SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah -- No matter what kind of slingshot you have in your arsenal, if you have the Lord with you, you can defeat a giant, said the concluding speaker at a recent LDS young single adult conference in Utah County.

George Durrant, an American Fork native, Mormon seminary teacher, temple sealer and two-time mission president known for his dry and unbridled wit, told his audience his young son was retelling the story of David and Goliath. When Durrant asked him about the Lord's part in the scripture story, the boy said David didn't need the Lord because David had a good sling.

"That's the way of the world," Durrant said. "They don't think they need the Lord."

Durrant then went on to tell the young adults they should expect problems in life. "The only way to get where you're going is through a bunch of problems," he said. "You're not getting your money's worth out of life without problems."

He added, "You might win the game if you come to Christ."

Durrant said -- in a talk laced heavily with one-liners -- everything ties into putting your hand in the hand of God, whether it be playing on a basketball team, dating, choosing a career or being popular.

("I should have gone by Don in high school instead of George. Everybody named Don was big and handsome. If I'd have gone by Don, I'd have been big and handsome!")

He urged his audience of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to come forward in life and participate. "The sweet part of the church is in the center," he said. "My best missionaries were those who came forward."

He suggested telling others about the "nice sky" in their pictures rather than focusing on the "messed up foreground," referring to a picture he'd painted that someone criticized.

He recommended "going to Delta and taking the kids" rather than going to Europe with just the spouse.

He focused on making sure those in the audience knew he liked being among them.

He reminded his audience that the Lord is aware of each person on Earth.

"Ask him, and the Lord will take you by the hand. He'll answer your prayers," Durrant said.

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com