As always, you may watch all sessions of General Conference live (or time-delayed) online at lds.org, the Mormon Channel on YouTube, and on byutv.
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.
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Image credit: Merrill Humberg, "Idaho Falls Temple." Taken 25 Nov. 2006. Wikimedia Commons. CC-BY-2.5. (My younger brother and I used to take a blanket and a radio down to the Idaho Falls temple grounds to listen to a session of General Conference. This picture reminded me of those afternoons.) |
Saturday Morning Session
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Uchtdorf reminds us that joy and purposefulness comes when we focus on our relationships with God and with other people, seek fellowship with the saints, remember that our skills and talents are needed and valued, and seek ways to serve and build up each other and the Kingdom of God. "How beautiful it is to know, though we are imperfect...God will be generous with us, and use us for his purposes" (not sure I got this quote exactly right; I'll edit later if needed). We must take responsibility for determining the correct path for our lives and steering toward it; "life is not a self-driving car."
Bonnie L. Oscarson
We are often moved to serve and donate time, money, and material resources when we see disasters around the world--and this service is necessary and good. But we often forget to look for ways to serve closer to home on an everyday basis--in our homes, wards, and neighborhoods. I wish more people understood this principle. I wish I were better at enacting it in my own life. I struggle to know how I can serve others beyond my official work, church, and family responsibilities, without overwhelming myself.
Dallin H. Oaks.
Those who know and understand God's plan of salvation are obligated to follow it, and their efforts to do so will sometimes lead to conflict with family, friends, and associates who do not know the plan of salvation. This kind of conflict happens in all ages of history, in all cultures. Elder Oaks focuses specifically on the LDS doctrine of the family. He notes the increasing cultural acceptance of cohabitation without marriage and same-sex marriage, both of which are contrary to LDS teachings about the family. His talk focuses heavily on the 1995 Family Proclamation, of which he is a signatory. He gave some insight into the composition and publication of that document. He calls this proclamation a "statement of eternal truths, the will of the Lord." And he suggests that our willingness to live by the precepts of that document is a test of faithfulness to the Lord in this generation.
This talk will be hard for a lot of people to hear; it's going to stir a lot of people up. Maybe that's a good thing.
John C. Pingree Jr.
Everyone is given gifts that bless our lives and provide opportunities to serve others. We have a responsibility to discover and develop our gifts, and to seek after gifts. Each of us has a personal ministry, regardless of age, gender, income level, education, physical ability, etc. God sometimes uses our trials to give us opportunities to develop gifts and lead us toward our personal ministry. And God will strengthen us so that we can fulfill our most important ministry. Personal worthiness gives us strength to fulfill our ministries, but distractions weaken our power to serve. Avoid the temptation of personal praise for our ministries, but follow the Savior's example and glorify God.
This is the third message so far this morning to focus on the usefulness of individuals, and our need to be of use, and the world's need for our service.
D. Todd Christofferson
I appreciate Elder Christofferson's reminder that we are all broken and torn in different ways. All of us suffer; all need healing. The symbol of eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood through the sacrament is not only a remembrance of his atonement; it also represents the need to "internalize the qualities and characteristics of Christ." Jesus is the living bread and water. "We cannot be content to remain where we are." God doesn't only command us to be holy; he also provides the way for us to become holy, which is impossible to do by our own power. Jesus came to the world to minister. We come to this world not only to be ministered to, but to minister. The inscription "holiness to the Lord" is found not only on our temple doors, but in the pioneer era of Utah was inscribed on such everyday objects as a hammer and drum, as well as on sacrament plates and cups, banners, and the original ZCMI entrance. This is a reminder to me that whatever work we do, we ought to perform it as a vocation--a calling--an opportunity to minister to others and glorify God.
Jeffrey R. Holland
It seemed for a minute that Elder Holland was going to speak on sexual morality, but then he took a turn and is focusing on repentance and the atonement, without which the commandment to be perfect would lead inevitably to despair, but with it, we can have a perfect brightness of hope. "I need mercy, and the world needs peace." Sometimes scriptures and commandments can be discouraging, because we recognize how much we fall short of righteousness. But Elder Holland suggests that such scriptures and commandments can instead be a reminder of the perfection and power of God, and of the truth that our salvation is a supernal gift. Yet if we are unable to achieve total perfection, it's not unreasonable for God to ask us to strive to be a little more perfect, for steady improvement in doing good to others, and overcoming temptation in ourselves--and in so doing, not succumb to depression or demolished self esteem. Do not glory in our own righteousness, or point the finger of accusation or scorn at those who are struggling. We are all debtors. We are all fallen. We all need grace. And through Christ, we can be finished, complete, and whole.
Can Elder Holland just be the concluding speaker for every session?
Saturday Afternoon Session
That youth choir is looking and sounding good. I really dig their arrangement of #LoveOneAnother.
Gary E. Stevenson
Nice shout-out to this summer's total eclipse! I enjoyed watching it with my family up here in Idaho. It was a really profound, almost spiritual experience. I like the idea of viewing "spiritual eclipses," or challenges, through the lens of the gospel. I also appreciate that instead of bashing social media, he's talking about putting it to good use, and not merely allowing it to use us. How do I use the resources at my disposal to meaningfully connect with others and add light to their lives?
Steven W. Owen
Repentance is always positive. Repentance is not merely self-improvement efforts or "miserable behavior modification" (it occurs to me that "miserable" might modify either "behavior" or "modification," or both, in that phrase). It's the process of accessing grace through the atonement of Christ. Repentance inspires a commitment to obedience to commandments and covenants because of love. It is meant to be a joyful experience. Sometimes fear of rejection--rejection by God and/or other loved ones--might cause us to hesitate from repentance. But where true love is present, as it is with our Eternal Father, we have nothing to fear. God will always welcome his repentant children with open arms. Repentance is for everyone--people beginning to believe, already believe, trying to believe again.
Quentin L. Cook
Elder Cook throws down a truth bomb about racism, sexism, classism, etc., reiterating this statement from August 2017 over the pulpit, thus putting the kibosh on fringe-right Mormons in the blogsphere who have claimed that the LDS Newsroom's statement was contrary to church doctrine. This comes from the Brethren. All are alike unto God, and those who claim inherent superiority do so in opposition to the doctrine of Christ. Elder Cook then turns to talk about the importance of humility and love in furthering missionary efforts. He also identified "modesty and understatement" as civic virtues, clearly using modesty in its correct meaning rather than using it in its current almost-exclusive sense of "conservative dress." Yay! "Authenticity" is not an excuse for un-Christlike behavior. He cautioned against "humble bragging," self-aggrandizement, and grudge-holding. Gratitude both cultivates and is a sign of humility.
Ronald A. Rasband
Elder Rasband says that God doesn't do things by coincidence, but by divine design. But I believe in coincidences too--how do I know what's God acting in my life and what's just a coincidence? If I'm drawing closer to God, does it matter? Should I just attribute stuff that draws me toward heaven to God, and label everything else coincidence? What about coincidences that only seem to draw one closer to God, but are really just a counterfeit--like when people see images of saints in their toast, because human pattern-recognition is a bit buggy? What about when bad stuff happens? Is that always/often/ever by God's design? I believe God can and does use our circumstances to help us grow and draw closer to Him, and that he places people and opportunities in our path, if we are seeking his will and his help. And I believe that sometimes, what we perceive as an obstruction in the path we've chosen for ourselves is God's way of setting us on a better path. But I'm not sure I believe in a God who orchestrates my every circumstance. I do believe that I should seek to design my life in a way that is pleasing to God. I also believe that because everyone's circumstances are unique to some degree, it is pleasing to God that our lives don't all follow exactly the same design (though there are some key elements that we all have in common, like embracing the gospel, being baptized, making temple covenants, etc.). Elder Rasband says that agency is the freedom to choose to follow or not follow the Lord and His servants. I think it is that, but also more than that. And yes, each of us has divinity within us.
O. Vincent Haleck
Hearing stories of saints who sacrificed so much because of their belief in the truthfulness of the gospel prompts me to ask, "what am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of the truth?" In my life, I have rarely been called upon to sacrifice much. But I have had moments where my commitment to the truth has been challenged. Not just gospel truth (though certainly that as well), but all kinds of truth. "Have the will to do and to give. I promise that the Lord will not leave you wanting."
Russell M. Nelson
"Conversion is an individual matter." How important is the Book of Mormon to your testimony? Without the BOM, what would you be like? What would you not know, and what would you not have? "The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon." It corrects erroneous doctrines. Studying the Book of Mormon daily will allow you to receive spiritual power to help you in your daily life. Daily study of the scriptures can give you spiritual direction, help you make decisions, and help you overcome temptation. What good is it to say "I know the Book of Mormon is true" if you are not studying it?
This talk reminds me a little of President Benson's emphasis on reading the BoM during his tenure as president of the church in my childhood.
Jean B. Bingham
Lean on the Savior. The atonement not only redeems us from our own sins; it heals us from the hurt done as a consequence of the sins of others. The atonement brings healing, peace, and comfort. Coming to know Jesus Christ helps us understand our own relationship to God and purpose on Earth; it increases our capacity and desire to do good in the world.
Donald L. Hallstrom
Have miracles ceased? Definition of miracle: "A beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand." Do we have the faith not to be healed from our physical afflictions, so that we might be healed spiritually for eternity? This is a hard one for me, because I want both. I'm mostly resigned to not being healed from some of my physical afflictions in this life, but I struggle with it sometimes.
David A. Bednar
Avoiding distractions seems to be another recurring theme this conference. "Sometimes we run so fast...we may forget what we are running toward and why we are running." The Sabbath is God's appointed time; a sacred time set aside to rest from worldly labors and contemplate the things of God. A day of rest allows us to reorient ourselves and remember our eternal purpose and destiny. Temples also provide a sacred space and time removed from worldly concerns, where we focus our attention upon, and learn about God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Hopefully, homes become another space where we take time to slow down and rest from the cares of the world, and build each other up spiritually. It's interesting how often hymns get quoted in conference talks. This time it's "Let the Holy Spirit Guide."
W. Christopher Waddell
How do we face challenges? Faith and righteousness does not guarantee we will have a life free of pain and hardship. But it can help us meet pain and hardship with added spiritual strength, and with greater hope for a bright, eternal future. Sometimes, God lifts our burdens, and sometimes, he gives us strength to bear them. Priesthood blessings of healing may restore health, or they may give us wisdom and perspective to know how best to seek medical care and other resources that will enable us endure our physical infirmities--this latter sort of help from priesthood blessings has mostly been my experience, though I've experienced some of the former as well. Sadly, often people in the grip of suffering turn away from their one best source of help--the Savior. Professional medical assistance and spiritual support and sustenance are both necessary.
W. Craig Zwick
A reference to The Lion King in conference? Heck yeah! Rafiki is awesome. And a reminder to look beyond what we see with mortal eyes, and avoid "easy assumptions and stereotypes." We must widen our lens. We rarely have the whole picture. Ask questions and get to know people! Hasty attempts to give counsel sometimes go awry--we must work hard to understand one another's circumstances to know best how to give good support and counsel. All of us come from different backgrounds; all of us experience the limitations of our cultural assumptions and traditions. Stop being a giant demolition ball. Truth should be our highest allegiance, though it should never be a barrier to kindness. *fist pump!!!* Resist comparisons, labeling, criticism so prevalent in the world. When they are directed toward us, they wound and may distort our perception of ourselves and others. When that happens, we must "let it go"--delete them and move on. Pray to have the scales removed from our eyes, and to see with the eyes of understanding.
Henry B. Eyring
Uchtdorf and Eyring hugged as they passed each other on their way to and from the pulpit. I love it! I love the example of our male leaders unselfconsciously expressing brotherly love--an example our culture sorely lacks.
Reading scriptures brings us greater faith, more ability to resist temptation, as well as peace and optimism for the future. In the midst of increasing tumult and doubt in the world, increasing the strength of our testimonies brings peace. "We have felt an increased desire to go to the rescue of others in need." I wasn't in Idaho when the Teton Dam broke--I wasn't even born. But as a resident of Southeast Idaho for most of my adult life, I'm very familiar with the story, and the indelible impact it had on the community. That spirit of looking out for and serving others remains, and is passed on to new members of the community. Perhaps it's one of the things that drew me back to Rexburg. I am certain that such an experience bringing out such a change is not unique to Rexburg, but it is the one that touches me most directly. President Eyring has visited cities affected by recent hurricanes--I had not considered before how close those flood victims must be to his own heart, as a fellow survivor of severe flooding. I feel a sense of personal pride for how willingly, even eagerly Mormons typically respond to such disasters. Yet I also remember Sister Oscarson's talk from yesterday. As essential as service in response to disasters is, it is sometimes harder to sustain consistent, smaller acts of service in our own neighborhoods. Both are necessary if we are to become a Zion people. Such selfless service is the fruit of faith in Jesus Christ, and it has power to change lives--both the lives of those who serve and the lives of those who are served. But "if we stop trying after one burst of effort, the change will fade." Continue to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and to do good. Doubt not, fear not--angels will bear you up. "The best days are ahead for the kingdom of God on the Earth." We will face opposition--we always have. But faith will overcome fear and opposition. God will be with us.
Steven W. Owen
Repentance is always positive. Repentance is not merely self-improvement efforts or "miserable behavior modification" (it occurs to me that "miserable" might modify either "behavior" or "modification," or both, in that phrase). It's the process of accessing grace through the atonement of Christ. Repentance inspires a commitment to obedience to commandments and covenants because of love. It is meant to be a joyful experience. Sometimes fear of rejection--rejection by God and/or other loved ones--might cause us to hesitate from repentance. But where true love is present, as it is with our Eternal Father, we have nothing to fear. God will always welcome his repentant children with open arms. Repentance is for everyone--people beginning to believe, already believe, trying to believe again.
Quentin L. Cook
Elder Cook throws down a truth bomb about racism, sexism, classism, etc., reiterating this statement from August 2017 over the pulpit, thus putting the kibosh on fringe-right Mormons in the blogsphere who have claimed that the LDS Newsroom's statement was contrary to church doctrine. This comes from the Brethren. All are alike unto God, and those who claim inherent superiority do so in opposition to the doctrine of Christ. Elder Cook then turns to talk about the importance of humility and love in furthering missionary efforts. He also identified "modesty and understatement" as civic virtues, clearly using modesty in its correct meaning rather than using it in its current almost-exclusive sense of "conservative dress." Yay! "Authenticity" is not an excuse for un-Christlike behavior. He cautioned against "humble bragging," self-aggrandizement, and grudge-holding. Gratitude both cultivates and is a sign of humility.
Ronald A. Rasband
Elder Rasband says that God doesn't do things by coincidence, but by divine design. But I believe in coincidences too--how do I know what's God acting in my life and what's just a coincidence? If I'm drawing closer to God, does it matter? Should I just attribute stuff that draws me toward heaven to God, and label everything else coincidence? What about coincidences that only seem to draw one closer to God, but are really just a counterfeit--like when people see images of saints in their toast, because human pattern-recognition is a bit buggy? What about when bad stuff happens? Is that always/often/ever by God's design? I believe God can and does use our circumstances to help us grow and draw closer to Him, and that he places people and opportunities in our path, if we are seeking his will and his help. And I believe that sometimes, what we perceive as an obstruction in the path we've chosen for ourselves is God's way of setting us on a better path. But I'm not sure I believe in a God who orchestrates my every circumstance. I do believe that I should seek to design my life in a way that is pleasing to God. I also believe that because everyone's circumstances are unique to some degree, it is pleasing to God that our lives don't all follow exactly the same design (though there are some key elements that we all have in common, like embracing the gospel, being baptized, making temple covenants, etc.). Elder Rasband says that agency is the freedom to choose to follow or not follow the Lord and His servants. I think it is that, but also more than that. And yes, each of us has divinity within us.
O. Vincent Haleck
Hearing stories of saints who sacrificed so much because of their belief in the truthfulness of the gospel prompts me to ask, "what am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of the truth?" In my life, I have rarely been called upon to sacrifice much. But I have had moments where my commitment to the truth has been challenged. Not just gospel truth (though certainly that as well), but all kinds of truth. "Have the will to do and to give. I promise that the Lord will not leave you wanting."
Russell M. Nelson
"Conversion is an individual matter." How important is the Book of Mormon to your testimony? Without the BOM, what would you be like? What would you not know, and what would you not have? "The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon." It corrects erroneous doctrines. Studying the Book of Mormon daily will allow you to receive spiritual power to help you in your daily life. Daily study of the scriptures can give you spiritual direction, help you make decisions, and help you overcome temptation. What good is it to say "I know the Book of Mormon is true" if you are not studying it?
This talk reminds me a little of President Benson's emphasis on reading the BoM during his tenure as president of the church in my childhood.
Sunday Morning Session
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On Pajama Church Sunday, I eat waffles for breakfast!
This is why my notes for the first couple of talks are short.
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Jean B. Bingham
Lean on the Savior. The atonement not only redeems us from our own sins; it heals us from the hurt done as a consequence of the sins of others. The atonement brings healing, peace, and comfort. Coming to know Jesus Christ helps us understand our own relationship to God and purpose on Earth; it increases our capacity and desire to do good in the world.
Donald L. Hallstrom
Have miracles ceased? Definition of miracle: "A beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand." Do we have the faith not to be healed from our physical afflictions, so that we might be healed spiritually for eternity? This is a hard one for me, because I want both. I'm mostly resigned to not being healed from some of my physical afflictions in this life, but I struggle with it sometimes.
David A. Bednar
Avoiding distractions seems to be another recurring theme this conference. "Sometimes we run so fast...we may forget what we are running toward and why we are running." The Sabbath is God's appointed time; a sacred time set aside to rest from worldly labors and contemplate the things of God. A day of rest allows us to reorient ourselves and remember our eternal purpose and destiny. Temples also provide a sacred space and time removed from worldly concerns, where we focus our attention upon, and learn about God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Hopefully, homes become another space where we take time to slow down and rest from the cares of the world, and build each other up spiritually. It's interesting how often hymns get quoted in conference talks. This time it's "Let the Holy Spirit Guide."
W. Christopher Waddell
How do we face challenges? Faith and righteousness does not guarantee we will have a life free of pain and hardship. But it can help us meet pain and hardship with added spiritual strength, and with greater hope for a bright, eternal future. Sometimes, God lifts our burdens, and sometimes, he gives us strength to bear them. Priesthood blessings of healing may restore health, or they may give us wisdom and perspective to know how best to seek medical care and other resources that will enable us endure our physical infirmities--this latter sort of help from priesthood blessings has mostly been my experience, though I've experienced some of the former as well. Sadly, often people in the grip of suffering turn away from their one best source of help--the Savior. Professional medical assistance and spiritual support and sustenance are both necessary.
W. Craig Zwick
A reference to The Lion King in conference? Heck yeah! Rafiki is awesome. And a reminder to look beyond what we see with mortal eyes, and avoid "easy assumptions and stereotypes." We must widen our lens. We rarely have the whole picture. Ask questions and get to know people! Hasty attempts to give counsel sometimes go awry--we must work hard to understand one another's circumstances to know best how to give good support and counsel. All of us come from different backgrounds; all of us experience the limitations of our cultural assumptions and traditions. Stop being a giant demolition ball. Truth should be our highest allegiance, though it should never be a barrier to kindness. *fist pump!!!* Resist comparisons, labeling, criticism so prevalent in the world. When they are directed toward us, they wound and may distort our perception of ourselves and others. When that happens, we must "let it go"--delete them and move on. Pray to have the scales removed from our eyes, and to see with the eyes of understanding.
Henry B. Eyring
Uchtdorf and Eyring hugged as they passed each other on their way to and from the pulpit. I love it! I love the example of our male leaders unselfconsciously expressing brotherly love--an example our culture sorely lacks.
Reading scriptures brings us greater faith, more ability to resist temptation, as well as peace and optimism for the future. In the midst of increasing tumult and doubt in the world, increasing the strength of our testimonies brings peace. "We have felt an increased desire to go to the rescue of others in need." I wasn't in Idaho when the Teton Dam broke--I wasn't even born. But as a resident of Southeast Idaho for most of my adult life, I'm very familiar with the story, and the indelible impact it had on the community. That spirit of looking out for and serving others remains, and is passed on to new members of the community. Perhaps it's one of the things that drew me back to Rexburg. I am certain that such an experience bringing out such a change is not unique to Rexburg, but it is the one that touches me most directly. President Eyring has visited cities affected by recent hurricanes--I had not considered before how close those flood victims must be to his own heart, as a fellow survivor of severe flooding. I feel a sense of personal pride for how willingly, even eagerly Mormons typically respond to such disasters. Yet I also remember Sister Oscarson's talk from yesterday. As essential as service in response to disasters is, it is sometimes harder to sustain consistent, smaller acts of service in our own neighborhoods. Both are necessary if we are to become a Zion people. Such selfless service is the fruit of faith in Jesus Christ, and it has power to change lives--both the lives of those who serve and the lives of those who are served. But "if we stop trying after one burst of effort, the change will fade." Continue to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and to do good. Doubt not, fear not--angels will bear you up. "The best days are ahead for the kingdom of God on the Earth." We will face opposition--we always have. But faith will overcome fear and opposition. God will be with us.
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Robert D. Hales passed away this afternoon. He'll be missed.
M. Russell Ballard
Jane Manning James!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love hearing stories of POC pioneers in the church--too few know of them. Elder Ballard says that if we lose our ties to our pioneer forefathers and foremothers, we will lose a very special treasure. I also appreciate his emphasis on the importance of women's stories and women's testimonies. Jane Manning James is a wonderful example of faith despite trials and mistreatment by some within the church. She did not allow the frailties of men to divert her attention from her faith in the restored gospel. She trusted in God.
Elder Ballard warns against those who preach false doctrines and those who would exploit members through get rich quick schemes, and those who promise special healing methods for money that are ethically or legally questionable (this brings MLMs to my mind, though he didn't mention them specifically). He urges members to seek medical help from those who are legally and medically qualified.
Independence and self-reliance was essential for our pioneer ancestors; but their sense of community was no less important!
He denounced racism, sexism, and nationalism, and called on us to reach out to everyone and show love. This is the second such explicit condemnation of these evils during this conference.
Tad R. Callister
The Book of Mormon really is a remarkably complex book to have been the invention of a relatively unlearned man of 23, in the space of approximately two months, and only one draft with relatively minor grammatical changes. Theories about how he might have done it contradict eyewitness accounts. A number of incidental details once thought contrary to the archaeological and historical record, such as cement and records engraved on metal plates, have turned out to be accurate (though I note that many more such puzzling details remain; archaeological evidence alone is unlikely to ever confirm the Book of Mormon's authenticity). For me, the surest witness of the Book of Mormon lies in its witness of Jesus Christ, and the sweetness that studying its messages brings to my life.
Joni L. Koch
Avoid putting permanent labels on people. Allow people, includingf church leaders and members, the right to grow and change for the better. Support them in their efforts to do so, and do not reject them because of past or current errors. Sometimes correction is needed, but must be done in love and a spirit of unity.
Stanley G. Ellis
God's trust for fallible mortals is truly extraordinary. Do we trust God? Do we show our trust through faithfulness to His commandments? Do we maintain trust in God even when life is hard and needed blessings seem to be withheld? Hard is good; it's part of the gospel plan. Hard strengthens us. Adversity is inevitable, but our response to it varies. How we react to hardship determines how we will be changed by it, for better or worse. Do we flee or fight? Either choice may be dangerous; either choice may be right. We must be guided by faith and courage, not by a spirit of fear. What is hard will vary from person to person, but all of us will experience challenges. We ought not to judge others' hardships or compare ours to theirs. Regardless of circumstance, hard can be good for those who will move forward with faith, and trust in the Lord. Do not act or react in a spirit of fear.
Adilson de Paula Parrella
Joni L. Koch
Avoid putting permanent labels on people. Allow people, includingf church leaders and members, the right to grow and change for the better. Support them in their efforts to do so, and do not reject them because of past or current errors. Sometimes correction is needed, but must be done in love and a spirit of unity.
Stanley G. Ellis
God's trust for fallible mortals is truly extraordinary. Do we trust God? Do we show our trust through faithfulness to His commandments? Do we maintain trust in God even when life is hard and needed blessings seem to be withheld? Hard is good; it's part of the gospel plan. Hard strengthens us. Adversity is inevitable, but our response to it varies. How we react to hardship determines how we will be changed by it, for better or worse. Do we flee or fight? Either choice may be dangerous; either choice may be right. We must be guided by faith and courage, not by a spirit of fear. What is hard will vary from person to person, but all of us will experience challenges. We ought not to judge others' hardships or compare ours to theirs. Regardless of circumstance, hard can be good for those who will move forward with faith, and trust in the Lord. Do not act or react in a spirit of fear.
Adilson de Paula Parrella
I am thankful for the precious truth that families can be eternal. I'm also sympathetic to those whose earthly families are dysfunctional to a degree that this gospel principle holds no appeal. Repentance and redemption is the central tenet of the gospel; all those who become part of eternal families will first have to develop Christlike relationships. And those relationships do change lives. Elder Parrella goes on to discuss other essential truths of the restored gospel and the Book of Mormon, such as the character of the Godhead. I am thankful to worship a God whom I can know, understand, and speak to. Our God encourages and entices us to follow His example and commandments without coercion. He gives us the gift of atonement and resurrection, so that I can be with Him and with my family eternally.
Ian S. Ardern
"Some people are like catterpillars...they gnaw at and and try to destroy our faith." And now he's quoting Elder Hales and his voice cracks with emotion. Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel...you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back darkness. I love how much these brethren love each other. Repent daily. Questions & doubts will arise; care must be taken about where we turn for answers. The "thin pages [of scripture are] thick with spiritual truths." I think that there are many good, reputable sources of answers to gospel questions in addition to the scriptures and the resources at lds.org. But there are a great many more very poor sources, and unfortunately a lot of people do not have the information literacy or historiographic training to assess available sources. We must do better at providing such training so that people can study out the questions they have. And through all, we ought not to allow doubts and confusion to drown out the witness of the spirit that we have received. Truth can withstand scrutiny, but I think it's much harder to withstand cynicism.
Jose L. Alonso
Build one another up; express love and concern for one another in word and deed. Sending text messages and emails of encouragement and affection is good, but sometimes we need to put down our devices and express out love with our helping hands. "Love without service is like faith without works; it's dead indeed." Elder Alonso shared a tender story of losing his young son, who was hit by a car while waiting at a bus stop. His family met, forgave, and was able to love the young man who was driving the car, and they maintained a friendship with him. Forgiving is as sweet as being forgiven.
Neil L. Anderson
LOL Elder Anderson confirming that our conference marathon is almost at its conclusion--this is the final session, and he is the final speaker. The light of the gospel is moving across the world as the surely as the dawn. God has given authority to leaders of the church, and we trust in the voice of the Lord, whether it comes by direct revelation or through the voice of His servants. I'm loving this insight into the writing process of conference talks, which may include years of preparation and dozens of drafts--25 years, in one case! I am absolutely going to bring it up with my writing students tomorrow. It is a weighty matter to prepare for such a responsibility, and often we wonder whether we are prepared enough. "You don't know everything, but you know enough." Pres. Monson has said to take time to read and ponder conference messages, and I too bear witness of the power of doing so. I'm glad I have the LDS Gospel Library app so that I can read and listen to talks at opportune moments as I go about my days. And now he's quoting from his own notes from this conference; his insights are often different from mine, and I love hearing what stands out to others from conference (though I note that he repeated the condemnation of sexism, racism, and nationalism--no ambiguity there). This talk is so meta, I love it! Elder Anderson shares a message from the quote Elder Hales had prepared for this conference, "When we choose to have faith we are prepared to stand in the presence of God." And he closes by quoting a blessing from Thomas S. Monson in a previous conference.
Neil L. Anderson
LOL Elder Anderson confirming that our conference marathon is almost at its conclusion--this is the final session, and he is the final speaker. The light of the gospel is moving across the world as the surely as the dawn. God has given authority to leaders of the church, and we trust in the voice of the Lord, whether it comes by direct revelation or through the voice of His servants. I'm loving this insight into the writing process of conference talks, which may include years of preparation and dozens of drafts--25 years, in one case! I am absolutely going to bring it up with my writing students tomorrow. It is a weighty matter to prepare for such a responsibility, and often we wonder whether we are prepared enough. "You don't know everything, but you know enough." Pres. Monson has said to take time to read and ponder conference messages, and I too bear witness of the power of doing so. I'm glad I have the LDS Gospel Library app so that I can read and listen to talks at opportune moments as I go about my days. And now he's quoting from his own notes from this conference; his insights are often different from mine, and I love hearing what stands out to others from conference (though I note that he repeated the condemnation of sexism, racism, and nationalism--no ambiguity there). This talk is so meta, I love it! Elder Anderson shares a message from the quote Elder Hales had prepared for this conference, "When we choose to have faith we are prepared to stand in the presence of God." And he closes by quoting a blessing from Thomas S. Monson in a previous conference.
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