General Conference Highlights

I was about to make a record for my own benefit about the messages from General Conference.  As I was looking online for a copy of the messages, I came across another members Highlights and loved the way they reviewed the message so I have included it below.  I did hear some very individual messages for me but did not write them down.  I will be reviewing the talks over and over so that I may have better guidance in my life. 

The other day I had made a trip and was on my way home.  I was taking a new route and at some point did not pay attention to the road and miss the connection I needed.  So I got on the phone to get some help with my location.  I had decided what I now needed to do to get home.  Well, I thought it was taking too long so I used the map on my phone.  I could see that there was a shorter way so I took a different road still yet. 

Too my disappointment, I found myself in an very unfamiliar area with some very uncomfortable surroundings.  I kept asking myself why I didn't pay attention to start with, then why I had to take a "short cut"?  So using my brain I kept my cool knowing I could figure this out.  One road did not lead me to the intended hwy and then still another was closed off.  I sat at a traffic light, anxious for it to run green, and locked my doors.  Bars and so called "gentlemens" clubs were all around me.  I didn't panic, used some common sense and finally got back to a familiar road so that I could continue my journey home safely.  The trip added 30 mins to my commute.  It was dark and I was tired, but I made it home safely using 1) a call home 2) a map and 3) my heart and brain.

As I knelt in prayer last night this experience came back to me as I asked my Heavenly Father for directions in this season of my life.  I have found myself traveling on a road that I have never been on.  Not all things on this path make me feel secure and comfortable.  What a blessing as I felt comfort and direction come into my mind.  I knew my Father was guiding me safely back to Him but I would just need to listen and obey.  Sometimes, just like that night, I think I have a shortcut or a better way, but ultimately, it only leads you in places you don't want to be.  By 1) listening to my Heavenly Father 2) Using the scriptures and present day leaders council (map) and 3) the spirit that is within me, I can make it home safely.    

I heard some road map directions in General Conference that will indeed help me stay or get on the right road that my Heavenly Father wants me to travel.

Now the Conference Highlights.
http://mormonsoprano.com/2011/10/03/general-conference-highlights-october-2011/

Conference Highlights – October 2011

The Conference Center, SLC Utah

It is impossible to give true justice to a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a mere summary. However, for the sake of my many readers who may not have had the opportunity to watch or hear the conference yet, or for those who would like my perspective – here are a few of my personal observations and highlights from the recent October 2011 Conference weekend:

1. TEMPLES: the announcement of 6 new temples

2. SCRIPTURES: One of the major themes of the Conference revolved around reading, pondering, memorizing and cherishing our scriptures. Apostle Elder Richard G. Scott stated that “scriptures are like packets of light” and can become our “stalwart friends” in times of trouble. It is important to study from all of our standard works, however “those who consistently read the Book of Mormon will be given a greater measure of strength“, and Elder Tad Callister cautioned that “one has not truly researched our church without reading The Book of Mormon“, which is a book of scripture possessing only “one interpretation” of truth, and is a “crucial second witness of Jesus Christ, and of the truth of the Bible“.

2. PRAYER: Countless speakers emphasized the critical importance of building a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father through prayer: “one of the most precious gifts from God to man“. Elder J. Devon Cornish taught that,

“Like medicine, prayer only works when used as directed. . . The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to ask for things that cannot be given to us without asking.”

President Thomas S. Monson shared a story from his youth during the Great Depression when he prayed to recover a precious lost $5, and encouraged us to “build a relationship with God through prayer“. Elder J. Devon Cornish shared a story of being able to buy a piece of chicken in answer to a heartfelt prayer. We were reminded by Elder Robert E. Hales that “sometimes our prayer is left unanswered because we aren’t ready for the answer yet.”, and that “Too often we pray to have patience, but we want it right now!” Sister Barbara Thompson reminded us to inquire of the Lord by “asking in faith“, and then acting upon the promptings we receive in order to have the spirit of the Lord with us at all times. Prayer, and cultivating the Spirit within us, allows us to develop a firm testimony so that when hard trials come, it will “keep us” safe.

3. TRIALS: Going through Hard times, and offering suggestions for getting through them, were a major theme of this conference. This is because none of us are immune to trials. We are either experiencing one right now, or will go through one in the near future. It’s guaranteed, because it is part of God’s plan for us during this mortal life. Studying Scriptures, offering Prayers, and cultivating our faith to “trust God” were repeated many times. President Uchtdorf’s masterful talk about our place in the vast Universe reminded us that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” and although “Compared to God, we are nothing. Yet, we are everything to God“. Apostle Quentin L. Cook posed the age-old question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, citing such tragedies as the horrific losses during 9-11, recent natural disasters, and the fateful sinking of the ocean liner Titanic 100 years ago. Although we may not have control over the bad things that happen to us, we should keep proper perspective that ”we are in the middle of a 3-Act Play” here on earth. The First Act was our pre-earth existence, and the Third Act will be our life with God after death. Some day, everything will make sense, and everything will be alright. For now, we are asked to walk by faith that God knows what He is doing.

4. JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR AND HE LOVES US:

As in the past, the great and overreaching theme of General Conference is that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. We may be nicknamed “Mormons”, but we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ. We bear witness of his divinity, and we are striving in these “latter days” to be true followers of Jesus (“saints“) before he returns to earth again. Every single speaker in this Conference bore powerful personal witness of Jesus Christ. Each message revolved around the teachings of Jesus and how we can be better disciples. As Elder Cook stated “The Savior’s atonement provides lifeboats for everyone!”, and perhaps our prophet summarized the message of this Conference best:

“We’re all here because we love the Lord and want to serve Him. I express gratitude to the Lord for His hand in all things.” - Thomas S. Monson

At the conclusion of the 181st semi-annual General Conference, the message was clearly etched on my heart that God is my loving Heavenly Father, and yours. He knows each of His children. He hears our pleas for help, He sent us His son to save and redeem us, and no matter how dark and frightening things feel, or how desperate our circumstances may become, we can be assured that He has never, and will never, forsake us!

Last night at the dinner table, Mr. MoSop wisely observed that “perhaps the most important message at Conference isn’t the one we actually hear, but the one that we feel“. Oh, how true! How grateful I am for such a good man in our home who is a righteous husband and father and “defender of virtue“, as Elaine S. Dalton beautifully instructed.

Over the next 6 months, each of us have a chance to read, study and ponder the messages that were given (see lds.org or go to MormonMessages YouTube). We will be doing so to rekindle the Spirit of God and love of our Savior which Conference always brings into our lives.

The Unforgettable Forget-Me-Not Talk

Saturday September 24th was the global 2011 Relief Society Annual General Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah and broadcast by radio, satellite transmission and online streaming to the world. I was priveldged to be able to watch it by satellite. Each talk was inspiring and made me feel better about myself and glad to be alive. The most “unforgettable” talk was, as usual, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency who delighted us with a modern parable centered on the tiny blue forget-me-not flower. Each of the 5 petals of the flower represent a guiding principle that he hopes women everywhere never forget. This talk is sure to rank right up there with the late President Gordon B. Hinckley’s beloved, and equally unforgettable, “6 Be’s” Talk from Jan. 2000.

 “You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine!”

President Uchtdorf’s talk could not have come at a more appropriate time for me personally. Our family has been experiencing some difficult trials over the past month, and I have definitely struggled with discouragement. One of the overriding themes of this women’s conference was that ALL of us are struggling with something, as a line from one of my favorite hymn’s beautifully states: ”in the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see“. Whoever you are and wherever you live, I know that you have quiet burdens that you are carrying, and I know that you can use the positive encouragement of Pres. Uchtdorf’s recent message.

Never Forget. . .

1. . . . to be Patient and Compassionate with yourself.

2. . . .some sacrifices are better than others. (learn to prioritize and not over-do)

3. . . . you don’t have to wait for a “Golden Ticket” to be happy.

4. . . . the “Why” of the Gospel will inspire and uplift you. (don’t get bogged down by the “How”)

5. . . . your Heavenly Father knows, loves and cherishes you!