2025 BYU Women's Conference program by BYU Continuing Education

Behold my Spirit is upon you ... and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. Moses 6:34

womensconference.byu.edu

Welcome!

Friends,

We are delighted to welcome you to campus for the 2025 BYU Women’s Conference. We are looking forward with happy anticipation to gathering this April.

This year’s conference theme is “Walk with Me,” inspired by Moses 6:34. In this beautiful passage we find comfort and strength in recognizing the Lord’s invitation to walk with Him amid life’s ever-changing landscape. Walking with Christ strengthens us in our joys as well as our sorrows, reminds us of past blessings, and guides us forward with confidence. Through our covenant relationships with our Savior and Heavenly Father, we learn to recognize Their trust in us and deepen our faith and love in Their guiding hands.

We have exciting new activities planned this year, and we hope you take full advantage of all the conference has to offer! We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our hospitality and service project volunteers and LDS Charities. We also want to thank our friends at Deseret Book for providing another outstanding Thursday evening concert. We extend our sincere appreciation to our wonderful presenters. We also thank the dedicated individuals within our campus community whose efforts have made this conference possible. Above all, we are overjoyed to gather with you!

We hope your time at the conference will be filled with personal growth and faith-building experiences alongside both familiar faces and new friends, with many moments of fun and togetherness!

With love,

BYU Women’s Conference 2025 Committee

Allison Strang

Anne Berryhill

Betsy Long

Cindy Sweat

Cristina Franco

Dana Wright

Heidi McConkie Walker

Jackie Barron

Jen Thatcher

Jenn Johnson

Jolene Bingham

Julie Bagley

Katharine LeCheminant

Lorelie Sander

Maylene Kavanaugh

McKenna Hendershot

Michelle Moore

Milli Dadson

Mindy Bingham

Molly Collings

Rebecca Gutke

Sunny Mahe

Wendy Reese

Cover Photo: Walk with Me by Scott Gutke. Photo used with permission.

BYU Women’s Conference is for YOU!

BYU Women’s Conference is the largest three-day gathering of Latter-day Saint women anywhere in the world and is designed with every age in mind. This inspiring event offers something special for every woman, so dedicate some well-deserved time to recharge, strengthen your faith, and create unforgettable memories surrounded by the women you love.

What’s included?

Others’ Experiences

The power in gathering is real, and I have felt it

I have received many answers to prayers. I could see how hard the presenters had worked to

This marks 10 years that my daughter and I have come to WC together. We love the service, the music, the presentations, and so we just keep coming. We love being on this beautiful campus and appreciate the great effort it takes to put something of this magnitude together for Heavenly Father’s daughters.

I just loved all the personal stories from the presenters. It was nice to see these women as “real” instead of the false perfection that we imagine. Oh, and the shuttle service was

I work all day, so thank you for having a Wednesday night program. My heart was touched!

I came alone, and everyone was so kind to me that I immediately felt I had friends!

About BYU Women’s Conference

The conference, which is sponsored by Brigham Young University and BYU Continuing Education, is now in its 49th year. Conference content is focused on faith and personal growth and is planned for women who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, women of all faiths are welcome to attend.

Be a Part of Something Extraordinary!

Whether you join us on your own or with others, attending this conference is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere where you can feel spiritually strengthened, uplifted, and connected to a community of women of faith. With diverse backgrounds and individual faith journeys, every woman contributes to our sisterhood with her own unique story and gifts. We hope you embrace this sense of togetherness and warmth, knowing you are part of our family now. Let’s eagerly welcome and celebrate with each other.

Age and Attendance Guidelines

BYU Women’s Conference extends a warm invitation to women ages 16 and older to participate in the conference. Notably, the Wednesday evening sessions are also open to Young Women groups (ages 11–18) with their called Young Women leaders. For the safety of all guests, we are not able to accommodate infants or children, including babes in arms, in any of the conference rooms, or in the Marriott Center. More information is available on our website under Attendees and Frequently Asked Questions. This policy applies to all participants, volunteers, presenters, and guests of presenters.

Registration Information

Online: womensconference.byu.edu

On the days of the conference, April 30–May 2: Marriott Center, northeast and northwest concourse entrances

Scan Here to Register

Registration Information: 801-422-0877

Registration: 801-422-8925 / 1-877-221-6716

Email: womens_conference@byu.edu

New and Returning Again This Year!

• Evening Options

• Evening Service Project (page 56)

• Immersive Learning Sessions

• Service-Learning Rooms (page 56)

• Sister-to-Sister Sessions

• Two-Part Sessions

• Wednesday Evening Option for Young Women Groups

Evening Options

New this year! We’re excited to offer evening passes for both Wednesday and Thursday nights! Whether you have daytime commitments or just want to experience a taste of BYU Women’s Conference, our evening passes give you the flexibility to attend at your convenience. More

information is available at womensconference.byu.edu/about

Immersive Learning Sessions

Experience our Immersive Learning Sessions with learner-focused, scripture-based classes, expertly guided by skilled teachers. The class descriptions are paired with scriptures, which you are encouraged to read and reflect on before attending the class. These seven sessions will be held on Thursday and Friday in the Ballroom, WSC. Join us for a journey of scriptural insight!

Sister-to-Sister Sessions

Exciting news! Our cherished Sister-to-Sister tradition is back for another year of inspiration and connection. Join us for three special sessions held across campus during the conference. These sessions have become a beloved staple of BYU Women’s Conference. Our aim with the Sister-to-Sister gatherings is to foster open,

Christ-centered dialogue on various topics, enriched by questions from our participants.

Two-Part Sessions

New this year! Our new two-part sessions allow presenters the chance to dive deeper into their topics. These in-depth sessions will take place across two consecutive session hours on the same day.

Wednesday Evening Option— Young Women groups are invited!

6:00–9:00 p.m., April 30, Marriott Center

We also extend an invitation to Young Women ages 11–18 and their leaders to join us for this truly extraordinary event! Come be part of an evening full of faith-filled messages, uplifting music, friendship, laughter, and the joy of gathering together. We hope to see you there!

BYU Women’s Conference by Topic

We hope this topical guide will help you navigate the sessions offered. Please read the session abstract in its entirety to help with your class selection. Note: Numbers reference SESSION NUMBERS, not page numbers.

34, 56 Family, relationships 17, 19, 52, 60, 94, 95 Forgiveness 28, 84 Friendship 31, 54, 63, 74

Study 7, 46, 69, 85, 97

Gratitude

47, 96 Grief, healing 16, 26, 99

Build Your Schedule

Thursday, May 1

Keynote Session—Julene Judd, Marriott Center, 9:00–10:15 a.m. 10:45–11:45 a.m. 12:15–1:15 p.m. 1:45–2:45 p.m. 1 2 3

CHOICE

CHOICE 5:00–5:45 p.m. 6:15–7:15 p.m. 1 2 3

CHOICE

Deseret Book Evening Concert—Marriott Center, 8:00–9:30 p.m.

Friday, May 2

Keynote Session—Peggy Worthen, Kevin J Worthen, Marriott Center, 9:00–10:15 a.m.

Keynote Session—President Susan H. Porter, Marriott Center, 3:15–4:15 p.m. THIRD CHOICE

Keynote Session—Elder Quentin L. Cook, Marriott Center, 4:45–5:45 p.m. 10:45–11:45 a.m. 12:15–1:15 p.m.1:45–2:45 p.m.3:15–4:15 p.m. 1 2 3

Schedule at a Glance

Marriott Center Wednesday and Keynote Sessions

Wednesday, April 30

Evening Sessions

6:00–6:40 p.m.

6:40–7:10 p.m.

7:30–8:15 p.m.

8:15–9:00 p.m.

As We Abide in Him and He in Us, We Never Walk Alone

J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor, General Relief Society Presidency

The Savior’s Infinite Atonement Is for You!

Shima Baughman

Embracing Creativity as a Divine Gift

Lisa Valentine Clark

God Loves You and Trusts You

Bradley R. Wilcox

Thursday, May 1

Morning Keynote Session

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Afternoon Keynote Session

“Walk with Me” (Moses 6:34)

Julene Judd

3:15–4:15 p.m.

Topic to Be Announced

President Susan H. Porter, General Primary Presidency

Friday, May 2

Morning Keynote Session

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Closing Keynote Session

4:45–5:45 p.m.

The Power of the Holy Ghost in Discerning Truth

Peggy Worthen, Kevin J Worthen

Topic to Be Announced

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Thursday, May 1—Concurrent Sessions

10:45–11:45 a.m. 12:15–1:15 p.m. 1:45–2:45 p.m.

Marriott Center

19,000 CAP

Smith Fieldhouse

3,375 CAP

Ballroom, WSC

1120 CAP

Concert Hall, MB 1000 CAP

Choosing to Make Covenants with God

Andrea McConkie, Rebecca Craven

From Study to Love: Developing a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Lani Hilton, John Hilton III

Through Jesus Christ, Repentance Brings Happiness (ILS)

Leslie Lords Robbins

The Art of Listening to Your Teen

Jenae Nelson, Brian Mead

Auditorium, JSB

859 CAP

Assembly Hall, Hinckley Center

500 CAP

3220–3224 WSC

581 CAP

2254 CONF

296 CAP

Harman Ballroom

512 CAP

Varsity Theater, WSC

389 CAP

250 KMBL

284 CAP

151 TNRB

344 CAP

“I Believe in Christ, So Come What May” (Hymns, 134)

Melissa Chalk, Jill Knapp

To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Moral Agency

Taunalyn Ford, Eva M. Witesman

From Many, One Heart: As Covenant Women, Rooting Out Prejudice and Building Unity

Isabel I. Garcia, Ida Araba Hunt

Post with Purpose: Sharing Our Faith Online

Sheree Halverson Nixon, Amber Dawn Pearce

Seeing Through Others’ Eyes: The Transformative Power of Empathy

Julie Rose, Summer Adamson

A Person of Integrity Is One Who Is Trusted of the Lord

Cherstyn Stockwell, Aislin Powell Dyer

Walking Through Grief with the Savior

Amanda Kjar Wilkinson, Marie Calder Ricks

Blending Families: Becoming One Family, One Heart

Teuila Tuua Mo’unga, Patti Epperson Jorgensen

“I Am a God of Miracles” (2 Nephi 27:23)

Sunny Mahe, Tamara McFadden

Effective Communication for Building Strong Relationships

Chris Smith Halladay, Kristin Andrus

“Draw Near Unto Me” (D&C 88:63): The Power of Personal Revelation (ILS)

Lori L. Denning

Helping Children through Mental Health Challenges

Carl L. Hanson, Katie Edwards

Embracing God’s Will for Me (S2S)

Gaylamarie Rosenberg (mod.), Amy Springer, Heather Van Boerum, Natalie Wright

As Followers of Christ We Should Live Peacefully with One Another

Rebecca Morgan, Holly Lauritzen

Body Image and Divine Worth

Lauren A. Barnes, Ashley Rose Reeves

“God Was with Me”: Moving Forward after the Death of a Spouse

Amy Ward McLaughlin, Lorraine Thatcher

Powerful Lessons from the Savior’s Final Days (part one)

Ryan Sharp

Staying Close to the Lord When a Loved One Is Struggling with Pornography Addiction

Brian Willoughby

“A New Heart Also Will I Give You” (Ezekiel 36:26): Forgiveness, Healing and Peace Following Divorce

Trish Henrie-Barrus, Sherie Adams Christensen

Being True to Your Testimony

Heidi McConkie Walker, Diane Wunderli

Go to the Temple: A Beacon of Hope, Strength and Peace

Paul Oscarson, Bonnie Oscarson

The Savior’s Call to Minister: I’ll Walk with You

Jeanette Bennett, Tammy Uzelac Hall

Having Confidence in our Covenants (ILS)

Colleen Terry Scoresby

“We Talk of Christ . . . That Our Children May Know” (2 Nephi 25:26)

Cynthia Herron Glad, Shannon Foster

Asking Questions and Waiting for Answers with Faith

Keith Erekson, Anne R. Berryhill

With the Savior, Practice Makes Perfect (Eventually)

Sarah Wright, Tanna Fox

A Christ-Centered Focus to Setting Healthy Boundaries with Others

Jessica D. Mortensen, Chelsea Romney

Raising Digital Natives: Parenting in a Technology Advanced World

Sarah Pinnock Jones, Laura Padilla-Walker

Powerful Lessons from the Savior’s Final Days (part two)

Ryan Sharp

Prayer: A Daily Source of Comfort and Guidance

Shelly Senior, Lyssa McAleavy

Caregiving: A Sacred Labor of Love

Millie Killpack, Esther Reid

Defending Our Divinely-Inspired Constitution in the Home

Justin Collings

5:00-5:45 p.m.

Smith Fieldhouse 3,375 CAP

Ballroom, WSC 1120 CAP

Concert Hall, MB 1000 CAP

Auditorium, JSB 859 CAP

Assembly Hall, Hinckley Center 500 CAP

3220–3224 WSC 581 CAP

Creating a Loving Marriage: The Power of Partnership

Angelle Anderson, Scott L. Anderson

“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again”

J. B. Haws

“A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath” (Proverbs 15:1): Overcoming Anger

Liz Hale

Daily Light: Making Time for the Lord

Lisa L. Harkness

The Power of Approaching Life with Gratitude

Esther Mills Obboh, Bruce C. Chang

From First Dates to Forever: Preparing for Dating and Marriage

Melanie Joy Kieffer Hancock, Eric Richards

6:15-7:15 p.m.

Our Most Important Identities

David Butler

Taking Time for Spiritual Connection (ILS)

Tiffany H. Tolman

Prepared for Greatness: A Call to the Young Adults!

Amy C. Reading (mod.), Alyssa Edwards, Jess Shelton

Anchored in Christ: Navigating Family Choices with Love and Faith (S2S)

Jennifer Kerns Davis (mod), Andrea Richards, Susan E. Wade

Live in the Joyful Moments of Motherhood

Melody Forsyth, Mary Gunnell

Opening Our Hearts, Enlarging Our Circles

Alexis-Janique Bradley, Chanté Stutznegger

Friday, May 2—Concurrent Sessions

10:45–11:45 a.m.

Marriott Center

19,000 CAP

Smith Fieldhouse

3,375 CAP

Ballroom, WSC

1120 CAP

Concert Hall, MB

1000 CAP

Auditorium, JSB

859 CAP

Assembly Hall, Hinckley Center

500 CAP

3220–3224 WSC

581 CAP

2254 CONF

296 CAP

Harman Ballroom

512 CAP

Varsity Theater, WSC

389 CAP

250 KMBL

284 CAP

Wait Upon the Lord in Faith

Lori Newbold

Staying Faithful through the Storms of Life

Jared Halverson

Choosing Intentionally in a World of Choices (ILS)

Emily Snyder Burrup

Navigating Mental Health Challenges with Support and Strength

Jenny Cooper, Lail Berrett

Gathering Together and Creating a Christ-Centered Home

Leslie Winebrenner Nelson (mod.), Maria Eckersley, Janie Ogletree

The Prophet Joseph Smith: Receiving a Testimony of His Life and Mission Gerrit Dirkmaat

Small Acts, Big Impact: Enhancing Marital Joy

Ganel-Lyn Condie

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Our Personal Responsibilities

Michelle H. Bennett, Sheryl Carty, Julie Park

Finding Meaningful Connections and Combatting Loneliness (part one)

David Morgan, Kristyn Morgan

The Promise of Finding Joy in Life’s Journey

Julie R. Bagley, Nani Kalauli Foster

“Given a Gift by the Spirit of God” (D&C 46:11)

Jessica J. Moon, Brenda R. Carlos

12:15–1:15 p.m.

There Is Hope in Jesus Christ

Ryan K. Eggett, Jane Clayson Johnson

Gaining the Confidence to “Open Our Mouths” and Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ

S. Michael Wilcox

Wisdom and Inspiration from Women in the Scriptures (ILS)

Stephanie Dibb Sorensen

Becoming a Powerful Peacemaker in a Divided World

Ronell Hugh, Liz Darger

The Essential Influence of Mothers (S2S)

Jolene Bingham (mod.), Dana Blake, Deirdre Lynn Davis, Megan Fewkes

Joyfully Sustaining and Following the Prophet

Molly Collings, Carol F. McConkie

“In Unity and Love One Towards Another” (Mosiah 18:21)

Tara L. Mickelsen (mod.), Bitsy Tullis-Cowley, Temanuata Hunkin Laussen, Carol Lawrence-Costley

I Hope They Call Me on a (Senior) Mission!

Jan Petersen, Ann Taylor

Finding Meaningful Connections and Combatting Loneliness (part two)

David Morgan, Kristyn Morgan

“Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145)

Heidi Beckstead, Emily Shumway Pfiefer

Setting Boundaries When Loved Ones Struggle with Addictions

Amy Frandsen Burton, Kylee Shields

Marriott Center

19,000 CAP

Smith Fieldhouse

3,375 CAP

Ballroom, WSC

1120 CAP

1:45–2:45 p.m.

The Heavenly Power in Keeping Our Covenants

Ana Gaertner De Agostini, Heidi S. Swinton

Helping Our Youth Obtain a Personal Testimony

Robbie Taggart, Jen Yorgason Thatcher

Calming Our Fears and Worries through Jesus Christ (ILS)

Camille Fronk Olson

Concert Hall, MB 1000 CAP Living the Two Great Commandments

Lisa T. Clayton, Ross David Baron

Auditorium, JSB

859 CAP

Assembly Hall, Hinckley Center

500 CAP

3220–3224 WSC

581 CAP

2254 CONF

296 CAP

Harman Ballroom

512 CAP

Varsity Theater, WSC

389 CAP

250 KMBL

284 CAP

Prioritizing Healthy Personal Boundaries

Annalaura Shui Artz-Iffland Solomon, Amber A. Price

“Let Us Go into the House of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1): The Blessings of the Temple

Benjamin C. Peterson, Reyna Aburto

Forgive One Another as I Have Forgiven You

Agnes Ekua Reynolds, Rebecca Walker Clarke

The Blessings of Experience: The Priceless Resource of Senior Sisters

JoAnn M. Child, Vicki Sabin

Feeling Closer to God through Intentional Scripture Study

Monica Dennis, Kimberly Rasband

A Principle with Promise: Guidance for Nutrition and Healthy Living

Michelle Jorgensen, James D. LeCheminant

Faith-filled Steps: Walking with Christ through the Trials of Infertility

Tiffany Alleman, Courtney Merrill Moffat

3:15–4:15 p.m.

“Step Forward! Take Your Rightful and Needful Place”

Michelle Gifford, Michelle Craig

The Eternal Plan of Happiness: “God Is in Relentless Pursuit of You”

Barbara Morgan Gardner

Inspiring the Rising Generation to Receive Temple Covenants

Cindy Sweat, Anthony Sweat

Learning from Failure in Our Quest for Perfection

Bronwyn Blankinship, Noelani Wayas

Creating a Stronger Bond in Marriage One Word at a Time

Jason S. Carroll, Julie L. Dymock

A Place for All: Welcoming Our LGBTQ Family and Friends

Elizabeth Rose, Julianne House Grose

Keeping a Strong Bond with Your Adult Children

Gretchen Juergens, Brooke Oniki

Enriched Gospel Study Using the Gospel Library

Krista M. Isaacson

Remembering and Recording God’s Blessings in My Life

Amy Chandler, Crista Cowan

Spiritual and Temporal Empowerment through Self-Reliance

M’Shelle Dixon, Janeen Martin

Supporting Others after a Death by Suicide

April Jensen, Klinton Hobbs

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Marriott Center Sessions

6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Opening Keynote

1 • As We Abide in Him and He in Us, We Never Walk Alone

Presenter: Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency

6:45 p.m.

2 • The Savior’s Infinite Atonement Is for You!

The Father’s plan is to bring us home to Him. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes this possible for us. Elder D. Todd Christofferson testified, “When the Father first elaborated His great plan of happiness, He called for one to act as a Savior to redeem us—an essential part of that plan. Jesus volunteered, “Here am I, send me.” Elder Patrick Kearon explained, “[God] sent His precious Beloved Son to this fallen world to live the full range of the human experience, to provide an example for the rest of His children to follow, and to atone and redeem. Christ’s great atoning gift removes every roadblock of physical and spiritual death that would separate us from our eternal home. . . . Are there things we need to do, commandments to keep, aspects of our natures to change? Yes. But with His grace, those are within our reach, not beyond our grasp. This is the good news!”

Questions: How can relying upon the Savior’s Atonement give me strength and capacity to endure trials? How can understanding the Savior’s Atonement help strengthen me when I feel inadequate? What are some ways I can follow President Nelson’s counsel to “devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ”?

Presenter: Shima Baughman

Short Intermission

7:40 p.m.

3 • Embracing Creativity as a Divine Gift

Creativity is a powerful tool that can transform our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to our Heavenly Father. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained that the desire to create comes from God, the ultimate Creator, He has given us the ability to create with purpose and intention. He further explained, “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.” As we develop

these gifts, we can remember that we are each uniquely designed, with different distinct talents, and this diversity is part of God’s plan to make the world a better place. When we embrace creativity, we take risks, overcome limitations, and discover new ways to bless those around us.

Questions: How can I use my unique gifts to inspire, uplift, and bless those around me? How can I see my creativity as a gift from Heavenly Father? How has creativity helped me express myself and grow both personally and spiritually? What steps can I take to overcome the fear of failure, allowing creativity to develop?

8:15 p.m.

Presenter: Lisa Valentine Clark

4 • God Loves You and Trusts You

The love God has for His daughters has never been emphasized more urgently than in this dispensation. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf testified, “My dear sisters in the gospel, whether you are 8 or 108, there is one thing that I hope you truly understand and know: You are loved. You are dear to your Heavenly Parents. The infinite and eternal Creator of light and life knows you! He is mindful of you. Yes, God loves you this very day and always. He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. . . . He knows everything about you. He sees you clearly—He knows you as you really are. And He loves you—today and always!” Brother Bradley R. Wilcox taught, “As important as God’s love is, it is one thing to be loved and another thing entirely to be trusted. When you choose to enter a covenant relationship with God, He can trust you and you can trust Him. As we use our moral agency to make and keep covenants with God, we become heirs of the everlasting covenant God has made with our forebearers in every dispensation. That gives us access to the same blessings our forefathers and foremothers received, including a birthright. Is your birthright evidence of God’s love? Yes, but more important, it is evidence of His trust.”

Questions: How can I always remember that God loves me? How does understanding that I am a beloved daughter of God influence the way I view myself? What does it mean that God loves me even with a full understanding of my struggles? How does entering a covenant relationship with God allow Him to trust me as well as love me? What do the scriptures and current prophets and apostles teach about the birthright blessings I receive because of my covenants?

Presenter: Bradley R. Wilcox, First Counselor, Young Men General Presidency

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Concurrent Sessions

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Thursday Morning Keynote

5 • “Walk with Me” (Moses 6:34)

Presenter: Julene Judd

CONCURRENT SESSIONS 10:45–11:45 A.M.

MARRIOTT CENTER (MC)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

6 • Choosing to Make Covenants

with God

When we choose to be bound to the Savior, we become His disciples. “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7). President Russell M. Nelson taught that by making and keeping these covenants with our Heavenly Father and our Savior it “makes everything about life easier.” He added, “I did not say that making covenants makes life easy. . . . Yoking yourself with the Savior means you have access to His strength and redeeming power.” President Camille N. Johnson testified, “Sisters, I can’t go at it alone, and I don’t need to, and I won’t. Choosing to be bound to my Savior, Jesus Christ, through the covenants I have made with God, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’”

Questions: What have the prophet and apostles taught about making and keeping covenants? How is my discipleship strengthened by making and keeping covenants? After making covenants with the Lord how can I continue to “think celestial” as counseled by President Nelson and not become casual in honoring my covenants? How can keeping my covenants help increase my resistance to sin?

SMITH FIELDHOUSE (SFH)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

7 • From Study to Love: Developing a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and the keystone of our religion. This sacred scripture teaches us how to make and keep covenants with our Savior Jesus Christ and how to live faithfully in this day. Referencing teachings by President Ezra Taft Benson, Elder David A. Bednar taught, “The Book of Mormon is not primarily a historical record that looks to the past. Rather, this volume of scripture looks to the future and contains important principles, warnings, and lessons intended for the circumstances and challenges of our day. Hence, the Book of Mormon is a book about our future and the times in which we do now and will yet live.”

Presenters: Andrea McConkie, Rebecca Craven

Questions: How does a study of the Book of Mormon help me face the challenges of today? If I struggle to “feast” upon the words of the Book of Mormon, what are some things I can do to gain that desire? What blessings and promises have prophets given that come from studying, prayerfully pondering, and applying the teachings of the prophets in the Book of Mormon? How does intentional study of the Book of Mormon deepen my love and testimony of the teachings contained in its pages?

Presenters: Lani Hilton, John Hilton III

BALLROOM, WILKINSON STUDENT CENTER (WSC)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

8 • Through Jesus Christ, Repentance Brings Happiness (Immersive Learning Session)

“Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter” (President Russell M. Nelson). Overcoming mistakes and missteps is part of our mortal journey. Happiness can be found through Jesus Christ as we change and find ways to repent daily and draw His power into our lives. “The Savior is available for the entire journey of mortality from bad to good to better and to change our very nature” (Elder David A. Bednar).

Questions: How can I recognize through studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ the happiness, joy, and healing He offers through daily repentance? How can I act in faith as I follow President Nelson’s invitation to “devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ”? How can studying the scriptures and the words of President Nelson and the Apostles help me feel strengthened by His love? How can I build upon their teachings in my life? What blessings are promised to me as I rely on the Savior’s help to repent?

For optional preparation for this session, participants are encouraged to read the following:

Ezekiel 36:26–27; Luke 7:36–50; Alma 13:28–29; 3 Nephi 9:13–20

CONCERT HALL, MUSIC BUILDING (MB)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

9 • The Art of Listening to Your Teen

“Could you please just listen?” might be a common phrase we hear from our children. Elder Larry R. Lawrence counseled, “By listening closely, we can discover the desires of their hearts, help them set righteous goals, and also share with them the spiritual impressions that we have received about them.” President Rosemary Wixom taught, “It takes time to focus on the things that matter most. Talking, listening, and encouraging do not happen quickly. They cannot be rushed or scheduled—they happen best along the way. They happen when we do things together: work together, create together, and play together. They happen when we turn off media, put down worldly distractions, and focus on each other.”

Questions: How can I build open lines of communication with my teenager? How can I create an environment where my teen feels comfortable coming to me with any topic? How can I listen, teach truth, and offer counsel without my teen feeling judged or criticized? Since words have the power to hurt or help, what are some listening strategies and gospel principles taught by the Savior that help avoid destructive ways of communicating and build love and trust?

Presenters: Jenae Nelson, Brian Mead

AUDITORIUM, JOSEPH SMITH BUILDING (JSB)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

10 • “I Believe in Christ, So Come What May” (Hymns, 134)

Trials are a necessary part of this earthly life experience. By focusing on faith in Jesus Christ, we can move forward through the trials of life and endure well. President Linda K. Burton explained, “When life seems unfair, as it must have seemed to Martha at the death of her brother—when we experience the heartaches of loneliness, infertility, loss of loved ones, missing opportunities for marriage and family, broken homes, debilitating depression, physical or mental illness, stifling stress, anxiety, addiction, financial hardship, or a plethora of other possibilities—may we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness: ‘But I know . . . [and] I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God.’”

Questions: How does focusing on faith in Jesus Christ change my perspective of life’s trials? How can I work through feelings of sadness, disappointment, or anger and still move forward faithfully? What are some examples from the scriptures of enduring faithfully and the blessings of enduring well? How do I recognize God’s love in the midst of my trials?

Presenter: Leslie Lords Robbins

Presenters: Melissa Chalk, Jill Knapp

ASSEMBLY HALL, HINCKLEY CENTER (HC)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

11 • To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Moral Agency

When reflecting on the purpose of agency in God’s plan and the importance of making righteous choices, we can look to President Russell M. Nelson, who taught, “When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.” Elder Mathias Held explained, “Life is all about making choices. Our Father in Heaven gave us the divine gift of agency precisely so that we could learn from our choices—from the right ones and also from the wrong ones. We correct our wrong choices when we repent. This is where growth happens. Heavenly Father’s plan for all of us is about learning, developing, and progressing toward eternal life.”

Questions: Why is agency important to the Father’s plan? How can I learn from my choices to grow closer to my Father in Heaven? What can we learn from President Nelson’s invitation to “take the long view” when making choices? How can I use my agency to follow Jesus Christ?

Presenters: Taunalyn Ford, Eva M. Witesman

3220–24 WILKINSON STUDENT CENTER (WSC)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

12 • From Many, One Heart: As Covenant Women, Rooting Out Prejudice and Building Unity

Elder D. Todd Christofferson testified, “The Lord commands us, ‘Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.’ We should be diligent in rooting prejudice and discrimination . . . out of our homes, and, most of all, out of our hearts.”

As a collective force of women who recognize the importance of the call to ‘comfort those in need, bear one another’s burdens and mourn with those that mourn,’ (Mosiah 18:8–9) rooting out exclusion, racism, and prejudice helps us change the world for the better. Sister Sharon Eubank reminded us, “As covenant women, we have broad influence. . . . We have power to remove prejudice and build unity. . . . President Russell M. Nelson [has] extended a powerful prophetic blessing: ‘It is my prayer and blessing that I leave upon all who are listening that we may overcome any burdens of prejudice and walk uprightly with God—and with one another—in perfect peace and harmony.’”

Questions: How can I help create a community of belonging? How do I avoid making others feel like they are outsiders? How can I show respect for their unique journey and story? How can I include others who may be feeling left out? How can I be sensitive to and recognize their needs? What can I do if I’m the one who feels like I don’t fit in?

How can learning about the beauty and strength of others’ family or cultural traditions bless all of us?

BALLROOM, HARMAN BUILDING (HCEB)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

13 • Seeing Through Others’ Eyes: The Transformative Power of Empathy

Writer Henry David Thoreau asked, “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eye for an instant?” That beautiful question gives us just an inkling of the blessings that can be gained by striving to have empathy for our sisters and brothers. Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen explained, “Empathy is the gift to feel what others feel and to understand what others are experiencing. Empathy is the natural outgrowth of charity. It stimulates and enhances our capacity to serve. Empathy is not sympathy but understanding and caring. It is the basis of true friendship. Empathy leads to respect and opens the door to teaching and learning.”

Questions: What are some defining characteristics of empathy compared to sympathy or compassion? As I study the life of the Savior in the scriptures, what can I learn about empathy? How does empathy lead me to serve others in the way they need? How can I develop and practice the gift of empathy?

Presenters: Julie Rose, Summer Adamson

2254 BYU CONFERENCE CENTER (CONF)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

14 • Post with Purpose: “Sharing Our Faith Online”

We’ve been asked to share the gospel far and wide throughout the world and to bring others to Christ. In Matthew 5:16 we read, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We can see the impact of sharing our beliefs on social media if we flood the earth with goodness. By reaching out and sharing our testimonies, we help others to see our light and find Jesus Christ. Elder Neil L. Andersen counseled, “There are new ways to invite others to ‘come and see.’ Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life.”

Questions: How do I find the courage to share the gospel online? What types of things should I share? What should I avoid? What are ways to share the gospel online? What resources are available to

help me? What are some things others have learned as they have shared gospel messages online?

Presenters: Sheree Halverson Nixon, Amber Dawn Pearce

Presenters: Isabel I. Garcia, Ida Araba Hunt

10:45–11:45 a.m.

15 • A Person of Integrity Is One Who Is Trusted of the Lord

Elder Larry S. Kacher taught that “a person of integrity is one who is trusted of the Lord. The Lord knows what that person will do in any circumstance.” The scriptures contain numerous accounts that highlight the Lord’s high regard for those who demonstrate integrity, regardless of the trials they face. Elder Jack N. Gerard explained, “The oppositional pull of this world is an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. How we respond to the pull is the essence of who we are—a measure of our integrity.” He continued, “Exercising integrity in our choices is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. . . . A life of integrity is not a life of perfection; it is a life in which we strive every day to foremost be true to God and . . . to others.”

Questions: What steps can I take to ensure that my intentions and actions show integrity in both public and private settings? What blessings have I experienced as a result of living a life of integrity, and how can I continue to uphold these principles in challenging situations? What are some scriptural examples of people who demonstrated a life of integrity, and what can I learn from their examples? In what ways does living with integrity give me confidence in approaching God and seeking His guidance?

250 KIMBALL TOWER (KMBL)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

16 • Walking Through Grief with the Savior

“Please know that grief is the natural by-product of love,” Elder Lance B. Wickman counseled, “One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at [their] suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love.” When we rely on the Savior, who offers peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), we are supported by His love and promises. And while we know that in this life we will experience grief and feel loss, the Savior will not let us grieve alone. He is there to walk that road with us. In John 14:26–27, the Lord promised His disciples that the Father would send them “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,” and He lovingly assured them, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”

Questions: How can the promise of the Holy Ghost found in John 14:26–27 bring me comfort during difficult times? Why is it necessary to experience grief fully, even when I have faith in the Savior’s Atonement and the blessings of the Resurrection? What are some helpful things to say, and what should I not say when I’m with someone who is experiencing grief or loss? When my family experiences a loss, how can I rely on the Savior as I support other family members in their grief and experience my own grief?

151 TANNER BUILDING (TNRB)

10:45–11:45 a.m.

17 • Blending Families: Becoming One Family, One Heart

Building relationships, especially when blending families, takes time, respect, love, and consideration. It should be one of our highest priorities. Sister Tamara W. Runia shared, “Remember, families are a God-given laboratory where we’re figuring things out, so missteps and miscalculations are not just possible but probable. . . . Each difficult interaction is an opportunity to learn how to love at a deeper level—a godlike level.” As we are faithful to our covenants, the Lord will help us, guide us, inspire us, and uphold us so that we can know what to do and when to do it. “Putting two families together requires twice as much patience. . . . The blessings of having twice as many people to love are twice as great” (Ensign, February 2016).

Questions: What are some simple ideas for building family unity while blending two families? What are some real and natural ways I can connect with each member of my blended family? How can we create a home that fosters open and respectful communication? How can teaching our children the power of prayer and their divine identity help them adjust to our new family dynamics?

Presenters: Teuila Tuua Mo’unga, Patti Epperson Jorgensen

CONCURRENT

SESSIONS 12:15–1:15 P.M.

MARRIOTT CENTER (MC)

12:15–1:15 p.m.

18 • “I Am a God of Miracles” (2 Nephi 27:23)

“Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the Resurrection of our Lord. If that be admitted, other miracles cease to be improbable” (Bible Dictionary). President Russell M. Nelson explained, “Moroni assured us that ‘God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.’ Every book of scripture demonstrates how willing the Lord is to intervene in the lives of those who believe in Him.” Exercising faith in the Lord allows us to call upon the powers of heaven and bring miracles into our lives. President Nelson continued, “The Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, ‘doubting nothing.’ Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith.”

Questions: What can I do to recognize the miracles—large and small— that God is working in my life? How can I recognize and show gratitude for miracles from the Lord, even if not what I hoped for? What can the scriptures teach us about “faith and miracles”?

Presenters: Sunny Mahe, Tamara McFadden

Presenters: Cherstyn Stockwell, Aislin Powell Dyer

Presenters: Amanda Kjar Wilkinson, Marie Calder Ricks