Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

If you knew there was a prophet on the earth, would you want to know what he has to say?

We had that opportunity today to hear a prophet's counsel. We have "General Conference" twice a year, which is a gathering of church members to hear the word of God through His prophets.

These talks are broadcast worldwide in over 90 languages, and held biannually from Salt Lake City, Utah. Our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is also known as the president of the church and has two counselors. The members of the Quorum of the Twelve are know as apostles.

We know that God spoke to Adam and Eve, Moses, Noah, Jeremiah, Abraham, Issac, Isaiah, and many others. When Jesus organized His church on the earth, He selected twelve apostles to lead the church. Today, we need to hear God's word as much as in the past if not more today. We believe He has restored His church back upon the earth in these last days in preparation for His second coming. That restoration includes Prophets and Apostles.

Here in Slovakia, we had to wait a few days to hear this conference in "Slovak". There is a period of time allotted for translation from English to Slovak, and many other languages as well. For example, just in Europe these talks are translated into German, French, Italian, Spanish, Czech, Romanian, Polish, Dutch, Russian, Ukraine, Swedish, Danish, and many others.

For me, General Conference is a time to be uplifted and edified. Like plugging into a charger when the battery is low. The truth of their words stirs my soul and encourages me to look forward to a bright future of hope.

Here are some highlights of what I heard, that are important to me...

Apostle D. Todd Christofferson, stated, "If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us, then holiness is what we seek, both body and spirit. We seek it in the temple, whereon is inscribed "Holiness to the Lord." We seek it in our marriages, families, and homes. We seek it each week as we delight in the Lord's holy day. We seek it even in the details of daily living: our speech, our dress, our thoughts."

Apostle Jeffery R. Holland, declared, "Every one of us aspires to a more Christlike life than we often succeed in living. If we admit that honestly and are trying to improve, we are not hypocrites; we are human. May we refuse to let our own mortal follies, and the inevitable shortcomings of even the best men and women around us, make us cynical about the truths of the gospel, the truthfulness of the Church, our hope for the future, or the possibility of godliness. If we persevere, then somewhere in eternity our refinement will be finished and complete."

Steven W. Owen, said, "Too often we think of repentance as something miserable and depressing. But God's plan is the plan of happiness, not the plan of misery! Repentance is uplifting and ennobling. It's sin that brings unhappiness. Repentance is our escape route."

The LDS church is led by living prophets and apostles. They strive to help all mankind to come unto Christ. They speak plainly and boldly declaring truth and doctrine. I thank God for these faithful men and women who declare poignantly the truths that offer encouragement and hope for a better future. I feel their love and concern for me and my family. When I follow their counsel, I feel my faith strengthened, my purpose defined, love for my fellowmen, hope for a greater future, and increased healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

If you are interested to hear the words of prophets, you can visit LDS.org and look for "General Conference."