"The present (members of the) Twelve are very ordinary people. They are not, as the original Twelve were not, spectacular individually, but collectively the Twelve are a power."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland told the audience that those who heard President Monson's Sunday morning address had been "eyewitnesses" to the "settling of the mantle" of leadership on the shoulders of the new president.

After addressing characterizations during the October 2007 conference that LDS views of the Godhead make the faith "non-Christian," Elder Holland said a second claim of critics — that true Christianity has a "closed canon" of scripture — is not supported by scholarly evidence.

Latter-day Saints claim continuing revelation and an open scriptural canon, and careful study of the history of how scripture has been obtained supports the conclusion that God speaks to the faithful of all ages, Elder Holland said.

Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke specifically to young mothers on Sunday afternoon. He suggested ways to help reduce the stress of caring for young children: enjoying the journey, avoiding overscheduling family members, finding time for oneself to cultivate personal interests, and building spirituality through prayer, study and teaching children gospel principles.

He told parents to "take time to listen, to laugh and to play together."

Elder David A. Bednar talked on prayer, urging "meaningful" communication with God.

Elder Robert R. Steuer of the Quorums of the Seventy said Sunday afternoon said "spiritual light must burn within us," if we are to prosper in these marvelous times that lack peace;

Elder Sheldon F. Child of the Quorums of the Seventy said, paying an honest tithing will be the best investment you will ever make.

Sunday afternoon, Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Quorums of the Seventy said the Book of Mormon was a book with a promise, while Elder Lance B. Wickman advised members to "seize today," a time granted unto men to repent, forgive others and serve God.

Elder W. Craig Zwick warned against any compromise with evil. "We will not yield. We cannot yield," he said.

Sister Susan W. Tanner, who was released Saturday as Young Women general president, expressed appreciation for the support of her family. "I delight in, more than I can express, the eternal love and constant help of my husband and the prayers and support of my children and parents during these years of my service."

Mostly cloudy skies and cool temperatures in the lower 50s greeted Sunday conferencegoers, but no moisture fell.

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Contributing: Twila Van Leer

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com