by Steven A. Cramer
Talks from the 2012 BYU Women's Conference, Compilation
In Nephi's great vision of what would become of his people, he was shown our day and the restoration of the gospel. The theme of the 2012 BYU Women's Conference centers on the description he gave of the "covenant people of the Lord . . . scattered upon all the face of the earth." Nephi tells us that one characteristic of the "church of the Lamb" is that "they [are] armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." The talks compiled here take that theme to heart — both by showing us ways in which we can, as daughters of God, more fully realize that prophetic statement through the things we do in our families, our congregations, and our communities, and ways in which we already fit Nephi's description. "We need the women of the world to be armed with righteousness and to influence those around them with the power of God in great glory. The Lord needs all of us. He is especially counting on you — you women who already have testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He needs us all and He needs us now." — Ruth Todd "Why is virtue, meaning moral purity, so important in today's world? Because, simply stated, it is only through virtue and purity that we can receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It can be conferred upon us, but we must remain pure, because the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean temples — that means in our hearts and in our homes." — Elaine S. Dalton "You really are a child of God, and He really does love you! If you're not convinced that this is true, why don't you ask Him? And then listen for His response. Are you really my Heavenly Father? Do you love me even with all my weaknesses? Is there hope for me to make it back home to you?" — Mary Ellen Edmunds "Wickedness will not diminish as we move toward the final scenes before the Savior's glorious return. Nephi prophesies that the adversary will have 'domination over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people' (1 Nephi 14:11). But in the very same verses that speak of these difficulties, Nephi also prophesies of great blessings and the ultimate victory that will come for the righteous." —
Elder Neil L. Andersen In this collection of addresses from the 2012 BYU Women’s Conference, chapters by Elder Neil L. Anderson and his wife, Kathy Anderson, Elaine Dalton, Ann M. Dibb, Jane Clayson Johnson, Sandra Rogers, S. Michael Wilcox, Ruth Todd, Chad Lewis, and Matthew Richardson encourage readers to do the important things every day that will help us stand strong and give us power over those things that seek to detract from our happiness as individuals and families.
