67 Latter-day Saint Essential Gospel Talks

Guess what this talk is about...I chose this talk because during my mission I taught about the Law of Chastity a lot and our youth need to understand the "why" behind it.  In this talk Elder Bednar talks about why the Law of Chastity is Important, what its purpose is, how Satan wants to abuse it, and how we can be blessed and become more like our Heavenly Father through it.  As you listen to this talk, think about how you would explain the blessings of the Law of Chastity and the "why" behind it.

This is such a sweet and tender talk.  Elder Holland expresses gratitude for the faithful members of the church and their examples.  He shares a story from his youth learning that his parents sacrificed to pay for his mission so that he would be able to use the money he had saved to help him after his mission.  This talk inspires me to be and do my best.  Who has helped you become the person you are today?  When was the last time you thanked them?

Elder Packer does a great job of teaching us about the importance of serving in the church and of sustaining others - weaknesses and all.  The Lord promises that the weak and simple will be able to help in his work if we have faith in him and follow the Spirit.  I have seen many times in my life where I have been inadequate for a calling and the Lord has helped me overcome my weaknesses and fulfill what the Lord has asked me to do.  I invite each of you to have faith and commit to accept and magnify the callings extended to you.  

Sister Craven does a wonderful job of reminding us about how true happiness is found and admonishes us to be careful rather that casual in keeping our covenants with the Lord.  She teaches, "we can rationalize all we want, but the fact is, there is not a right way to do the wrong thing."  She offers several situations and asks us to consider how careful vs. casual we are in those situations.  What can you do to be more careful is keeping your covenants with the Lord?

In this talk President Nelson praises the example and ability of women and encourages them to use their abilities to help gather Israel.  He gives us to do four things:  1) participate in a 10-day social media fast, 2) read the Book of Mormon between October and the end of the year, 3) establish regular temple attendance, and 4) participate fully in Relief Society (Elder's Quorum for men and individual quorums and classes for youth).  As you listen to President Nelson's talk, consider how these four invitations will help you gather Israel.

Elder Eyring teaches us about the Law of the Fast - what it is, why it was given to us, and the blessings that come from obeying it.  You will receive strength to overcome as you fast with a sincere heart.  What will you fast for next Fast Sunday?

You may wonder why this talk is on the list, especially since it references old internet and teaching material.  This talk is a great reminder to make sure we are fulfilling our family responsibilities, choosing the best media sources, and taking full advantage of the sabbath day and Family Home Evening as opportunities to strengthen our families.  I especially love the admonition from the First Presidency at the end of Elder Perry's talk and believe we would all benefit from its message to each of us.  Youth, what are some suggestions from this talk that you want to incorporate into your future families?   

Elder Uchtdorf begins by teaching us about the importance of slowing down, particularly when we experience trials or "turbulence."  Often we complicate our lives with long to-do lists and activities at the cost of focusing on the basics.  Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to focus on the basics: our relationship with God, our relationship with family members, our relationship with our fellowman, and our relationship with ourselves.  Take some time to ponder these relationships and identify some suggestions from Elder Uchtdorf that you want to work on.  

Sister Burton teaches of the importance of the divine role of fathers and mothers and the importance of working as a team to complete one another rather than compete with one another.  She also teaches principles of using kind words and specifically invites us to ask ourselves 5 questions to help us see where we can improve.  It's a great remind of how we should treat one another.  What can you improve as you ponder the 5 questions Sister Burton asked?