If you are anything like me, there is anticipation in advance of General Conference. I always wonder what great announcements might be made. In the upcoming conference, I am reasonably certain that both a new counselor in the First Presidency and a new apostle will be named. I sometimes wonder if there will be great and momentous announcements such as the building of the temple in Jackson County or that we have six months to get our year?s supply in order. I know that sometimes I am guilty of looking for the ?big? announcement. In doing so, I may miss the real substance of the conference, that which is meant to guide and prepare us for whatever may lie ahead.

Consider the last the April 2007 General Conference. At the Priesthood session, President Hinckley began by reciting statistics regarding Church progress since he became prophet. These numbers show remarkable growth in the Church, particularly when compared to the previous 165 years of Church history. He then stated, ?Now, while all of this has been tremendously significant, I am convinced that with a little more dedication this wonderful recent past can be but prologue to a greater future. Let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and push along, do our duty with a heart full of song. This cause needs work; let no one shirk.? We are reminded that this is not a time to rest on previous successes, but to continue to move forward with optimism in doing the great work of the Lord.

President Hinckley continued his priesthood address by relating an account from the Hawaiian mission of young Joseph F. Smith. Young Joseph dreamed that he encountered Joseph Smith and other great ones from Church history and was able to declare himself clean before them. We are then reminded, ?In modern revelation the Lord has said: ?Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord? (D&C 133:5). In a world that wallows in filth, be clean?in language, in thought, in body, in dress.? President Hinckley then discussed cleanliness in each of those areas and concluded by stating, ?You are His chosen servant; you have been ordained to something holy and wonderful. You cannot live in the world and partake of the ways of the world. You must be above all of that.? As bearers of the priesthood, we are reminded that its power and authority is dependent on our worthiness.

In his Sunday morning address, President Hinckley bore his testimony and reminded us of several great truths: the true nature of Heavenly Father, the reality of Jesus Christ and his atonement, the restoration of priesthood authority, and the blessings of the temple. His testimony stands as a beacon of truth reminding us that there is only one true path to happiness. As the spirit bears witness, we are reminded that there is much to do to improve our relationship with Heavenly Father, in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, to honor our priesthood, and to serve more faithfully in the temple.

As President Hinckley closed the conference, he stated, ?We hope that you will use the May edition of the Church magazines as a text for your family home evenings, to review that which has been spoken in this conference. What has been said by each of the speakers represents his or her prayerful attempt to impart knowledge that will inspire and cause all who have heard it to stand a little taller and be a little better.? We are reminded that the teachings spoken throughout the conference are for our benefit and to be studied and used, not to be forgotten when the closing prayer is concluded.

There might not be any Sunday School this weekend, but we will be taught and instructed by the Lord?s servants in magnificent ways. We may not learn when the call to Jackson County will come, but if we listen, study, and ponder, we will be filled with those things that are most important for us to do at this time in the history of mankind.

Read the original "Gospel Doctrine Class" post here.