They're Here! My Semi- Annual Glue-ins from General Conference

Every General Conference time, I love the Thursday following General Conference for that is when the talks are on line. Here are my take-away glue'ins for October 2008.

Elder Andersen - Be Steady

We (must)remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. (First Nephi 11:17)

Elder Andersen - Faith is a Decision

"As I laid my hands upon his head, I felt to tell him something that I had not thought about in exactly the same way before. The impression that came to me was: Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. He would need to choose faith.
My friend did not know everything, but he knew enough. He chose the road of faith and obedience. He got on his knees. His spiritual balance returned." (Mark 5:36)

Elder Holland (quoted by Elder Oaks) - Wear White Shirts

“May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers, and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and onto your missions” (“This Do in Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68). (D&C 20:77)

Elder Oaks - How to Stay Clean

How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide our choices so that we will remain “unspotted from the world” and on the safe path through mortality? We need to qualify for the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We do this by keeping His commandment to come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and in that wonderful weekly meeting partake of the emblems of the sacrament and make the covenants that qualify us for the precious promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us (D&C 59:9).

Elder Uchtdorf - Hope

“Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” This is the quality of hope we must cherish and develop. Such a mature hope comes in and through our Savior Jesus Christ, for “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as [the Savior] is pure.” (2 Nephi 31:20)

Elder Wirthlin - Principle of Compensation.

The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude. (Ether 12:27)


Elder Christofferson - Our greatest object - Build Zion

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity, preparing for that great day when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will arise. he Lord called Enoch's people Zion "because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18). Elsewhere He said, "For this is Zion—the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21).

Elder Bednar - Counsel with Lord in Everything

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).

Elder Bednar - Express Gratitude in our Prayers More Often

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude. (Mosiah 26:39)

Elder Bednar - Pray with real intent

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart. (1 Nephi 1:15)

Elder Scott - Respect Women

In some cultures, tradition places a man in a role to dominate, control, and regulate all family affairs. That is not the way of the Lord. In some places the wife is almost owned by her husband, as if she were another of his personal possessions. That is a cruel, unproductive, mistaken vision of marriage encouraged by Lucifer that every priesthood holder must reject. It is founded on the false premise that a man is somehow superior to a woman. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The scriptures confirm that Father in Heaven saved His greatest, most splendid, supreme creation, woman, to the end. Only after all else was completed was woman created. Only then was the work pronounced complete and good. (Moses 4:17-19; Moses 5:10-11.)

Elder Jensen - Arms of Safety - The Sacrament

The section heading to Doctrine and Covenants 110 gives the context for one of our most relevant verses about enjoying arms of safety. Following this sacred ordinance (passing the Sacrament), Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery retired to pray in private. Following the prayer, the Savior appeared to these two men and said, "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice" (D&C 110:5). The sequence of events in the Kirtland Temple in 1836 parallels our day and is likened to us. Sabbath after Sabbath, you (who)administer the sacrament to the Saints, who come to sacrament meeting prayerfully, hungering for spiritual healing, hoping, pleading to hear in their minds and hearts these words: "Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice" (D&C 110:5).


Elder Uchtdorf - Lift Where We Stand

Although it may seem simple, lifting where we stand is a principle of power. Most ... live by this principle. They are eager to roll up their sleeves and go to work, whatever that work might be. They faithfully perform their priesthood duties. They magnify their callings. They serve the Lord by serving others. They stand close together and lift where they stand. However, there are those who sometimes struggle with this concept. And when they do, they seem to fall into one of two camps: either they seek to lead, or they seek to hide. They covet a crown or a cave.No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become. May we cease to aspire and cease to retire! (Matt 20:27)

President Monson - Always Accept Callings

President Harold B. Lee said: “When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord’s errand.” Now, some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it. (D&C 107:99)

Elder Holland - Angels Go Before Us

From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children. The scriptures or our own latter-day history, are filled with accounts of angels ministering to those on earth. Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times. (D&C 84_88)

Family Discusson on October 2008 General Conference

Here are some glue-in type quotes and personal impressions I had during October 2008 LDS General Conference. (Please add yours.)

President Monson - Be good citizens and neighbors and reach out to those of other faiths.

President Uchtdorf - Whether moving a grand piano from the chapel to the cultural hall, or serving in some other capacity, "Lift where you stand". (I appreciated the counsel he gave of cease to aspire...cease to retire.)

President Eyring - Skillful peacemakers search for anything on which opposing parties agree. (This is like finding 'safe space' in crucial conversations.)

Elder Ballard - Our challenges are not any more severe than those of the early saints--they are just different. We're not required to walk across the continent for the church, but rather just across the street to share the gospel message with our neighbors. (Do we open our mouths where ever we go and ask about the Church? Remember those golden questions - would you like to know more about the Church? Or what about the referral dialogue - who do you know and who else do you know who would be interested in our message?)

Elder Hales - We should answer contention with kindness. We should communicate using such means as letters to newspaper editors and blog comments to correct errors of fact, but we should always be cordial. We should speak out to help others understand the truth, but never to score points or to defend our egos. (This is correlated to Elder Ballard's directive last December to get involved in blogs by pronouncing our message to the world.)

Elder Scott - Husbands should show respect to their wives by taking charge of Family Home Evening and other activities. We should pay them more compliments. Bishops should show more respect for the insights of women on the ward council. Priesthood leaders should respect women's opinions and perspectives as much as their husbands'. (I particularly remember the reference to bad culture. We live in a society in the Caribbean where women have not been respected as they should have been and often are down-trodden. We need to show by example and how we speak that this is wrong and is not God's culture.)


President Monson - told the story of a man who cancelled an emergency business appointment because 'the circus keeps coming back, but childhood doesn't. Also said that the fingerprints on those things around the home that you have just cleaned will disappear all too soon, so cherish them while they're there. (There is not a day that goes by where I do not long for the days when the 5 J's were young and at home. I loved the close-knit feeling of being with our family.)

Elder Cook - With the current economic crisis, there is great concern throughout the world. There will in the future be more lean years as well as plentiful years, but if we're prepared in either event, everything will be alright for us. (This is great comfort to me in light of what is happening to our savings right now in the financial crisis experienced in the Stock Market.)


President Packer - During July 24th, 1849 celebration, the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley celebrated their patriotism to the United States despite the fact that Congress had not come to their assistance when they were losing $2 million in property and had otherwise been been persecuted for their faith. (It is not 1830 and there are not just 12 of us is what President Hinckley used to say. We have made alot of progress is moving forth the work of God.)

Bishop McMullin - Told the story of Chinese official who visited LDS Welfare Square and was so impressed with the integrity of the Church that he paid his fast offering in a "red pocket" envelope. He said "If the world loved like this, it would be a much better place." (But each of us can do our part in our own way to set that example by the lives we lead.)

Elder Bednar - Expressing gratitude should be an important part of prayer. "The most meaningful prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few if any requests." Ingratitude invites the wrath of God. (I love the example of connections patterns and themes demonstrated in this talk by comparing temporal creation being linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation. In this way, Elder Bednar suggests that meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.)

Elder Oaks - May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and on to your missions. (This was a quote Elder Oaks endorsed that was given by Elder Holland 13 years ago. It is a message that needs to be received by all Priesthood holders in the Church in preparation for attending Sacrament meeting. We should all be prepared and worthy at all times to officiate in the blessing and passing of the Sacrament if asked.)

Elder Andersen - said that "we don't know everything, but that we know enough." We each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our soul. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty. Jesus said: “Settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you.” (To strengthen our own testimonies, I remember the teaching of President Packer who said that a testimony is to be found in the bearing of it.

As you have Family Home Evening this week, why not have each member of the family tell their favorite General Conference memory? Remember that tradition in our family? Your posts and reactions are welcome....

Highlights of October 2007 General Conference

In his closing remarks, President Hinckley said: "All of the proceedings of this conference will appear in a subsequent issue of the Ensign. We encourage you again to read the talks in your family home evenings and discuss them together as families. They are the products of much prayer and meditation and are well worthy of careful consideration."

The General Conference of this past weekend was historic. A new member of the First Presidency was called and a new apostle.

Who was named as the new 2nd counselor in the First Presidency?

Yes, it was Henry B. Eyring.

And who was sustained as the newest apostle in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles?

And that would be Elder Quentin L. Cook. When we were interviewed to be a mission president couple by Elder Wirthlin, he was joined in the interview by Elder Quentin Cook.

As a family, what would be the best way to study the conference talks and make them the walk and talk of your lives (Harold B. Lee quote) for the next six months?

Now, let's identify what themes stood out to you as a result of this General Conference?

Many would say that there were two general themes - one on Saturday and a different them on Sunday. On Saturday, it was if the theme focused on missionary work. It was a primer for this mission and all other missions about what our message is to the world.
On Sunday, the theme was more personal and gave insights and direction on how to draw closer to the Spirit.

Can you list the the Members of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in order and give a sentence or two about what they said?

Possible Answers:

First Presidency

President Hinckley - spoke to the Priesthood Brethren about anger and counseled about how to be more loving and less reactionary. Also spoke Sunday about how the Lord is fulfilling his promise to man that the gospel will roll forth as the stone cut out of the mountain (Dan 2;31-45).

President Monson - remembered a non-member in his neighborhood he had comforted about the death of her soldier son and taught about the plan of salvation.

President Eyring - spoke about the importance of remembering something wonderful Heavenly Father has blessed you with every day and recording it in a journal

Quorum of Twelve

President Packer - taught about how no person is more important in Church leadership than another person

Elder Perry - spoke about raising the bar and gave counsel on how to prepare for a mission

Elder Nelson - spoke about scriptural witnesses of the restoration. He taught how the Book of Mormon compliments the Bible.

Elder Oaks - reminded us about setting priorities between good, better and best

Elder Ballard - gave the Church talking points for how we should answer questions about the Church

Elder Wirthlin - almost fell down and was steadied by Elder Nelson as he so eloquently spoke about the Great Commandment - to have charity for our fellowman.

Elder Scott - taught about how truth is the foundation of correct decisions and how important it is to have the Spirit as we make choices.

Elder Hales - spoke on the topic of personal revelation and the examples that have been set for us by modern and ancient prophets.

Elder Holland - gave the bold talk. His talk blasted those who say Mormons are not Christians and how only the Latter-day Saints and the members of Christ's Church when He lived on the earth had the truth.

Elder Uchtdorf - addressed the conference about why we have reason to rejoice. He spoke of the joy this religion brings to all.

Elder Bednar - chose the topic of clean hands and a pure heart and pointed out that it is possible to have clean hands but not a pure heart

Elder Cook - gave his first address as an apostle in teaching about living by faith and not by fear.

Suggestions for General Conference

1) We must Consider the ages. We need to remember the age of each grand- child and what they are capable of understanding. For example a Gracie at the age of five, could listen, to a few talks but would have a difficult time paying attention the whole time, whereas Julia, Rachel and Dallin should have the attention span to listen to more of the talks. We do not want General Conference to be a negative association, so let's make sure that we are not expecting too much out of our younger children.

2) Find something that will help hold the attention of each grandchild while they listen to conference. One fun idea is conference bingo. You just create a bingo sheet with words that they are likely to hear at conference, and then have the grandchildren children fill in the spaces as they hear the words. It is best to only give out prizes in between talks. Another possible idea, for older Robison grandchildren is to have them take notes on the talks and receive rewards based on the notes that they took.

3) When President Hinckley speaks make a special point of encouraging each grandchild to listen closely. This is especially important with the younger grandchildren, because they will listen attentively to the prophet.

4) After conference is over, discuss over lunch and over dinner the session you have just listened to and and the key points that were taught. Talk about how you can apply these to your family and how you can do the things that we are asked to do.

5 Come with a reverent manner to conference. The way that we sit, dress, and act has a lot to do with what we get out of conference. If we are dressed in Sunday clothes, it will help us to listen more attentively, and will remind the grandchildren that they are participating in a special event. It is nice to attend at least one session at the church building (especially with older children) because this reminds them of the importance of conference.

General Conference is a special time to spend learning about Jesus Christ and the things that we need to do in order to return to live with Him. As you listen to conference with an open heart and mind that you will feel the Spirit and be strengthened.

Activities:

1. Print off a picture of each apostle and see if you can name each one and put them in order of seniority. ( Hinckley, Monson, Packer, Perry, Nelson, Oaks, Ballard, Wirthlin, Scott, Hales, Holland, Eyring, Uchtdorf, Bednar.) Whoops, there are only fourteen?

2. Watch closely for which apostle will replace President Faust in the First Presidency.

3. Listen carefully to hear who will be the new apostle.

Suggestions:

1. Get plenty of rest the night before conference.

2. Do not wear your pajamas to watch conference.

3. Do not try to do two things at once during conference.

4. Pray about a question you have and then come to conference seeking the answer.

5. Raise your hand during the sustaining of the officers on Saturday afternoon.

6. Watch all 5 sessions and make them the walk and talk of your lives during the next six months.