We get excited every spring and fall as general conference draws closer. It's such an incredible blessing to learn from our leaders, strengthen our testimonies, increase our understanding of the gospel, and feel God's love for us. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said, "It is an institutional declaration that the heavens are open, that divine guidance is as real today as it was for the ancient house of Israel, that God our Heavenly Father loves us and speaks His will through a living prophet." Here are some of our favorite ways to prepare our families for general conference.
Conference Family Packet October 2019
The fall 2019 conference packet is here! This packet aims to provide a pre-conference lesson to help you kick off the experience, activities to do during the week to put everyone in the right mindset, activities to do during conference to capture insights, and a post-conference lesson to wrap up and set goals for the next six months. Swing by any Desert Book store for a free printed copy, or you can download a free digital copy!
Prepare Spiritually
General Conference April 2019
Review the inspired talks from the April 2019 general conference. You can remember the challenges that were given and the promises that were made. Find all the talks for free on the Deseret Bookshelf App or the Gospel Library App.
My Spiritual Experiences Journal
Having a journal on hand is an easy way to make sure you're ready for general conference. And a journal set aside specifically for spiritual promptings or conference notes is even better. There are eight themed sections, giving plenty of space to record those moments you've wanted to keep for yourself and your posterity. Theme prompts help jog your memories of spiritual experiences you've had and not yet recorded, or help highlight new experiences as they happen.
Insights From a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson
Learn more about our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. Insights from a Prophet's Life demonstrates what kind of life preparation the Lord gives the men He will one day call to be a prophet.
"Each prophet's mortal schooling is singular," writes author Sheri Dew. "In studying a prophet's life, we see how the Lord molds, prepares, and tutors a man so that at the appointed hour, he is able, worthy, and ready to be His mouthpiece and to lead His people."
Seekers Wanted
Learning how to seek spiritual answers is great preparation with general conference right around the corner. Seekers Wanted can help you or your teen learn how to find the answers to spiritual questions and gain a strong testimony. You can also check out the LDS Living video series "Seekers Wanted: The Skills You Need for the Faith You Want" for quick and helpful insights from Anthony Sweat.
My Thoughts Journal
Record your thoughts and promptings from the general conference talks in this elegant journal. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. This practice enhances the likelihood of receiving further light."
Listen to Uplifting Music
In the First Presidency preface to the hymnbook, it says, "Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel. Latter-day Saints should fill their homes with the sound of worthy music." The music during general conference always brings the Spirit, but consider listening to some sacred and uplifting songs a few days before to prepare your home and family.
Love Abides: The Bonner Family
The Bonner Family, a 10-member vocal group, continues their impressive rise in Christian music with their latest full-length album release. This exciting new album combines sweeping orchestrations and rootsy spirituals to showcase their world-class vocal talent. Their sound is instantly classic, with roots in African-American spirituals and gospel music but a modern spin that gives them a fresh edge and new vibrant energy in spiritual music. They are truly a one-of-a-kind musical force for good.
Joyful: Piano Duets of Gérald Caussé and Nicolas Giusti
Nicolas Giusti (an acclaimed Italian composer and opera conductor from Rome) met Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse (an accomplished pianist and native of Bordeaux, France) 10 years ago. They became fast friends and bonded over their love of playing the piano and their shared faith. For this album, Nicolas composed piano duet arrangements of classic hymns with the purpose of sharing the joy of the gospel. Together they turn traditionally somber renditions into surprisingly joyful celebrations.
Let Us All Press On: The Tabernacle Choir
The first album of hymns from the Choir in seven years, Let Us All Press On features beloved classics like "All Creatures of Our God and King" and "More Holiness Give Me." The rousing title track, "Let Us All Press On," is a fresh arrangement by Richard Elliott.
Keep Children Entertained
Latter-Day Temples Coloring Book
If you're not a notetaker or find your eyes getting heavy during those afternoon sessions, find something to do with your hands to stay focused––like a coloring book! Perfect for adults and kids alike.
General Conference Activity Book Junior
A great way to help kids learn more about general conference. Each activity book includes a variety of activities like word searches, mazes, decipher-the-code activities, word scrambles, crosswords, coloring pages, and dot-to-dots. Ages 5 and up.
Ites Coloring Book
Meet the ites! Color pictures of the prominent people in the Book of Mormon and find out just how much their experiences can help us in our lives today! It's great for helping little ones with short attention spans learn during conference. For ages 3 and up.
