This talk is directed toward the youth of the church and has some amazing promises from a prophet of God.  He promises you (not the person sitting next to you, but you) that if you will sincerely and persistently do the spiritual work needed to learn how to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, you will have all the direction you will ever need in your life and you will be given answers to your questions in the Lord's way.  He invites us to be a part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth - gathering Israel.  He invites each of us to prepare for the gathering by doing 5 things:  hold a seven-day fast from social media, make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord for three weeks, keep on the covenant path, pray daily that all of God's children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and stand out, be different, and be a light.  Will you do these 5 things?

This talk was given right after the announcement that Home and Visiting Teaching was being replaced with a higher and holier way of caring for one another - ministering.  This talk is meant to help everyone understand what ministering looks like and how we can follow the Savior's example in ministering to one another.  Sister Bingham shares several examples of ministering and emphasizes that ministering is loving others as the Savior does.  Are you loving and serving your ministering families as the Savior would?  What can you do to help them feel the Savior's love for them?

In this BYU devotional, Sheri Dew teaches that we are the spiritual runners the Lord has saved for the last leg of the race.  In a race, the strongest runners are saved for the last leg.  The Lord knows our potential and has recommended us for the last leg of the race.  To help us live up to the Lord's recommendation he has given us 5 ways to access his power.  First, there is power in the Word of God.  Second, there is power in the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Third, there is power in the Priesthood.  Fourth, there is power in the House of the Lord.  Fifth, there is power in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  We can use these principles to be leaders and examples for good in our communities.  In what ways can you be a leader during this last leg of the Lord's spiritual race?

In this talk President Hinkley reminds us of the importance of treating others with Christ-like love, regardless of their ethnicity, background, or beliefs.  He also stresses the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities in the home.  The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to heal pains of the past and help us feel hope again.  In what ways can you exhibit Christ-like love?

Elder Holland teaches that, to help us overcome the calamities of the latter-days, the Lord gave us the Book of Mormon to combat those challenges and help guide us in difficult times.  He teaches some of the powerful principles it teaches and bears witness of its truthfulness.  As you listen to this talk, ponder how the Book of Mormon has influenced your life.  If it has been a while, commit to read and re-read the Book of Mormon - you will find answers and strength as you do so.

This is a long episode (listen to it at 1.5 speed) but it is filled with so many wonderful principles.  Elder Bednar begins by outlining five principles (not a pattern) of revelation.  First, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost "that it may be with us always", not only in certain moments.  We often act as if revelation is a big event that we must prepare for and that comes infrequently.  However, if we are striving to be worthy, the Spirit will be our constant companion.  Second, sometimes we think promptings from the Spirit should be a big, loud event, but the Spirit is most often still and small and the revelation we receive is incremental and builds upon itself over time.  Third, you do not need to recognize revelation in the moment you receive it.  We often, like Nephi, will see revelation in action after the fact rather than in the moment.  Fourth, revelation is not only about what to do, it's also about when to do.  This also ties into the principle that revelation is incremental and will build over time so that we will know what to do when the moment to do it comes.  Fifth, revelation is more readily recognized when you are in the place and with the people for whom you are seeking revelation.  There is also a great question and answer session about revelation and some excellent tips about teaching others.  As you listen to the talk answer this question:  what are you hearing that has not been said?

President Monson shares a story where, as a young secretary in his Deacon's quorum, he was asked in ward conference to share his testimony.  It taught him to follow Paul's admonition to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you."  He encourages us to prepare for this by following three suggestions that, when observed and followed, will lead to safety.  First, study diligently.  Daily reading and application of the scriptures will have the greatest impact on our lives.  Second, pray fervently remembering that with God all things are possible.  Third, live righteously.  Regardless of our intelligence or talents, God will sustain those who serve in righteousness.  As we do these three things, the Lord will enable us to bear the burdens placed upon us.

Elder Scott shares lessons he's learned throughout his life that have helped him have peace and happiness.  His primary source of peace and happiness has come through his family, his home, and the blessings of temple ordinances.   He talks about the importance of having experiences with our children.  He teaches about building a home with love in it.  To love another righteously is to protect, to elevate, to keep pure and undefiled, and to sacrifice one’s self for the benefit of the other.  He also talks about practices that will lead to a successful marriage.  It's a very tender talk and you can feel the love he has for his wife as you listen to his talk.  What advice will you take from his talk to help you find peace and happiness?

In this BYU Devotional Elder Uchtdorf shares five messages that all of God's Children need.  First, move toward the light - God, like the sun, is always there.  Second, you are better than you think you are.  The scriptures are full of examples of people who thought they weren't good enough but the Lord helps them in their weakness.  Third, learn to love God and your neighbor.  It is the answer to many of life's challenges.  Fourth, conflict is inevitable and contention is a choice.  We cannot control the actions of others, but we can choose how we respond.  Fifth, our Heavenly Father is a God of new beginnings.  Every day can be a fresh start and opportunity to recommit and begin again to lead a more Christ-like life.  Which of these messages was meant for you today?

In this talk Elder Christofferson discusses the importance of moral discipline - the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard.  He discusses the role of moral discipline in societies and teaches that moral discipline begins with a constant and consistent teaching and example in the home.  In what ways have you learned and strengthened your moral discipline?   

In this talk, Elder Bednar talks about the importance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as part of our baptismal covenant.  He emphasizes the importance of recognizing what thoughts and actions bring the Spirit and which ones withdraw the Spirit.  He discusses the Liahona that guided Lehi's family but worked according to their faithfulness.  The Holy Ghost is our spiritual Liahona - the Spirit will guide us as we are faithful.  As you study this talk, the Holy Ghost will help you know what you need to do to have its companionship in your life more abundantly.  

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/that-we-may-always-have-his-spirit-to-be-with-us?lang=eng

Learning to feel, recognize, and follow the promptings of the Spirit is one of the most important skills you will develop in your life.  In this talk, Elder Rasband teaches who the Holy Ghost is, how he speaks to us, and how to always have him with us.  First, strive to live worthy of the Spirit, second, be willing to receive the Spirit, third, recognize the spirit when it comes, and fourth, act on the first prompting.  How does the Holy Ghost speak to you?  What do you do when you receive promptings from the Holy Ghost?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/let-the-holy-spirit-guide?lang=eng

This is a beautiful and heart-felt talk about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Mediator.  Elder Packer explores justice and mercy through a parable and helps us see that both can only be satisfied with a Mediator.  He pays our debts, he sets the new terms, and he provides the way for us to be free.  Listen to this talk carefully and imagine yourself sitting with Elder Packer as he shares this parable.

This General Relief Society meeting talk is the first time President Hinkley introduced The Family:  A Proclamation to the World.  It also includes a wonderful message for young women and mothers, a hope-filled message for single mothers, and encouragement for grandmothers.  How has The Family:  A Proclamation to the World shaped your family?  What are aspects you want to make sure you incorporate into your future family?

You might be wondering why this is a relatively obscure BYU speech is included in this list.  There are two reasons:  first, it is important to remember how the Lord blessed our pioneer ancestors and will do the same for us as we labor diligently on his behalf.  Second, toward the end President Hinkley shares an experience he had on his mission - it is often cited by others but this is the first and only time I could find it in President Hinkley's own words.  The experience and advice he shares, to forget yourself and go to work, is the key - not just to missionary work - but to overcoming and thriving through the ups and downs of life.  

Elder Holland gave this talk at the MTC in 2011.  In this talk Elder Holland discusses the goal behind the development of Preach My Gospel.  I think it's really important for prospective missionaries to understand its purpose, which is multi-layered.  First it is to enable missionaries to follow the Spirit and share what they are prompted to teach.  Second, it is meant to strengthen and convert the missionary teaching the gospel.  As we listen to those we teach and love them the way the Lord loves them, the Spirit will prompt us to know what to share with them and how to answer their questions and concerns.  There are so many excellent nuggets in this talk for prospective missionaries.  Listen to this talk with a pen and paper to write down what the Lord is trying to teach you.

Elder Uchtdorf teaches that just like we can develop physical or emotional ailments we can also develop spiritual ailments.  Through sin, emotional wounds, or the absence of light in our lives, we can have spiritual pain and grief.  In his talk, Elder Uchtdorf talks about how to overcome spiritual ailments through the light of Christ.  He is the great physician.  We can also be "bearers of light" as we help strengthen and uplift one another.  How can you bring more spiritual light into your life and the lives of those around you?

Elder Wirthlin teaches that everyone passes through trials and challenges in life and how we react to adversity significantly influences our happiness throughout life.  He shares some ideas that have helped him face adversity in his life:  1) learn to laugh, 2) seek an eternal perspective, 3) understand the principle of compensation, and trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  As you listen to this talk, listen for promptings that will help you overcome adversity in your life.

Sister Okazaki, 1st Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency from 1990-1997, teaches us the importance of learning by study and by faith.  She likens them to rowing a boat.  If we only use one of the two oars we will go in a circle no matter how fast we row - both oars are needed to make progress.  Similarly, study and faith, when combined, can help us make significant strides towards our goals when we use them both.  In what ways can you learn by study and by faith in your life?

President Nelson gave this talk during the General Conference after his wife, Dantzel, passed away.  After expressing love for his wife and gratitude for the support his family had received, President Nelson taught a lesson that we can learn from his wife's passing: now is the time to prepare to meet God.  He teaches that difficulties are a necessary part of mortal life, encourages us to repent now, and invites us to align our goals with Heavenly Father's goals.  This is a tender talk with a plea to do everything we can to have an eternal family.