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.
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. 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."
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.
Peruse Past Messages from General Authorities and Auxiliary Leaders
Studying up on old general conference talks and other words of wisdom from Church leaders can help prepare your mind and spirit for more enlightenment.
October 2017 General Conference
One by One—Elder David A. Bednar
The Gospel at 30,000 Feet—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Melchizedek Priesthood—Elder Dale G. Renlund and Ruth Lybbert Renlund
Seek This Jesus—Sister Neill Marriott
Certain Women—Sister Linda K. Burton
Worth the Wrestle—Sister Sheri Dew
Listen to Uplifting Music
In the First Presidency Preface to the LDS 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.
Hymns—GENTRI
Believer—Calee Reed
Stock Up on Activity Books for Kids
Singer and inspirational speaker Sandra Turley shared on Instagram: "My heart can only hear what it needs during general conference if my wee ones are successfully busy in their own activities."
Ites Coloring Book
Articles of Faith Activity Book
Ites: An Illustrated Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon
Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from the Book of Mormon
Look Through Some Cookbooks
Instead of scrambling to put together a family breakfast plan before conference starts or concocting snacks to keep little mouths occupied during the talks, pick up a new cookbook for an easy, no-fuss meal and snack ideas perfect for families of any size!
Our Sweet Basil Kitchen Cookbook
The Essential Mormon Cookbook
Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff
Have an FHE Lesson on Preparing for General Conference
Consider having a family home evening lesson on what general conference is, why it's important, and how we can prepare for it.
Visit the Temple
Zandra Vranes, half of the multimedia personalities known as the Sistas in Zion, shared on Instagram: "Temple visits are a great way to get into general conference mode! Seriously #LDSConf is like spiritual spring break for the soul, and I can't wait for this weekend!"
Pray as a Family and Ponder Questions You May Have
President Uchtdorf has said, "There are messages in each general conference as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations. As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing."
