I sat down to put some thoughts down on the blog about General Conference. I was sitting next to Wade on the couch. He said, "Um, what did that talk say about being on the computer too much?" (Guess he was listening intently to Elder Ardern's talk...) Smiling, I said I was putting my time to good use by writing about conference and added that the Nintendo DS game he was engrossed in at that moment could probably be called a time waster, too. He grinned and got the message that a Conference Policeman needs to pay attention to his own choices and not just those of his family in the room with him!
Wade cracked me up during our 4 hours of Conference talks today, raising eyebrows at each of us for both good reasons (Primary kids singing "Families Can Be Together Forever") and bad (that killer talk on good use of time). It is a WONDERFUL experience watching your kids grasp the important messages they hear during General Conference! Rhiannon and I would usually jinx each other after talks, too, saying, "That was a good one!" at the same time.
All 4 of us hanging out in the same room, keeping our fingers busy with different activities, but all listening carefully, too. Oh, and eating almost-expired "treats" from the emergency kits, too. I love Conference weekends!
Here's my quick summary of Saturday's messages:
Elder Scott--Scriptures can become our friends. Fill your mental "filing cabinet" with memorized scriptures. Grow to love all the scriptures. Consistently read the Book of Mormon--it is true.
Sister Thompson--Holy Ghost and personal revelation. We need to desire to know, ask in faith, and keep the commandments, then answers will come in God's way and in His own time. Our testimonies get us through hard times--they need to be strengthened so that they'll sustain us.
Elder Clayton--Church growth. Growth of the Church prophesied in the scriptures. It is happening! We need to share the important message of the knowledge of a Savior.
President Monson--we loved his enthusiastic "Hello!" at the beginning. Announced temples in Columbia, the Congo, Durban in South Africa, Star Valley in Wyoming, Paris, and the Provo Tabernacle being rebuilt as a temple. Loved all the collective gasps from the audience at these announcements! Also mentioned a new fund set up for members living in remote areas to have money for a 1-time trip to temple.
Elder Alonso--Service and rescuing those who are lost. LOVED this repeated phrase: "do the right thing at the right time without delay."
President Packer--great talk directed to the youth. How to survive in enemy territory and a world in commotion? Listen to and follow the Spirit. Too many good things in this talk--we will for sure want to review this with the kids.
President Uchtdorf--Worth of souls. The paradox of man--man is nothing, but man is everything to God. Always retain the greatness of God and the worth of souls. Loved his stories about being in west Texas, and the humble couple who went about doing good.
Elder Bednar--I've heard many talks on family history work, but this talk was especially good. You don't have to be old to do family history work! He spent a lot of time explaining how the youth should get involved and not be overly trained, but basically introduced to family work and then they'll catch the excitement all on their own. Cool story about some young men who were asked to teach the family history course in their ward. Very timely. All of us enjoyed this talk.
Elder Andersen--Importance of families and having children. Have faith--multiply and replenish the earth--don't follow what the world says and wait til you have "enough money." How many or when to have children is a personal decision between God, husband, and wife. Don't be judgmental of others, too, in this vital, sensitive topic.
Elder Aldern--Make good use of your time. I took a LOT of notes on this one. Basic message to me was don't let technology take over your life! Seek after the things of God and make time for Him and your family. Make sure that all your busy-ness is productive and not just using up time.
Elder Carl Cook--LOVED this one and loved his story about being in the elevator with Pres Monson--"It's better to look up!" Prophets lead us to God. Look up, step up, and you will cheer up!
Elder LeGrand Curtis Jr.--wonderful talk about the Savior's Atonement and several stories of redemption. Reach out to others--through Christ, people can change their lives.
Elder Christofferson--Jason felt this was one of the better talks he'd ever heard on repentance. I loved how he talked about repentance being a joyful experience--"Look, I'm smiling!" He shared 5 keys--repentance is a message of love, striving to change takes effort, commit to be obedient, be serious about repentance (don't do a check-off list), and feel the joy of forgiveness.
Elder Perry--"Be thou an example." With all the attention the Church has been getting in the media, he reminded us of how important it is to be a good example, speak up, do good works, walk in faith, and share the gospel message.
What's been your favorite part so far?
