Last year our team shared some of our favorite Easter-related scriptures. This year, as I listened to General Conference, I wanted to share some of our insights or highlights from this Conference. Good motivation for me to listen to the talks again, since I can't always listen with my kids around. We are grateful for modern-day prophets and ongoing revelation from heaven!
--Spencer
Russell: "Receive His Gift" by Elder Kearon and "Cherishing Life" by Elder Anderson
I love General Conference and the chance to hear from living prophets and apostles. As Spencer alluded to earlier, children can make paying attention the first time through difficult. I was travelling for much of the Saturday sessions and my daughter held my attention for much of Sunday's sessions. However, I always enjoy going back and reviewing the messages shared. I also cherish the first impressions I get because the Holy Ghost still testifies of the truths shared even when I cannot give full attention. I always love hearing where new temples will be built. It is a testimony to me that the work of God is moving forward. I also loved hearing apostles testify of the living, resurrected Christ. They are called to be special witnesses of Him and hearing them testify of Him is powerful. Those are my general thoughts about conference.
Specifically, Elder Anderson and Elder Kearon's talks stuck out to me. Elder Anderson's story about the couple expecting a child with trisomy 21 made me think of my cousin and his wife who recent had and then subsequently buried their daughter who had trisomy 23. They learned of their daughter's condition fairly early on in the pregnancy and my cousin's wife endured the entire pregnancy and birth. They considered it a miracle that they had 3 days with their daughter. I suppose there is a connection between Elder Anderson's and Elder Kearon's talks. Elder Kearon spoke about the gift of knowing that you are a child of God. This knowledge can be life changing and quite comforting in times of trial, hardship, and difficulty. Heavenly Father knows us and loves us very much. I love that Elder Anderson spoke of the sanctity of life and that Elder Kearon spoke of the gift of knowing what it means to have a life as a child of God.
Spencer: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband
I went into General Conference this year with a more specific prayer than usual. The last few months (and the last year) have been a struggle to keep up with the seemingly increasing number of changes in my life. I've felt for the past year (maybe longer) that Heavenly Father wants me to focus on taking care of myself, instead of exhausting myself to the point of breakdown. As I listened to Conference (and as I've relistened to talks I missed or forgot) I was reminded of the importance of developing a relationship with the Savior. Elder Rasband's talk was one of these, teaching about how our lives, our priorities, and our outlooks change as we come to understand our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Ever since these talks (and whenever I listen to a talk that reminds me of that impression) I try to think of how I can slow down and focus on the basics. How can I let go of my temporal worries and trust in the Father? He's always provided for me and my family in the past. Why not now? Just like any relationship, it's important to keep the relationship strong. It doesn't take long for a relationship to dwindle, so it's vital to take stock of important relationships and keep them close. I'm still trying to figure out what developing that relationship with God means for me, but the frequent reminders from General Conference help.
As I prepare to defend my dissertation from BYU, Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Right Before Our Eyes,” resonated deeply with me. He emphasizes the Lord’s hastening work, highlighting the expansion of the Church through increased membership, missionary efforts, temple construction, and educational opportunities. Elder Rasband notes the fulfillment of Joseph Smith’s prophecy that the Church would fill the world, stating, “That prophecy is being fulfilled ‘right before our eyes.’” His message underscores the significance of education in this divine acceleration, aligning with my own experiences at BYU. Elder Rasband’s counsel to “give the Lord equal time” serves as a reminder to balance secular learning with spiritual growth. As I transition from student life, his words inspire me to continue contributing to the Lord’s work, recognizing the majesty of this moment and the role education plays in preparing us for future service. On a personal note I know that I would not have been able to graduate without the Lord's help and thanks to attending the temple and scripture studying I have been able to do something I know I wouldn't be able to do on my own. I am so grateful that the work of the Lord is being hastened so others can feel of the great joy that God brings to our lives.
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