As before, I'll be mostly summarizing each of the speakers' messages--or at least the parts that seem most important to me. I'll update the blog at the end of each speaker's remarks. My own commentary will be in italics.
Image: Temple Square in Salt Lake City, from utahvalley360.com
Mormon Tabernacle Choir: "Rejoice, the Lord Is King!"
Opening Prayer You know, it never bothered me at all--I didn't even notice--that before last April, women hadn't offered prayers in General Conference. But I must say it warms my heart each time I hear my sisters acting as the voice of the congregation in those prayers.
Tabernacle Choir: "Master, The Tempest Is Raging"
Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
My grandchildren are growing to maturity and are beginning to enjoy the blessings of family creation. Since no two families are alike, it's hard to give universal advice about happiness in family life. Yet the Lord has given but one plan of happiness for all of is in mortality, which is to follow all the commandments of God. And the one overarching commandment that will lead to the heart of the happy family life, which applies to all relationships regardless of circumstance, which is: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...and...thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". From this we can draw many essential principles for happiness. Forgiveness is one. Service and accepting callings in the church is another, and this is true both in our communities and in our families.We need Christlike love to develop unity of heart in our marriages. It takes the help of God and time to polish us to perfection. This is especially true in family life, where we will find great joy, and great sorrows, and challenges. When those we love stray into dark and dangerous paths, we keep loving them, and we have hope in the mercy of Christ.
Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The second of the ten commandments expands upon the first. It commands us not to worship idols, and more than an injunction against bowing down to physical idols, it is about our priorities. Do we place higher priority on worldly things than we do on serving our God? If so, we are in danger of serving other gods. Only marriage in the Lord's way carries with it the promise of eternal blessings. Rates of marriage among young adults is declining and the median age of marriage is at an all-time high. This is in part because of worldly priorities. The scriptures command us to be respectful and tolerant of all people, regardless of religious beliefs and practices. We claim the right to the same respect and toleration of our religious beliefs and practices. Our emphasis on the principle of chastity is based on our doctrinal understanding of the importance of the procreative power. Cohabitation and out-of-wedlock childbearing have dramatically increased in our society. This is contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and family. Legislation has authorized same-gender marriage in many places, and some seek to erode gender differences. Such social changes do not change our doctrine or God's law. We may suffer discrimination as a result of our stance. If so, we should remember our first priority is to serve God. Don't let the temporary challenges of mortality distract us from our eternal destiny.
Well, that ought to stir things up.
Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women's General President
True conversion comes from serving the Lord. No worldly promises are great enough to trade for our precious testimonies, church membership, and the blessings that come from knowing and living the gospel. Conversion is a process, not an event. We should not wait to live gospel principles until we have a testimony of them. We gain testimonies of gospel principles by living them, and experiencing the blessings that follow our obedience. Each has the primary responsibility for their own conversion. We cannot rely on the faith and diligence of others for our own testimonies. Yet when we are converted, we reach out to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
My roommate's comment: "I liked her! She didn't have 'Primary voice.'"
Choir and Congregation: "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel"
Richard J. Maynes, Presidency of the Seventy
"The challenges we face, if successfully endured, will be for our ultimate good." Our journey through life is designed to be a test of our character. Because God knew we would not always make the right choice, he provided a Savior to atone for us. Our testimonies help us to endure in righteousness. Spiritual endurance requires dedication, perseverance, and persistence. The gospel does not give us immunity from death, but victory over it through the resurrection of Christ. The test of mortality is an endurance race.
Richard G. Scott, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Uh-oh! Elder Scott gives beautiful messages--I love to read them. But has the most soporific voice! Hopefully blogging will prevent me from nodding off while he speaks.
The people of Ammon buried their weapons of war and covenanted never to take them up. But as the Nephite armies were worn down in their defense, the Ammonites, knowing that fathers have a duty to protect their families, considered breaking their covenant in order to fulfill that duty. But Helaman knew that the breaking of covenants is never justified, and that there was another way. Their sons had not made that covenant, because they had not committed those sins that made it necessary for their fathers to do so. Thus they were able to take up arms to defend their families. But this must have been a cause of anguish for their fathers. Fathers, not children, are supposed to protect their families. Yet their past had undermined their ability to do so. Despite the reality of repentance, past sins can make us vulnerable to future temptation. Nonetheless, through our reliance on the atonement and the heed we give to wise priesthood counsel, the Savior is able to protect us from our weaknesses. We have all made poor choices, we are all in need of the atonement, to repent of our rebellion, to heal the weaknesses of our character. How can we fortify our character? First, sincere repentance. Repentance is not punishment, but a "hope-filled path to a glorious future." Next, make covenants and receive ordinances for yourself, and work to provide such ordinances for your own ancestors. Share the gospel with your neighbors. Serve faithfully in all church callings, especially home and visiting teaching. Be a real friend. Most importantly, serve the members of your own family. Fill your life with service to others.
Tabernacle Choir: "O Divine Redeemer"
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Spoke tenderly of the recent passing of his dear wife Frances. Tomorrow would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. This is the 50th year since Monson was called to the Apostleship--a lifetime of service that involved great sacrifice for her as well as him. Many have expressed their condolences through donations to education and missionary funds. Knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal marriage has been of great comfort in this time of grief. No person has ever lived entirely free of suffering and sorrow. There is the temptation to ask, "why me?" Sometimes there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, no promise of dawn at the end of our dark night. Pessimism is a distorted prism. The heavenly virtue of patience is required. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? "Man is born unto trouble," as Job said. He was a righteous man yet faced a test that could have destroyed anyone, but he held fast to his testimony of the Redeemer. Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down, remember that others have endured such trials and risen above them. So can we. Making the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of our lives will enable us to triumph over our troubles. Sadness and suffering are universal. A beautiful story of a 105-year old "Brother Brims" who had known "Tommy Monson" from when he was young. "Heavenly Father has been so good to me." He was not resentful of his sufferings, but deeply grateful for his blessings. We may be tested to our limits, but such trials enable us to change for the better. Not only must we persevere and endure, but become more spiritually refined as we pass through sunshine and sorrow. Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, our Savior is always with us. We should not have to be driven to humility to remember him and place in him our trust. He has promised, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee."
Tabernacle Choir: "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet" And we do!
Opening Prayer You know, it never bothered me at all--I didn't even notice--that before last April, women hadn't offered prayers in General Conference. But I must say it warms my heart each time I hear my sisters acting as the voice of the congregation in those prayers.
Tabernacle Choir: "Master, The Tempest Is Raging"
Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
My grandchildren are growing to maturity and are beginning to enjoy the blessings of family creation. Since no two families are alike, it's hard to give universal advice about happiness in family life. Yet the Lord has given but one plan of happiness for all of is in mortality, which is to follow all the commandments of God. And the one overarching commandment that will lead to the heart of the happy family life, which applies to all relationships regardless of circumstance, which is: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...and...thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". From this we can draw many essential principles for happiness. Forgiveness is one. Service and accepting callings in the church is another, and this is true both in our communities and in our families.We need Christlike love to develop unity of heart in our marriages. It takes the help of God and time to polish us to perfection. This is especially true in family life, where we will find great joy, and great sorrows, and challenges. When those we love stray into dark and dangerous paths, we keep loving them, and we have hope in the mercy of Christ.
Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The second of the ten commandments expands upon the first. It commands us not to worship idols, and more than an injunction against bowing down to physical idols, it is about our priorities. Do we place higher priority on worldly things than we do on serving our God? If so, we are in danger of serving other gods. Only marriage in the Lord's way carries with it the promise of eternal blessings. Rates of marriage among young adults is declining and the median age of marriage is at an all-time high. This is in part because of worldly priorities. The scriptures command us to be respectful and tolerant of all people, regardless of religious beliefs and practices. We claim the right to the same respect and toleration of our religious beliefs and practices. Our emphasis on the principle of chastity is based on our doctrinal understanding of the importance of the procreative power. Cohabitation and out-of-wedlock childbearing have dramatically increased in our society. This is contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and family. Legislation has authorized same-gender marriage in many places, and some seek to erode gender differences. Such social changes do not change our doctrine or God's law. We may suffer discrimination as a result of our stance. If so, we should remember our first priority is to serve God. Don't let the temporary challenges of mortality distract us from our eternal destiny.
Well, that ought to stir things up.
Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women's General President
True conversion comes from serving the Lord. No worldly promises are great enough to trade for our precious testimonies, church membership, and the blessings that come from knowing and living the gospel. Conversion is a process, not an event. We should not wait to live gospel principles until we have a testimony of them. We gain testimonies of gospel principles by living them, and experiencing the blessings that follow our obedience. Each has the primary responsibility for their own conversion. We cannot rely on the faith and diligence of others for our own testimonies. Yet when we are converted, we reach out to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
My roommate's comment: "I liked her! She didn't have 'Primary voice.'"
Choir and Congregation: "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel"
Richard J. Maynes, Presidency of the Seventy
"The challenges we face, if successfully endured, will be for our ultimate good." Our journey through life is designed to be a test of our character. Because God knew we would not always make the right choice, he provided a Savior to atone for us. Our testimonies help us to endure in righteousness. Spiritual endurance requires dedication, perseverance, and persistence. The gospel does not give us immunity from death, but victory over it through the resurrection of Christ. The test of mortality is an endurance race.
Richard G. Scott, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Uh-oh! Elder Scott gives beautiful messages--I love to read them. But has the most soporific voice! Hopefully blogging will prevent me from nodding off while he speaks.
The people of Ammon buried their weapons of war and covenanted never to take them up. But as the Nephite armies were worn down in their defense, the Ammonites, knowing that fathers have a duty to protect their families, considered breaking their covenant in order to fulfill that duty. But Helaman knew that the breaking of covenants is never justified, and that there was another way. Their sons had not made that covenant, because they had not committed those sins that made it necessary for their fathers to do so. Thus they were able to take up arms to defend their families. But this must have been a cause of anguish for their fathers. Fathers, not children, are supposed to protect their families. Yet their past had undermined their ability to do so. Despite the reality of repentance, past sins can make us vulnerable to future temptation. Nonetheless, through our reliance on the atonement and the heed we give to wise priesthood counsel, the Savior is able to protect us from our weaknesses. We have all made poor choices, we are all in need of the atonement, to repent of our rebellion, to heal the weaknesses of our character. How can we fortify our character? First, sincere repentance. Repentance is not punishment, but a "hope-filled path to a glorious future." Next, make covenants and receive ordinances for yourself, and work to provide such ordinances for your own ancestors. Share the gospel with your neighbors. Serve faithfully in all church callings, especially home and visiting teaching. Be a real friend. Most importantly, serve the members of your own family. Fill your life with service to others.
Tabernacle Choir: "O Divine Redeemer"
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Spoke tenderly of the recent passing of his dear wife Frances. Tomorrow would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. This is the 50th year since Monson was called to the Apostleship--a lifetime of service that involved great sacrifice for her as well as him. Many have expressed their condolences through donations to education and missionary funds. Knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal marriage has been of great comfort in this time of grief. No person has ever lived entirely free of suffering and sorrow. There is the temptation to ask, "why me?" Sometimes there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, no promise of dawn at the end of our dark night. Pessimism is a distorted prism. The heavenly virtue of patience is required. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? "Man is born unto trouble," as Job said. He was a righteous man yet faced a test that could have destroyed anyone, but he held fast to his testimony of the Redeemer. Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down, remember that others have endured such trials and risen above them. So can we. Making the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of our lives will enable us to triumph over our troubles. Sadness and suffering are universal. A beautiful story of a 105-year old "Brother Brims" who had known "Tommy Monson" from when he was young. "Heavenly Father has been so good to me." He was not resentful of his sufferings, but deeply grateful for his blessings. We may be tested to our limits, but such trials enable us to change for the better. Not only must we persevere and endure, but become more spiritually refined as we pass through sunshine and sorrow. Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, our Savior is always with us. We should not have to be driven to humility to remember him and place in him our trust. He has promised, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee."
Tabernacle Choir: "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet" And we do!
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