General Conference- Saturday Afternoon Session

Quotes from Saturday afternoon’s session:

Elder Bednar on the Spirit of Elijah:

 

“The Spirit of Elijah affects people inside and outside of the Church.  However, as members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel.”

Elder Christofferson – Divine Gift of Repentance:

“Repentance exists as an option only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Elder Andersen – Children:

“Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in the family.”

Elder Perry – Share Who We Are:


“At all times of day across the entire world, the Church and its teachings are being discussed on the internet, on blogs and social networks by people who have never written for a newspaper or magazine.  They are making videos and sharing them online. These are ordinary people — both members of our faith and other faiths — who are talking about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

“The growing visibility and reputation of the Church presents a remarkable opportunity to us as its members.  We can help to “disabuse the public mind, ” and correct misinformation when we are portrayed as something we are not.  More importantly, though, we can share who we are.”

“How we speak about the Church is as important as what we say.  We should approach such conversations with Christ-like love.  Our tone, whether speaking or writing, should be respectful and civil, regardless of the responses from others.  We should be honest and open and try to be clear in what we say.  We want to avoid becoming defensive or argue in any way.”

“As you utilize the internet you may come across ongoing conversations about the Church.  When directed by the Spirit, don’t hesitate to add your voice to these conversations.”

General Conference- Saturday Morning Session

I’m a day behind General Conference as I’ve been sick this entire weekend. However, I didn’t want to waste any time posting about yesterday’s morning session.

Watching the conference is awe-aspiring. We are listening to living day prophets and whilst this is difficult for individuals to absorb who are outside our faith…as a Mormon this is an added strength to our testimony. We are hearing and listening to actual living prophets of God! (Awesome, huh?!)

Quotes from Saturday morning’s conference that touched my heart:

Elder Scott on the Power of Scriptures:

“Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.  Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing.”

President Packer – Counsel to Youth:

“It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”

“Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality.  But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit.”

President Uchtdorf – You Matter to Him:

“Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternity, our existence in this mortal sphere is only “a small moment” in space and time.”

“It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe.  At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten.  But always remember — you matter to Him!”

“God sees you not only as mortal beings on a small planet who lives for a brief season — He sees you as His child.  He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become.  He wants you to know that you matter to Him.”

Forget-Me-Not

With October only being days away, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are thinking of a special event: General Conference! This is still an amazing event for a convert such as myself who finds this special opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the upcoming one. During the time prior to General Conference, I find myself redirecting my attention towards things directed and centered on family and strengthening my testimony. It is a time of contemplation and evaluating the things in my life that are spiritually fulfilling and eliminating the things which take away from the glory of Jesus Christ.

Saturday evening, I watched the Relief Society Broadcast in our Stake Center. Each talk resonated and spoke to my heart. I was uplifted and inspired, ready to face the world with my shoulders back, head held up high, exclaiming by my demeanor the prestige of being a daughter of God.

My favorite talk of the evening was from President Uchtdorf with his analogy of the forget-me-not flower.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

Third, forget not to be happy now.

Fourth, forget not the ‘why’ of the gospel.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

“My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven that you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.””

Read complete summary of President Uchdorf’s general Relief Society address HERE.

LDS.org: General Relief Society Meeting Highlights