noted "It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting and finally succeeding..."

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Feminist Mormon Housewives, By Common Consent, Times and Seasons, and Latter-Day Snark.

Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Saturday Evening Priesthood Session

Special Note: If you're looking for summaries on the October 2012 Semiannual General Conference, click HERE to display all the posts, with the most recent post appearing first.

The Saturday evening priesthood session of the 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consisted of the usual advice proffered to Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood holders to magnify their Priesthood callings along with the customary sprinkling of personal anecdotes designed to drive the message home in the most understandable terms.

Visit the General Conference portal page to learn about the different viewing options available. Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. Those who don't want to wait can read the LDS Church News summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon general session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon general session HERE.

Summary: Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke at length about the divine authority of the Priesthood; worthiness and willingness the two qualifiers of Priesthood membership. Elder Bednar stressed that the priesthood is to be inherently active rather than passive; those who receive priesthood authority but who willfully refuse to exercise priesthood power are under condemnation from heaven. At the same time, the priesthood is to be used to to serve, to bless and to strengthen other people; nothing about it is self-centered.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley, who was First Counselor in the just-released Presiding Bishopric, discussed the importance of reaching out to and re-activating less-active Church members. He suggested there are many callings available for less-active members so long as they meet other standards of worthiness. He noted that it is not all that easy or comfortable for less-active members to just walk back into the Church; they need help, support and fellowship. Along those lines, he urged people to treat less-active members as equals and viewed them as fully-vested sons and daughters of a loving God.

Brother Adrian Ochoa, Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, directed his remarks primarily towards the younger Aaronic Priesthood members. Like Elder Bednar, Brother Ochoa told the younger set that Priesthood power needs to be exercised in order to be magnified; he observed with frustration that many young men simply do not understand how much good they can do with the power they hold. He said the best way to battle evil is to promote righteousness and stand up boldly for what they know is true. Like John the Baptist, who was also an Aaronic Priesthood holder, current Aaronic Priesthood holders are also preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, spoke about the difference between the "what" and the "why" of priesthood service. He explained that it is important to learn and attend to what one must do in priesthood callings, but it is in the "why" of priesthood service that we discover the fire, passion and power of the priesthood. "The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do," he said. "The why inspires our soul. The what informs, but the why transforms."

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of the importance of being sealed by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood in a holy temple of God. He spoke of the keys held by the apostle Peter and said that at the coming of the prophet Elijah in this dispensation, power was given to the priesthood and hearts were to be turned. President Eyring suggested four things priesthood fathers could do to lift and lead their families back to the Lord once again: Maintain a sure witness that the keys of the priesthood are with us, love our wives, enlist the entire family to love each other, and, when discipline is needed, correct in the Lord's way to lead them toward eternal life.

President Thomas S. Monson shared teachings from some of the most noble of God's leaders who have spoken in previous general priesthood meetings of the Church. All the individuals cited put out the same message, albeit in different forms; namely, that the priesthood is the government of God, the power to act in God's name. President Monson further characterized priesthood as not so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. President Monson also cautioned that at times the wisdom of God may appears to be either foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right.

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Times and Seasons, Feminist Mormon Housewives, Millennial Star, Latter-Day Snark, and Mormon Momma,

Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Saturday Afternoon General Session: Larry EchoHawk Called To The First Quorum Of The Seventy

The Saturday afternoon general session of the 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generated more buzz with the announcement that a new Presiding Bishopric and a new Relief Society Presidency had been called. In addition, an official of the Obama Administration was called to be a Seventy.

Visit the General Conference portal page to learn about the different viewing options available. Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. Those who don't want to wait can read the LDS Church News summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon general session HERE.

KSL news video embedded below:

Leadership changes announced in LDS General Conference | ksl.com

Summary: Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, announced the new appointments. The headline appointment is the calling of Larry EchoHawk, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior, to the First Quorum of Seventy. He becomes the first American Indian General Authority since George P. Lee. EchoHawk is resigning his Administration position to accept the LDS Church calling.

President Uchtdorf also announced a new Presiding Bishopric including Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, First Counselor Gérald Caussé and Second Counselor Dean M. Davies. The Presiding Bishopric governs the temporal affairs of the church, such as its facilities and welfare programs. In addition, a new Relief Society Presidency was presented, including Sister Linda K. Burton, President; Sister Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor; and Sister Linda S. Reeves, Second Counselor. Short biographies on these new officials, as well as a list of other new callings, are available at LDS Newsroom.

President Uchtdorf also presented the Church's annual statistical report. Total world membership is now 14,441,346, a total of 281,312 converts were baptized in 2011, there are 55,410 full-time missionaries in the field, and 136 temples are currently in operation.

Elder Jeffrey Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve cited the parable of the laborers found in Matthew 20:1-15 to teach and demonstrate God's capacity for mercy and forgiveness. Elder Holland's point is that there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessings or receives some special recognition, and we should not feel offended, because we are not diminished when someone else is added upon. He maintains the real race is not against one another, but against sin.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the need to become truly converted and spiritually self-reliant by prayerfully living our covenants through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend and sacrificing to serve others. The sacrament is more than just bread and water; it represents the renewal of the covenant made at baptism. For the sacrament to be a spiritually cleansing experience each week, we need to prepare ourselves before coming to sacrament meeting.

Elder David S. Baxter of the Seventy delivered a welcome and perhaps somewhat overdue message towards the single parents within the Church. Specifically, he said "Please never feel that you are in some kind of second-tier, sub-category of Church membership, somehow less entitled to the Lord's blessings than others. In the kingdom of God there are no second-class citizens." Elder Baxter then challenged members and leaders to ask what more they could do to support single-parent families.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Seventy spoke of the importance of sowing in the spirit and not sowing in the flesh, as taught by the Apostle Paul. He explained that to sow in the spirit means that all our thoughts, words and actions must elevate us to the level of the divinity of our Heavenly Parents. Sowing in the spirit can better immunize us against being influenced by the passion, desires, appetites and drives of the flesh.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve wants us to tune in to the music of faith. He expressed concern about members who are less interested and less faithful to some of the Savior's teachings, saying that his desire is for these members to awaken fully to faith and increase their activity and commitment. God loves all His children, and wants everyone to be in tune with the sacred music of faith. Elder Cook suggested that a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone deaf or off key is the active study of the scriptures.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve discussed how to obtain revelation and inspiration for one's personal life. He screens out negative emotions such as anger, hurt or defensiveness, which will drive away the Holy Ghost, and he will fast and pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. Interestingly, he also told the congregation to be cautious with humor, saying that loud inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. Elder Scott also distinguished between revelation and inspiration, noting that when the Holy Ghost communicates information that is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. In contrast, when it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the purpose of this message, it is inspiration.

Media Reaction: The new callings have triggered media reports on KSL Channel 5 and Salt Lake Tribune stories about the Presiding Bishopric change and the Relief Society change.

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Times and Seasons, By Common Consent, Feminist Mormon Housewives, and The Millennial Star.

Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Saturday Morning General Session

The 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kicked off at 10 A.M. MDT in Salt Lake City, and so far, no one's made any headlines. The precursor event was the General Young Women Meeting held in Salt Lake on March 24th. Directed towards young women 12-18 years of age, the General Young Women Presidency called upon young women to resist the temptations of our popular culture and hold fast to the moral standards of the Church, referring frequently to a manual entitled "For The Strength Of Youth". Video, audio archives, and written transcripts of the talks are available HERE.

Visit the General Conference portal page to learn about the different viewing options available. Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. But if you absolutely, positively cannot wait, LDS Church News makes summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday afternoon general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon general session HERE.

Summary: Apparently the LDS leadership is concerned about reports that many Latter-day Saints are spending too much time on Church callings and not enough time with their families. President Boyd K. Packer declared that family time is a sacred time that should be protected and respected, and called upon local Priesthood leaders to make the Church more family-friendly. And Elder Donald L. Hallstrom cautioned people against sacrificing Gospel activity for the sake of Church activity, noting that Church activity is merely the external manifestation of Gospel activity.

President Packer also added that that some people remain unmarried and childless, while others, due to circumstances beyond their control, are raising children as single mothers or single fathers. He noted that these are temporary states, and that in the eternities, righteous yearning and longing will be fulfilled. The Salt Lake Tribune also reported that President Packer spoke out against elective abortion, relating the story of a college coed who had an abortion and then later married the young man who had fathered the child. The couple went on to have other children, but mourned the loss of that one. President Packer said "She told me how tormented she now was to look at her family, her beautiful children, and see in her mind the empty place where that one child was missing..."

Sister Cheryl Esplin, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency, reminded parents that their responsibility was not merely to teach their children the doctrine, but also to teach them to understand the doctrine. This can often be done within the context of a given moment, which means parents must always be alert for teaching opportunities which can present themselves without prior notice. Elder Paul E. Koelliker noted that establishing righteous patterns is essential in developing the ability to love and nurture others, and in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. He explained that establishing such patterns can also help one learn to heed the Holy Spirit, and concluded that it is through developing the ability to be Christ-centered in how one thinks, speaks and acts that is fundamental in becoming a disciple of Christ.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the importance of sacrifice. After enumerating the multitude of ways in which Church members make sacrifices regularly, most notably through missionary service, Elder Oaks concluded by saying that sacrifices of time and means are part of one's schooling and qualifying for eternity. "Just as the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, we followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices to prepare for the destiny that plan provides for us," Elder Oaks declared.

President Henry B. Eyring said that an unshakable foundation of faith is built by loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him. But he noted that building faith requires exposure to the tests of adversity, and the ground must be carefully prepared for our foundation of faith to withstand the storms that will come into every life. Choosing the right creates the solid ground under one's faith. Serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul can turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength.

And, of course, President Thomas S. Monson opened up the session by reminding us that we should be grateful that we live during an era where modern conveniences permit almost instantaneous communication worldwide, permitting us to better come together as one, speaking many languages, living in many lands, but all of one faith and one doctrine and one purpose. President Monson pledged that this great cause in which we are engaged will continue to go forth, changing and blessing lives as it does so, promising that no force in the entire world can stop the work of God from going forward.

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Times and Seasons, By Common Consent, Feminist Mormon Housewives, and The Millennial Star.

LDS General Young Women Meeting Takes Place On March 24th, 2012; The "Arise And Shine Forth" Theme Gets Top Billing

As a precursor to the 182nd Annual LDS General Conference coming up on March 31st - April 1st, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held its General Young Women Meeting in Salt Lake City on March 24th, 2012. Video and audio archives of the talks are now available HERE, and written transcripts will follow later this week.

Each member of the Young Women Presidency delivered words of wisdom to the young women 12-18 years of age present; the meeting was capped by an address by President Thomas S. Monson. Media coverage provided by the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. KSL news video embedded below:

LDS young women counseled to be strong in their faith at conference | ksl.com

LDS Church News contains summaries of the talks; click on the highlighted name of the speaker to go directly to the full summary. After some musical offerings by the Young Women Choir assembled from stakes in American Fork, UT, Sister Ann M. Dibb, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, led off. Sister Dibb noted that now is the time for the youth of the Church to arise and shine forth, holding fast to the standards set forth in the booklet "For The Strength Of Youth". She added that our Heavenly Father does not want us to look to the world and follow its ever-changing trends, but to look to Him and follow His unchanging guidance, so that by living the Gospel, we can lead others to it. Watch YouTube video of her talk HERE.

Sister Mary N. Cook, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, was next, and her focus was on the need to seek learning by studying diligently. She explained that because God gave us moral agency and the opportunity to learn while on earth, He has a work for us to do. To accomplish this work, we have an individual responsibility to seek learning. She noted that some of the most important learning takes place outside the classroom, and urged the young ladies present to surround themselves with exemplary women who can teach skills in homemaking, art, music, family history, sports, writing and speaking.

Next up was Sister Elaine M. Dalton, Young Women General President. Sister Dalton also told the young women that now is the time to arise and shine. She also referred to the booklet "For The Strength Of Youth", explaining that it is through living the standards explained within the booklet that individuals will be able to know what to do to become more like the Savior and to be happy in an ever darkening world, as well as qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

President Thomas S. Monson concluded the meeting by talking about the challenges of the teenage years. But instead of calling them Terrible Teens, he prefers to refer to them as Terrific Teens. He characterized the teenage years as a period when young people have a time of opportunity, a season of growth, and a semester of development — marked by the acquisition of knowledge and the quest for truth. President Monson then talked about three essential signals from the Lord's lighthouse that will help the young women return to their Heavenly Father who eagerly awaits their triumphant homecoming. Those signals are believe, obey and endure. Watch YouTube video of his talk HERE.

Additional information about the upcoming 182nd Annual General Conference is available HERE. The Bonneville.info website provides information on cable, broadcast, and satellite television options.