Sunday, April 5, 2009

General Conference

I so enjoyed conference this weekend. So many good talks, so much to work on, such a boost. I agree with Aimee on her post of being so thankful for a prophet. I am so grateful for President Monson's positive outlook. Four main themes stood out to me: temples, being of good cheer, following the prophet, and talks on the Savior. Some of my favorites were:
Elder Packer on building on bedrock and surviving storms, and being acquainted with the "voice" of the Holy Ghost so we automatically follow it in times of stress and turmoil.
President Eyring on the challenge we all have in common--adversity, and how we need adversity and trials to be prepared, tested and to qualify for eternal life.
Elder Cook who talked about faith and the stumbling blocks to it, and about Faith being a source of great power. We need to keep our balance of faith greater than any causes of disbelief.
President Uchtdorf on discipleship, faith and unity and how the theories of the world come and go but the gospel of Jesus Christ has answers to all of life's questions.
Elder Snow on change, and getting on with our lives. To do so we need to Follow the prophet, Keep an eternal perspective, and move forward with faith. The formula for happiness and faith is to see the light of Christ then see our faults which leads to repentance, and then the gift of the Holy Ghost (after baptism) gives us constant companionship which leads us to extend ourselves to others. We need to remember too that it is not a sprint but an endurance race, so it takes time to do these things.
Elder Holland who spoke of the Savior's atonement in such a touching way- for all who feel alone (as we all do at some time or other). He talked of the Atonement as the most lonely task of eternity, which meant that we in turn don't have to make this journey alone, and we also have people with us on both sides of the veil. I like that thought!
President Monson taught us to focus on the blessings of the Church in this troubled time. He said to make the gospel the center of our lives and all will be well in spite of everything going on in the world.
Elder Oaks on unselfishness and service, and how we are more filled by what we give than what we get.
Elder Bednar on temple work and how that changes our focus on life. When he talked about sacrament covenant was willingness to take upon us the name of Christ, and in the temple we do take His name upon us, it really made sense.
The challenges of President Monson in his closing remarks gave us much to think about and work on: to live closer to the Lord, to pray always, to love our families and tell them, and pray for them, avoid pornography at all costs and in all forms, and get help if caught in that trap, and go to the temple often. He also blessed us that our testimonies will be strengthened and homes filled with harmony and love. What a great blessing. He asked the Lord's blessing on all of us.

It was a great conference and I look forward to printing off a few talks as soon as available this week and to getting the Ensign in May.

Share your thoughts and some of your favorites too.

2 comments:

templework said...

I so agree with your 'favorites'!
The Spirit was sooo strong!
What a WONDERFUL weekend!
((HUGS))

Stacey said...

Conference was exactly what I needed! I have been having a hard time with some old high school buddies lately, and I knew conference would buoy me up and remind me that it is worth fighting for what is right!

I loved so so many of them, but what is sticking in my mind a lot is Presedent Monson's closing talk. It seemed there at the end like his prophetic power was radiating from him. He was warning us and calling us to be better people and be strong and immovable and avoid temptation! I truly am thankful for a prophet. It was a powerful moment in my life.