How my live blogging works: I'm updating this blog every few minutes during the conference sessions, typically at the end of each speaker's remarks. It's mostly summary, because I'm using it as a way to record the things that stick in my mind, but sometimes I add a bit of commentary.
SATURDAY MORNING
President Monson always opens conference more or less the same way, with expressions of love and welcome, and a brief overview of significant progress or change in the church since the last conference. He mentioned being in Arizona for the dedication of the Gilbert Temple just last month--an event that I was privileged to attend.
Jeffrey R. Holland
The saints have been rejected and slain throughout the history of the world. Some members of the church today will endure ridicule and abuse because of their faith. It is worth it, for the sake of discipleship and redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a reality of the present day that if people want any gods at all, they want comfortable gods, who do not demand much. And some invoke the name of Jesus as one of this kind of comfortable god. But Jesus consistently spoke hard things: not only should we do no sin, we should not even think of sinning, and that we ought to cut off our own limbs rather than allow them to lead us into sin. He is indeed the God of love. But Christlike love is "tough love"--it wants to save us from the things that would hurt us (our sins), not allow us to be complacent in our sins. Holland testifies that he is more certain of the restoration of the gospel and priesthood keys than he is that he is standing before the congregation at that very moment.
Ronald A. Rasband
Last year, tornadoes in Oklahoma changed the landscape and the lives of residents. They needed sustaining hands to love and help them in the work of rebuilding their lives and homes. Each of us faces challenges and responsibilities, and each of us has opportunities to love, help, and sustain those whose burdens are too great to bear alone. We each have the responsibility to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light...mourn with those that mourn..comfort those that stand in need of comfort...and stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:8-9).
Carlos H. Amado
During His mortal ministry, Jesus brought three people back to life, providing irrefutable evidence that he had power over death. Elder Amado then narrated and testified of the truth of Christ's suffering in Gethsemane, his trial, crucifixion, ministry in the spirit world, resurrection, and future second coming. It was a beautiful testimony.
Linda S. Reeves
What do I want my grandchildren to know? Human sexual desires should draw couples together in marriage and strengthen ties of love and devotion. But pornography distorts such desires and can entrap both men and women, and children as well as adults are increasingly likely to stumble upon pornographic material unwittingly. Calm and loving counsel, not shock and disgust, are the best way to respond to those who reveal their exposure to it. Computers are not the biggest culprit. There are resources available for those who desire help in breaking the influence of pornography in our lives. Daily scripture study and prayer, and weekly church attendance and family home evenings should not be added stressors, but rather sources of strength and peace, and a time of relief from the cares of our daily lives. They are the very things that help us guard and grow our spiritual wellbeing.
Neil L. Andersen
Another tornado story. "The world will not glide calmly toward the second coming." As the influence of the gospel spreads through the earth in the last days, so too does the opposition of the adversary. Repentance has the power to subdue the winds of sin. Not all sorrow comes because of personal sin. Some comes because of the choices of others, and some because of the weaknesses of the mortal condition. Strong winds stimulate roots to grow and deepen, and cause the trunk and branches to grow stronger and more resilient to the whirlwinds of life. If we are built upon the rock of our Redeemer, we will have safety in the whirlwind. Elder Andersen quoted a recent official statement that "Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established." While many governments have changed the legal definition of marriage, God's definition of marriage remains between a man and a woman. It may be necessary to stand alone on this issue. But remember that everyone, regardless of their position on this or other issues, deserve our love and kindness. There is no place for ridicule, bullying, or bigotry.
Note: Elder Andersen's comments about same-sex marriage will be among the most controversial of this conference. I want to make clear my own position on this issue. I believe that societies have the right to define the kinds of relationships officially recognized by civil authorities, including civil marriage. As stated in the 12th Article of Faith, I believe in "obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Yet I also affirm that governments do not have the authority to dictate to churches the definition or practices of their marriage sacraments. Those who would wish the Church to change its practices should understand that it is not in our power to do so--we are subject to God, not the opinions of human beings. and only a revelation from God would have the authority to alter our marriage practices (as happened with plural marriage). I believe that it is possible to honor both the law and the free exercise of religion on this, as on other matters. For people on all sides of the discussion, this is not only a matter of principle but something that touches the very core of their identities, and one that requires us to stretch our willingness to hear, to care, to understand, respect, and love one another.Henry B. Eyring
Well, shucks. I was typing my note, above, and missed most of President Eyring's talk. I love his messages, so I paused conference and I'll watch and blog this one in a little bit. Meanwhile, MY NEW TV JUST ARRIVED. So I'm going to swap them out and watch the next sessions of GC in 32 inches of 1080p beauty.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
I skipped the statistical church auditing reports because after spending two hours setting up two entertainment systems (my new TV, in my room, and my old TV and VCR to the entertainment system in the living room) I was all dusty and needed to clean myself up. Elder Nelson looks wonderful on my new TV, though.
Russell M. Nelson
"What are we missing in our lives, if we are ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth?" God's guidance should be our primary source of knowledge of the truth. We ought not to segment our lives ethically into "public" and "private", but have courage never to compromise our integrity.
Richard G. Scott
Elder Scott shared stories of how his grandmother and his sweetheart's personal convictions and influence helped to steer the direction of his life through love, example and support. One way we can be such an influence is to ask them questions that will prompt them to think, and then allow them time to do so, whether it take hours or years. Provide additional support and answers to their questions as they work out for themselves how best to respond to the message of the gospel. Keep your sharing of the gospel simple. Concentrate on the basic principles of the gospel, particularly the atonement of Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear witness. Study the doctrines and principles of the gospel diligently, and do not spend too much time on trivial matters. Be worthy of trust. This is one of the greatest talk on how to share the gospel that I can ever recall hearing. It is insightful, compassionate, and practical.
Robert D. Hales
Elder Hales repeats the theme of submitting our will and obedience to God's law, and not supplanting it according our own ideas or popular sentiment. Christ himself submitted his own desires to the Father's will, though it meant suffering the agony of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Spiritually mature obedience is motivated by love for our Father in Heaven and his Son, Jesus Christ. Obedience to God's will "requires mastery, and brings confident, eternal happiness, and provides a sense of fulfillment." The scriptures and church history are filled with examples of those who have learned by experience the peace that comes from keeping the commandments, and the sorrow of disobedience. Even prophets have suffered and had need to repent because of disobedience and yielding to the pressures of others.
Claudio D. Zivic
How joyous it would be if we could reach a point in our conversion where we followed the right path for the love of God alone, and not because of the continual prompting of others. We can easily be led astray if we follow the trends of the world rather than the signs God has provided to lead us along the path of righteousness. If you depart from the path to follow your own will or the fashion of the world, you will feel the pain of remorse and have need to repent and return to the path.
W. Craig Zwick
Elder Zwick is speaking about the need to understand another's perspective before communicating rashly. It's an important message. However, in the examples he gave, he repeatedly characterized the actions of people who acted without a full knowledge of the situation as "irrational." In fact, his wife's actions in jumping out of a smoking semi truck, and Sarah and Sariah's words and actions, were utterly rational according to the knowledge they had. It a crucial distinction. The principle Elder Zwick is communicating is true, though he seems not to have fully applied it himself. I can appreciate the principle and forgive the man's inconsistency and imperfection in practicing what he preaches. We're all works in progress, even our teachers and leaders.
Quentin L. Cook
We have a doctrinal obligation to perform family history and temple ordinances on behalf of our own ancestors. This is because the order of heaven is organized by families. Advances in computer technology and the proliferation of temples throughout the world have increased both the ease and the urgency of participating in this work of salvation. "Our family history centers are now in our homes." Do not underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts, and your joy on being reunited with them on the other side of the veil. Remember, we without our roots and branches, cannot be saved. Our families, living and dead, will be blessed as we share in the spirit of Elijah in turning the hearts of the children to the fathers, and the fathers to the children.
I've really enjoyed the choir in this session! "High on the Mountain Top" gave me chills!
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"What are we missing in our lives, if we are ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth?" God's guidance should be our primary source of knowledge of the truth. We ought not to segment our lives ethically into "public" and "private", but have courage never to compromise our integrity.
Richard G. Scott
Elder Scott shared stories of how his grandmother and his sweetheart's personal convictions and influence helped to steer the direction of his life through love, example and support. One way we can be such an influence is to ask them questions that will prompt them to think, and then allow them time to do so, whether it take hours or years. Provide additional support and answers to their questions as they work out for themselves how best to respond to the message of the gospel. Keep your sharing of the gospel simple. Concentrate on the basic principles of the gospel, particularly the atonement of Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear witness. Study the doctrines and principles of the gospel diligently, and do not spend too much time on trivial matters. Be worthy of trust. This is one of the greatest talk on how to share the gospel that I can ever recall hearing. It is insightful, compassionate, and practical.
Robert D. Hales
Elder Hales repeats the theme of submitting our will and obedience to God's law, and not supplanting it according our own ideas or popular sentiment. Christ himself submitted his own desires to the Father's will, though it meant suffering the agony of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Spiritually mature obedience is motivated by love for our Father in Heaven and his Son, Jesus Christ. Obedience to God's will "requires mastery, and brings confident, eternal happiness, and provides a sense of fulfillment." The scriptures and church history are filled with examples of those who have learned by experience the peace that comes from keeping the commandments, and the sorrow of disobedience. Even prophets have suffered and had need to repent because of disobedience and yielding to the pressures of others.
Claudio D. Zivic
How joyous it would be if we could reach a point in our conversion where we followed the right path for the love of God alone, and not because of the continual prompting of others. We can easily be led astray if we follow the trends of the world rather than the signs God has provided to lead us along the path of righteousness. If you depart from the path to follow your own will or the fashion of the world, you will feel the pain of remorse and have need to repent and return to the path.
W. Craig Zwick
Elder Zwick is speaking about the need to understand another's perspective before communicating rashly. It's an important message. However, in the examples he gave, he repeatedly characterized the actions of people who acted without a full knowledge of the situation as "irrational." In fact, his wife's actions in jumping out of a smoking semi truck, and Sarah and Sariah's words and actions, were utterly rational according to the knowledge they had. It a crucial distinction. The principle Elder Zwick is communicating is true, though he seems not to have fully applied it himself. I can appreciate the principle and forgive the man's inconsistency and imperfection in practicing what he preaches. We're all works in progress, even our teachers and leaders.
Quentin L. Cook
We have a doctrinal obligation to perform family history and temple ordinances on behalf of our own ancestors. This is because the order of heaven is organized by families. Advances in computer technology and the proliferation of temples throughout the world have increased both the ease and the urgency of participating in this work of salvation. "Our family history centers are now in our homes." Do not underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts, and your joy on being reunited with them on the other side of the veil. Remember, we without our roots and branches, cannot be saved. Our families, living and dead, will be blessed as we share in the spirit of Elijah in turning the hearts of the children to the fathers, and the fathers to the children.
I've really enjoyed the choir in this session! "High on the Mountain Top" gave me chills!
SUNDAY MORNING
Half my family is here. 7 adults (including roommates) and 5 kids under the age of 12, all watching conference at my house. I'm in heaven. But I can't promise my blogging will keep up quite as well as usual.
Image: Robinsons watching conference at my house
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Many of us suffer under heavy burdens. Others are tremendously blessed. It is easy to have an "attitude of gratitude" when circumstances are easy. But we can learn to be thankful in our circumstances, whatever they may be. With a spirit of gratitude we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. Gratitude is not only something we experience after our troubles are over, but it can be more. It doesn't mean that we are unrealistic about our challenges, but that we are able to look beyond them. It is an act of faith in God and submission to his will. It is an expression of hope and testimony. We can acknowledge that we do not understand why we must endure particular trials, but trusting that through God's grace, all these things will work together for our good. "Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike virtues."
M. Russell Ballard
Followthrough and followup are essential to successful missionary work. We should not only invite, but reach out to, and walk with those we invite to hear the gospel. The field is white, and the harvest plenteous, but the laborers are few. With the lower missionary age, we have had an influx of full-time missionaries, bringing greater opportunities for members to work with them. Let them know you are willing to help, and how. Pray and work to identify at least one person per year that you can invite to hear the missionaries.
Jean A. Stevens
Prayer is a source of miraculous help, though it may not come in the hour or in the way we want. We must be willing to submit our will to God's will. In prayer, we do not seek to change God's will for us, but because we need that personal connection to God, and because we are changed through prayer.
Congregational Hymn: Teach Me to Walk in the Light
Gary E. Stevenson
Several Mormons were among those who competed in the recent Winter Olympics. These athletes had 4 minutes or less to run their race and win the prize. In some cases, performance at the highest level is measured in as little as tenths of a second. Likewise, in our spiritual lives it is often seeminly miniscule adjustments that make the difference in our spiritual progress. Ordinances and covenants are essential steps along our path of discipleship. We and those around us need help and encouragement as we face the challenges of life's race.
David A. Bednar
We ought to be careful not to haul around in our lives so many fun but unnecessary things that they distract us or impede our ability to do what is most important. When we are yoked with the Lord, our burdens will be made light, but they may not be lifted entirely. The atonement not only redeems us from sin but enables us to do good and become better. The atonement is not only for sinners, but for righteous men and women who struggle with the many pains and trials of mortality.
Thomas S. Monson
"The great commandment in the law" is to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers through mortality, nor can we truly love our fellow mortals if we do not love God. "Actually, love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our exemplar." He saved sinners and rebuked the self-righteous. Love is manifest in kindness, patience, compassion, understanding and forgiveness, and in many other ways. Our ability to recognize another's need and willingness to respond is crucial. Though expressions of loving kindness may require personal sacrifice, nobody ever regretted being "a little too kind." Often, opportunities to show our love come unexpectedly. A commercial flight was diverted because an injured boy needed urgent medical attention. Though the flight was delayed by several hours, not one passenger complained, but as the hours passed, a collection was taken up to help provide for the boy's medical expenses. Loving kindness sometimes requires that we reprove another person's wrongdoing, but let us do so with compassion and encouragement. Do not leave ill feelings or blame to fester and canker the soul. You may forget within moments your simple words and deeds of kindness to another, but the recipient may cherish them for a lifetime. "Heavenly Father, I am glad that you are always here and there."
M. Russell Ballard
Followthrough and followup are essential to successful missionary work. We should not only invite, but reach out to, and walk with those we invite to hear the gospel. The field is white, and the harvest plenteous, but the laborers are few. With the lower missionary age, we have had an influx of full-time missionaries, bringing greater opportunities for members to work with them. Let them know you are willing to help, and how. Pray and work to identify at least one person per year that you can invite to hear the missionaries.
Jean A. Stevens
Prayer is a source of miraculous help, though it may not come in the hour or in the way we want. We must be willing to submit our will to God's will. In prayer, we do not seek to change God's will for us, but because we need that personal connection to God, and because we are changed through prayer.
Congregational Hymn: Teach Me to Walk in the Light
An hour is really a long time for kids to sit and listen to grownups talking on TV, and we still have another hour to go this morning! My nephews and nieces are doing pretty well, but thank goodness for the rest hymn. "Restless hymn" would be more accurate!
Gary E. Stevenson
Several Mormons were among those who competed in the recent Winter Olympics. These athletes had 4 minutes or less to run their race and win the prize. In some cases, performance at the highest level is measured in as little as tenths of a second. Likewise, in our spiritual lives it is often seeminly miniscule adjustments that make the difference in our spiritual progress. Ordinances and covenants are essential steps along our path of discipleship. We and those around us need help and encouragement as we face the challenges of life's race.
David A. Bednar
We ought to be careful not to haul around in our lives so many fun but unnecessary things that they distract us or impede our ability to do what is most important. When we are yoked with the Lord, our burdens will be made light, but they may not be lifted entirely. The atonement not only redeems us from sin but enables us to do good and become better. The atonement is not only for sinners, but for righteous men and women who struggle with the many pains and trials of mortality.
Thomas S. Monson
"The great commandment in the law" is to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers through mortality, nor can we truly love our fellow mortals if we do not love God. "Actually, love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our exemplar." He saved sinners and rebuked the self-righteous. Love is manifest in kindness, patience, compassion, understanding and forgiveness, and in many other ways. Our ability to recognize another's need and willingness to respond is crucial. Though expressions of loving kindness may require personal sacrifice, nobody ever regretted being "a little too kind." Often, opportunities to show our love come unexpectedly. A commercial flight was diverted because an injured boy needed urgent medical attention. Though the flight was delayed by several hours, not one passenger complained, but as the hours passed, a collection was taken up to help provide for the boy's medical expenses. Loving kindness sometimes requires that we reprove another person's wrongdoing, but let us do so with compassion and encouragement. Do not leave ill feelings or blame to fester and canker the soul. You may forget within moments your simple words and deeds of kindness to another, but the recipient may cherish them for a lifetime. "Heavenly Father, I am glad that you are always here and there."
I asked each of the kids to share something that impressed them from this session of Conference. At their parents' request, I have not used their full names:
S: was tired and crying and went down for a nap before the session ended. He obviously thought conference was too long.
J: i like the erch dorj (J typed that: it says "I liked the arched doors" that they walked in and out of at the beginning and end.) J also said he liked when we all stood up and sang "Teach Me to Walk in the Light", and he liked Elder Bednar's talk.
M2: I liked President Monson's talk about being kind. I also liked when Elder Bendar said that today, April 6th is the original day that the LDS Church was founded and also the day that Jesus Christ was born.
M1: I liked how the guy, I forget his name, but when he told about when he wanted a new 4-wheel drive truck and he told his wife the reason "what if there is a huge storm and we have to get to the store to buy milk?" And his wife said "If you buy the truck, we won't have any money for milk." I liked when the Tabernacle Choir sang "A Child's Prayer."
D: I liked Elder Bednar's story about the guy that bought the truck and got stuck in the snow and had to get a bigger load so he could get out.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Boyd K. Packer
A deep, abiding witness of the truthfulness of the gospel is both a light to follow and a burden to carry. Much of what I know is of a nature that it cannot be taught, but can be learned. Those who do not marry or cannot have children are not excluded from eternal blessings which may now be beyond their reach. These blessings will come, in this life or in the eternities, to all those who make and keep sacred covenants. The Holy Ghost is real, and so is the gift of the Holy Ghost, which all can receive by priesthood blessing. Every blessing, every ordinance, every ordination, every official act in the church is done in the name of Jesus Christ. It is his church. He is the anchor that holds us and gives us shelter through the storms of life.
William R. Walker
Teams of horses may sometimes begin to veer off course, but their course can be corrected by a gentle tug of the reins. The promptings of the Holy Spirit often come as a gentle tug that may easily be ignored, if we are not attuned to the will of the Master. We need faith to follow God's lead. Such faith is more difficult for some than for others. Obedience is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power, or God's unlimited knowledge and power.
Congregational Hymn: "Hark, All Ye Nations"
The revelations received by Joseph Smith affirm his calling as a prophet of God. Revelations have not ceased; the heavens are not closed. There is a living prophet on the earth today. Revelation is available to us today, as a church and individually. The billions who live and die without a knowledge of Christ are not lost: through the ordinances of the restored priesthood all mankind may be saved, both living and dead. We need not take anyone else's word for it; we can do as young Joseph did himself, and ask God to know the truth. God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ live, and we worship them and none else.
Michael John U. Teh
Unfortunately there is a tendency in our societies to acquire more and more, and to have the latest, greatest, and most costly material goods--things that are too often trivial and transient. Let us not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor our labor for that which cannot satisfy, but lay up treasures in heaven, and be rich toward God. Such treasures include faith, hope, humility, and charity. We ought to spend our time strengthening families, serving others, and studying the Gospel. How we spend our time and energies will have a direct effect on our next estate.
Markos A. Aidukaitis
The internet offers many opportunities for learning, but it can also be used to promote doubt and fear, and to destroy faith and hope. We must consider carefully how we use the internet and other such tools. That which entices to do good and invites belief in Christ is of God. God has counseled us to seek for knowledge. How can we recognize truth in a world that is increasingly more blunt in its attacks against the things of God? Three principles: 1. That which is good brings forth good fruit, and that which is corrupt will bring forth corrupt fruit. Thus, by their fruits and by their works we can recognize what is of God and what is not. 2. We can find truth by experimenting upon the word ourselves, by planting the seed of faith in our hearts, experiencing growth, and receiving the fruits of our faith. 3. We can receive a knowledge of the truth by personal revelation, by first studying the matter, and then asking God in faith to know if it is right. God giveth liberally to those that ask in faith. It requires more diligence than merely searching the internet, but it does work.
D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Christofferson offered a beautiful testimony of the death and resurrection of Christ, and its significance in our lives. Because He lives, we all shall be made alive. No injustice in life is permanent, for his perfect justice and mercy shall make all things right. By understanding who Christ is and what He has done for us, we can understand the purpose and meaning of our own existence. We will one day see Christ face to face; until then we have the many witnesses of prophets and apostles, and the Holy Spirit's witness to our own hearts, of His divine identity, life, and atonement.
President Thomas S. Monson
May we be kind and loving to those who do not share our beliefs and standards. The savior offered a perfect example of love and service; may we follow Him. May we constantly nourish our testimonies, that they may be a protection to us, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.
Final update: I noticed that M1 was diligently writing in her notebook all through conference. My SiL usually makes "conference notebooks" with attention activities for them to do during sessions. She didn't have time to do that with all the travel preparations, so M1 made her own, based loosely on what her mom had done in the past. I asked if I could share some of them and she graciously agreed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
William R. Walker
First accidental doze-off of confrence. Hope y'all enjoyed the talk while my eyes were closed. I'm not naming names but let's just say that I'm not the only adult here falling asleep during Conference while the kids play quietly on the floor.L. Tom Perry
Teams of horses may sometimes begin to veer off course, but their course can be corrected by a gentle tug of the reins. The promptings of the Holy Spirit often come as a gentle tug that may easily be ignored, if we are not attuned to the will of the Master. We need faith to follow God's lead. Such faith is more difficult for some than for others. Obedience is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power, or God's unlimited knowledge and power.
Congregational Hymn: "Hark, All Ye Nations"
Wandering attentions are restored as we all stand together and sing. The kids got really into it.Lawrence E. Corbridge
The revelations received by Joseph Smith affirm his calling as a prophet of God. Revelations have not ceased; the heavens are not closed. There is a living prophet on the earth today. Revelation is available to us today, as a church and individually. The billions who live and die without a knowledge of Christ are not lost: through the ordinances of the restored priesthood all mankind may be saved, both living and dead. We need not take anyone else's word for it; we can do as young Joseph did himself, and ask God to know the truth. God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ live, and we worship them and none else.
Michael John U. Teh
Unfortunately there is a tendency in our societies to acquire more and more, and to have the latest, greatest, and most costly material goods--things that are too often trivial and transient. Let us not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor our labor for that which cannot satisfy, but lay up treasures in heaven, and be rich toward God. Such treasures include faith, hope, humility, and charity. We ought to spend our time strengthening families, serving others, and studying the Gospel. How we spend our time and energies will have a direct effect on our next estate.
Markos A. Aidukaitis
The internet offers many opportunities for learning, but it can also be used to promote doubt and fear, and to destroy faith and hope. We must consider carefully how we use the internet and other such tools. That which entices to do good and invites belief in Christ is of God. God has counseled us to seek for knowledge. How can we recognize truth in a world that is increasingly more blunt in its attacks against the things of God? Three principles: 1. That which is good brings forth good fruit, and that which is corrupt will bring forth corrupt fruit. Thus, by their fruits and by their works we can recognize what is of God and what is not. 2. We can find truth by experimenting upon the word ourselves, by planting the seed of faith in our hearts, experiencing growth, and receiving the fruits of our faith. 3. We can receive a knowledge of the truth by personal revelation, by first studying the matter, and then asking God in faith to know if it is right. God giveth liberally to those that ask in faith. It requires more diligence than merely searching the internet, but it does work.
D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Christofferson offered a beautiful testimony of the death and resurrection of Christ, and its significance in our lives. Because He lives, we all shall be made alive. No injustice in life is permanent, for his perfect justice and mercy shall make all things right. By understanding who Christ is and what He has done for us, we can understand the purpose and meaning of our own existence. We will one day see Christ face to face; until then we have the many witnesses of prophets and apostles, and the Holy Spirit's witness to our own hearts, of His divine identity, life, and atonement.
President Thomas S. Monson
May we be kind and loving to those who do not share our beliefs and standards. The savior offered a perfect example of love and service; may we follow Him. May we constantly nourish our testimonies, that they may be a protection to us, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.
Final update: I noticed that M1 was diligently writing in her notebook all through conference. My SiL usually makes "conference notebooks" with attention activities for them to do during sessions. She didn't have time to do that with all the travel preparations, so M1 made her own, based loosely on what her mom had done in the past. I asked if I could share some of them and she graciously agreed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
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Eyrings was one of those talks that sort of skipped my senses and echoed around my soul for a bit. It was odd. I liked it. Elder Holland sounded like he was responding to his perceived/public identity.
ReplyDeleteI'm still annoyed that I was distracted during Eyring's talk, even though it was an important distraction. I'm not sure I know what you mean about Holland's talk--I'll have to give it another listen. :)
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