Stories from General Conference—Inspirational Messages for Our Time

023: Service, vol. 2

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 23: Service, vol. 2—As we freely give of ourselves without expecting anything in return, we are taking steps toward becoming more like the Savior. Service can sometimes be done by ourselves, but other times it takes the unified efforts of many, each making a contribution where he or she is able.

022: Testimony

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 22: Testimony—The Holy Spirit brings immense joy, light, and understanding to our souls when it bears witness of the truth. Our testimonies grow as we share the witness we have received. Prophets have stated that the strength of the Church lies in every member’s individual testimony. Testimony brings power into our life to withstand temptation.

021: Sacrifice, vol. 2

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 21: Sacrifice, vol. 2—Sacrifices are often not easy, but as we are willing to give up something great, we will receive something even greater in return. The scriptures teach us that one of the most important sacrifices we can offer to God is a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Ne. 9:20). This means we must be willing to do everything God asks of us.

020: Personal Worthiness

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 20: Personal Worthiness—The scriptures teach us, “Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (D&C 88:68). The Lord will fulfill His promise as we make choices that keep us worthy of the Holy Spirit.

019: Example, vol. 2

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 19: Example, vol. 2—When people are willing to stand up for what they believe, especially when they feel they are standing alone, a powerful statement is made. They become an example and create a pattern that will build a higher standard for those willing to follow. Being a good example is not always easy. It takes courage and faith.

018: Faith, vol. 2

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 18: Faith, vol. 2—Faith is a principle of power that leads to action. When we choose to center our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, miracles can occur in our lives. From the pages of the Book of Mormon, Alma teaches us that our faith will give us hope for things we cannot see, which are true (see Alma 32). As we develop faith, our desire to obey God increases, enriching our lives with greater happiness. As we take action, exercising our faith, we create a sure foundation to build our lives on.

017: Faith

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 MST

Episode 17: Faith—The Bible Dictionary in the LDS edition of the Bible says that “faith is a principle of action and power.” It continues by saying that “although faith is a gift, it must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed to a great tree.” It is cultured by following the commandments of God. The Bible Dictionary also says that “faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.” From this we learn that faith is an action that leads to knowledge.

016: Choices

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 16: Choices—The power to choose is one of the greatest gifts given to us by a loving Heavenly Father. It allows us to direct our individual courses in life and achieve the greatest potential both for happiness and unhappiness. Life is about making choices, some more important than others, many between good and evil. Every choice we make has a natural consequence. While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of those actions.

015: Sacrifice

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 15: Sacrifice—In Lectures on Faith, we are taught, “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” Through sacrifice we exercise and gain faith. We can come to know and emulate the Savior as well as deepen our love for Him and others.

014: Callings

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 14: Callings—A calling may be defined as a Church-related assignment a person is asked to perform by the leaders of a Church unit. Callings are made under inspiration and provide opportunities for service. Callings are one way we can serve God and our fellowman. They come from God, and when this is understood, commitment rises to a higher level.

013: Obedience

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 MST

Episode 13: Obedience—In the Pearl of Great Price, the Lord speaks of man’s purpose on earth: “We will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” Obedience is integral to God’s plan for us. Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of this principle, having done the will of His Father completely. We must learn to live the principle of obedience in our own lives so we can return to live with Heavenly Father. When we are obedient to the commandments, we find safety and peace.

012: Missionary Work

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 12: Missionary Work—The topic of this collection of “Stories from General Conference” is missionary work. Missionary work is an important activity of the Church. Imagine the result if each member was an effective missionary. We are needed tools in the hands of God. The Lord needs each of us to help His sheep learn and come to Him.

011: Kindness

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 11: Kindness—This episode of “Stories from General Conference” is on the topic of kindness. The Savior taught that we should love our God and our neighbors. The way to do so is to show kindness to all those around you. Small doses of kindness dispensed by the giver can bring great healing to the receiver, and both are blessed.

010: Example

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 10: Example—The topic of this collection of “Stories from General Conference” is the power of example. The Savior is the best example for us to follow. It is clear in the scriptures that we need to follow His example and be examples to others. When we choose to follow the example of the Savior, our lives and those around us will be blessed.

009: Prayer

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 09: Prayer—The topic of this collection of stories from general conference is prayer. When we realize we are children of a loving Father in Heaven, the desire to pray becomes instinctive. Prayer is used in many situations and is a means to bring our will in harmony with the will of God.

008: Priesthood

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 MST

Episode 08: Priesthood—Priesthood is the topic of this series of stories from General Conference. The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity. The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self. By following His example as a faithful, obedient priesthood bearer, we can access great power. When required, we can exercise the power of healing, of blessing, of consoling, and of counseling, as the quiet promptings of the Spirit are faithfully followed.

007: Priesthood Power

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 07: Priesthood Power—Defined as the authority God grants to men on earth to act in His name. Stories about blessings that come from priesthood power are shared by President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Merrill J. Bateman, and Elder Craig A. Cardon.

006: Fatherhood

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 06: Fatherhood—The word “fatherhood” can invoke many meanings. One such meaning pertains to our relationship with our Heavenly Father as His sons and daughters. Another meaning of the word applies to earthly roles as fathers and their relationship to their children here in mortality. Stories on fatherhood are shared from Jeffrey R. Holland, Robert C. Oaks, James E. Faust, Thomas S. Monson, W. Douglas Shumway, and F. Melvin Hammond.

005: Worthiness

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 05: Worthiness—It is clear that the Lord has instructed us to live to be worthy of His Spirit. Personal worthiness allows God to bless us and provides us with peace of mind. Worthiness comes by living the commandments despite the evil in the world around us. The scriptures warn us not to put off the day of our repentance. If we procrastinate in becoming worthy, we may miss an opportunity or a blessing. Being worthy at all times allows God to work through us for the blessing of others. Personal worthiness is an individual quest that each should constantly work toward.

004: Service

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 04: Service—Service is the topic for this series of stories from general conference. During a sermon recorded in the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin said, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17). Service is emphasized in the Church from the time we are children. The priesthood is given to men to use in the service of others. One of the primary purposes of the women's organization of the Church, the Relief Society, is to provide opportunities to serve others. The Church participates in humanitarian service projects throughout the world. Missionaries volunteer on their own time and at their own expense, all to serve others. Service benefits both the receiver and the giver. It helps develop unselfish and Christlike attitudes toward our fellow beings.

003: Repentance

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 03: Repentance—According to the Guide to the Scriptures, repentance is a change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God’s commandments and desires and forsaking sin. God in His infinite love and mercy has prepared a way for us to overcome sin and return to Him. Only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can our repentance become effective and accepted by God. Several stories shared from general conferences illustrate the principle of repentance.

002: Attitude

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 02: Attitude—Attitude is the topic for this series of stories from general conference. We can choose what our attitude will be, and it makes all the difference. Cultivating a positive attitude can make our lives happier, not only for ourselves, but for those around us. We individually choose our attitude. It doesn't matter if the situation is good or bad, but it's how we approach it. There's an old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." When we center our lives on the gospel of Christ, we have every reason to rejoice with a positive attitude.

001: Forgiveness

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:00:00 MST

Episode 01: Forgiveness—The practical application of this principle is sometimes difficult. The Savior set the example as He hung on the cross and pleaded on behalf of the very men who had placed Him there. This episode features several talks to help deepen our understanding and reinforce our application of this principle.