General Conference: A Time for a Father's Renewal

This is the weekend many of us wait for with anticipation. General Conference is such a wonderful time. Last April I posted timely advice to fathers from General Conference. Today and tomorrow we have another opportunity to receive direction and instruction from our Father in heaven through His chosen prophets, seers, and revelators.

• What will be said?
• How will that change my life?
• How will that help me as a father?

The answer to the first question is predictable. Chances are we won't hear anything that is very different from what has been said before. That doesn't mean it's not important or that we should discount it (as President Uchtdorf said).

The answer to the other two questions is entirely up to us individually; it depends what we are looking for. If we listen passively or just snooze, we may not hear what the Lord intends for us to get. If we go with a prayer in our heart and with specific questions and needs we need addressed, it is much more likely we will benefit greatly (like noticing water sources when we are thirsty).

So, to repeat President Uchtdorf's message in the September issue of the Ensign:

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference. I believe fathers have a special need to receive such revelation. Revelation of course, can come on Saturday just as much as on Sunday. 
2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar. Our children may discount our constant reminders at home (say your prayers, read your scriptures, use the laundry bin, clean your room, etc.) but we cannot afford to do the same.
3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months. So, what will you do as a result? How will you make it a compass?

Enjoy conference!