Twice a year, Latter-day Saints worldwide gather to hear instruction from their leaders and to partake of the special spirit that accompanies each session of general conference.

In the past, anticipation about new temples or changes in programs may have overshadowed messages from Church leaders among those attending conferences. In seeking to find "the news" from conference, attendees may have missed the real message.

More often than not "the news" from the April and October conferences is that there is no "news." The work moves forward at a steady pace, interrupted occasionally by Mother Nature's wrath or temporal events, but it continues in proportion to the faithfulness of the members. The news of the Church can be found weekly in this publication and monthly in Church magazines. Additionally, announcements concerning policy or programs are mailed directly to priesthood leaders. Other news and information about the Church appear on the Church's Website at www.lds.org.

Church leaders encourage members continually to do more as individuals, as families, as neighbors and friends to further the work. They use their allotted minutes to reinforce that at conference. Mostly our lives should reflect the "good news" that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the parable of the Ten Virgins, the Savior reminded His disciples to be ever alert and ready. "Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:13.) The five foolish virgins found themselves without sufficient oil in their lamps to enter the wedding feast. The five wise virgins could not share, but directed their foolish companions to "go . . . to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." (Matthew 25:9.)

One way to be sure our own lamps are full is to partake of the messages of conference. The eight to ten hours we spend during conference weekend drinking in the words of eternity, listening to sacred music by the choirs and partaking of the Spirit — whether in the Conference Center or through other means — will help replenish our spiritual oil more than any other activity we can do.

The Lord counseled the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Verily, verily I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name . . . there will I be in the midst of them. . . ." (Doctrine and Covenants 6:32.) How much more likely are we to enjoy the outpourings of the Spirit when we congregate as millions of Christ's followers united in worship.

We need to hear the counsel that is meant for us, personally. It may be a hymn, a prayer or a sermon, but we need to "feast upon" the eternal words of Christ expressed by the participants at conference; then we need to put their words into action in our lives and in the lives of others.

Our beloved leader, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has said, "This work of ours is a great work of redemption. All of us must do more because the consequences can be so remarkable and everlasting. This is our Father's work, and He has laid upon us a divine injunction to seek out and strengthen those in need and those who are weak. As we do so, the homes of our people will be filled with an increased measure of love; the nation, whatever nation it be, will be strengthened by reason of the virtue of such people; and the Church and kingdom of God will roll forward in majesty and power on its divinely appointed mission." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 118.)

Like the five wise virgins, we can help guide others to the spiritual source of our earthly happiness. Let us partake joyously of the blessings of conference and renew our spiritual selves so we may share the messages with those around us.