The first weekend of October was a spiritual boost for my family. Every six months, we have what's called general conference -- five 2-hour sessions, on Saturday and Sunday, with speakers from the leadership of our Church. We believe and sustain our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, as a prophet in the same way that Moses, Isaiah, and Paul were prophets. He is supported by two counselors as well as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. All of these men speak at conference, as well as other leaders, both men and women. You can read, listen or watch the various talks and sessions here.
I'm always uplifted and renewed by listening and taking notes. Of course, in the course of 10 hours of meetings, there is a lot to draw from, but I like to write down the things that touch me and mean the most to me. Here's what stood out.
Be modest in your dress. (L. Tom Perry)
Be good neighbors and friends (Silvia Allred)
Faith is not just a feeling, it is a decision. When times get tough, choose faith (Neil L. Anderson)
Honor the Sabbath Day. Arrive early to Church and be reverent during the sacrament. (Dallin H. Oaks)
Have Hope! (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
How to handle hard times:
We seek for intelligence and knowledge. The most important truths, however, can be understood even by children. God speaks to us according to our capacity to understand. (Gerald Cassue)
Jesus Christ is our Savior and atoned for us. Everything depends on having the Spirit in our lives. It is popular now to hear "Live life your own way," but God has said, "I am the way" (Lawrence E. Corbridge)
Be unified. Overcome contention. Forgiveness is essential. Care for the poor and needy. (D. Todd Christofferson)
Pray always. Meaningful morning prayer is your spiritual foundation for the day. Be grateful. Every so often, say a prayer that asks for nothing, but instead thanks God for all your blessings. Pray for others. (David A. Bednar)
A great day of unity is coming, when Christ will personally reign on the earth. Be unified now and prepare for that day. Pray for unity, which comes through living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be a peacemaker. Speak well of each other and look for the good in others. Remember that we are judged by the judgment we impose on others. Be generous. (Henry B. Eyring)
Meekness is not weakness. Be slow to take offense and quick to forgive. Stay on the high ground. Seek for common ground when facing opposition. (Robert D. Hales)
"In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things." Be virtuous. (Elaine S. Dalton)
This is not a time for superficial righteousness. (M. Russell Ballard)
The only thing constant is change. We only have one chance at this life. Don't wait for someday to come (someday when you have more money, more time, or whatever), make the most of life today. Find joy in the journey. Be grateful for the abundance in your life and thank God for it. (Thomas S. Monson)
Marriage is ordained of God. (Russell M. Nelson)
Gospel teachers know the names of their students and teach the scriptures. (William D. Oswald)
***
We have a few traditions at our house to make conference easier. We usually find a packet online with activities for the kids to do during conference (coloring pages, word searches, etc.). This year, we used this one. Since we don't have TV, we watched it online through BYU TV. We turned up the volume on my computer and piped the sound through our intercom system through the whole house. I think it made listening a lot easier for us because the kids could spread out a bit more. They were mostly in the kitchen. They colored a lot and did puzzles. Lillian and Joey were old enough to take some notes. We have a tradition of buying a new puzzle and doing it while we listen to conference. Lillian and I put together two 700-piecers this time.
I'm always uplifted and renewed by listening and taking notes. Of course, in the course of 10 hours of meetings, there is a lot to draw from, but I like to write down the things that touch me and mean the most to me. Here's what stood out.
Be modest in your dress. (L. Tom Perry)
Be good neighbors and friends (Silvia Allred)
Faith is not just a feeling, it is a decision. When times get tough, choose faith (Neil L. Anderson)
Honor the Sabbath Day. Arrive early to Church and be reverent during the sacrament. (Dallin H. Oaks)
Have Hope! (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
How to handle hard times:
- 1. Laugh
- 2. Seek for the Eternal
- 3. Understand principle of compensation. Everything lost will be returned again to those who are faithful. An example of the speaker's grandson who has autism was given.
- 4. Trust in God and Jesus Christ (Joseph Wirthlin)
We seek for intelligence and knowledge. The most important truths, however, can be understood even by children. God speaks to us according to our capacity to understand. (Gerald Cassue)
Jesus Christ is our Savior and atoned for us. Everything depends on having the Spirit in our lives. It is popular now to hear "Live life your own way," but God has said, "I am the way" (Lawrence E. Corbridge)
Be unified. Overcome contention. Forgiveness is essential. Care for the poor and needy. (D. Todd Christofferson)
Pray always. Meaningful morning prayer is your spiritual foundation for the day. Be grateful. Every so often, say a prayer that asks for nothing, but instead thanks God for all your blessings. Pray for others. (David A. Bednar)
A great day of unity is coming, when Christ will personally reign on the earth. Be unified now and prepare for that day. Pray for unity, which comes through living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be a peacemaker. Speak well of each other and look for the good in others. Remember that we are judged by the judgment we impose on others. Be generous. (Henry B. Eyring)
Meekness is not weakness. Be slow to take offense and quick to forgive. Stay on the high ground. Seek for common ground when facing opposition. (Robert D. Hales)
"In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things." Be virtuous. (Elaine S. Dalton)
This is not a time for superficial righteousness. (M. Russell Ballard)
The only thing constant is change. We only have one chance at this life. Don't wait for someday to come (someday when you have more money, more time, or whatever), make the most of life today. Find joy in the journey. Be grateful for the abundance in your life and thank God for it. (Thomas S. Monson)
Marriage is ordained of God. (Russell M. Nelson)
Gospel teachers know the names of their students and teach the scriptures. (William D. Oswald)
***
We have a few traditions at our house to make conference easier. We usually find a packet online with activities for the kids to do during conference (coloring pages, word searches, etc.). This year, we used this one. Since we don't have TV, we watched it online through BYU TV. We turned up the volume on my computer and piped the sound through our intercom system through the whole house. I think it made listening a lot easier for us because the kids could spread out a bit more. They were mostly in the kitchen. They colored a lot and did puzzles. Lillian and Joey were old enough to take some notes. We have a tradition of buying a new puzzle and doing it while we listen to conference. Lillian and I put together two 700-piecers this time.
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