First, I thought the dresses the good MoTab sisters wore were fun and vibrant. Hopefully, I can recalibrate the color balance on my TV.
President Thomas S. Monson opened with a gentle welcome. He mentioned that the first TV broadcast of General Conference was 65 years ago – which means that there were only 12 years of Conference on TV before I was born. (Honey, pass the Geritol.)
President Boyd K. Packer gave a beautiful tribute to the Savior. I took no notes. Nothing in it was new, but everything was crucial. It was lovely, and filled with the Spirit. I love that about President Packer – you never know if a Lion or a Lamb is going to speak.
Elder Lynn Robbins?
Yes, Elder Robbins knocked it clean out of the Conference Center. What an amazing, courageous talk. I was captivated, and couldn’t write fast enough to catch most of it. (Drinking from a fire hose) Here is one:
“Thinking one can please God and, at the same time, condone the disobedience of men is not neutrality, but duplicity.” (See what I mean?)
I also appreciate that he heavily backloaded his remarks with quotes from the Book of Mormon and Apostles, because some people won’t give a “mere Seventy” the respect he deserves.
Usually, I king of nod off when Primary Counselors speak, (sorry!) but when Sister Cheryl Esplin started speaking about the sacrament, I was hooked. One of my favorite topics, beautifully and insightfully taught.
It is always fun to see history in the making. Elder Chi Hong Ward gave a great talk about rescuing people, which is a worldwide concern. It also gave us a taste of what the rest of the world feels like to hear overdubbed talks every Conference by speaking in Cantonese. It might be completely unrelated, but I suddenly have a craving for Panda Express.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson did what he usually does: He brought the meat. Not only did he start out talking about Henry V at Agincourt, he touched on huge, meaty topics: Justice vs Mercy; Moral Relativism; Agency and Taking Responsibilty. I will definitely need to wait for the text of this one to understand it all.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, looking fabulous, spoke to how the Light of Truth has been a gradual uncovering throughout time. It takes me back of a talk President Spencer W. Kimball gave years ago called “Absolute Truth.”
He went further with a very careful discussion of how to discover truth, pulling from Alma, John 7:17, and otter good stuff . I appreciate how he emphasized the promise that God will reveal truth if we follow the steps. It is no secret.
One quote that was huge: “The personal testimony of the Gospel and the church is the most important thing you can earn in this life.”
Why is it huge? Read it again with the bolded print:
“The personal testimony of the Gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life.”
Yeah, I thought you might like that. Much to discuss.
Have a great break, and see you back in two hours. Off to get some orange chicken.
How fun! I think I saw your family after the afternoon session yesterday when my brother-in-law stopped to take your picture! What a great-looking family! Thanks for recapping
It wasn’t us. We watched from the comfort of our own home. With Cheetos.
You must have a good following in northern Utah. On our way home from the afternoon session we stopped at the Farmington Station Crossing Panda Express and there was a line out the door.
I am loving Elder Christofferson’s talks lately. He delves into doctrine and makes me think.
Orange chicken at Panda Express. One more reason to call you brother.
Love your thoughts. Don’t care that I know who you are now- since I don’t know you
I hope you didn’t go to Panda for your orange chicken or you might end up missing priesthood session… just saying. Lots of other really yummy and safer alternatives for asian food are within five miles of almost anywhere. Just looking out for my buddy here.
Not here. I have a fantastic immune system, and my digestive system works like it is supposed to. So sad that so many people have weak, inefficient systems. It has served me well all over the Third World.
Many thoughts. Not enough time so let me sum up….what a feast! Ready for more!
I Agree about Elder Robbins talk. It was powerful. I was inspired by his courage. It’s a talk I will go back to over and over again.
Great rundown of a great session. You are so right about Elder Robbins’ talk. I thought it was very powerful! Loved all of the addresses…you said it so well. And, I, too, thought I am anxious to get the text of Elder Christofferson’s address so I can really digest the whole of it. Some of it I really need to take to heart and examine myself as to how I measure up. Can’t wait for the afternoon session in less than 1/2 hour!
From the first blog of yours that I read, I realized that we see things very much alike…..you’re simply a couple of light years ahead of me. So, if I were to have written a quick synopsis of this AM it would have been much the same, including the wonderful KABOOM!!! I did have a ‘wonder why’ moment and I hoped that Elder Wong didn’t get his feelings hurt by the humor inserted concerning his speaking in Cantonese.
Is mmm getting any kickbacks from panda express?
Enjoyed your Conference Thoughts.
Thanks
Mm Orange Chicken. 🙂
Great session! As for Mormon Tabernacle choir dresses I think they should either go all the way (I have fond flash backs of my Lutheran days in choir robes) or have dresses or suits that fit (like the General Auxiliary Presidency leaders wear). But that’s just me….
I LOVED Elder Christofferson and agree this one needs to be read and re-read (reminded me of Elder Maxwell in that)
Also (probably just me) I would have preferred to be able to hear Elder Chi Hong Ward’s talk (so I could listen for emotion and feeling) and just read the talk with closed caption rather than being able to ONLY hear the translator.
Packer – The price has already been paid for offenses against us. That was good for me to hear!
Wow , you must have had a preview of all their talks. How else could you have done that so fast? You never cease to amaze me with your works and your thoughts.
Spot on with the first session. Sis. Esplin’s talk was especially powerful. And Pres. Uchtdorf-the bomb!
Can’t wait for round 2…