After the 187th Semiannual General Conference on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, The Daily Universe took a look at some of the most popular talks from past conference sessions.
Tomorrow The Lord Will Do Wonders Among You, Elder Jeffery R. Holland
Elder Jeffery R. Holland speaks at General Conference. Elder Holland was the ninth president of BYU and now serves in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (Ari Davis)
This talk from the April 2016 Sunday Afternoon Session is most often remembered for the light-hearted meme Elder Holland shared of two children running away from a dinosaur representing 'tomorrow.' The meme illustrated the sometimes daunting nature of 'tomorrow.' Elder Holland’s talk encouraged saints to take heart despite our fears of tomorrow or whatever missteps we may make along the way.
Memorable Messages:
“Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever.'
“The great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don’t always succeed.”
Choices, President Thomas S. Monson
President Thomas S. Monson offers a thumbs up to the audience at General Conference October 2016. President Monson has led the LDS church since 2008. (Ari Davis)
President Monson’s talk from the April 2016 Sunday Morning Session featured references to the beloved children’s book 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' and encouraged church members to consider the impact of all choices.
Memorable Messages:
“May we ever choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.”
“If choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice.”
Come Join With Us, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife greet church members at General Conference. President Uchtdorf loves to share stories of his wife and his time as an aviator. (Ari Davis)
President Uchtdorf shared a message of hope and belonging in his talk from the October 2013 Saturday Morning session. He spoke of the growth in the church and the spiritual growth of the members.
Memorable Messages:
“First, doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith.”
“Regardless of your circumstances, your personal history or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this church.”
You Can Do It Now, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
This talk from the October 2013 Priesthood Session addressed the human capacity to error. President Uchtdorf urged priesthood holders and all members to always strive for perfection, but not be discouraged by shortcomings.
Memorable Messages:
“Our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble, but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off and move forward.”
“With faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power and hope of the restored gospel, you will be able to walk tall and continue on.”
A Plea To My Sisters, Elder Russell M. Nelson
Elder Russell M. Nelson greets members at the October 2015 General Conference. Elder Nelson was also a renowned heart surgeon. (Ari Davis)
Elder Nelson’s talk from the October 2015 Sunday Morning Session highlighted the important role women play in the church and in the world as a whole. President Nelson shared a personal story about a young patient he once lost and urged women to be strong and fearless.
Memorable Messages:
“We know that the culminating act of all creation was the creation of woman.”
'The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God.'
Newsworthy Moments
Mission Age Change
In October 2012, President Monson announced that young men could serve missions at age 18 and young woman could serve at age 19. In the six months following the age change, the usual 700 applications per week to the Missionary Department jumped to 4,000 applications per week.
New Apostles
In the October 2015 General Conference, three new apostles were sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Elder Dale G. Renlund. According to Mormon Newsroom, with the call of Elder Renlund, 100 apostles have served since the organization of the church.
New Temples
In the April 2017 General Conference, President Monson announced five new temples. The temples will be located in Brasilia, Brazil; Manila, Philippines; Nairobi, Kenya; Pocatello, Idaho; and Saratoga Springs, Utah. According to LDS.org there are currently 155 temples in operation across the globe.