As usual, I'll be updating my post approximately after each talk. If you're following along, I encourage you to comment at any point. In the past I've done a lot of summary; this time I am going to try to focus more on commentary. If you'd like summaries of all the conference talks (including the General Women's Meeting), Deseret News has them. Scroll down to the bottom for my latest updates.
I also want to call your attention to two nifty conference-related tools. The LDS Scripture Citation Index allows you to see every scripture cited in General Conference ever, in context, so you can see which scriptures are cited most often, how they are used, etc. It's pretty fascinating. And the Corpus of LDS General Conference Talks allows you to search for any words and phrases from all recorded General Conferences, so for example you could see how word usage has changed over time. Pretty nifty, right?
image source: lds.org Royalty-free Media Library
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Monson's first talk, as usual, highlights the progress and growth of the church, particularly its temple-building efforts, and concludes an exhortation to attend to the messages that have been prepared for us throughout conference.
Boyd K. Packer
This beautiful testimony of the life and divine mission of Jesus Christ was prefaced with a story about someone's doubting the Christianity of the LDS faith. Such stories are common both in general conference and in church lore; and with reason. Just this past week there was a minor kerfuffle over the top Google Search result being an evangelical website claiming that Mormons are not Christian. Fortunately, in my experience such doubts about our faith in Christ are increasingly fringe.
Ultimately, though, it matters little whether others believe we believe in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. What matters is whether we are continuing to seek the blessings of the atonement in our lives, and continuing to help others to do the same.
I am impressed that Elder Packer continues to speak each conference, despite his visibly increasing frailty. He is one who demonstrates an unfaltering discipleship through his life and not just his words.
Lynn G. Robbins
Which way do you face? "Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments." This talk is reminding me of a conversation we had in my Institute class about the relationship between doctrine, interpretation, and application. Truly, it is most important that we keep faith with God and stand for what is right, even when doing so might lead to worldly disapprobation or offense. Yet I note that the people I admire most--general authorities among them--consistently stand for truth and righteousness, they also exemplify love and kindness. It takes courage, wisdom, and humility to avoid the two extremes of conciliatory "dumbing-down" which Elder Robbins is preaching against, and cruel self-righteousness on the other. Jesus Christ is our perfect exemplar.
Cheryl A. Esplin
It is unfortunately not uncommon for many members to admit tuning out when the sisters speak--or to focus more on their outfits, or their over-enunciated, over-aspirated Utah accent than on the content of their messages. In part, this is because members of the Primary and Young Women's presidencies typically speak to and about the youth they serve, whereas the brethren are perceived as preaching doctrine to the general membership. Sister Esplin is teaching the doctrine of the atonement and the beautiful ordinance of the sacrament, with examples drawn from the lives of the youth she serves. It is a powerful, pointed, and universal message.
Chi Hong Wong
Speaking Cantonese, with simultaneous translation. Finally, we English-speaking members get to experience a bit of Conference the way the non-English-speaking world experiences it. He is retelling the story of Mark 2:1-12, comparing the four who bore the paralyzed man to members of a ward council. Perhaps those who need our help to receive the Savior's healing power are not afflicted with physical palsy, but are spiritually paralyzed. Will we be as diligent in our service as the four who, with great care, first carried the sick man to where Jesus was, then when they could find no entry through the door, lifted their brother to the roof and lowered him down into the midst of the assembled crowd. Those in need may include those who cannot or do not attend church regularly, but also those who outwardly appear to be fine. It's only by being attuned to the Spirit and really get to know our brothers and sisters that we can serve them as we ought.
D. Todd Christofferson
"Who bears responsibility for what happens in our lives?" We sometimes try to shift responsibility for our works or our welfare onto others. Though they can provide inspired counsel and support, our church leaders are not puppet-masters; we all must work out our own salvation. Our spiritual destiny is not subject to divine whim, nor to divine will alone. We have a choice about whether God's grace will transform our lives. Elder Christofferson acknowledges that personal responsibility for obedience to God's laws is dependent upon one's understanding of eternal laws; yet though there is an very important difference between ignorance and rebellion, neither will ultimately allow us to reach our full potential. I also note that the gospel is adapted to the weakest and the least of saints, but also that to whom much is given much is required. The point is, though our capacities may vary, each of us is responsible to exercise our full capacity.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
I'm actually a little sad that he's not speaking in German. But I got over it, because oooooh! Astronomy!
All truth, all knowledge is of God. Some will certainly argue against your faith, but remember that reason is only as good as the knowledge upon which it is based, and we often lack a sufficiently full understanding of the universe because we lack, or fail to use the instruments necessary to see it. We proclaim that revelation is a source of truth and knowledge that is available to all who will sincerely seek it. "When you are trying to verify the truth of gospel principles, you must first live them. Put the teachings...to the test in your own life." Our testimonies may vary greatly in strength, but the church is a place for all who seek divine truth.
Well, that's it for Saturday morning. I'll be back at 1pm MST for the afternoon session. I'll continue to add to this post rather than starting another one.
OK, just kidding, I'm back because I was watching everybody file out of the seats on the stand and listening to the lovely organ music. The apostles' wives sit on the stand, and I suddenly wondered if the female general auxiliary leaders' husbands also got to sit on the stand. I don't think they do because these sister presidency members were still standing up there chatting amongst themselves when all the other seats except the choir were emptied. Pretty much just like relief societies all over the world--we sisters love to talk together!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Dallin H. Oaks
Christlike love for one another is difficult because we must live among those who do not share our belief in or value the teachings of Jesus Christ. It seems to me that even those who are disciples of Jesus can be hard to love at times, and may find it hard to love others as we ought.
The spirit of contention is not of God, and Jesus commanded us to eschew it. Yet we must stand firm for gospel truth. This can be difficult, but Jesus set the example. Show compassion, and be firm in the truth. Beliefs and practices that we disagree with may be legalized by the common voice of the people; if so, we will accept unfavorable results graciously and with good will, regardless of our continued disagreement.
Elder Oaks speaks of applying the principles of love and kindness, with specific examples. He calls out members who exclude, or encourage or allow their children to exclude others based on religion, race, and other differences. Likewise family relationships may become strained by differences of belief or action. Kindness is vital and powerful.
I appreciate Elder Oaks' habit of carefully articulating principles, laws, and application.
Neil L. Anderson
Elder Andersen gives advice about how to address questions about the character of Joseph Smith, and questions and criticisms of the church in general. It's important to remember that the internet doesn't come with a "truth filter". Some claims about the life of Joseph Smith are simply false. Some, while true, need to be understood in their historical context. "We do not discard something we know to be true because of something we do not yet understand."
The more I learn about Joseph Smith, the more I appreciate him as a man and as a prophet. There is much I learned only in recent years, which surprised me at first and if I had stopped there, my faith certainly would have faltered. But as I have continued to study, my faith has instead been deepened and enriched. I think that changes in Sunday school and seminary curriculum are and will continue to do a better job of teaching more than just a superficial picture of Joseph Smith.
Here is a link to Joseph Smith's testimony in his own words.
Tad R. Callister, Sunday School General President
President Callister's message primarily focuses on parents magnifying their calling to teach within their families. I appreciate that he focuses on secular as well as gospel teaching. My parents have certainly been my most important teachers--and I have been blessed with some truly extraordinary teachers throughout my life.
Jörg Klebingat
6 steps to increasing your spiritual confidence:
- Take responsibility for your own spiritual wellbeing.
- Take responsibility for your own physical wellbeing.
- Embrace voluntary, whole-hearted obedience [to God] in all aspects of your life, and do the right things for the right reasons.
- Become really really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly.
- Become really really good at forgiving.
- Accept trials, setbacks, and "surprises" as part of your mortal existence, regardless of personal righteousness.
A thought has been recurring to me throughout conference: this counsel is intended to help you engage personal reflection and application, not for you to engage in judging others.
Eduardo Gavarret
(Speaking in Spanish) The invitation to come unto Christ may come to those who are not members of the church as invitations to read the Book of Mormon, meet with the missionaries, or attend sacrament services. For those who have been baptized, the invitation to come unto Christ is an invitation to keep the commandments, study the scriptures, and deepen our relationship with God.
I'm not sure we fully appreciate this historic move to give Conference speakers the choice of speaking in their native languages. Of course we Mormons have no shortage of multilingual members. But now, in addition to live translations of talks from English into hundreds of languages, the church is arranging translations from potentially as many languages to all the other languages. Logistically, this is many more times as complicated. And it is a great blessing.
Jeffrey R. Holland
Poverty is humanity's most widespread and enduring challenge. Its physical effects can be very severe and obvious. But its spiritual effects can be equally damaging, and God's commandment is clear: we are to administer to and lift up the poor. The extent of poverty throughout the world can be overwhelming. Instead of being discouraged, do what you can. The Christian imperative to care for the poor is not about statistics, but about love. It does not matter whether some have created their own difficulties--don't we all do that? Are we not all beggars before God? We obtain a remission of our sins by pleading to God, but we retain a remission of our sins by compassionately tending to the needs of the poorest among us.
Although poverty is a knotty problem, without clear, easy solutions, God will surely help you know what you can do. And there is one thing that all who are physically able can do: observe the law of the fast. more than 750,000 members were helped last year through fast offerings.
This talk reminded me a lot of Elder Holland's October 2013 talk, "Like a Broken Vessel," which addressed depression. I thank him for his calls to serve the most vulnerable among us. As a friend observed, "Holland is all heart."
L. Tom Perry
Elder Perry is extending the parable of the wheat and the tares not only to souls but to technology and media. Both the wheat and the tares are growing fast. Once again we hear of the importance of parents nurturing children in love and righteousness.
And that's it for Saturday Afternoon. I'll be back for the Priesthood session at 5.
PRIESTHOOD SESSION
OK, I'm back. But I gotta be honest. I haven't been sleeping well the last few days because of a toothache. And Conference is kind of a marathon. Also, while both the General Women's Meeting and the Priesthood Session are broadcast live and all are welcome to view both, as a non-priesthood holder I'm not the primary audience for this meeting. So if my commentary gets a little more sparse, I apologize.
Quentin L. Cook
I'm a mid-single--an unmarried member of the church between the ages of 30-45. As Elder Cook chastises priesthood-holding men who delay marriage, I can feel many of my peers flinching in pain and frustration. People in my age group hear that message so often, and it's really frustrating for those who are not delaying marriage either by conscious choice or by lack of proper preparation to repeatedly hear. I know that there are those who are not sufficiently prepared or motivated, who do need to hear that message. And for those of us who are legitimately doing all we can, perhaps you might say "well, then he isn't talking about you, so don't worry about it." And maybe you'd be right. But unless you're an apostle (and, dare I say, even if you are), I urge you, rather than berating singles for being too complacent or too picky, to instead devote your energies to helping us live full and fulfilling lives, and creating opportunities to meet other like-minded singles.
Otherwise, I really appreciate his reminder to reflect on how we choose to spend our time, and to review goals and priorities, to ensure that how we spend our time is consistent with our goals. This is definitely something I am working on. It's hard for me to work out which of the demands on my time are the best or most important. They all feel urgent and important to me.
Anyway, the tone of Elder Cook's message reminds me of the oft-repeated stereotype that the priesthood sessions are all calls to repentance, and the women's meetings are all about encouragement. I wonder if my brethren wouldn't appreciate a little more of the latter.
Craig C. Christensen
This church was literally founded on the principle that anyone--anyone--can ask God and receive personal revelation. A testimony is not like a light switch--either on or off--but like a tree, growing and developing through many stages.
Dean M. Davies
Caring for the poor and needy is an essential component of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the law of the Fast is central to that work. This is the second time that caring for the poor and the law of the Fast has been central to a speaker's message.
Dieter H. Uchtdorf
When Jesus' disciples heard him say that one of them would betray him, rather than judging one another, each immediately asked, "Lord, is it I?" Likewise when we hear counsel and correction from priesthood authority, it is the question, "Lord, is it I?" that ought to be foremost in our minds--it is that question, and not "who is it?" that has the power to bless our lives. We humans have a tendency to be frighteningly unaware of our own incompetencies. Our blindness to our human frailties also blinds us to our divine potential. Without a clear view of ourselves we cannot make the changes needed to become better. The holy scriptures and the messages of General Conference are an effective mirror we can hold up to ourselves.
Henry B. Eyring
This was a stirring message of love, confidence, and careful mentoring of junior priesthood holders.
President Thomas S. Monson
I got called away to help put away groceries and missed this message. Lacking time tonight, I will have to come back to it later, which probably means when I read the Conference issue of the Ensign.
That's it for Saturday, but we have 4 more hours of Conference tomorrow! 9am and 1pm MST.
SUNDAY MORNING
I might be a teeny bit late starting this morning because I'm making CONFERENCE WAFFLES, and I didn't realize how long that would take. Thank goodness for opening hymn, conducting business, opening prayer, and other opening hymn. Waffles are done and I am ready to go!
Henry B. Eyring
President Eyring spoke of the essential power of continuing and confirming revelation (by confirming revelation he means personal revelation to someone that confirms the revelation received by another). He also regards his mother's prayerful counsel as having the same power in his life as the transcript of his patriarchal blessing. It seems unusual to me that Pres. Eyring quoted the words of the prayer conferring sealing keys verbatim, rather than summarizing. That seems significant, though of course it is not the primary focus of his message.
Russell M. Nelson
Wow, that picture! Who else thinks that Joseph F. Smith had the most epic beard of any LDS prophet?
It's often helpful to consider who the primary audience for a message is. Elder Nelson is teaching principles about the calling, sustaining, and work of the prophets and apostles in the latter-day church. These principles are likely well known and understood by most long-time members of the church (though there are some beautiful kernels that we all can learn from). It is worth noting, however, that the Sunday morning session is the one with the highest viewership, and the one most likely to be seen by non-members. It seems to me that Elder Nelson has tuned his message particularly with those ears in mind.
Carol F. McConkie
Sister McConkie suggested that sustaining and following the prophet may sometimes be like the widow of Zarephath feeding Elijah before herself and her son. When we put our commitment to God first, we are given spiritual sustenance to feed us through times of great hardship.
Robert D. Hales
Elder Hales talked of testimonies and how we gain them, and of revelation and the special witness of the apostles and prophets. This session so far has a remarkable degree of message continuity. Conference speakers are not assigned topics, and as you know, talks may cover a fairly wide range of themes. Thus, when we hear multiple variations on the same theme, we take special notice; this is an instance of what President Eyring called "confirming revelation."
Elder Hales himself testified of the mortal life and ministry, atonement, and resurrected appearances of Christ. I know these stories well; I never tire of hearing them.
James J. Hamula
The ordinance of the sacrament needs to become more sacred and holy to each one of us. It is a vivid representation of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and as we partake of the bread and water we ought to keep in remembrance his blood and suffering which redeems us, and his death and resurrection by which we too will overcome physical death. "The fundamental question is not whether we will live, but with whom we will live after we die."
President Thomas S. Monson
"Decisions determine destiny," an aphorism President Monson has repeated throughout his ministry--all the way back to a New Era article in 1979. More recently, it was the title of a BYU Devotional in 2005.
We can walk in the footsteps of Jesus as we study his life, ministry, and teachings, and as we seek to do his will and to do the works he called us to do. Like us he suffered pains, sorrows and temptations, and through it all he did the will of his Father. Opposition is essential to agency. Put Christ at the center of your life; no other choice has as much power to enable you to realize your divine destiny. His path will take us safely home.
Amen!
That's it for the Sunday morning session. I'll be back at 1pm MST for the final session of Conference. Meanwhile I need to walk of some of that delicious waffle breakfast, and maybe watch last night's episode of Doctor Who.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Opening prayer--"strength faithened" instead of "faith strengthened." I almost wish he had not self-corrected. I think it would be a good thing if our strength were faithened.
M. Russell Ballard
Conference talks very often address the problem of suffering--not only why we suffer, but how to endure it. Elder Ballard's message is that while suffering comes to all, those who stay on the boat--"the Old Ship Zion" as Brigham Young called it, and heed the counsel of the experienced navigators, our church leaders, will make it safely to our final destination. It's interesting that Elder Ballard should address the sentiment that church leaders live "in a bubble," out of touch with the lives of the rest of us. I have heard that sentiment expressed myself, and have learned for myself that what Elder Ballard says is true: our leaders have a wide range of training, life experience, and personal trials, as well as inspired stewardship. They are not out of touch with our lives.
Of course questions and doubt are congruent with honest discipleship, and it is appropriate that we earnestly seek greater understanding, but do not let appendages to the gospel distract us from the core principles.
Richard G. Scott
Elder Scott also spoke about the problem--the purpose--of suffering, and how to endure it well.
Four principles for enduring well:
Although poverty is a knotty problem, without clear, easy solutions, God will surely help you know what you can do. And there is one thing that all who are physically able can do: observe the law of the fast. more than 750,000 members were helped last year through fast offerings.
This talk reminded me a lot of Elder Holland's October 2013 talk, "Like a Broken Vessel," which addressed depression. I thank him for his calls to serve the most vulnerable among us. As a friend observed, "Holland is all heart."
L. Tom Perry
Elder Perry is extending the parable of the wheat and the tares not only to souls but to technology and media. Both the wheat and the tares are growing fast. Once again we hear of the importance of parents nurturing children in love and righteousness.
And that's it for Saturday Afternoon. I'll be back for the Priesthood session at 5.
PRIESTHOOD SESSION
OK, I'm back. But I gotta be honest. I haven't been sleeping well the last few days because of a toothache. And Conference is kind of a marathon. Also, while both the General Women's Meeting and the Priesthood Session are broadcast live and all are welcome to view both, as a non-priesthood holder I'm not the primary audience for this meeting. So if my commentary gets a little more sparse, I apologize.
Quentin L. Cook
I'm a mid-single--an unmarried member of the church between the ages of 30-45. As Elder Cook chastises priesthood-holding men who delay marriage, I can feel many of my peers flinching in pain and frustration. People in my age group hear that message so often, and it's really frustrating for those who are not delaying marriage either by conscious choice or by lack of proper preparation to repeatedly hear. I know that there are those who are not sufficiently prepared or motivated, who do need to hear that message. And for those of us who are legitimately doing all we can, perhaps you might say "well, then he isn't talking about you, so don't worry about it." And maybe you'd be right. But unless you're an apostle (and, dare I say, even if you are), I urge you, rather than berating singles for being too complacent or too picky, to instead devote your energies to helping us live full and fulfilling lives, and creating opportunities to meet other like-minded singles.
Otherwise, I really appreciate his reminder to reflect on how we choose to spend our time, and to review goals and priorities, to ensure that how we spend our time is consistent with our goals. This is definitely something I am working on. It's hard for me to work out which of the demands on my time are the best or most important. They all feel urgent and important to me.
Anyway, the tone of Elder Cook's message reminds me of the oft-repeated stereotype that the priesthood sessions are all calls to repentance, and the women's meetings are all about encouragement. I wonder if my brethren wouldn't appreciate a little more of the latter.
Craig C. Christensen
This church was literally founded on the principle that anyone--anyone--can ask God and receive personal revelation. A testimony is not like a light switch--either on or off--but like a tree, growing and developing through many stages.
Dean M. Davies
Caring for the poor and needy is an essential component of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the law of the Fast is central to that work. This is the second time that caring for the poor and the law of the Fast has been central to a speaker's message.
Dieter H. Uchtdorf
When Jesus' disciples heard him say that one of them would betray him, rather than judging one another, each immediately asked, "Lord, is it I?" Likewise when we hear counsel and correction from priesthood authority, it is the question, "Lord, is it I?" that ought to be foremost in our minds--it is that question, and not "who is it?" that has the power to bless our lives. We humans have a tendency to be frighteningly unaware of our own incompetencies. Our blindness to our human frailties also blinds us to our divine potential. Without a clear view of ourselves we cannot make the changes needed to become better. The holy scriptures and the messages of General Conference are an effective mirror we can hold up to ourselves.
Henry B. Eyring
This was a stirring message of love, confidence, and careful mentoring of junior priesthood holders.
President Thomas S. Monson
I got called away to help put away groceries and missed this message. Lacking time tonight, I will have to come back to it later, which probably means when I read the Conference issue of the Ensign.
That's it for Saturday, but we have 4 more hours of Conference tomorrow! 9am and 1pm MST.
SUNDAY MORNING
Henry B. Eyring
President Eyring spoke of the essential power of continuing and confirming revelation (by confirming revelation he means personal revelation to someone that confirms the revelation received by another). He also regards his mother's prayerful counsel as having the same power in his life as the transcript of his patriarchal blessing. It seems unusual to me that Pres. Eyring quoted the words of the prayer conferring sealing keys verbatim, rather than summarizing. That seems significant, though of course it is not the primary focus of his message.
Russell M. Nelson
Wow, that picture! Who else thinks that Joseph F. Smith had the most epic beard of any LDS prophet?
Carol F. McConkie
Sister McConkie suggested that sustaining and following the prophet may sometimes be like the widow of Zarephath feeding Elijah before herself and her son. When we put our commitment to God first, we are given spiritual sustenance to feed us through times of great hardship.
Robert D. Hales
Elder Hales talked of testimonies and how we gain them, and of revelation and the special witness of the apostles and prophets. This session so far has a remarkable degree of message continuity. Conference speakers are not assigned topics, and as you know, talks may cover a fairly wide range of themes. Thus, when we hear multiple variations on the same theme, we take special notice; this is an instance of what President Eyring called "confirming revelation."
Elder Hales himself testified of the mortal life and ministry, atonement, and resurrected appearances of Christ. I know these stories well; I never tire of hearing them.
James J. Hamula
The ordinance of the sacrament needs to become more sacred and holy to each one of us. It is a vivid representation of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and as we partake of the bread and water we ought to keep in remembrance his blood and suffering which redeems us, and his death and resurrection by which we too will overcome physical death. "The fundamental question is not whether we will live, but with whom we will live after we die."
President Thomas S. Monson
"Decisions determine destiny," an aphorism President Monson has repeated throughout his ministry--all the way back to a New Era article in 1979. More recently, it was the title of a BYU Devotional in 2005.
We can walk in the footsteps of Jesus as we study his life, ministry, and teachings, and as we seek to do his will and to do the works he called us to do. Like us he suffered pains, sorrows and temptations, and through it all he did the will of his Father. Opposition is essential to agency. Put Christ at the center of your life; no other choice has as much power to enable you to realize your divine destiny. His path will take us safely home.
Amen!
That's it for the Sunday morning session. I'll be back at 1pm MST for the final session of Conference. Meanwhile I need to walk of some of that delicious waffle breakfast, and maybe watch last night's episode of Doctor Who.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Opening prayer--"strength faithened" instead of "faith strengthened." I almost wish he had not self-corrected. I think it would be a good thing if our strength were faithened.
M. Russell Ballard
Conference talks very often address the problem of suffering--not only why we suffer, but how to endure it. Elder Ballard's message is that while suffering comes to all, those who stay on the boat--"the Old Ship Zion" as Brigham Young called it, and heed the counsel of the experienced navigators, our church leaders, will make it safely to our final destination. It's interesting that Elder Ballard should address the sentiment that church leaders live "in a bubble," out of touch with the lives of the rest of us. I have heard that sentiment expressed myself, and have learned for myself that what Elder Ballard says is true: our leaders have a wide range of training, life experience, and personal trials, as well as inspired stewardship. They are not out of touch with our lives.
Of course questions and doubt are congruent with honest discipleship, and it is appropriate that we earnestly seek greater understanding, but do not let appendages to the gospel distract us from the core principles.
Richard G. Scott
Elder Scott also spoke about the problem--the purpose--of suffering, and how to endure it well.
Four principles for enduring well:
- Pray often. Express gratitude and other feelings, seek knowledge, counsel and blessings. Pray about great things and small; there is no aspect of your life that does not interest God.
- Study the word of God in the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Studying the word of God daily is more important than sleep, school work, entertainment and social activities. You may need to reorganize your priorities to make room for regular scripture study. If so, DO IT.
- Hold weekly family home evening.
- Go to the temple. Make it a regular part of your life. Listen to and ponder the words of the ordinances of the temple. Many more blessings come from providing your own family names for temple work.
Carlos A Godoy
(speaking in Portugese) If you continue to live as you are living, will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled? It is not just a matter of living a good life, but ensuring that we live our lives in such a way that we can fulfill God's plan for us. In addition to understanding and seeking to fulfill God's vision for ourselves, we will need to help our loved ones share the vision, and we need to share God's vision for them. Just because things are going well does not mean that we should not, from time to time, consider whether there might not be something better.
Allen F. Packer
I get what he's saying with the spiritual passport analogy, but I feel like it could easily be taken too far. While it's true that God has ordained the way by which we come unto him, and that there is no other way, I am not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the idea of qualifying for salvation as a matter of getting stamps in a passport.
Despite the scope and speed of family history work, we find that relatively few members actively participate in the work of finding and preparing family names for the temple. Everyone can do it.
Hugo E. Martinez
(speaking in Spanish) The Savior focuses on the individual, and on the family. "First observe, then serve" -Linda K. Burton. The lovingkindness enacted through personal ministry is greater than merely the material service provided, and its effects are far-reaching. Family history, including journal-keeping, is about creating bonds among the living as well as the dead. My sisters-in-law are doing a great job of turning the hearts of the living to the living, as Elder Martinez says, through regular family emails, which they encourage their children to contribute to. Because of their examples, nearly all of my immediate family has taken up this practice. (Unfortunately in my case it has all but replaced writing in my personal journal--a weekly habit I kept up for many years before I fell out of it a couple of years ago. It's much harder to make or renew a habit than to keep it).
Larry S. Kacher
There are many currents in life--some safe and others potentially fatal. When we find ourselves struggling in difficult currents, it's important to know how to turn in the right direction to get back to safety. Doubts and questions are normal and can be a powerful means of receiving greater knowledge and understanding--again, if answers are sincerely and humbly sought in faith. If we venture into dangerous or deadly currents, we run the risk that others who trust us may follow, and be lost as well.
David A Bednar
Elder Bednar specifically addressed members of the audience who are not members of the church. We are a missionary church, and we take seriously our responsibility to teach all nations and all people the message of the gospel. Our invitations to attend church or meet with the missionaries are not trying to "sell a product." There is no coercion. We are inviting you to hear the truths of the restored gospel so that you may study them and come to know of their truth for yourself. Bring all that you know is good, true, and praiseworthy, and see whether the restored gospel enlarges and enriches that which you already know to be true.
Elder Bednar related how, when one of his young children was injured while playing, rather than rushing to help, he and his wife waited to see whether their teaching to "be your brother's keeper" would have the desired effect. And sure enough, an older brother did wash the wound, apply ointment, and bandage the injury; the younger brother then enthusiastically used the remaining ointment and bandages to assist other children outside. You really should listen to this story, if you haven't already. I really appreciate Elder Bednar's ability to use such stories to illustrate gospel principles without being heavy-handed. And I'm going to make a prediction: this story will be made into a Mormon Message.
The invitations we extend to friends and neighbors are born out of a desire to share the joy and blessings we have received through the gospel.
President Thomas S. Monson
President Monson's closing remarks, as usual, focus on expressions of gratitude, and a desire that we will apply the lessons we've been taught, and that we be faithful followers of Christ, becoming kinder, more loving, thoughtful and that we share our concern and helping hands to the poor, weak, and needy. As always, he invoked a blessing upon us.
Conference is over for another six months. I'm grateful for the things we were taught, and the things I learned--answers to prayers and invitations to do better. While these notes are primarily for my own sake, I hope that others will also find them edifying.
Allen F. Packer
I get what he's saying with the spiritual passport analogy, but I feel like it could easily be taken too far. While it's true that God has ordained the way by which we come unto him, and that there is no other way, I am not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the idea of qualifying for salvation as a matter of getting stamps in a passport.
Despite the scope and speed of family history work, we find that relatively few members actively participate in the work of finding and preparing family names for the temple. Everyone can do it.
Hugo E. Martinez
(speaking in Spanish) The Savior focuses on the individual, and on the family. "First observe, then serve" -Linda K. Burton. The lovingkindness enacted through personal ministry is greater than merely the material service provided, and its effects are far-reaching. Family history, including journal-keeping, is about creating bonds among the living as well as the dead. My sisters-in-law are doing a great job of turning the hearts of the living to the living, as Elder Martinez says, through regular family emails, which they encourage their children to contribute to. Because of their examples, nearly all of my immediate family has taken up this practice. (Unfortunately in my case it has all but replaced writing in my personal journal--a weekly habit I kept up for many years before I fell out of it a couple of years ago. It's much harder to make or renew a habit than to keep it).
Larry S. Kacher
There are many currents in life--some safe and others potentially fatal. When we find ourselves struggling in difficult currents, it's important to know how to turn in the right direction to get back to safety. Doubts and questions are normal and can be a powerful means of receiving greater knowledge and understanding--again, if answers are sincerely and humbly sought in faith. If we venture into dangerous or deadly currents, we run the risk that others who trust us may follow, and be lost as well.
David A Bednar
Elder Bednar specifically addressed members of the audience who are not members of the church. We are a missionary church, and we take seriously our responsibility to teach all nations and all people the message of the gospel. Our invitations to attend church or meet with the missionaries are not trying to "sell a product." There is no coercion. We are inviting you to hear the truths of the restored gospel so that you may study them and come to know of their truth for yourself. Bring all that you know is good, true, and praiseworthy, and see whether the restored gospel enlarges and enriches that which you already know to be true.
Elder Bednar related how, when one of his young children was injured while playing, rather than rushing to help, he and his wife waited to see whether their teaching to "be your brother's keeper" would have the desired effect. And sure enough, an older brother did wash the wound, apply ointment, and bandage the injury; the younger brother then enthusiastically used the remaining ointment and bandages to assist other children outside. You really should listen to this story, if you haven't already. I really appreciate Elder Bednar's ability to use such stories to illustrate gospel principles without being heavy-handed. And I'm going to make a prediction: this story will be made into a Mormon Message.
The invitations we extend to friends and neighbors are born out of a desire to share the joy and blessings we have received through the gospel.
President Thomas S. Monson
President Monson's closing remarks, as usual, focus on expressions of gratitude, and a desire that we will apply the lessons we've been taught, and that we be faithful followers of Christ, becoming kinder, more loving, thoughtful and that we share our concern and helping hands to the poor, weak, and needy. As always, he invoked a blessing upon us.
Conference is over for another six months. I'm grateful for the things we were taught, and the things I learned--answers to prayers and invitations to do better. While these notes are primarily for my own sake, I hope that others will also find them edifying.
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Thanks for sharing this Becky!
ReplyDeleteWe also noticed and enjoyed the "strength faithened" in the opening prayer of the final session. My father's thoughts were similar to yours. He said there are people who need to hear "strength faithened" and he's glad it came out that way. I was just glad that I'm not the only one who makes these kind of errors and mix-ups while speaking. I've never been particularly eloquent when speaking out loud, but especially lately I've had many of these kinds of flubs. I mix up my words a lot, and although it makes my kids laugh, it is very frustrating to me. At least I know I'm not alone. I swear bearing children and motherhood is stealing away my brain cells! There are days I hardly trust myself to form a coherent sentence.
In regards to your comments about Elder Ballard's talk and that church leadership is not "in a bubble" or out of touch, there was a great article in the Deseret News on Thursday that addressed this in depth.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865612291/
It's based on an interview with Elder Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy who often travels with the Apostles and gives a unique insider's perspective to the rigorous schedule, travels, meetings, and personal ministries of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve to "illustrate that LDS leaders are thoroughly engaged and relevant."
The article is lengthy, but here is a good quote.
"...never in my personal or professional life have I ever associated with any group who are so in touch, who know so profoundly the issues facing us, who look so deeply into the old, stay so open to the new, and weigh so carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully everything in between. I testify that the grasp this body of men and women have of moral and societal issues exceeds that of any think tank or brain trust of comparable endeavor of which I know anywhere on the earth."
The article gives many specific examples of why this is true.
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