Note: These are the instant, post-conference, 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.
As we get ready for the 5th and final session (Yes, there are 5), I can’t help but think that this has been one of my favorite conferences ever – and I’ve watched a LOT of them.
It is reassuring that while the world is in commotion, the work of God goes forth undaunted.
Elder Stevenson conducting.
Elder David A. Bednar:
Moroni and others described the final judgment they describe it as glorious and pleasing. “What do they know that we need to learn.”
The importance of Agency.
“Moral agency can be understood as the ability and privilege to choose and act for ourselves in ways that are good, honest, and true.”
“We are agents to act, not nearly objects to be acted upon.”
“The fundamental purposes for the exercise of agency are to love one another and to choose God.” (The 1st and 2nd great commandments.)
In the scriptures, the word “moral” isn’t just an adjective, but a divine directive.
“The adversary’s selfish scheme was to strip away from God’s children the capacity to become agents unto themselves who could act in righteousness.” “…objects that can only be acted upon.”
Judgement is less about each and every thing we did, but what we have become.
Quotes 2nd Article of Faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”
He believes that judgment won’t be like a trial on TV. Segues into a discussion on Godly fear. “Fear of the Lord is not a fearful apprehension of coming into the presence of God.”
“Unlike worldly fear that causes alarm and anxiety, godly fear invites into our lives peace, assurance and confidence.”
The key to judgment:
“If our desires have been righteous and our works good — meaning we have exercised faith in Jesus Christ and kept covenants with God, and repented of our sins — then the judgment bar will be pleasing.”
“Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread.”
“Ultimately then, we are our own judges. No one will need to tell us where to go.”
(Tough talk to notate, because every sentence is significant.)
Elder B. Corey Cuvelier: Talked about his son getting a new cellphone and entering contact names. Mom was “Mother.” Dad was “Not Mother.”
“By which name are you called?”
“What does it mean to be called by the name of Christ? It means making and keeping covenants, always remembering Him, keeping His commandments and being ‘willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things.’”
We are Christians, <— YES. Because we believe in Christ and are covenant children of Christ.
“Because the journey of discipleship takes time and effort built ‘line upon line, precept upon precept,’ it’s easy to get caught up in worldly titles. These only yield temporary value and will never be enough on their own.”
Told a great story of his great-grandfather’s conversion in Germany. Read it!
“There is a saying that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples that come from one seed. The seed planted by the branch president has produced countless fruit.”
“Perhaps the greatest sermons are the ones we never hear but those we see in the quiet, unassuming actions and deeds observed in the lives of ordinary people who, trying to be like Jesus, go about doing good.”
“Our identity isn’t defined by the world. But our discipleship is defined by the ordinances we receive, the covenants we keep, and the love we show to God and neighbor by simply doing good.”
Elder Matthew S. Holland.
Jonah’s story of trying to ditch out on his calling. Storm comes, Jonah thrown overboard and swallowed by fish for 3 days. (You know this.)
Jonah is irritated when the people of Ninevah repent and are forgiven. “God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all his children.”
“Jonah was flawed.” That’s what makes his story relatable and real.
“Jonah’s cry is that of a good man in crisis, one largely of his own making.”
“Whatever the cause or degree of disaster we face, there is always dry ground for hope, healing, and happiness.”
“My plea, inspired by Jonah, is forsake not your own mercy. You have immediate access to divine help and healing despite your human flaws. This awe-inspiring mercy comes in and through Jesus Christ.”
Accept Jesus. Relief is not found by sailing away from covenants and responsibilities.
“You will not only find hope and healing, but astonishingly you will find joy – even in the midst of your crucible.”
“Whether we are facing a deep, Jonah-like catastrophe, or the every-day challenges of our imperfect world, the invitation is the same, forsake not your own mercy. Look to the sign of Jonah – the Liviing Christ.”
• Beyond the obvious similarities between Elder Holland and his dad, the style and structure of the talk were remarkably similar.
Elder Charles A. Godoy spoke about his service in the Southern Africa area.
“No complaints, only a smile, and a grateful heart.”
“They find joy despite their challenges. They have learned that: Our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts.”
Tells stories of the saints in Mozambique – (Near and dear to my heart. I’ve had the privilege of associating with, teaching, and learning from those saints.)
“It has been said that this Church does not necessarily attract great people but more often makes ordinary people great.”
Common theme from the saints in other African nations: “No complaints, only smiling faces.”
“Our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts.”
“We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet.” Sweet!
Elder Dale G. Renlund: (Who was a cardiologist)
Speaking of a professorship named after President Nelson, making an impact on some of those who received it. “An RMN ethos” “Focus. Get over it. Do the best you can,” is part of Dr. Nelson’s legacy. Dr. Selzman – “The RMN (Russell M. Nelson) ethos is foundational to our (University of Utah Cardiovascular) training. We teach it to everyone.”
“How have we changed since we linked our name with Jesus Christ?”
5-step process of taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ:
- Identification. Take His name
- Remembrance: Sacrament. As we partake of the sacrament, we do so in remembrance of the price He paid to redeem us.”
- Emulation: “We strive to become like Him and seek to be blessed with His attributes.” “How have I changed since I linked my name with the name of Jesus Christ? Have I adopted a Christlike ethos as a result? Have I genuinely tried to become better and more like Him?”
- Alignment with His purposes. “We join Him in His work when we minister to others, especially the vulnerable and those who have been wounded, shattered, or crushed by their earthly experiences.”
- Empowerment. The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power that strengthens us and helps us to navigate our trials.
“Come unto our Heavenly Father. Take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ. Identify with Him. Always remember Him. Strive to be like Him. Join Him in His work. Receive His power and blessings in your life.”
“Etch his name in your heart willingly and intentionally. This gives you standing before God.”
Very cool to think that Elder Rebound wrote that wonderful tribute before President Nelson passed.
Elder John D. Amos started off talking about one of my true loves: Cajun food. He has an amazing accent. Added that Tony’s seasoning is the secret something.
“The simple secret for happy living is to just follow God’s recipe as detailed in the scriptures. I call it the ‘good news recipe.’”
“What’s the remedy? It’s simply to add more of what invites Jesus Christ into your life.”
“I think we all have moments when we feel our ingredients are not good enough, or we struggle to follow the directions, or perhaps we do something out of order, or something happens that is out of our control, and so on.”
“As you follow the Good News Recipe for happy living, remember President Nelson’s teaching: ‘Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.’”
(And I am so pleased that I was already planning on making Cajun food tonight)
Elder Ozani Farias: Converted a a young man in Brazil, and how the Book of Mormon was the key.
- Be consistent in study. “If you sincerely prioritize your studying the Book of Mormon prayerfully each day, you will find great spiritual strength and confidence in the Lord and His promises.”
- Feast upon the words of Christ. “As we feast upon the words of Christ, they will open the door to revelation and show us what we need to do in the various circumstances of our life to draw close to Him.”
- Bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
“I know as we feast upon the words of Christ found in the Book of Mormon, the Spirit will help us understand eternal truths and share our testimony with conviction to those whom the Lord has prepared to hear His message.”
President Dalin Oaks:
No new temples. Gonna get the others built first. Sounds like the conference announcements are over. That was decided after President Nelson’s death.
“The Family Proclamation, announced exactly 30 years ago, declares that ‘the family is ordained of God,’ and ‘is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
Talked about how crucial the family is, and how they are part of the Plan on Salvation. “Our relationship to God and the purpose of our mortal life are explained in terms of the family.”
National birthrates have declined, the Church not so much, but still drastic.
“Exaltation is a family affair.”
“It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children. That is the future for which we strive.”
“As parental influences diminish, Latter-day Saints still have a God-given responsibility to teach their children to prepare for our family destiny in eternity.”
“Our doctrine and our belief in eternal families strengthen and bond us.”
“Our Savior Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model.”
“We are a Family Church.”
“Parents, single or married, and others like grandparents, are the master teachers. Their most effective teaching is by example. The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values.”
“Many parents will find that they can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off. And parents remember, what those children really want for dinner is time with you.”
“Many Church members have beloved family members who do not embrace gospel values and expectations. Such members need our love and patience.”
(I keep getting distracted watching.)
“This is real. Let us be part of it.”
My friends, I testify that we are in good hands. God’s hands. All is well.
Love you all,
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Agree! And, great conference! Appreciate your thoughts!