What better way could there have been to observe Easter weekend than to bask in the spiritual feast of a wonderful general conference?

One can imagine that the risen and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ must have smiled His divine approval on the proceedings of this conference of His true and living Church.

The common threads of Christ's atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection were woven through the tapestry of this conference by each who contributed his or her counsel and testimony.

The continuing and remarkable leadership of President Gordon B. Hinckley, now in his 89th year, was evident throughout the conference sessions. His works are truly "wondrous and great," yet his demeanor is so humble and sincere.

Frequent mention was made throughout the conference of President Hinckley's vigorous efforts to bring the blessings of the temple to members throughout the worldwide Church. Emphasis was also given to the family solidarity that comes through temple sealings and the binding together of past generations with those of the present and the future.

A wave of nostalgia and excitement came when President Hinckley announced that the historic Nauvoo Temple will be rebuilt. There has to be joy on both sides of the veil with this momentous announcement.

With the strong and unified leadership of President Hinckley, his able counselors, Presidents Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust, along with the brethren of the Twelve, the Church is in good condition. The work is expanding so rapidly that the words of one of our hymns seems ever closer: "Thy truth and thy judgments Shall spread all abroad, Till earth's every people Confess thee their God." (Hymns, No. 267.)

Having feasted on the words of truth it is now our duty to internalize the counsel given and make it a part of our daily living.

In his concluding remarks, President Hinckley so challenged us: "Let us now return to our homes with resolution in our hearts to do a little better than we have done in the past. We can all be a little kinder, a little more generous, a little more thoughtful of one another. We can be a little more tolerant and friendly to those not of our faith, going out of our way to show our respect for them. We cannot afford to be arrogant or self-righteous. It is our obligation to reach out in helpfulness, not only to our own, but to all others as well. Their interest in and respect for this Church will increase as we do so."

President Brigham Young in his era of leadership had similar feelings when he said at a Church conference in March of 1860:

"The last time I spoke to you here I told you that I found my religion just as sweet to me in my private capacity, in my secret meditations upon my bed, and in my closet, in my office, or with my family, as it is when I am in this stand. I love it as well — esteem it as highly; it is as precious to my understanding, and it invigorates, buoys up, strengthens, and fills every power of my capacity with unspeakable joy, just as much at home as it does here.

"I hope this is the case with you all. If you live your religion, it is as dear to you when you are out of this Tabernacle as when you are here. Live your religion, walk humbly before your God, and secure to yourselves eternal life. That is what I desire; it is what I pray for." (Journal of Discourses 8:8.)

In that same discourse President Young challenged the Saints in his day with words that seem just as fresh today as those given in last weekend's conference:

"Live your religion, walk uprightly, deal justly, love mercy, eschew evil of every kind, and sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and purify and sanctify your affections with the principles of eternal life, that Jesus may fulfill his own words — that he, by his Spirit, may be in you a well of water springing up to everlasting life." (Ibid., p. 8.)

May God bless us to do so until we meet again at the next general conference!