Hope, spiritual encouragement for LDS members

Twice a year, thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come together from all over the world looking for words of hope and spiritual encouragement from their leaders.

This time was not different from others, except for the messages. People gathered in the conference center in Salt Lake City, chapels across the continents and in the comfort of their own homes to listen and be inspired.

The first session started Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 a.m. following by the second session at 2:00 p.m. and the Priesthood session for all male members at 6:00 p.m. Then on Sunday they gathered again at the same times for the next two final sessions.

President Thomas S. Monson, the Prophet, admonished the young men to keep themselves worthy and to prepare to go on missions.

“To you young men who are becoming elders, I repeat what prophets have long taught, that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission.”  Monson said, “missionary work is a priesthood duty an obligation.”

He also counseled them to be healthy and become familiar with all the handbooks of the church, such as the missionary handbook.

He also talked to the members about gratitude. He encouraged the members to give thanks for the blessings received to open the doors of heaven and be able to feel the love of God. He also encouraged them to walk in the ways of thanksgiving on a daily basis.

“Do material possessions make us happy and grateful, oh perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep, lasting happiness and gratitude are the things that money cannot buy” Monson added.

Finally, he bid them farewell as the conference adjourns for another six months.

To watch or read the conference talks visit www.lds.org