Wow, what a fabulous weekend and how wonderful it was to hear from the leaders of the Church. I don't know about you but conference to me gets better each and every time. Here are some of my favorite highlights from Conference:
Elder Hales- Quorum of the Twelve- "Provident Living"1. We need to learn to say "We can't afford it" or if we have some extra money, "We can afford it, but don't need it"!
2. We need to teach and help our children learn provident living:
a. Through Fast Offerings and Tithing
b. Holding Family Budget and Family Council Meetings
c. Teach them to not satisfy immediate wants but ask "Is this temporary or will it have a lasting affect?"
3. What we should be seeking for is what only Heavenly Father can give: His love, blessings, companionship of the Holy Ghost, etc.
4. The appetite for worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Savior!!!!!
President Henry B. Eyring- 1st Counselor- "Overcoming trials and life challenges"1. He assured us that Heavenly Father and the Savior do live and love ALL humanity!
2. Our trials show their infinite love for us. WE chose to come and experience mortality to learn and grow and be tested to see if we would do all things that Gos asks of us!
3. He talked about the Savior's suffering for us. He came to earth to learn for himself what it would be like for us so he would be able to help us in our time of need!
4. He recalled the conversation of the Lord and Prophet Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail: "...Thine affliction shall be but a small moment...and if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..."
Elder Scott- Quorum of the Twelve- "Temples"
How we can gain more through temple attendance:
1. While participating in ordinances think about your relationship with God and Jesus.
2. Be grateful for the blessings of the temple.
3. Take time to learn and understand the ordinances and symbolism, especially the importance of the Atonement.
4. Take off your watch when entering the temple (I thought it was interesting that he said this because this was something I already do, so I am not tempted to rush through my temple time and think only on why I am there)!
5. Everything cannot be understood by going once, we need to return many times.
6. Watch and really listen to the spirit as you participate. Participate in all parts of temple worship.
and my favorite: Elder Holland- Quorum of the Twelve- "Reflecting on Easter and Last week of the Savior's Life"
1. Recognize the importance and special gift of our Savior for us. Because Jesus walked the path alone we do not have to. He will not leave us comfortless. I did not right much down because it was so powerful, but he did talk about why God had to briefly depart from the Savior during his suffering, because Jesus had to be able for that moment to feel what mankind would feel upon committing awful sins! I am sure it was hard for Heavenly Father to watch His son suffer so much, but it had to be done. Jesus said "Be of Good Cheer for I have overcome the World"!
I really loved this talk and it has urged me to take this week and read and ponder the last week of our Savior's life. How on Palm Sunday he entered Jerusalem being praised with shouts of "Hosanna" and then so quickly His followers, even those who knew His touch and loved Him most would betray Him and deny they knew Him! I wonder, "Am I among those who would deny Him or one who would die with Him?"
I also note there were many other wonderful talks about the sacredness of Temples, that Faith and Fear cannot coincide, we need to be faithful and exact in our obedience to the Lord and His commandments. Talks about being missionaries and declaring the voice of warning to our neighbors. We should, when proclaiming the Gospel: 1. Declare our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, 2. Tell in our own words the story of the First Vision, and 3. Testify of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Priesthood through Heavenly Messengers. (Talk given by Elder Perry- Quorum of the Twelve.)I also loved the strong words our apostles and prophet had for those who participate in the flaunting of Holy and sacred things to the world and also those who participate in pornography and other evils of the Internet! President Monson said, "Pornography will literally kill the Spirit. If you have been involved with this, CEASE NOW!" He also gave us a word of caution: Try to avoid the subtleties of Satan, especially when it comes to the Internet!
Times are very hard for many right now, the world is troubled and there is a lot of corruption on all sides. We are simply to trust in the Lord and know that all things are to be fulfilled that have been prophesied since the beginning of time. WE need to be faithful and believing. We may not escape persecution or illness or death, that is part of this mortal probation period, but we will be saved in the Kingdom of God if we are faithful and endure to the end! I KNOW this to be true! Sometimes when things seem like the world is ending I have to remind myself, but I know God is there and knows EACH of HIS Sons and daughters!
What an awesome conference weekend! I love this Gospel and the HOPE it provides in dark times! With all my love to my readers, thank you and God Bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment