 |
| Image Credit: "Salt Lake Temple Square Flower" by Jeff. Flickr. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 |
This blog records what I hear and think as I listen; it is not intended to be a summary and my views are my own. I highly recommend that you watch or read conference for yourself. Talks can be watched and read at conference.lds.org, and you can also read summaries here.
General Women's Session
Cheryl A Esplin
Sister Esplin reminds us that service is a portal, or catalyst for empathy and love. Some kinds of service are very small and simple, and others require careful reflection, planning, and sometimes great effort. But whether small or great, acts of service born of compassion are always worthwhile.
Neill F. Marriot
"Love means making space for someone else in your life." One of the things I love about Sister Marriott's talk is how many women leaders of the church she is quoting--and this is, I am certain, a deliberate rhetorical choice, as was quoting a mention of Heavenly Mother. I love how Sister Marriott is talking about how we, in our imperfect ways, use our God-given gifts and inclinations to love and serve others. She is talking about a broad view of what motherhood means, while also celebrating traditional motherhood. "We must anchor ourselves to eternal principles, and testify of them, no matter what the world's response." And the examples she chooses are examples of testimony given in love and kindness, and which are attentive to the differences of experience and capability of those we seek to serve, nurture, and teach.
OK, I'm apparently going to tear up during every single video presentation during this session--all of them are about refugees.
Linda K. Burton
The General Relief Society, Young Women's and Primary presidencies have launched a new refugee relief effort. I'll post a link to this once it's available. She reminds me that as important as it is to love and serve our neighbors in faraway places, it is equally important to serve our neighbors next door.
The talks so far have reminded me, too, that the women who are among the general officers of the church are in many cases leading the way in boldly teaching and serving within the church and throughout the world.
How beautiful is this choir? It's just so beautiful. I love it.
Henry B. Eyring
President Eyring always speaks so tender-heartedly. I love what he has said about the women in his life. I'm a bit troubled by his telling us three feelings we have had tonight because of the messages we have heard. It's true (and unsurprising) that tonight I have felt love, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and a desire to go forth and serve as I've listened to the messages given by my church leaders. But past experience has taught me that not everyone who is listening has felt those things, and it feels uncomfortable to me to hear a man--even a man I love and respect and regard as having the gift of prophecy, as I do President Eyring--telling women what we feel. There's a long history of women being told what we feel, or should feel, and that brings a lot of baggage. So I appreciate the intent of this message, but I feel that the way it was expressed was unfortunate. But when he shifted to a witness of the Lord, and to expressing a hope and prayer for what we will feel and what we will do, my spirit shared that witness.
Saturday Morning Session
The spirit and practice of gathering is essential to the work of the church. At conference time, we gather virtually and in spirit together, and together seek to draw nearer to the Lord by listening to the messages that church leaders have prepared. Feeling the love of the Savior and the joy that accompanies it helps us endure trials of our faith--but what do we do if or when that feeling fades? President Eyring recounts the parable of the sower. We must not only receive, but continue to nourish the seed of faith that was given to us. I think about my roommate Stephanie's efforts in her garden here in Arizona, compared to the gardens I've seen in northern Utah and Idaho. Stephanie has to work much harder than my northern friends so that her garden will flourish. But even my friends who live in more fertile climates must regularly till, and water, and weed, and battle pests in order to receive a harvest. And in my own life it has seemed that sometimes I had good soil and other times I had hard and rocky soil. The great thing about this parable is that our souls, like the soil, can be cultivated. President Eyring also reminds us that the witness we receive during this conference may not be identical to the message that was given, but will be an affirmation of gospel truths that have been testified, and will show us what we need to do to draw closer to the Lord.
Mary R. Durham
Just as people have different "love languages" or "learning styles," not everyone feels the witness of the Holy Spirit in the same way. But we can see many patterns of revelation in the scriptures, which can help us to recognize how the Spirit might speak to us.
Donald L. Hallstrom
Ancient and modern prophets have borne witness that we are the offspring of deity. What does it mean to be a child of heavenly parents? Understanding our true relationship to God is not only necessary to salvation but, when it becomes the core of our identity, provides strength and stability in our mortal lives--other aspects of our identity may change over the years, but this relationship will never change, nor will the love our Father has for us ever cease. Many forces in the world try to make us forget who we really are--and some have never received a witness of their divine heritage. We have so many choices as to how we shape our own identities, and that's wonderful, as long as we never forget our first identity. I am a child of God!
Gary E. Stevenson
He began with a story of a ski trip and mislaid keys that prevented them from accessing and using their comfortable car. The minute he said "keys" I knew we were going to have a talk about the restoration of the priesthood. It's not a perfect analogy, I think, because a church without priesthood keys can still function well, bless the lives of its members, and do much to move the world toward Zion, whereas a car without keys is just a useless hunk of metal, plastic, glass, and upholstery. But it's indeed true that priesthood keys enable critical gospel work that would not be possible without them--the keys of gathering and sealing, for example. And while not all will hold the keys, all may access the power that comes through their use.
Kevin R. Duncan
Forgiveness brings healing to the one who forgives, not just the one who is forgiven. The principle and practice of forgiveness is an opportunity to exercise empathy, and to cultivate love for imperfect people. We are sometimes the victim and sometimes the offender. Forgiving is not excusing, but as we all fall short, we all need compassion and an opportunity to start over. And we all need to practice tolerance, which is an opportunity for learning! To forgive, we need to understand, and to understand, we need to listen to those whose perspectives and experience differ from our own. The atonement isn't just for those who need to repent, but also for those who need to forgive, and God will help us be able to do both.
Steven E. Snow
Our hymnal is a great blessing to our worship. This is certainly true for me--singing with my ward choir, or with a church congregation, is often when I feel the greatest spirit of communion. The hymns teach pure and simple truths. The 1985 edition of the LDS hymnal included what was then a new hymn, "Be Thou Humble." Humility is so important to the flourishing of all worthy and healthy relationships, and something that we seem to need continual reminders of. It's so easy for pride to seep into our hearts, and pride is fundamentally isolating. No amount of righteous living will exempt us from painful trials, but humility can help us to weather them.
Dale G. Renlund
Because of the spiritual distance between ourselves and God, we may come to feel entitled to grace and blessings, and to resent when things seem hard or unfair. But as we draw closer to God, the further we get from such childish notions, as our hearts are filled with gratitude and humility. While I certainly wish that material goods were distributed more equitably, for the good of my spirit I don't want life to be fair--I want something better. The blessings God provides are out of all proportion to what I could ever deserve. It's true that I also want to be free from grief and trials as much as possible. But I understand that enduring these hardships is an unavoidable part of mortality, and that the practice of enduring faithfully makes me stronger.
And now the choir is closing with my favorite hymn that's not in the hymnal: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing!
Saturday Afternoon Session
Some of the BYU-Idaho students in that choir could be my students this coming Fall! I'm so happy to be returning home to Idaho and to settle down at last. Being a student at BYU-Idaho is great, but being a professor will be even better.
During the sustaining of general authorities and officers of the church, a lone person voiced opposition. This happened during last conference, though there were more voices that time. It surprised some members for whom an opposing voice had not been heard in their lifetimes, but it's not a new phenomenon. The purpose of the sustaining vote is not to decide who will lead the church (it's not an election). Callings to serve in any office in the church, from the highest to the lowest, come by revelation and are extended by established priesthood authority. But as members, our vote is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to support and assist those whom the Lord has called in the work of building Zion. It does not necessarily mean that we always agree with everything they say or do, or that we think they are infallible, but that we recognize their authority and stewardship within the church. I am glad we have the opportunity to offer a sustaining vote--and, yes, also the opportunity to voice opposition. It is important to me to continue to have a chance to officially affirm where I stand, and not something I do lightly or automatically.
During the sustaining of general authorities and officers of the church, a lone person voiced opposition. This happened during last conference, though there were more voices that time. It surprised some members for whom an opposing voice had not been heard in their lifetimes, but it's not a new phenomenon. The purpose of the sustaining vote is not to decide who will lead the church (it's not an election). Callings to serve in any office in the church, from the highest to the lowest, come by revelation and are extended by established priesthood authority. But as members, our vote is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to support and assist those whom the Lord has called in the work of building Zion. It does not necessarily mean that we always agree with everything they say or do, or that we think they are infallible, but that we recognize their authority and stewardship within the church. I am glad we have the opportunity to offer a sustaining vote--and, yes, also the opportunity to voice opposition. It is important to me to continue to have a chance to officially affirm where I stand, and not something I do lightly or automatically.
Ronald A. Rasband
2 Nephi 31:20 is my family's unofficial mission statement; my mom had it embroidered on a banner and it hangs just inside my parents' front door. I appreciate Elder Rasband's reminder that we cannot "endure to the end" alone, but that we need to support and sustain one another as we press forward together. Eternal life is not a solitary experience either; the associations we cultivate in this life will continue in the next. As Jesus reaches out to us to lift us up and rescue us from sinking beneath the waves of life, so we must also reach out to and lift up our brothers and sisters. I can imagine myself with one hand firmly grasped in the Savior's hand and another reached out to hold fast to those whom I love.
Neil L. Andersen
Family configurations increasingly do not match the pattern extolled by the church; while we will continue to teach toward the ideal, we must increasingly be sensitive to the knowledge that many in our congregations do not experience it themselves. It seems very difficult to me--but essential--to affirm the doctrine of eternal families in a way that is inclusive of and compassionate toward those whose experience doesn't match it. We can take solace in the knowledge that regardless of our mortal family's circumstances, we are all part of a heavenly family. And we can do everything in our power to help our spiritual brothers and sisters feel that they are a part of that family, and a part of ours.
Mervyn B. Arnold
I was touched by Elder Arnold's tenderness as he spoke of going to the rescue of those who are physically or spiritually suffering or in danger.
Jairo Mazzagardi
Many converts have powerful stories of seeking for truth and light that led them eventually to the restored gospel. Indeed, Joseph Smith's account of the first vision is a moving account of the power of spiritual searching. While being born and raised in the church is a precious blessing, I think those of us who were sometimes feel a kind of holy envy, or a longing to have such a powerful conversion experience ourselves. But of course we must all be converted to the gospel, and such conversion must involve earnest searching. Perhaps because I understand the necessity of diligent searching to the conversion process, I do not regard uncertainty or doubt as dangerous to faith but as essential to it. But the purpose of searching is to find, and God promises that those who seek him will find him.
David A. Bednar
Elder Bednar talks about revelation and rebirth almost continually. And he has a very recognizable rhetorical method, which is precise and logical--for instance in this case he constructs an argument (a claim with reasons, or a series of connected propositions leading to a conclusion) about the relationship between key ordinances and the powers of heaven. I appreciate that while the general authorities are unified in purpose and message, their individual methods allow them to speak to a diverse church body, so that listeners have an opportunity to receive teaching in a language they can understand. And his propositions tend to have two parts: the first takes one principle which is well understood and the second part expands it, illuminating a less-well-understood aspect or providing a new insight. For instance, there was his seminal talk on the cleansing and enabling power of the atonement, or part of today's message about the blessing and sanctifying of the emblems of the sacrament.
M. Russell Ballard
Elder Ballard has given many memorable talks, and written an important book about the importance of counseling within our councils within the church. Today he's talking about family councils. As important as the tradition of "family home evenings" is, so are family councils, and they serve different functions. FHE is about sharing a gospel message and enjoying activities together; councils are for planning, solving problems, building and strengthening relationships, and praying with and for one another. Family councils can be formal or informal, and be planned or happen spontaneously. But some family councils should be planned and prepared for on a regular basis. All members of the family should have opportunities to participate in and contribute to family councils, though at times a family council might occur between the whole family, just the parents, the parents and one child, or one parent and one child. Single members might participate in "roommate councils." Counseling with my family has been essential to meeting the challenges of our lives individually and as a family.
The Priesthood Session was broadcast Saturday at 6pm MDT, 5pm Arizona time. However, I am not asked to attend that session and did not watch it live so that I could get some grading and writing done before Sunday.
Sunday Morning Session
Thomas S. Monson
4 new temples: Ecuador, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Peru!
The gift of free agency is precious, and should be used for righteous purposes. I appreciated that the choir sang "I Will Follow God's Plan for Me" prior to this talk, because the two messages complement each other. The plan of salvation involves crucial decisions that are essential for everyone, and those who have made sacred covenants share eternal goals--yet though the plan of salvation is universal, God's plan for me is individual. Choosing what is right, and right for me, is not always easy to know or to do. But the "easy wrong" is harder in the end.
Bonnie L. Oscarson
Knowing and believing are different things--we may know but not believe. And I think we can believe but not know. If we know and believe, then do we act according to that belief? We claim and believe that families can be sealed for eternity in the temple--do we engage in family history and attend the temple to perform ordinances for our ancestors? We claim and believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and that together with the Bible they contain the fulness of the gospel, but do we diligently study the scriptures? We claim and believe that God stands at the head of this church and leads it. But do we attend our meetings and magnify our callings? Conversion, a change of heart, happens over time as we exercise our faith consistently. The spiritual perils of our day are the same as they have always been--pride, the cares of the world, the fear of men, which are represented in Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life as "the great and spacious building." After we have partaken of the fruit of the gospel, all is not done. We must daily choose faith over doubt.
W. Christopher Waddell
"Sometime's it's just hard for me to think about Jesus!" Sorrow touches everyone from time to time along our mortal journey. Three steps to peace: learn, listen, and walk. A proper understanding of the gospel and its ordinances does not eliminate sorrow, but gives us hope that can overcome that sorrow. While living the gospel brings peace and comfort to our lives, not every wound will be healed in mortality. Bishop Waddell, like Sister Oscarson, speaks about the vision of the Tree of Life, and warns of the dangers of heeding the calls from the great and spacious building. The proper response to the mocking and scorn of those in the great and spacious building is not to debate, but to ignore.
D. Todd Christofferson
We believe in fathers--in the ideal of the man who puts his family first! We teach it and strive to practice it. Fathers and mothers lead the family as equal partners. Men of the church know that the ideal of manhood is to be found not in worldly models of aggression, individualism, and autonomy, but in our Heavenly Father, who loves, provides for, and teaches His children by word and example. Elder Christofferson continues to describe examples of worthy men who not only serve their families but strive to serve their communities. Providing correction and discipline is part of parenthood, but must be exercised in soberness, love, and a desire to help a loved one to self-mastery; anything approaching abuse is wicked. "Loving the mother of his children—and showing that love—are two of the best things a father can do for his children.” There is no shame for those who, despite their best efforts, are unable to provide for their families by their own means. Seeking help from family, from the church, and from the community when circumstances warrant is an act of love and humility. Individual adaptations to the divine pattern for families are necessary. Even God the Father entrusted His own son to a foster father! I love that reminder that even the Holy Family did not actually match the "ideal nuclear family" model! Develop strong relationships, and continue to progress from good, to better, to best.
Quentin L. Cook
There are now 150 operating temples; when all announced temples are completed, there will be 177. This is cause for humble rejoicing. On this day in 1836, the first temple of this dispensation was dedicated in Kirtland, Ohio, and the Lord Jehovah, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the keys of this dispensation (see D&C 110). Can you picture yourself in the temple? If not, what do you need to do to get there? The unprecedented availability of temples, and the technology to engage in family history work, are a tremendous blessing and obligation; through temple ordinances for the dead, salvation is available to all God's children throughout all of human history, and this generation is called to be "saviors on mount Zion." Live to be worthy of these blessings and obligations. The temple recommend questions are an opportunity to self-evaluate our spiritual health and progress. Though a certain standard of worthiness is required, imperfections & sins don't disqualify us from temple attendance. And temple attendance can help us overcome them. Earthly distinctions of wealth and status are left behind when we enter the temple, all dressed in white, united by a common desire and engaged in a common work. It would be a great blessing if we could take that spirit of the temple with us as we return to our regular lives.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
At the end of the Sunday Morning session, after an hour and a half of conference, all the Mormons perk up again as the Silver Fox takes the podium! President Uchtdorf shares his experience of the Desden bombing when he was four years old. A beautiful Lutheran church was destroyed in the bombing, and much later rebuilt, in part using scarred and blackened stones from the original structure. The church stands as a witness that what is damaged and destroyed can be rebuilt. There is no life so shattered that it cannot be rebuilt. The best way to help sinners repent is not to condemn, ridicule, or shame them. Jesus provides the perfect example: he associated, loved, and served those whom his society shunned as sinners and unclean. As the Good Shepherd, he continually seeks after and finds the lost sheep and endeavors to bring them back to the fold. "The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd.... You are his child, and he loves you. He loves his children. Because he loves you, he will find you...and bring you home." But he will force no-one to heaven; we must be willing to be saved. We show our willingness by turning toward him, and receiving baptism. To start with, it's enough merely to desire to believe, to have a spark of hope that God can save you. That is enough for the transformation to begin! Obedience itself does not save us, but by obedience we show our desire to receive God's blessings. He shares a German proverb: "There is nothing good unless you do it." (I love it when he speaks German--I can even understand it sometimes!) "If our faith does not change the way we live, our religion is vain."
Bonnie L. Oscarson
Knowing and believing are different things--we may know but not believe. And I think we can believe but not know. If we know and believe, then do we act according to that belief? We claim and believe that families can be sealed for eternity in the temple--do we engage in family history and attend the temple to perform ordinances for our ancestors? We claim and believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and that together with the Bible they contain the fulness of the gospel, but do we diligently study the scriptures? We claim and believe that God stands at the head of this church and leads it. But do we attend our meetings and magnify our callings? Conversion, a change of heart, happens over time as we exercise our faith consistently. The spiritual perils of our day are the same as they have always been--pride, the cares of the world, the fear of men, which are represented in Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life as "the great and spacious building." After we have partaken of the fruit of the gospel, all is not done. We must daily choose faith over doubt.
W. Christopher Waddell
"Sometime's it's just hard for me to think about Jesus!" Sorrow touches everyone from time to time along our mortal journey. Three steps to peace: learn, listen, and walk. A proper understanding of the gospel and its ordinances does not eliminate sorrow, but gives us hope that can overcome that sorrow. While living the gospel brings peace and comfort to our lives, not every wound will be healed in mortality. Bishop Waddell, like Sister Oscarson, speaks about the vision of the Tree of Life, and warns of the dangers of heeding the calls from the great and spacious building. The proper response to the mocking and scorn of those in the great and spacious building is not to debate, but to ignore.
D. Todd Christofferson
We believe in fathers--in the ideal of the man who puts his family first! We teach it and strive to practice it. Fathers and mothers lead the family as equal partners. Men of the church know that the ideal of manhood is to be found not in worldly models of aggression, individualism, and autonomy, but in our Heavenly Father, who loves, provides for, and teaches His children by word and example. Elder Christofferson continues to describe examples of worthy men who not only serve their families but strive to serve their communities. Providing correction and discipline is part of parenthood, but must be exercised in soberness, love, and a desire to help a loved one to self-mastery; anything approaching abuse is wicked. "Loving the mother of his children—and showing that love—are two of the best things a father can do for his children.” There is no shame for those who, despite their best efforts, are unable to provide for their families by their own means. Seeking help from family, from the church, and from the community when circumstances warrant is an act of love and humility. Individual adaptations to the divine pattern for families are necessary. Even God the Father entrusted His own son to a foster father! I love that reminder that even the Holy Family did not actually match the "ideal nuclear family" model! Develop strong relationships, and continue to progress from good, to better, to best.
Quentin L. Cook
There are now 150 operating temples; when all announced temples are completed, there will be 177. This is cause for humble rejoicing. On this day in 1836, the first temple of this dispensation was dedicated in Kirtland, Ohio, and the Lord Jehovah, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the keys of this dispensation (see D&C 110). Can you picture yourself in the temple? If not, what do you need to do to get there? The unprecedented availability of temples, and the technology to engage in family history work, are a tremendous blessing and obligation; through temple ordinances for the dead, salvation is available to all God's children throughout all of human history, and this generation is called to be "saviors on mount Zion." Live to be worthy of these blessings and obligations. The temple recommend questions are an opportunity to self-evaluate our spiritual health and progress. Though a certain standard of worthiness is required, imperfections & sins don't disqualify us from temple attendance. And temple attendance can help us overcome them. Earthly distinctions of wealth and status are left behind when we enter the temple, all dressed in white, united by a common desire and engaged in a common work. It would be a great blessing if we could take that spirit of the temple with us as we return to our regular lives.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
At the end of the Sunday Morning session, after an hour and a half of conference, all the Mormons perk up again as the Silver Fox takes the podium! President Uchtdorf shares his experience of the Desden bombing when he was four years old. A beautiful Lutheran church was destroyed in the bombing, and much later rebuilt, in part using scarred and blackened stones from the original structure. The church stands as a witness that what is damaged and destroyed can be rebuilt. There is no life so shattered that it cannot be rebuilt. The best way to help sinners repent is not to condemn, ridicule, or shame them. Jesus provides the perfect example: he associated, loved, and served those whom his society shunned as sinners and unclean. As the Good Shepherd, he continually seeks after and finds the lost sheep and endeavors to bring them back to the fold. "The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd.... You are his child, and he loves you. He loves his children. Because he loves you, he will find you...and bring you home." But he will force no-one to heaven; we must be willing to be saved. We show our willingness by turning toward him, and receiving baptism. To start with, it's enough merely to desire to believe, to have a spark of hope that God can save you. That is enough for the transformation to begin! Obedience itself does not save us, but by obedience we show our desire to receive God's blessings. He shares a German proverb: "There is nothing good unless you do it." (I love it when he speaks German--I can even understand it sometimes!) "If our faith does not change the way we live, our religion is vain."
Sunday Afternoon Session
Robert D. Hales
"The Holy Ghost honors the principle of agency" and speaks to our minds and hearts about many matters of consequence, but to seek or expect revelation through the Holy Ghost for every decision, no matter how trivial, is to misunderstand the purpose and power of the Holy Spirit. It is not good to be commanded in all things. In addition, we cannot receive revelation for others outside our stewardship. We can err, being deceived by the temptations of the adversary, or misled by heeding our own desires in opposition to the whispering of the Spirit. But if we will humble ourselves, and strive to live worthy, and seek diligently to understand what is right, the Holy Ghost will reveal what is needful for us to know and to do. The windows of heaven are open to all who will look; the word of the Lord may be heard by all who will listen, and when we heed the revelation we receive, we will receive more. The spirit of prophecy is alive in the church, and it is through the Holy Ghost that we receive it.
Gerrit W. Gong
Remembering and forgetting are an everyday part of life; they are also part of eternity. Time, agency, memory help us to learn and grow. When we take the sacrament each week, we covenant to "always remember Him." We can do so first, by having confidence in God's promises. Second, through gratefully acknowledging His hand in our lives. Third, by trusting when the Lord assures us that when we repent, God remembers our sins no more. But he does remember us, and knows us better than we know ourselves. Fourth, by remembering that God will always welcome us home, no matter how far or long we have strayed. Fifth, remembering to do the work we are called to do--to love, teach, and serve one another. Sixth, by remembering him as he remembers us.
Patrick Kearon
There are an estimated 60 million refugees in the world right now--that means roughly 1 in every 122 people on earth! And half of these are children. The need is great. These people have had to abandon homes, possessions, jobs, and leave behind friends and family, in order to preserve their lives. The church is engaged in a great effort to help relieve this enormous need. He reminds us of Sister Burton's call from last weekend to ask ourselves "What if their story were my story?" He asserts: their story is our story. All of us have found refuge in the arms of the Savior. And he reminds us that Jesus himself was a refugee, as his family fled to Egypt when he was a young child. He describes the relief efforts that members of the church throughout Europe are engaged in. This need will remain with us long after the initial shock is over; we must not flag in our efforts to aid those who are in such desperate need. It doesn't matter what our political affiliations are--we ought to be no respecters of person, but serve where the need is great. We should also remember that it isn't wise to run faster than we have strength--we must do what we can, but still provide for the needs of our families. Donating is good, but we should also consider what we can do close to home, to help refugees within or near our own communities. Refugees resettling in host countries have myriad needs, small and great--mentoring with something as simple as going to a grocery store or to school, as well as help learning a new language (and you can learn their language to help with communication too), practicing job interviews, and so on. We hope that refugee status will be only a period, hopefully a short period, in their lives--this experience does not define them, and they have been and will be brilliant contributors to their communities and world. But how we respond does help to define us.
President Uchtdorf, who is conducting, has been weeping. Elder Kearon's message has special resonance for him, because he and his family were refugees during and after WWII.
Dallin H. Oaks
Agency is a favorite topic for Elder Oaks, which is not surprising since in his former professional life he was a judge. Opposition is necessary to the exercise of agency, because the purpose of agency is not merely to have choices, but to have an opportunity to choose God, or anything else. In the council in Heaven, Satan suggested his own plan as a substitute to God's plan. In Satan's plan, all would be saved, without exception or choice. But his reason for suggesting this plan was not love but pride: he wanted God's glory for himself. In God's plan, we have the opportunity to choose for ourselves whether to follow God, but he has provided a way for all who choose it to be saved. Experiencing opposition, in the form of temptation or hardship, is not a reflection on our worthiness. No amount of righteousness exempts us from the necessity of opposition in our lives. It is through opposition that we learn and grow. Opposition sometimes comes from within the church, from those who style themselves "the loyal opposition." While "loyal opposition" may be appropriate within a political body, the administration of the church functions by revelation to those who've been called; it's not that we're expected to blindly follow, because we are promised and expected to seek personal revelation. But we are expected to sustain church leaders and assist in the work of building Zion. Speaking for myself, when I am unsure of direction that church leaders have given, I persevere in the knowledge that I do have, and patiently wait for further light and knowledge on the issue that troubles me.
Kent F. Richards
The temple points us to Christ, and there is real power in its ordinances. I have served as a recorder in the Mesa temple, and can testify of the added blessings, power, and knowledge that come from regular temple service. All that we do in the temple is done in reverence and love, with care and diligence, and we carry that spirit with us back into the world. I hope that no one is intimidated by the prospect of going to the temple and doing temple work. It is simple and beautiful.
Paul V. Johnson
The Savior's resurrection brought total victory over death. When loved ones die, we have hope through the resurrection. Our spirits will be reunited with our perfected, immortal bodies; there is no salvation without resurrection. The Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of the reality of Christ's bodily resurrection, and Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets and apostles have likewise borne witness that they have seen the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh. Because we know the reality of the resurrection, we can have faith that Christ has power to cleanse us from our sins, to heal our spirits, and to work mighty miracles through his servants. The promise of the resurrection brings peace and hope to all those who have lost loved ones.
Jeffrey R. Holland
Yes, I know that we, the members of the church, are loved dearly by our leaders. I have served as a local leader and know that the capacity to love those you are called to serve is difficult to comprehend unless you have experienced it. Though they do not know us each individually, our leaders love us. And how much more does God, who knows us individually and perfectly, love us! The messages of general conference can, for some, feel overwhelming or discouraging. But that is not their purpose or intent--they ought to inspire and uplift, and yes, prompt us to do better. With the help of the Savior, we can improve, and the great thing about the gospel is, we get credit for trying, even if we don't always or completely succeed. If you fall, call out for mercy and help. God will answer. He will lift up, forgive, heal, and strengthen us. We will be blessed for our desire to do good, even as we strive to become good. Remember the first great companion: love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. But the first great truth is that God loves us with all His heart, might, mind, and strength--which is infinite and eternal! God will not desert us; it is not his character to do so. God wants to bless us! An abundant and eternal life for each of us is his goal.
AMEN!
And that's it for the next 6 months. I'm so excited to re-read, and re-listen to these conference messages. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to worship and learn with all my brothers and sisters in the church throughout the world.
Gerrit W. Gong
Remembering and forgetting are an everyday part of life; they are also part of eternity. Time, agency, memory help us to learn and grow. When we take the sacrament each week, we covenant to "always remember Him." We can do so first, by having confidence in God's promises. Second, through gratefully acknowledging His hand in our lives. Third, by trusting when the Lord assures us that when we repent, God remembers our sins no more. But he does remember us, and knows us better than we know ourselves. Fourth, by remembering that God will always welcome us home, no matter how far or long we have strayed. Fifth, remembering to do the work we are called to do--to love, teach, and serve one another. Sixth, by remembering him as he remembers us.
Patrick Kearon
There are an estimated 60 million refugees in the world right now--that means roughly 1 in every 122 people on earth! And half of these are children. The need is great. These people have had to abandon homes, possessions, jobs, and leave behind friends and family, in order to preserve their lives. The church is engaged in a great effort to help relieve this enormous need. He reminds us of Sister Burton's call from last weekend to ask ourselves "What if their story were my story?" He asserts: their story is our story. All of us have found refuge in the arms of the Savior. And he reminds us that Jesus himself was a refugee, as his family fled to Egypt when he was a young child. He describes the relief efforts that members of the church throughout Europe are engaged in. This need will remain with us long after the initial shock is over; we must not flag in our efforts to aid those who are in such desperate need. It doesn't matter what our political affiliations are--we ought to be no respecters of person, but serve where the need is great. We should also remember that it isn't wise to run faster than we have strength--we must do what we can, but still provide for the needs of our families. Donating is good, but we should also consider what we can do close to home, to help refugees within or near our own communities. Refugees resettling in host countries have myriad needs, small and great--mentoring with something as simple as going to a grocery store or to school, as well as help learning a new language (and you can learn their language to help with communication too), practicing job interviews, and so on. We hope that refugee status will be only a period, hopefully a short period, in their lives--this experience does not define them, and they have been and will be brilliant contributors to their communities and world. But how we respond does help to define us.
President Uchtdorf, who is conducting, has been weeping. Elder Kearon's message has special resonance for him, because he and his family were refugees during and after WWII.
Dallin H. Oaks
Agency is a favorite topic for Elder Oaks, which is not surprising since in his former professional life he was a judge. Opposition is necessary to the exercise of agency, because the purpose of agency is not merely to have choices, but to have an opportunity to choose God, or anything else. In the council in Heaven, Satan suggested his own plan as a substitute to God's plan. In Satan's plan, all would be saved, without exception or choice. But his reason for suggesting this plan was not love but pride: he wanted God's glory for himself. In God's plan, we have the opportunity to choose for ourselves whether to follow God, but he has provided a way for all who choose it to be saved. Experiencing opposition, in the form of temptation or hardship, is not a reflection on our worthiness. No amount of righteousness exempts us from the necessity of opposition in our lives. It is through opposition that we learn and grow. Opposition sometimes comes from within the church, from those who style themselves "the loyal opposition." While "loyal opposition" may be appropriate within a political body, the administration of the church functions by revelation to those who've been called; it's not that we're expected to blindly follow, because we are promised and expected to seek personal revelation. But we are expected to sustain church leaders and assist in the work of building Zion. Speaking for myself, when I am unsure of direction that church leaders have given, I persevere in the knowledge that I do have, and patiently wait for further light and knowledge on the issue that troubles me.
Kent F. Richards
The temple points us to Christ, and there is real power in its ordinances. I have served as a recorder in the Mesa temple, and can testify of the added blessings, power, and knowledge that come from regular temple service. All that we do in the temple is done in reverence and love, with care and diligence, and we carry that spirit with us back into the world. I hope that no one is intimidated by the prospect of going to the temple and doing temple work. It is simple and beautiful.
Paul V. Johnson
The Savior's resurrection brought total victory over death. When loved ones die, we have hope through the resurrection. Our spirits will be reunited with our perfected, immortal bodies; there is no salvation without resurrection. The Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of the reality of Christ's bodily resurrection, and Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets and apostles have likewise borne witness that they have seen the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh. Because we know the reality of the resurrection, we can have faith that Christ has power to cleanse us from our sins, to heal our spirits, and to work mighty miracles through his servants. The promise of the resurrection brings peace and hope to all those who have lost loved ones.
Jeffrey R. Holland
Yes, I know that we, the members of the church, are loved dearly by our leaders. I have served as a local leader and know that the capacity to love those you are called to serve is difficult to comprehend unless you have experienced it. Though they do not know us each individually, our leaders love us. And how much more does God, who knows us individually and perfectly, love us! The messages of general conference can, for some, feel overwhelming or discouraging. But that is not their purpose or intent--they ought to inspire and uplift, and yes, prompt us to do better. With the help of the Savior, we can improve, and the great thing about the gospel is, we get credit for trying, even if we don't always or completely succeed. If you fall, call out for mercy and help. God will answer. He will lift up, forgive, heal, and strengthen us. We will be blessed for our desire to do good, even as we strive to become good. Remember the first great companion: love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. But the first great truth is that God loves us with all His heart, might, mind, and strength--which is infinite and eternal! God will not desert us; it is not his character to do so. God wants to bless us! An abundant and eternal life for each of us is his goal.
AMEN!
And that's it for the next 6 months. I'm so excited to re-read, and re-listen to these conference messages. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to worship and learn with all my brothers and sisters in the church throughout the world.
.jpg)
Thank you for reporting as it is in your head. I heard your "feelings" on wonderful men and their remarks regarding women and their feelings. I find it enlightening to hear from a woma with a strong identity. Cheers
ReplyDeleteJeffrey