By Melissa Merrill
Church Magazines
Melissa Merrill, "Applying Conference Changes Lives", Liahona, March 2011, 74–75
Shortly after the October 2010 general conference, Jared and Kathleen Smith of Utah, USA, decided to take a drive around the neighborhood with their three children to enjoy the colorful autumn leaves. Before leaving, Brother Smith put a vial of consecrated oil in his pocket. The words of President HenryB. Eyring's priesthood address to be ready for priesthood service at all times had been on his mind (see "Serve with the Spirit," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 59).
On their way home, the Smiths happened upon a crowd gathering around a little girl lying on the ground, apparently suffering from some kind of head trauma. They heard a woman shout, "Please, does anyone have consecrated oil? Please!" Brother Smith quickly pulled over and handed his oil to the girl's father. After a priesthood blessing, the girl regained consciousness and began talking to her parents. Moments later, paramedics arrived and took her to the hospital.
"We felt a warmth and a peace in our hearts for having been in the right place at the right time, for having brought oil, and as President Eyring spoke of, having been ready," says Brother Smith. "Our children saw the blessing of priesthood power, and we left feeling Heavenly Father's love for both us and this young girl and her family."
Like the Smiths, many families have been blessed for following counsel received during general conference. As members prepare for another general conference, here three families share their stories of heeding the prophetic voice.
For more stories (in English) or to share your own experience (in any language), read the full version of this article on the Church News and Events section of LDS.org at lds.org/church/news/how-general-conference-changed-my-life.