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| The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: President Russell M. Nelson, center; and his counselors, Dallin H Oaks, and Henry B. Eyring. Source: Mormon Newsroom. © Intellectual Reserve. Used by permission. |
Saturday Morning Session
With the passing of President Monson in January, this General Conference will include a "Solemn Assembly" to sustain the new First Presidency and two new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Personally, I am hoping that we get some POC apostles at last. Zandra Vranes of "Sistas in Zion" wrote a great post about why so far all the members of our two highest quorums in the church have been white.Gerritt W. Gong and Ulisses Soarez are called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles! I am so happy to be able to sustain these men, at this historic moment in the church.
The etiquette of solemn assembly is unusual, in that the sustainings are done by quorum and organization of the church, beginning with the First Presidency, and then on down through the general hierarchy of the church, rather than a single vote of all those present. The last solemn assembly was a decade ago, following the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley. My memory is a little bit fuzzy, but I thought that all the priesthood sustained the first presidency and apostles before the Relief Society took our turn sustaining. In this case, however, the Relief Society was asked to stand for the sustaining vote in between the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood holders. (update: found the solemn assembly from 2008 in the conference archive, and my memory was correct)
M. Russell Ballard
Elder Ballard has spoken many times about appropriate use of technology. His message today seems to be less positive on that front than in previous messages, perhaps because his emphasis here is on seeking and fulfilling opportunities to serve in our homes and communities. In my experience, mobile devices and social media can be conduits for personal service that is necessary and meaningful. But it can also get in the way of sustaining loving relationships with others, when we focus more on telling people what we think than we do on seeking to understand one another.
He especially encouraged us to avoid using our smartphones during Sacrament meeting. I struggle with this because I have a health condition that causes constant fatigue. In order to stay awake during long meetings, I often will fidget with something, or play a quiet game on my phone, which allows me to remain alert while I listen to the speakers' messages. I have found that for me, these unobtrusive activities work better than taking notes in a notebook. To be honest, though, sometimes sacrament meeting talks are stultifying, and instead of continuing to listen, I will turn to the scriptures or other gospel messages available on my phone. I guess Elder Ballard probably would disapprove of that.
Brian K. Taylor
To help individuals have the strength to endure the great physical and emotional trials of mortality, "teach them their identity as a child of God." Understanding our divine identity ought also to inspire us to do what we can to alleviate the causes of suffering in this world, I think. Living in a society where we're constantly inundated with discouraging messages via the news and social media, it's easy to think that the problems of this world are too great for us to do anything about. But as Elder Ballard taught, we have a moral duty to seek and fulfill opportunities to serve, including by seeking and voting for honorable government representatives, where possible. Understanding my divine identity helps me remember that although I cannot fix everything, I can do something. I can use my gifts as a daughter of God to make some corner of the world a little more like Zion.
Larry Echo Hawk
Elder Echo Hawk's talk also included a story of deeply personal tragedy; his focus is on the power of forgiveness. I think forgiveness is one of the hardest doctrines to understand and practice, especially for non-Christians. Not that non-Christians are less compassionate or merciful--in my experience, they are often as merciful, if not more, than many Christians I know. But the atonement of Christ provides a mechanism for forgiveness that I have found no equivalent for elsewhere. I appreciate Elder Echo Hawk's message that we can pray for, and cultivate, "a forgiving spirit."
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
He's sharing his own memories of the solemn assemblies that have occurred during his lifetime. Today's is the fifth that I have lived through, but I was too young to remember the sustaining of President Benson, and have only the vaguest memory of sustaining President Hunter. But I have a special memory of the passing of President Hinckley, who served as the head of the church for most of my youth, and of the calling of President Monson. I wrote a little about that time in a Facebook post on January 3rd, when President Monson passed. Because Facebook feels so much more ephemeral to me than this blog, I'm going to quote that post here:
Elder Stevenson continued to share his personal experience with President Nelson, and his knowledge of President Nelson's career as a heart surgeon. My roommate, Nancy, observed a principle highlighted by Elder Stevenson that I didn't pick up on. She called it "security with high expectations." That is, expectations for your performance are high, but your job is secure. The stakes are high not because your personal position is on the line, but because of the institution's collective care for those they serve. This isn't the experience she's had in academia, but I have experienced it. I think that "security with high expectations" is more likely to result in performance gains than either security without high expectations, or high expectations without security.I was lying in bed, trying to remember the thing I had forgotten to do today. I remembered, and opened my computer to do it, but then I saw in my news feed that President Thomas S. Monson passed away just a few hours ago. I guess most of my FB friends are asleep, and unless they checked the news right before going to bed, they won't know of President Monson's passing until they wake in the morning, but I cannot sleep without first sharing a little about what Thomas S. Monson has meant to me.Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the president of our church holds all priesthood keys given by Jesus Christ to men on Earth, and we sustain him as a prophet, seer, and revelator--someone called by God to express his will to the world. Though I'm acutely aware of the fallibility of all men, including prophets (something the scriptures themselves are quite frank about), I have often raised my hand to the square and affirmed that I sustained President Monson in this calling. But, in my experience, the "prophet, seer, and revelator" part of his calling has always been pretty abstract. To me, President Monson has always seemed more like a steward and a shepherd. He led by example, and the example that has stood out most to me over the past decade has been of kindness and service. Every one of his general conference talks in my memory has touched on this theme, and it was often the primary topic of his message. Those who knew him--some of whom I know personally--affirm that he lived what he preached. Again, I'm under no illusions that he was perfect--far from it, I suspect. But I do know that he was a true disciple of Christ, who dedicated his life to ministering to individuals despite whatever personal weaknesses he had.Tonight my thoughts are also drawn to that day almost a decade ago when his predecessor, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away. At the time I was serving as Relief Society president in my student ward at BYU-Idaho. I was several years older than my roommates and most other members of my little flock of Relief Society sisters. President Hinckley had served as president of the church for as long as they could remember, and some were anxious about what would happen when he passed. A few women in my apartment complex gathered in my apartment living room to share our memories of President Hinckley and to talk about the succession. One of my roommates had called our bishop, who came over to speak with us, too, and to reaffirm what I had explained--that the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would be called as the next President of the Church. It was a sacred few hours for those of us who were there. We felt then, and I know now, that the church is in good hands.
Lynn G. Robbins
Now Elder Robbins is also talking about high expectations and second chances. From a great professor, Elder Robbins learned to regard "failure as a tutor, not as a tragedy." I try to teach this way too--to be on the same side as my students, to give them ample opportunities to try again and succeed, and to focus on learning from trying, failing, and trying again, rather than merely seeking an easy grade. But given the structure of university semesters, I don't have the capacity to offer unlimited chances.
Christ is a God of second chances--countless second chances. He knows we will fail, either through sins of commission or of omission. And he has provided us a way to repent and keep trying, so that we can improve. With Christ, we get as many chances as it takes, for as long as we want them. Peter thought that seven chances were a pretty good number, but Christ declared that we ought to forgive "until seventy times seven," which is a rhetorical use of hyperbole to teach the principle that we should never stop forgiving one another.
Our limitless opportunity to be forgiven is not a license to sin. We are not supposed to merely go from failure to failure, but to grow from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. (I'm reminded of the aphorism, "Fail. Fail again. Fail better.") God's gift of repentance and forgiveness is what makes this possible. "Failure, and lots of failure, is not a bug, but a feature."
Neil L. Andersen
Like Elder Stevenson, Elder Andersen shares his personal knowledge about President Nelson--about the noble qualities developed through and exemplified in his professional experience, church service, family, and even his hobbies (he's an avid black diamond skier at the young age of 93). Both of them showed some candid photos of President Nelson. I think it's good that they are helping us to get to know our new prophet better, and to view him not just as a figure at the conference podium, but as a person like ourselves.
Elder Andersen also noted that a mere 3 years ago, President Nelson was fourth in line for the presidency. He affirms that the calling of our church presidents by seniority in the apostleship means that "God, who holds the power of life and death" determines who leads the church.
Our church does not adhere to a doctrine of prophetic infallibility, but at the same time, we place great weight on the importance of continuing revelation to the church through the prophet. These two doctrines create a tension within church culture, which many find uncomfortable, but which I think is healthy. The truth is that God does call servants from among fairly ordinary, imperfect people. And he gives inspiration to fairly ordinary, imperfect people. The scriptures are full of examples of imperfect prophets who nonetheless fulfilled God's callings. I think President Nelson is pretty extraordinary, as people go, but what's important, doctrinally, is that he has been called and set apart by proper priesthood authority, and that by virtue of that calling, he has the capacity and responsibility to lead the church.
I pick up conference traditions from roommates. So this afternoon, we'll be eating homemade personal pizzas, and tomorrow we'll have WAFFLES. But this morning it's Froot Loops all the way!
Saturday Afternoon Session
More sustainings! The Saturday Afternoon session's business is less exciting than this morning's solemn assembly, but it takes a long time, and it's mostly a lot of names that most of us won't recognize. Props to Elder Oaks for learning to pronounce so many names in relatively quick succession. I'm pleased to hear a lot of non-English names. Elder Oaks notes that we now have 116 general authorities, and nearly 40% of them are from outside the United States. Some will interpret this as PR, which it is, but not in the negative way that that's sometimes portrayed. It's really important to highlight the international makeup of the church and to have it reflected in our leadership.
The YW general presidency is released. I'm really sad about this, because I love those ladies and their service in the church. They have been leaders, not just to the young women, or even to the women of the church, but to the whole church, in so many ways. I'm going to miss their messages during conference. I hope that the new presidency is equally inspiring.
Also the audit report. Not much interesting here, as far as I'm concerned. But I get why we do it.
David A Bednar
That's a long pause before introducing his list (well, the first of his lists; I bet there'll be more than one). I wonder if he'll ever do a talk without a list. That would feel weird.
I love that he brought up that letter that Captain Moroni wrote, in which he inaccurately accused Pahoran of treason, and Pahoran's meek reply. It's a great example of the fallibility and humility of our nonetheless-inspired leaders. Characterizing it as meek is also instructive, because Pahoran did not just buckle under the accusation. He thanked Moroni for his concern for the nation, informed him of the true situation, and requested his help to save the nation from those who'd seized the government by force.
"Meekness is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self restraint.... Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; & gracious, not brash.”
I want to highlight the word he chose to contrast with "modest." He chose "self-aggrandizing." What this teaches us is that modesty is about motives and actions, not about the effect our hemlines and necklines might have on other people. I really appreciate when church leaders use "modesty" in its correct sense, to teach true doctrine. It is more rare than it ought to be, and I hope to hear more apostles address meekness and modesty more extensively as the antidote to our cultural tendency toward "self-aggrandizement."
Taylor G. Godoy
What would I do if I knew I had one more day to live? This is indeed a good question to ask, though of course our answers will often appropriately differ if we know or believe we have a year, or a decade, or several decades yet to live. If I have only one day more to live, then there are a great many things I do not need to plan and prepare for, and some of the things I would normally need to do to sustain my life and fulfill my responsibilities to others become irrelevant. But when it comes to repentance, forgiveness, kindness, and building loving relationships with others, there are things I should not put off for even one more day, whether or not I am going to die tomorrow.
<<the internet connection is acting up and the live feed keeps pausing to buffer; I may miss some of his talk. thank goodness the messages will be published on lds.org right after conference ends!>>
“The key to being successful is being willing to sacrifice...sacrifice is to make things sacred.”
LOL! President Oaks accidentally left off two names from the long list of sustainings. I thought that only happened in our local ward sacrament meetings. But there he goes giving us a live example of the principle that our leaders are imperfect.
Bonnie L. Oscarson
So anyway this is how I feel right now, listening to Sister Oscarson's last talk as YW pres:
“Turning your thoughts outward, instead of dwelling on your own problems, may not resolve all of these issues, but service can often lighten your burdens.”
"Our young women are amazing...They want to be of service. They need to know they are valued and essential in the work of salvation"
Taniela B.Wakolo
I don't recall hearing him before but I'm sure enjoying his message. What a smile. What a spirit.
Many who claim to follow Christ have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. From such, turn away. We are the Savior's under-shepherds, and we must invoke the power of our Good Shepherd in order to fulfill our responsibilities as disciples. "Casualness in covenants leads to casualties," spiritually speaking. "Receiving the sacred ordinances and honoring the associated covenants fill us with marvelous light."
Devin G. Durrant
Family Home Evening creates an opportunity to build family unity, to teach and learn from one another, to practice preparation, listening, fulfilling assignments--for parents as well as children. Parents' responsibilities never cease, even when children are adults. But opportunities change as children grow older. From the pulpit, he declared, "I love you, Mom." He shared his father's teachings to him, to respect women, and specifically never to touch a woman inappropriately.
"Teach both acts and attitudes of obedience." Be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Dale G. Renlund
He also began by highlighting family relationships, but specifically noted that many of us experience fractures within our families. He shared the story of Parley and Orson Pratt, from the early days of the restoration of the church. A book of family history inspired Parley to seek to heal the breach after many years. The atonement and gospel of Christ give us both reason and power to heal broken hearts and broken families. Doing family history and temple work brings increased love for ancestors and living relatives, so that we no longer feel alone. Lots of other increases promised from performing temple work for families.
So, story time. I learned a while ago that some of my ancestors on my dad's side not only were slave owners and slave traders, but were really influential in the slave trade in Barbados. This family history grieves me greatly. But it's important to me that I know it, and that I don't try to bury it or claim that it's not part of my legacy. These ancestors did terrible things, and doubtless destroyed many, many families in the process (little if any records remain for those families, alas). My great-great-great-great-grandmother, who was the first in her family to join the church (and the only one, as far as I know), was given a slave couple by her parents as a wedding present. She and her husband, John Lowe Butler, freed those slaves immediately. This action created a permanent rift between Caroline Skeen and her family. I don't know what happened to that slave couple; the family records didn't even include their names (I wish I could find out more, and maybe someday I will). When I wrote about this on Facebook, my ward's family history specialist asked me whether I would be willing to take their names to the temple, if any of their work had not yet been done. I said "yes," without hesitation, because I believe in second chances.
The gospel changes lives. So given the doctrine of redeeming ordinances for the dead, a salvific opportunity for those who did not receive the gospel and its ordinances in their lifetimes, of course I would want them to have that chance! I thought that most of the temple work on both sides of my family tree had already been done, because we've got a lot of older relatives who've been really active in genealogy and temple work. But I looked them up on Family Search, and there is indeed temple work along that family line that needs to be done, including during the period they were involved in the slave trade. I haven't done their work yet, though. I could list reasons why, but they mostly boil down to "life gets in the way." So I guess I need to get on that, and do what I said I would do.
My live blogging was delayed by my preparing the traditional Sunday Morning Conference breakfast of waffles with fruit and stuff. So I'll give one-line summaries of the first three talks.
Larry Y. Wilson
Don't wait until the storm comes to become familiar with the promptings of the Spirit; pray to know how you can help when the storm does come.
Reyna I. Aburto
Be of one accord; find your place in the kaleidoscope of love-directed service within the church.
Massimo De Fo
"If you are struggling to find the strength to forgive, don’t think of what others have done to you, but think of what the Lord has done for you, and you will find peace." Love is the foundation stone--of repentance, forgiveness, and service.
David A Bednar
That's a long pause before introducing his list (well, the first of his lists; I bet there'll be more than one). I wonder if he'll ever do a talk without a list. That would feel weird.
I love that he brought up that letter that Captain Moroni wrote, in which he inaccurately accused Pahoran of treason, and Pahoran's meek reply. It's a great example of the fallibility and humility of our nonetheless-inspired leaders. Characterizing it as meek is also instructive, because Pahoran did not just buckle under the accusation. He thanked Moroni for his concern for the nation, informed him of the true situation, and requested his help to save the nation from those who'd seized the government by force.
"Meekness is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self restraint.... Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; & gracious, not brash.”
I want to highlight the word he chose to contrast with "modest." He chose "self-aggrandizing." What this teaches us is that modesty is about motives and actions, not about the effect our hemlines and necklines might have on other people. I really appreciate when church leaders use "modesty" in its correct sense, to teach true doctrine. It is more rare than it ought to be, and I hope to hear more apostles address meekness and modesty more extensively as the antidote to our cultural tendency toward "self-aggrandizement."
Taylor G. Godoy
What would I do if I knew I had one more day to live? This is indeed a good question to ask, though of course our answers will often appropriately differ if we know or believe we have a year, or a decade, or several decades yet to live. If I have only one day more to live, then there are a great many things I do not need to plan and prepare for, and some of the things I would normally need to do to sustain my life and fulfill my responsibilities to others become irrelevant. But when it comes to repentance, forgiveness, kindness, and building loving relationships with others, there are things I should not put off for even one more day, whether or not I am going to die tomorrow.
<<the internet connection is acting up and the live feed keeps pausing to buffer; I may miss some of his talk. thank goodness the messages will be published on lds.org right after conference ends!>>
“The key to being successful is being willing to sacrifice...sacrifice is to make things sacred.”
LOL! President Oaks accidentally left off two names from the long list of sustainings. I thought that only happened in our local ward sacrament meetings. But there he goes giving us a live example of the principle that our leaders are imperfect.
Bonnie L. Oscarson
So anyway this is how I feel right now, listening to Sister Oscarson's last talk as YW pres:
She's choosing to highlight the leadership and service of the young women in the church, and encouraging bishops and relief society presidents to see our young women as valuable, underutilized resources in fulfilling the needs of ward and community members as we organize the work of the church. And she notes that as we consider what roles we might ask these young women to perform, we should consider how assignments can help them prepare for their future roles as missionaries, scholars, parents and professionals. And she's specifically reminding the bishoprics of the church that their responsibilities include ministering to and mentoring the young women.
She then turned her attention to address the young women directly, acknowledging the difficult challenges they face, including struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, and inadequacy, and encouraging them to seek opportunities to serve in spite of these struggles. "By serving, you are proving that you have worth and have something wonderful to give."
HOLY COW. WHAT A MIC DROP.
Taniela B.Wakolo
I don't recall hearing him before but I'm sure enjoying his message. What a smile. What a spirit.
Many who claim to follow Christ have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. From such, turn away. We are the Savior's under-shepherds, and we must invoke the power of our Good Shepherd in order to fulfill our responsibilities as disciples. "Casualness in covenants leads to casualties," spiritually speaking. "Receiving the sacred ordinances and honoring the associated covenants fill us with marvelous light."
Devin G. Durrant
Family Home Evening creates an opportunity to build family unity, to teach and learn from one another, to practice preparation, listening, fulfilling assignments--for parents as well as children. Parents' responsibilities never cease, even when children are adults. But opportunities change as children grow older. From the pulpit, he declared, "I love you, Mom." He shared his father's teachings to him, to respect women, and specifically never to touch a woman inappropriately.
"Teach both acts and attitudes of obedience." Be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Dale G. Renlund
He also began by highlighting family relationships, but specifically noted that many of us experience fractures within our families. He shared the story of Parley and Orson Pratt, from the early days of the restoration of the church. A book of family history inspired Parley to seek to heal the breach after many years. The atonement and gospel of Christ give us both reason and power to heal broken hearts and broken families. Doing family history and temple work brings increased love for ancestors and living relatives, so that we no longer feel alone. Lots of other increases promised from performing temple work for families.
So, story time. I learned a while ago that some of my ancestors on my dad's side not only were slave owners and slave traders, but were really influential in the slave trade in Barbados. This family history grieves me greatly. But it's important to me that I know it, and that I don't try to bury it or claim that it's not part of my legacy. These ancestors did terrible things, and doubtless destroyed many, many families in the process (little if any records remain for those families, alas). My great-great-great-great-grandmother, who was the first in her family to join the church (and the only one, as far as I know), was given a slave couple by her parents as a wedding present. She and her husband, John Lowe Butler, freed those slaves immediately. This action created a permanent rift between Caroline Skeen and her family. I don't know what happened to that slave couple; the family records didn't even include their names (I wish I could find out more, and maybe someday I will). When I wrote about this on Facebook, my ward's family history specialist asked me whether I would be willing to take their names to the temple, if any of their work had not yet been done. I said "yes," without hesitation, because I believe in second chances.
The gospel changes lives. So given the doctrine of redeeming ordinances for the dead, a salvific opportunity for those who did not receive the gospel and its ordinances in their lifetimes, of course I would want them to have that chance! I thought that most of the temple work on both sides of my family tree had already been done, because we've got a lot of older relatives who've been really active in genealogy and temple work. But I looked them up on Family Search, and there is indeed temple work along that family line that needs to be done, including during the period they were involved in the slave trade. I haven't done their work yet, though. I could list reasons why, but they mostly boil down to "life gets in the way." So I guess I need to get on that, and do what I said I would do.
Sunday Morning Session
My live blogging was delayed by my preparing the traditional Sunday Morning Conference breakfast of waffles with fruit and stuff. So I'll give one-line summaries of the first three talks.
Larry Y. Wilson
Don't wait until the storm comes to become familiar with the promptings of the Spirit; pray to know how you can help when the storm does come.
Reyna I. Aburto
Be of one accord; find your place in the kaleidoscope of love-directed service within the church.
Massimo De Fo
"If you are struggling to find the strength to forgive, don’t think of what others have done to you, but think of what the Lord has done for you, and you will find peace." Love is the foundation stone--of repentance, forgiveness, and service.
Claudio D. Zivic
I had a hard time following his talk, because of his accent and palsy. And then my mind wandered, because I was thinking about how the Sunday Morning session is typically the most-watched session of conference, and how President Nelson (I assume he chose the order of the speakers) chose to have three international speakers with pronounced accents in a row, and how yesterday morning President Oaks highlighted the international composition of the general authorities and officers of the church. It is significant that this first conference under his presidency is emphasizing that ours is a global church--not just in word but by example. And then President Nelson stood up and pointed out the international makeup of the speakers. So I am pretty certain it was deliberate.
Henry B. Eyring
I love hearing President Eyring read the Easter message from scripture. I love his tenderness. I have felt, and do feel the presence of the divine comforter, the Holy Spirit. It is our choice whether or not the spirit of the Lord will abide with us. "Obedience may mean to move quickly, it may mean to prepare, or it may mean to wait."
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| Mary Encounters Christ at the Tomb. lds.org. © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. |
Dallin H. Oaks
The effect of small, simple changes, such as prayer, scripture study, and other spiritual observances over time is difficult to measure on a daily basis. But "over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth." Seemingly insignificant private decisions, often only half-consciously made, also build up over time, either for good or ill. So we ought to be more intentional about such decisions. In addition, the currents of worldly culture will often try to push us in directions we do not want to go; so we must be continually exerting efforts to paddle in the direction we do want to go. Metaphors used to illustrate the pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things include tree roots, paddling against the current, dripping water...I may have missed one.
Russell M. Nelson
There is no better way to celebrate the resurrection of the living Christ than to worship together this Easter Sunday.
I did not know that President Nelson was not raised in an active LDS home. I appreciate that he is sharing this personal story of his upbringing by loving, tender parents who did not live the word of wisdom or follow the teachings of the gospel. When they were in their 80s, he finally received the blessing of seeing them sealed together, and being sealed to them in the temple. So many members do not come from "model" LDS homes; this story of love and hope is so important to hear from our prophet. And he speaks with equal tenderness about his first wife, Dantzel, their children, her unexpected death, and his marriage to Wendy.
Another warning against "dangers and distractions" as we seek the influence of the Spirit in our lives.
I also appreciate his explanation of how he sought inspiration as to whom he should call to be his counselors, to fill the vacant seats in the quorum of the twelve apostles, and the regular process of counseling in these quorums for inspiration regarding the direction of the church. "The majority never rules," but rather, they carefully listen to one another, and counsel together until unanimity is reached.
He then reminded us of the example of the prophet Joseph Smith in seeking personal revelation--an example that all of us can follow. Revelation through the Holy Ghost is not limited to the general authorities of this church; God wants to speak to each of us. And he wants to hear from us--no matter what. I have a testimony of this. God wants me to pray, even if I'm angry with him, which I sometimes am. He can take it. And in return, he will give comfort (though sometimes it takes me a while to be able to feel it).
And now he returns to talking about the problems generated by social media and the 24/7 news cycle. He calls it a "constant bombardment," and notes that many seek to sow disinformation and discontent. The Holy Ghost can help us discern what deserves our attention, and can provide comfort in the face of so many messages of conflict.
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God! He is our savior and redeemer. He died and was resurrected.
...and another international voice offers our closing prayer. I'm thankful.
Priesthood Session
I didn't watch the Priesthood session, but I read about the merging of Elders quorums and High Priests groups. I think it's a great adjustment.Sunday Afternoon Session
You know what I love about the Bloggernacle? Specifically, #ldsconf on Twitter? Fangirling whenever the choir sings their favorite hymn. Because every hymn is somebody's favorite. Which means even when they're singing something I don't particularly care for (I don't mean "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd; it's great), somebody on Twitter's squeeing about it, and that makes me happy. It's a reminder that messages and hymns that are not for me are signs of God's love for someone else.Gerritt W. Gong
Wherever and whenever God has conferred priesthood power on Earth, he has also revealed gospel ordinances and covenants to be administered by the priesthood. To me, this helps to clarify the role and importance of the priesthood: it is in the administering of sacred ordinances.
Ulisses Soares
He has the coolest name of all the apostles (sorry, Dieter). He also has a lovely testimony.
Also, we're gonna get a Holland talk, and Sister Bingham!
Russell M. Nelson
Wow. That's like 5 major changes in these two days. He's hitting the ground running. They're retiring home and visiting teaching as they've been known. Instead, they are creating a program called "ministering."
Jeffrey R. Holland
He also noted the many changes, and promised additional information about the new program via email and on the church website.
These institutional changes, which Elder Holland calls "maturation," should engender individual maturation. The language change is partly a matter of changes in practice, and partly a matter of changes in attitude. Ministering will occur not just in the home, nor will it be primarily about "teaching." We will not necessarily focus on visiting every member every month, but will focus on what is necessary and possible. Rather than monthly reports from ministering brothers and sisters, the only reports will be the number of interviews that leaders have with ministering companionships. They don't need to know the hows and wheres and whats of our ministering, but rather the focus is on understanding the needs of the members. This is "an invitation to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way." True religion is bearing one another's burdens and comforting those that stand in need of comfort.
"A new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports will not make one ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold new holier way."I am very grateful for this change. My own situation makes it difficult for me to fulfill visiting teaching assignments in the traditionally prescribed way, and I know I'm not the only one. Under the old program, there was a lot of guilt for not doing things "by the book" that, for some, sometimes got in the way of doing anything at all. In the past couple of months I've pondered how I might talk with my VT companion and the sisters we were assigned to visit, to see if we could arrange something that met their needs and that I was able to consistently fulfill. I guess I was inspired, because it looks like that's the direction the whole church is going now.
Jean B. Bingham
Ministering begins with asking: how can I bring the light of the Spirit to this family? What is the Spirit inspiring me to do? How can I serve them in ways that best meet their current needs? Simple acts of kindness and service are often what is needed; sometimes, a great, coordinated effort of the ward is necessary. We will not be able to fulfill this calling to minister without getting to know each other better.
I love that Sister Bingham draws her examples from brothers and sisters of many ages.
This new program will involve partnering Young Women with the Relief Society. This service will help young women prepare for service and leadership in the church, community, and family. YES. I've been hoping and praying for this for ages.
Both she and Elder Holland note that emails, text messages, social media messages, phone calls, and simple conversations may all serve the purpose of ministering to one another.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Recently, I asked the internet..." (the conference center fills with laughter) "...what was the most important day in history." My reply would be, it was the day of the resurrection. Elder Uchtdorf says that it was the night Jesus spent in Gethsemane, where our doctrine teaches the greatest portion of his atonement was performed, as he took upon himself all our sins and sorrows. Later that night, he was put on trial and crucified, and he died the following morning, to rise on the morning of the third day--the day of the resurrection. So I guess we agree, but he was stretching the definition of a "day."
Every one of us, one day, will die. And because of Jesus Christ, every one of us, one day, will rise from the grave and live again eternally. Even more importantly, every one of us has been separated from God, and it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we will see our God again, face to face. Because of Him, regardless of our past, we can repent and become like Him.
"This is what we celebrate on Easter. We celebrate life." Life everlasting, and in the glory of exaltation.
And now he is recounting the story of the crucifixion and resurrection. Thank you, Elder Uchtdorf. We need this message every day, but especially on Easter.
When Pilate presented Jesus, scourged and clothed in purple robes, he said, "Behold the man!" But, says Elder Uchtdorf, "They could see him, but could not behold him. They did not have eyes to see." Like them, we are invited to "behold the man." Let us have eyes to see him! When we truly "behold the man, we learn of him, repent, strive to refine our natures, and daily grow a little closer to him."
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| "Ecce Homo" or "Behold the Man" by Antonio Ciseri. Public Domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons |
So, Elder Uchtdorf didn't tell a story about being a pilot this time. Instead, he talked about Pilate.
I feel simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated by this conference, y'all. So many great changes. So many great messages.
Gérald Caussé
Our church infrastructure provides enormous opportunity to care for one another and for our neighbors. But the mission of the church is not about that infrastructure: it is about sanctifying the saints, or in other words, all of us, the disciples of Christ. Am I active in the gospel, or just busy in the church?
Our presence and influence can (and should) be enough to make wherever we find ourselves a holy place.
Instead of saying "the church is true," I will strive to be true to the gospel. When the members are true, the church is true.
Quentin L. Cook
Well, I'm awake, but I confess that my mind is sluggish as we move toward the end of 8-10 hours of church in one weekend. I caught something about the restoration of priesthood keys, and family history and temple work, denunciation of sexual immorality and specifically the objectification of women, and unity vs. tribalism (ty for that, Elder Cook), and lots of other things, and I'm just having trouble following this message.
It's like going to academic conferences; it's hard to take all the talks in. I'm grateful that these messages are published online, so that I can return to them, one at a time, to watch/listen/read and ponder.
Resources:
Watch/listen/read past conference messages at conference.lds.org
Deseret News has summaries of all the conference talks.
Russell M. Nelson
Concluding remarks--summarizing key events and messages this conference, and entreating us to study these messages, take courage, press on, and do the work we have been called to do. Announcing 7 more temples, in: Argentina, India, Nicaragua, Phillipines, Utah (lots of laughter after many gasps), Virginia, and Russia (biggest gasps of all). Prophetic blessings pronounced.
Our presence and influence can (and should) be enough to make wherever we find ourselves a holy place.
Instead of saying "the church is true," I will strive to be true to the gospel. When the members are true, the church is true.
Quentin L. Cook
Well, I'm awake, but I confess that my mind is sluggish as we move toward the end of 8-10 hours of church in one weekend. I caught something about the restoration of priesthood keys, and family history and temple work, denunciation of sexual immorality and specifically the objectification of women, and unity vs. tribalism (ty for that, Elder Cook), and lots of other things, and I'm just having trouble following this message.
It's like going to academic conferences; it's hard to take all the talks in. I'm grateful that these messages are published online, so that I can return to them, one at a time, to watch/listen/read and ponder.
Resources:
Watch/listen/read past conference messages at conference.lds.org
Deseret News has summaries of all the conference talks.
Russell M. Nelson
Concluding remarks--summarizing key events and messages this conference, and entreating us to study these messages, take courage, press on, and do the work we have been called to do. Announcing 7 more temples, in: Argentina, India, Nicaragua, Phillipines, Utah (lots of laughter after many gasps), Virginia, and Russia (biggest gasps of all). Prophetic blessings pronounced.
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