"Come, listen to a prophet's voice, and hear the word of God, and in the way of truth rejoice. ... Then heed the words of truth and light that flow from fountains pure" (Hymn 21).

The general conferences of the Church are a manifestation and fulfillment of the words of this hymn. The prophets, seers and revelators with other General Authorities and general officers have provided a spiritual and instructive buffet for the members of the Church. They have followed the admonition given to Moses: "Thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shall show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do" (Exodus 18:20).

This spiritual feast further illustrates "that in the mouths of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (Doctrine and Covenants 6:28).

The messages of this conference convey powerful, individual themes and teachings. But there were also threads of gospel principles and doctrines repeated through the various talks.

The importance of understanding the plan of salvation, the plan of happiness, to keep us in the context of our life on earth was emphasized. Where did we come from, why are we here in mortality, and what will be our eternal destiny were questions answered by a number of the speakers.

The blessings and manifestations of the Holy Ghost to provide direction, comfort and edification to God's children were repeatedly taught.

The personal responsibility each person has to exercise his or her God-given agency to make choices and the resultant consequences of those choices was echoed again and again.

Home and family are central to successful gospel living — family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family meals whether for a family of one or a dozen where rich fruits are obtained.

Warnings of the workings and influence of Satan and his legions were testified of by prophets. Counsel on how to avoid or rise above these evil things was given. The necessity of personal worthiness, of keeping the commandments, and of hearkening to the promptings and direction of the Holy Ghost were clearly articulated.

Most important of all were the reminders of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, to heal, to redeem us from our sins, and to administer forgiveness and peace. This issue of the Church News contains brief reports of all of the messages given in this general conference. The Church website lds.org has the text, audio files and video files of the entire conference. Finally, the November issues of the Ensign and Liahona magazines will contain the full texts of the messages we have been blessed to receive from the Lord's servants.

"What a blessing it is that we have been able to meet here, in this magnificent Conference Center, in peace and comfort and safety," reflected President Thomas S. Monson in his closing address during the last session. "We have had unprecedented coverage of the conference, reaching across the continents and the oceans to people everywhere. Though we are far removed from many of you, we feel of your spirit and send our love and appreciation to you."

President Monson wisely admonished, "I hope that we will take the time to read the conference talks, ... for they are deserving of our careful study."

He seemed to speak for all of us when he said, "We could echo the words, found in the Book of Mormon, of those who heard the sermon of the great King Benjamin and 'cried with one voice, saying, Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent' " (Mosiah 5:2).

As we seek to find answers to the personal challenges and questions in our lives and the lives of our families, and with the assistance of the Holy Ghost, the messages of general conference will speak to our hearts and address our every need. Together with the scriptures, they can be "a lamp unto [our] feet, and a light unto [our] path" (see Psalm 119:105).

Prayerfully, earnestly and sincerely we can know what our loving Heavenly Father would have us know and do. As He has said, "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38).