Wherein I Interview Prophets

Ok, it's easy to tell brevity hasn't been my forte in sharing conference highlights thusfar. But wait till you see this! They're not even highlights, they're sparks. I ask a question, and then let a prophet reply!
Q: Elder Packer, there's much to worry about in the world right now. Is there cause for hope?
A: "We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are. It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan."

Q: Hurray! How do you recommend we proceed?
A: "While the priesthood is presently all over the world, we call on every elder and high priest, every holder of the priesthood to stand, like Gideon’s small but powerful force of 300, in his own place. We now must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty. We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations. We must go forward, confident of the supernal power of the priesthood. It is a source of strength and encouragement to know who we are and what we have and what we must do in the work of the Almighty."

Q: Thank you, Elder Packer. Your words are of value to men and women alike.
Now, Elder Eyring, you told us about a time when your little son was lost, and how grateful you were for those who rescued him then, and later in life too. So teaching and rescuing children is what we should all be doing?
A: "Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family."
Q: Are there others who can help in the teaching of our children?
A: "The family has an advantage in the first eight years of a child’s life. In those protected years, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Satan’s use of the mists of darkness to hide the path to return home is blocked. In those precious years the Lord helps families by calling Primary workers to help strengthen children spiritually."
Q: Thank you for showing us how even more rescuers are placed along the path to guide and protect the rising generation. What are our chances for success?
A: "I promise each of you, as you follow inspired direction in this, the true Church of Jesus Christ, that our youth and we who help and love them can be delivered safely to our home with Heavenly Father and the Savior to live in families and in joy forever. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Q: Amen! That's a promise I hope to see fulfilled!
Elder Ballard, you spoke in great detail to mothers and daughters. I know your words are true, because I have a great mom who taught her five daughters (and two sons) by word and example. And happily, after a few bumps along the way, all of us remain faithful to them. By the way, her birthday is tomorrow, April 10th, although she's no longer with us. Would you care to add anything more about the family in general?
A: "I conclude my counsel with this prophetic summary from President Joseph F. Smith: “Our [family] associations are not exclusively intended for this life, for time, as we distinguish it from eternity. We live for time and for eternity. We form associations and relations for time and all eternity. . . . Who are there besides the Latter-daySaints who contemplate the thought that beyond the grave we will continue in the family organization? the father, the mother, the children recognizing each other. . . ? this family organization being a unit in the great and perfect organization of God’s work, and all destined to continue throughout time and eternity?”
Q: Actually, I know others besides the LDS who believe in continued family life, but they don't understand that it can't happen without faithful obedience, and making and keeping temple covenants. Even some members don't seem to understand that parents are parents forever, and an eternal family is made up of many generations, not just their immediate family. Don't they realize their children will grow up and have their own families too, and they will still be a part of the whole? I don't know how it works, this thing called exaltation, but I will trust that it does work, and that Father will show us how in His own due time. I do have a theory or two though. Ask me later. But now, let's get back to our interview.
Elder Bednar, I believe you have some inspired teaching to help us with our families?
A: "I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as I describe a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children. This early warning system applies to children of all ages and contains three basic components: (1) reading and talking about the Book of Mormon with your children, (2) bearing testimony of gospel truths spontaneously with your children, and (3) inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon. Parents who do these things faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children."
Q: I'm not sure I understand. Can you elaborate a little more?
A: "As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help our children learn “to fish” and to become spiritually steadfast. This vital objective is best accomplished as we encourage our children to act in accordance with correct principles —as we help them to learn by doing. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Such learning requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception. Inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon builds on reading and talking about the Book of Mormon and bearing testimony spontaneously in the home.
Imagine, for example, a family home evening in which children are invited and expected to come prepared to ask questions about what they are reading and learning in the Book of Mormon —or about an issue that recently was emphasized in a gospel discussion or spontaneous testimony in the home. And imagine further that the children ask questions the parents are not prepared adequately to answer. Some parents might be apprehensive about such an unstructured approach to home evening. But the best family home evenings are not necessarily the product of preprepared, purchased, or downloaded packets of outlines and visual aids. What a glorious opportunity for family members to search the scriptures together and to be tutored by the Holy Ghost."

Q: Thank you, Elder Bednar. I hope I'm able to talk with a few more apostles later. But I think I've probably overstayed my welcome. Now it's time to bake banana nut bread. Dan requested it this morning, and I think I should have some ready and waiting for him when he comes home. Don't you? Mmmmmmm