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SALT LAKE CITY -- Latter-day Saint young women were encouraged by church leaders in the annual Young Women's General Conference Saturday to stay strong in their faith.
Thousands of young women ages 12 through 18 attended the meeting in the Conference Center, and thousands more watched the broadcast of the proceedings abroad.
The theme of this year's meeting was "Arise and Shine Forth," and talks were given about education, moral standards and the Internet.
They were told to be good students and do so with honesty and integrity.
"I really liked Sister Cook's talk about education," said Logan Clark, of Springville. "I really like the emphasis she put on starting education now and educating for the future."
Mary N. Cook, the first counselor of the Young Women General Presidency reminded young women to use technology wisely.
Wwhen you live the standards and qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, you can have a powerful impact in the world.
–- Elaine S. Dalton, YW president
"With technology, you are witnessing an explosion of knowledge," Cook said. "You are constantly bombarded by sound, video and networking. Be selective and don't allow this surge of information to distract you or slow your progress."
The conference features a video presentation each year, and this year, the video focused on connection they have to the more than a million members of their faith. The video was followed by the Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton's talk about standards and the effect young women can have when they keep those standards.
"Wwhen you live the standards and qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, you can have a powerful impact in the world," she said.
President Thomas S. Monson told them he understands how difficult the teen years can be and that he has confidence in the young women.
"You are precious, precious daughters of our Heavenly Father, sent to earth at this day and time for a purpose," Monson said. "You have been withheld until this very hour. Wonderful, glorious things are in store for you, if you will only believe, obey and endure."
The conference proceeds the church's General Conference held next weekend. The five sessions on Saturday and Sunday will be held in the Conference Center. KSL TV will broadcast the general sessions at 10 p.m. and 2 p.m. live, as well as on ksl.com.
