A Good Thought

Yesterday we had stake conference. Instead of having the usual speakers from our stake, we had a broadcast for all of New England from the headquarters of the Church. Since not all of you were able to hear it, I thought I'd share one story that Seth and I really liked.
President Eyring spoke to us about following the prophet. He explained how we should listen to the words of the prophets and try to hear what God is telling us. He made an interesting point that a prophet doesn't have to say, "Thus saith the Lord," in order for his words to be prophetic and from the Lord. He doesn't have to be speaking in General Conference for us to listen to him.

President Eyring told about when he was in a meeting with the general authorities. During the break, President Hunter made a comment that he thought the stock market was a little high. President Hinckley agreed and they continued to talk about how they thought it would probably correct itself sometime soon. They weren't speaking to a congregation, or preaching to anyone. They were just prophets conversing with each other during a break. President Eyring said he was in charge of the church investments at the time. He said afterwards he went back to his office and they transferred all of their investments to safer stocks. He said it was a lot of work, and took a little while, but as soon as they were done, the stock market took a plunge.

One CEO from Japan flew out to Salt Lake City to see President Eyring. He brought an interpreter who he also flew out from Japan. He said, "Of all of our customers, you are the only one who transferred your stocks to safety. How did you know?"

President Eyring's point was that we can learn much from listening to the prophets whenever they speak. He told of other times traveling with President Hinckley, when President Hinckley would make some little remark about how President Eyring did things. He learned that if he listened he could see ways to improve.

While we may not all have personal communication with the Lord's prophets, we all have the chance to hear his voice and read his words. We can hear and feel the Lord speaking to us and showing us warnings or ways to improve.

His talk reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by Elder Nelson. He said, (paraphrased) --When I hear a prophet speak, I like to put an exclamation point, not a question mark after what he has said.

Hopefully we all read our conference Ensigns and study what the prophets have said. I thought some of you would enjoy that story.