Instant Post-Conference Thoughts: Saturday A.M. (October ’16)

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.

• Saturday morning theme: “Putting the “Fun” in Fundamentals”

•Watching Conference streaming from my iPad to the TV in our hotel room – we are temporarily displaced as they fix our damaged house.  Don’t know how this will roll without the miracle that is the DVR…

 

•President Uchtdorf got in a pilot reference within the first 20 seconds. Of more media attention, he copped to imbibing “a diet soda that shall remain nameless.” (If that’s not a soda endorsement, I don’t know what is. Hoping it is Diet Dr. Pepper)  I’m sure there will be Diet Coke memes all over the internet before the session is over.

He spoke about learning how to use a computer. “The more adept I get at technology, the more I take it for granted.” Used this idea as a metaphor how we can take the gospel and our testimonies for granted.

“We tread a path covered with diamonds, but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles.”

“Sometimes we sleepwalk on the pathway of discipleship” (I love it when my posts fall in line with the brethren’s talks! (A Flash of Amazement, The Plan of Salvation: What’s Missing?)

When we start whining about going to church or the temple etc, it is because we are “past feeling.” “Often we let ourselves be distracted by the imperfections of our fellow-members instead of following the example of our Master.”

Speaking of distraction, did anyone realize that Pres. Uchtdorf’s sweet salmon tie matches the flowers behind him?  Well done.

Gradually morphed into a standard talk about the Plan of Salvation, with nice reference to the Savior and His role.

 

•Our Stake is having a 40 Day Fast, and our day is today. Think about that for a second: Saturday Conference without food. Hoping the benefits of fasting will offset the deprivation.

 

•Elder Robert D. Hales: Began with: “If we love the Savior more, will we suffer less?”  Ended with “If we love Him, keep HIs commandments.”

Totally called us out on FHE. “Some of our most impactful Christian service is given by holding family scripture study family prayer & family council meetings.”” “We can take advantage of the teaching moments in our own families — that means now. Don’t let them slip by.”

Plan of Salvation and agency reference 2nd talk in a row. “”We can not pray away another’s agency.”  (Bummer)

Sweet tribute to those who serve as caregivers for others. Amen to that!

“If we have not fully done so yet, let us turn more toward forgiveness, kindness, and love. Let us renounce the war that sometimes rages in the hearts of the natural man…”

 

• Carol McConkie (YW)   She sure seems young in contrast to Elder Hales. Spoke about finding God’s will and purpose for us and comfort through prayer.

“As you pray to Heavenly Father in faith, He will console you in your afflictions.”

“When we pray with faith, the Holy Ghost can guide our thoughts so that our words harmonize with the will of God.”

I love that she spend part of the time speaking about the role of gratitude in prayers. Sometimes I find myself doing way too much begging, and not enough time expressing gratitude.

 

• So far we are dealing with true, basic fundamentals of the gospel.

 

• I still miss living in Utah in October.  January, not so much.

 

• President Craig C. Christensen (Seventy) The focus on fundamentals continues: Elder Christensen came out swinging in defense of the prophet Joseph Smith. He went on to talk about all the things that came about because of Joseph’s divine calling.

This is a great example how a talk that includes zero “new” information, or lacks a “different” or “creative” take on a subject can still be POWERFUL and IMPORTANT. I can’t help but think that the Holy Ghost has a much easier time testifying when things are laid out so directly.

One great quote that I think deserves some thought in today’s difficult times: “”Fortunately, young Joseph did not let his questions paralyze his faith.”

 

• Elder Juan A. Uceda (Seventy)  Told a great – and almost tragic – story about disregarding the promptings of the Spirit while hiking the Inca Bridge trail at Machu Picchu.  (My daughter was there this summer.)  After recognizing that he had ignored three promptings of the Spirit, he was humbled and realized that “He paid attention to my voice, but I did not pay attention to His.”

Very humble, personal story to tell. If you missed it, go back and watch this good man.

In speaking of prayer and blessings he asked, “Why is it that sometimes we do not want to receive? Why?”  Nice thoughts about the importance of prayer.

 

 

• Elder J. Devn Cornish. “We must stop comparing ourselves to others.” “If we must compare, let us compare how we were in the past to how we are today.”  “The only opinion that matters is what Heavenly Father thinks of you.”

“Am I good enough? Will I make it? The answers are yes.”

I love the idea tha Heavenly Father is not a referee looking to throw us out of the game.

“Our Heavenly Father intends for us to make it; that is His work and glory!”

Really good stuff about our tendency to try and rationalize our behavior

This is good stuff, but my phone is ringing…

 

• ACK!  I had to leave at this point to go pick up my son at a school orchestra thing. I will try and go back and fill in the gaps later.  Sorry!

 

• While driving I heard Elder Neil L. Anderson say two things that made me smile:

1. Stop feeling guilty about sharing the gospel.  Thanks!!!
2. A shout-out to those sharing the gospel via social media.  Thanks!!

 

• And I’m back – as the choir finished the closing song.  Have a nice break!