Wanted to take a moment to jot down some of my notes & impressions from General conference this weekend. We got to watch all 4 sessions with the exception of President Uchtdorf's talk -- we had to leave for Anna's soccer game -- so we will watch his message tomorrow for FHE. He is always a fantastic speaker. I snapped this photo on Saturday night and thought it paired well with one of his quotes that is floating around social media.
The overall themes and impressions that stuck out to me:
personal revelation - it is for everyone - seek answers in prayer
personal commitment to the gospel - even those who are "strong" need to be vigilant
avoid distractions - focus on the basics of the gospel - stay in the boat
stand for truth - build a solid foundation on Christ - follow the prophet
Helaman 5:12 - And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (This scripture was quoted 4 times in General Conference)
The strength of the church will be measured by it's individual members. We need each and every one of us if we are going to suceed in the work Christ needs you to do. (Boyd K. Packer)
God does not save us "just as we are". We have personal responsibility for our sins & keeping the commandments. (D. Todd Christofferson)
Loving kindness is required. But a follower of Christ - like the Master - will be firm in the truth. (Dallin H. Oaks)
Our most important responsibility is to teach our children the power of prayer, not just the routine of prayer. (Tad R. Callister)
Casualness in spiritual matters never was happiness. (Jorg Klebinat)
A story was told of President Monson who, while visiting economically ravaged Germany, gave away his second suit, his extra shirts, and the very shoes off his feet. And then he travelled home, shuffling through airport terminals and airplanes wearing only slippers on his feet. "Rich or poor, we are to 'do what we can' when others are in need." (Jeffrey R. Holland)
We need revelation from God. "We need not one flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God." (Henry B. Eyring)
"All of us can walk the path He walked." Our paths of temptation, pain, obedience, and prayer are not unlike the path the Savior experienced. (Thomas S. Monson)
Family prayer should be a non-negotiable priority in your daily life. Feasting on the word of God (reading the scriptures) is more important than sleep, homework, tv, etc. Have weekly Family Home Evening - don't make it an afterthought of a busy day. Go to the temple. (Richard G. Scott)
"God wants us to grow and achieve our potential." We are not here just to live until we grow old. (Carlos A. Godoy)
And if you have ever wondered, Why are my LDS friends so eager to teach me what they believe and invite me to church? Watch the talk by David A. Bednar.
(I'll share the links to the Sunday talks tomorrow once they are posted online)
And this is what our family room looked like going into the final hour of General Conference. Comfortable, cozy, littered with Anna's art supplies & candy wrappers, but full of the spirit.
