General Conference: “Testimony”

In his talk “Testimony” Elder Dallin H Oaks explains what a testimony is and how to gain a testimony. He begins by stating that a testimony “Is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost” about specific gospel principles. He goes on to point out that a testimony is not a sermon or stories that you share from the pulpit. Elder Oaks talks about the knowledge that makes up a testimony. He points out that a spiritual knowledge is different from a physical or scientific knowledge. We gain that spiritual knowledge through the Holy Ghost, as it … Continue reading

General Conference: “Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?”

In his talk “Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?” Elder Enrique R. Falabella speaks of the blessings that the church offers to its members. He mentions three specific blessings that he has felt from being a member of the church. He opens the talk by speaking about his childhood. His father was a widower. His family was poor and struggled to make ends meet. Eventually missionaries came and taught them the gospel. They were able to be sealed together in the temple. He speaks of the importance of eternal families. Elder Falabella goes on to emphasize that … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Things of Which I Know”

In his talk “The Things of Which I Know” President Gordon B Hinckley bears his testimony of the gospel. He opens his talk by talking about his age and his health. He then goes on to speak about the Nicene Creed. He explains how the Nicene Creed came to be. He says that it is difficult to understand. President Hinckley bears his testimony about the gospel. He bears his testimony about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the church. He points out that the First Vision teaches us that God really does answer prayers. He counsels us to … Continue reading

RS/EQ: “The Nourishing Power of Hymns” by Jay E. Jensen

Part of the Relief Society/Priesthood lesson curriculum each month is based on one of the conference talks. Our teacher chose “The Nourishing Power of Hymns” by Jay E. Jensen for our class this last week. Miriam already did a great review of this talk, so I thought I’d share the ways in which the lesson was presented to our specific Relief Society. Our teacher began by sharing her personal testimony of the power of music in our lives and the times when she herself felt down and was uplifted by a touching piece of music. She then asked us to … Continue reading

General Conference: “It’s True, Isn’t It? Then Nothing Else Matters”

In his talk “It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters?” Elder Neal A Anderson speaks about the importance of living the gospel completely. He opens his talk by sharing the story of a young man who was returning home to Korea after joining the church. He was talking to President Hinckley who asked him if he could handle giving up his family, his friends and possibly his career for the church. The young man replied by pointing out that since he knew the church was true, nothing else mattered. This young man knew that things would work out if … Continue reading

Share Your Testimony

How often do you share your testimony? I think it is easy to think of only sharing your testimony when you stand up during a testimony meeting or at the end of a lesson that you are teaching. It is important to bear your testimony during these times, but it is also important that you share your testimony on a regular basis with those around you. Here are three ways that you can share your testimony of the Savior and the gospel with those around you. 1) One easy way to share your testimony is in the way that you … Continue reading

RS/EQ: Questioning Your Testimony

Although General Conference has thrown something of a cog into our regular Relief Society and Elder’s Quorum lesson planning (pity whoever is conducting this month, as they didn’t have to prepare a lesson! Unfair!), you should be studying from the Spencer W. Kimball handbook. This week, we are reading Chapter 7, a beautiful lesson on Personal Testimony. As I started off by reading the first section, addressing moments from President Kimball’s life, I was touched by the experience his son had. While on his mission, young Elder Andrew Kimball would frequently be impressed to bear his testimony. Later, he would … Continue reading

General Conference from the Past: “Conversion and Commitment”

As I researched some scriptures for this week’s lesson by President Kimball, I found an old General Conference talk that caught my attention. Since it is over a decade old, I thought it would be an excellent time to review and summarize it. The talk was given by Elder W. Mack Lawrence of the Seventy during the April 1996 General Conference. Focusing primarily on our conversion to the gospel and the subsequent commitment we have to obedience to its principles, Elder Lawrence emphasized our need to “strengthen our conversion to Christ.” Elder Lawrence started out by quoting Elder Romney of … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Power of Personal Testimony”

In his talk “The Power of Personal Testimony” Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf speaks about how our testimony will help us change and help others. He opens his talk by sharing the story of Nephi being commanded to build the boat. Elder Uchtdorf says that Nephi demonstrated his testimony when he faithfully began to build the boat when he had no knowledge of how to do so. Elder Uchtdorf then shares his story of learning to speak English. He uses this story to demonstrate that our actions are influenced by our motives. He was motivated to learn English when he realized … Continue reading

General Conference: “The Law of Tithing”

In his talk “The Law of Tithing” Elder Daniel L Johnson speaks about the law of tithing. He goes over the basics of the law of tithing and explains each of the aspect of the law of tithing. He speaks specifically to those who may struggle with paying their tithing. He acknowledges that at times it may be difficult to pay our tithing because of other obligations, but that we are blessed when we do so. Elder Johnson explains that tithing is ten percent of all your increase and gain. It is important to realize that it is a set … Continue reading