The Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower
Dallin H. Oaks
(link to talk)
(remember I am using the "language of faith" meaning I am wording the counsel and teaching "as if" I already believe or am already doing it. All bold type is my insertion.)

• I know the prophets speak about what I must do to reform my personal life to prepare me to return to my heavenly home.
• I am a committed follower of Christ. I am aware of circumstances and attitudes that keep me from bringing forth a goodly harvest.
• I have "roots" in a firm and lasting conversion to the gospel and am regular in its practices.
• I increase my exposure to spiritual truth to strengthen my faith and stay rooted in the gospel. This spiritual food is necessary for my spiritual survival in this current world.
• The Sacrament provides me with spiritual food each week which protects me from being vulnerable to withering away when I encounter tribulation through isolation, intimidation, or ridicule.
• I do not have a keyhole view of the gospel, but instead have a view of the grand panorama of the gospel plan and the personal and communal fruits of its harvest. I do not focus on one doctrine or practice or weakness of a leader. 
• I am moderate and measured in criticism and seek always for the broader view of the majestic work of God.
• I am not tempted by the deceitfulness of riches.  
• I do not put the cares of this world or the riches or pleasures of life ahead of the things of God in my actions, priorities or thinking. 
• I have no addictions that impair my agency.
• I am not beguiled by trivial distractions that would draw me away from things of eternal importance.
• I do not have an entitlement mentality which would impair my necessary personal growth.
• The cares of this life do not paralyze me with fear of the future. I go forward with faith, trusting in God and His promises.
• My commitment is a test of my faith. It's okay if it's hard or impractical in the terms of the world.
• I really live what I believe and make living it a priority in my personal and family life and in church, politics, work and my treatment of the poor - in everything I do.
• I am a leaven in society without being digested by society.
• My heart is set on the commandments of God and the leadership of His Church.
• I receive the gospel seed into the fertile soil of my heart. I protect my soil from becoming hardened or unprepared, or stony from disuse or set upon the things of the world.
• I am honest and good in heart and keep the word, and bring forth fruit with patience.
• I am firmly rooted in and converted to the gospel of Christ by:
• conversion by praying
• scripture reading
• serving
• regularly partaking of the sacrament to always have His Spirit to be with me
• I seek the mighty change of heart that replaces evil desires and selfish concerns with the love of God and the desire to serve Him and His children.
  
  CONFERENCE CHALLENGE:
• Increase my exposure to spiritual truth 
• See the Sacrament as spiritual food 
• Make the things of God my first priority in my actions and thinking 
• Identify trivial distractions 
• Recognize the promises of God and trust them; move forward in faith 
• Live what I believe at all times, even if hard or impractical 
• Set my heart on the commandments and following the prophet 
• Prepare my heart to receive more of the word of God 
• Seek conversion through prayer 
• Seek the mighty change of heart; to be filled with the love of God and the desire to serve Him and His children