LDS General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

I just finished a delicious lunch of honey BBQ chicken nuggets, fresh strawberries and raspberries, took a potty break and refilled my water bottle. Time to settle in for another 2 hours of General Conference! Click here to watch live with me.

I got the idea to liveblog GC last April from following ByCommonConsent's liveblog, which they do every conference, with light hearts and multiple voices.

Image: Mormons on the lawn at Temple Square, from http://mormonsoprano.com/

The picture is probably from between sessions in April. But I'm reposting it because it reminds me of when my little brother and I used to go down to the Greenbelt (a park in Idaho Falls) across the street from the temple, and spread ourselves out on a blanket on the lawn to listen to the Saturday afternoon session of conference on the radio. But only in April; it's usually too cold for that in Idaho Falls in October. Sadly, they don't broadcast Conference on the radio here in Mesa; otherwise the weather right now would be perfect for me to go find a spot of lawn near the Mesa temple from which to listen. But I'll just have to settle for the lovely breeze coming through my open window as I watch online. And the upshot is, I can keep liveblogging! I'll offset my own comments on the proceedings below in italics.

Combined Family Choir: "On This Day of Joy and Gladness"

Sustaining of Church Officers. It's a privilege for Latter-day Saints to participate in this process each conference. Raising our hands manifests not only that we approve of these officers' callings, but that we are grateful for their service, and sustain them with our prayers and through our faithful service in the church.

Choir: "I Know that My Savior Loves Me"

Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A gospel-centered home is a safe place to raise children today. Though evil of all kinds is ever present in these perilous times, "when I think of the future, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of positive optimism." This optimism is possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Many years of effort have produced editions of the scriptures in every language, with footnotes and study helps (a new edition of the standard works was released digitally early this year, and print editions in English became available in August). Studying the scriptures brings strength--it is less important which books we read than that we make it a regular practice. We can find hope and peace for ourselves and our families. Packer relates an oft-repeated story of a dream that Joseph F. Smith had. It does not matter whether we come to the Lord early or late in our lives. No matter how much we have been stained in the journey, we can be washed clean by the atonement of Christ!

President Packer's health has been poor for years now. He seems more frail each conference. Though the effort of speaking is audible in his voice, he must feel very strongly about the importance of the message he offers.

D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Throughout history societies have relied on the moral force of women. I wish to commend women for their moral influence, and encourage them to cultivate the strength which comes from moral virtue. A woman's moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt than in the home. Women should be serious about ongoing education and preparation to contribute meaningfully in their communities. Quoting Neal A. Maxwell: "Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?" Sisters, I don't wish to over-praise you as we sometimes do in ways that make you cringe. I just mean that whatever your personal circumstances, your moral authority is vital. The devaluation by some feminists of marriage, motherhood, and homemaking can threaten that moral authority. Worldly attitudes toward sexuality threaten women's moral authority. There is no room for a double-standard that condemns women's promiscuity but excuses it in men. But instead of raising the standard for men, our society has lowered it for women. Some, in the name of equality, wish to erase gendered distinctions between men and women. We ought instead to embrace the unique strengths and moral force of women. None of this is any excuse for men and boys to shirk their own duties to exercise moral authority.

It's no secret that there is controversy surrounding the position of women in the church. It seems likely that some may find Elder Christofferson's message condescending, a reiteration of outdated stereotypes. Yet it is also a reminder of the profound but often-overlooked influence of strong women throughout the history of the church. I'm sorry that he has reiterated negative perceptions about feminism, by focusing on a narrow part of it. That part is real, and has a long and antagonistic history with the church. But it's not all that feminism is or ever was. I wish we could engage in a more mutually respectful dialog.

S. Gifford Nielsen, of the Seventy

What would you do if a prophet of the Lord really called you? Well he did, this morning, President Monson called us to engage more earnestly in missionary service. This is the most remarkable era in the history of the church. Let's not let the work go forward without us.

Choir and Congregation: "Press Forward, Saints"

Arnulfo Valenzuela, of the Seventy

More missionary stories! "By small means are great things brought to pass." The innocence and youth of our missionaries exemplify this, as does the faithful service of ordinary members throughout the world. Through faithful acts of service we not only bring about great things in our own lives, but have the opportunity to transform the lives of others. "Let us reach out to others with faith and with love."

Timothy J. Dyches, of the Seventy

The story of Jesus visiting the waters of Bethesda and healing a lame man, and the story of Jesus healing the lepers on the road to Jerusalem. As a physician, I focus on healing the physical body. Jesus heals not only bodies but souls. "Come, follow me" invites us to leave our old life behind and draw near to Christ. The trials of life should soften our hearts and as we become converted to the Lord, we become whole. Forgiveness sometimes feels excruciatingly difficult, but it is possible through the grace of Christ. "Have faith and patience in the Savior's timing purposes for you." He stands at the door and knocks. Let us answer by prayer, repentance, obedience.

Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Speaking particularly to those who suffer from mental illness or emotional disorders. However bewildering, these afflictions are some of the realities of life. Our pursuit of godliness will be tried and tested again and again. It is only an understanding of the divine love that motivated Christ's supernal sacrifice that makes our lesser sufferings understandable and bearable. "This dark night of the mind and spirit" is more than just a period of sadness. I had my own glimpse of such an abyss, and though it was temporary, it has given me an enduring sympathy for those for whom it is more enduring. How can you respond when such mental challenges confront you or those you love? First, remember the unchanging love of God for you, no matter what. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual wellbeing. Seek priesthood blessings. Observe the Sabbath and partake of the sacrament. Be alert to potential stressors and triggers in yourself and others, and when you recognize danger signs, make necessary adjustments. If needed, seek the advice of reputable, qualified people. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to get a priesthood blessing and surgery. He expects us to use the resources available to us. Be grateful for small victories, and be patient. "Patiently enduring some things is part of our mortal education." To caregivers who are responsible for the health of loved ones: do not destroy your own. Don't run faster than you have strength. And remember that charity never faileth. And remember that in any illness or challenge, there is still much in life to rejoice and be grateful for. "Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly, and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are like a broken vessel, as the Psalmist says, we must remember that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter."

Holland! Y U MAKE ME CRY SO MUCH!?!?

M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Missionary service! After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel. We have been proselyting for 144 years. Are we prepared to lengthen our stride and quicken our pace? Members should increasingly work in partnership with full-time missionaries. Many members hesitate to share the gospel for two reasons. First, fear. Second, misunderstanding of what missionary work is. You might feel you would be asked to do unrealistic things in your relationships with others. Rest assured, that is not the case. If you will pray for opportunities to share the gospel, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence. Then we must demonstrate our faith by watching for opportunities, and they will surely come. They won't require a forced or contrived response but will flow as a natural result of our love for our friends and neighbors. They will respond in the same spirit, though the timing may not be right for them to receive your message, they will appreciate the spirit in which it is offered. You don't have to be outgoing or eloquent. You just have to lift up your voice and speak as your heart is prompted. It is not a burden, it is a privilege to share the gospel. Heed the promptings of the spirit and become engaged in doing what you can.

Choir: "Love at Home" Seriously, those kids are stinkin' cute. And props to them for sitting quietly on the stand for 2 whole hours without going crazy. Hahaha! Little guy in the choir just yawned a HUGE yawn in front of millions. Don't feel bad, little buddy. We all know how you feel. Time for a break!

Sister McConkie offers the closing prayer. Six months ago, this was a big deal. Now it's just par for the course. And the general authorities and officers of the church file out all orderly. Or at least they were. Now there seems to be a bit of a traffic jam because they're stopping to chat and shake hands and stuff. Hey, it's just like the foyer after Sacrament meeting! We Mormons, we like to chit-chat after meetings.

Normally, I'd be done until tomorrow morning. But they're broadcasting the Priesthood session live on the internet tonight! Normally it's only been available online on a delayed basis. This is the first time it will be broadcast live.