Note: These are the instant, mildly-filtered things that ran through my brain and heart as I watched this session of General Conference. If you are looking for deep, spiritual analysis, this is not the place. Drive on. Please check back later for that, after I have had some time to process.
• The choir has the unique ability of taking most dynamic hymn and turning it into a lullaby.
• I broke my fast with too many chips and too much salsa. Not wise.
• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Home teachers. (I have a similar story about missed HT opportunity.) I appreciate that he is aware of the “countless guilt trips” on this subject. (Later he acknowledged the reality of HT’ers rushing at the end of the month to give a message out of the Ensign that the family had already read.)
Preaching the ideal, while acknowledging that all locations of the church cannot implement things the same. If you can’t do the standard, scheduled monthly, use secondary means – email, phone calls, texts, etc.
““The appeal I am making tonight is for you to lift your vision of Home Teaching. Please. In newer better ways, see yourselves as emissaries of the Lord to His children.”
(Side note: Amazed at all the people on Twitter saying that they haven’t had Home Teachers for a long, long time. #tragic.)
• Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. spoke about the period of time in Ghana when the Church was outlawed. Told the story of a young man who picked up a Book of Mormon and it eventually changed his life. Told his persil story af his testimony of the Book of Mormon.
For some a testimony of the Book of Mormon comes quickly, (Parley P. Pratt style) for others it comes more slowly.
Offered great promises for those who read the Book of Mormon with their kids. (Quoted President Marion G. Romney) Here’s the quote that we need to be reminded of often:
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” (link)
• President Dieter Uchtdorf. (No, he didn’t bring a 44oz soda to the pulpit with him.)
Spoke of the life of Alma. (City of Ammonia? Choosing to hang onto that German accent is costing him tonight.)
What can you learn from Alma? It is okay to get some help. (Amulek) As leaders, we shouldn’t hesitate to invite people to help. “Find them by seeing with your heart. Reach out to them. Teach them. Inspire them. Ask them.”
“Christ’s message wasn’t ‘Stand back! I can handle this! Rather, ‘Come follow me.'” To be successful in leadership, you need to find your Amuleks.
Spoke about turning doubts to faith in the context of a man returning to full fellowship in the church.
• Elder Henry B. Eyring: “The devotion, the faith, and the selfless service of this body of men and boys are a modern miracle”
“The Aaronic Priesthood prepares young men for an even more sacred trust, the Melchizedek Priesthood.” Happy that I have only one son left that needs to make that leap.
Told the story about his service as a young Aaronic priesthood holder. It sounded a bit familiar, but only because he has told it to the priesthood multiple times before. Must be important.
One thing I really love about President Eyring is that he wears his emotions on his sleeve, yet he is SO sincere when the tears flow.
Homework: “I pray you will go home and carefully study the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood found in D&C 84”
• Two heavy-hitter talks about the importance of priesthood service: Holland and Eyring.
• President Thomas S. Monson: Word of Wisdom and its promises. Blessings of health, strength and stamina.
Brethren, may we care for our bodies and our minds by keeping the principles of the Word of Wisdom.” He went on to testify of the blessings.
There has been a lot of public bickering about “stamina” in the political world. It is impressive to watch an 89 year old man stand up before 20K people and testify to stamina and health. It resonates a lot stronger than coming from a young man. Short, sweet, powerful.
• Aaaand we are done. Almost 30 minutes early again.
Thanks be to God. Feel the power, repent where needed, and let’s do it all again tomorrow! G’night!
Who is the “young man” you mentioned that has been talking about stamina in the political world? Most of them are over the hill by any definition I can find.
I think 1.5 hours is the new normal. They used to always have three talks plus First Presidency — it’s been just 2+3 for three or four conferences now.
Thanks for the recap!
Thanks again for your quick recaps. Now, after the comment I made to your afternoon recap, I am really interested to read President Monson’s talk on the W of W…an area that I need to spend much more attention on the Thou Shalt elements.
What is really sad is when we moved to our current ward, 2 years ago we were told that in this ward, active families typically aren’t assigned home teachers. Apparently, active members don’t need home teaching. So, is it good or bad to say ny family hasn’t had a single visit in 2 years?
I think it’s always bad if you don’t have home teachers. The point of home teaching isn’t to reactivate members, it’s to make sure each family gets an individual visit and that family needs are able to be discovered and acknowledged. I’ve always thought of it as part of the hierarchy of priesthood in the church. Stake president, bishop, home teachers. Bishops can’t make home visits to every family, so home teachers have that job. I think the women are a little better at visiting teaching than men are at home teaching, but both are far from 100%.
I agree Tonya. With every word!