October 2009 General Conference: Welcome to Conference

President Thomas S. Monson opened the conference with the announcement of five new temples to be built: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan. He quoted words of President Joseph F. Smith as he spoke of temple service and of the spirit world beyond mortality. Said he, “Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their [people] here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.

He urged us to pray for those who live in places where the truth is not allowed, and prayed for us all, looking forward to the addresses of the speakers of the conference following.

April 2009 General Conference: Be Your Best Self

President Thomas S. Monson counseled in his General Priesthood address about striving to put forward our best.

He cited several sources indicating that we face grave difficulties in this task, and offered his advise on how to be successful. The Lord is on our side -- we cannot fail. It is not a time to fear, but to go forth with courage.

The three key elements for success he enumerates are:

1. Study diligently.
2. Pray fervently.
3. Live righteously.

President Monson suggests that if we study the scriptures daily we will have power to resist any temptation that is put before us. The Holy Spirit will guide us as we study.

Fervent prayer will be answered, as with God, all things are possible. Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength.

Holders of the priesthood may not necessarily be eloquent in their speech. They may not hold advanced degrees in difficult fields of study. They may very well be men of humble means. But God is no respecter of persons, and He will sustain His servants in righteousness as they avoid the evils of our day and live lives of virtue and purity

Conference Spinoff: Good Internet Uses

President Monson warned against the evil that lurks in the Internet, but we also were watching this conference over the Internet broadcast.

What other good uses has your family and household made of Internet services? Name and describe some of the normal things you use every day, and perhaps some unique or unusual ideas you might have or be using now that we might share.