Sometimes I am slow to process, so it takes me a while to put together my thoughts concerning what is taught during General Conference. Luckily, it doesn’t stop me from posting some of my immediate reactions. Most are very shallow. Depth takes time.
Here they are, in no particular order:
This morning’s theme: Tornados. All things are in commotion.
The Chia Herb Garden behind the speakers is a good reminder that we need to get planting.
I like Elder Holland’s narrow magenta tie
Elder Anderson’s red tie threw the color balance out of whack on my TV.
It will take some times to peel back all the layers of Elder Holland’s magnificent talk.
I love how he pointed out that Jesus was demanding, not a gentle ‘smooth’ leader, and that there is a crucial difference between forgiving sin – and condoning it. (Brilliantly setting up Elder Anderson’s talk)
I’ve always wondered if we will ever get to the point where a talk is given in the speaker’s native language, then subtitled in English. Elder Amado was close.
No new temples announced. I wonder how long it will be until some bozo writes that the Church is shrinking, broke, or losing its way.
I found it interesting that someone actually warned Sister Reeves that teaching the sisters to have prayer and scripture study would “stress them out.” I loved how she said that was actually a stress-reliever. (C’mon Dads – it’s not Mom’s job anyway!)
Elder Anderson talking about Facebook haters shows just how in touch the brethren really are.
We stopped the TV during Elder Anderson’s comments on marriage, and talked about how difficult it would be to listen to this talk and still personally support gay marriage. How does one rationalize that?
During President Monson’s into, I mentioned to my kids that when I was young, there were only 13 operating temples. Elder Anderson said the same thing – which makes me “officially old.”
I loved how President Eyring mentioned that sometimes blessing are delayed for a purpose. It builds faith. We all need to remember that!
Daily family prayer and scripture study reinforced by both Sis. Reeves and President Eyring. Especially when the kids are young.
Both prophets President Eyring has served with both had the same optimistic outlook and would say, “Oh things will work out.”
And this awesome quote from President Eyring about the Prophets: “They generally know more about the problem than those sounding the alarm.”
I love these people. What a well-spent two hours. (And to think that some people forgo Saturday Conference.)
My “conference question” for this time around was what my 3 children need, right now, and how I can help them. I feel my answer came from Sister Reeves’ talk: daily prayer, scripture study, FHE every week. And it WAS a stress reliever for me, because we already do these things!
I have to say I appreciate the absolute directness of language in the talks this morning. I felt the spirit and was glad that my children listened to our apostles and understood that they were speaking to them. I can only wonder what will be discussed tomorrow with so much divinely direct guidance given on just the first Saturday session. I loved Elder Holland’s talk especially. I love that it was made clear that Christ was demanding. Loving and kind and willing to serve, but demanding. I also loved the promise I heard that all that needs to happen in my home was to read the scriptures, pray, and hold family home evening and everything would work out. Thank you Sister Reeves and Elder Eyring!
Thanks for these “notes”. I like them! I am so grateful to be a part of this church and to be able to listen to these wonderful conferences TWICE a year! Our God is good!!
I loved, loved, LOVED Carlos Amado’s talk!! It was the bearing of pure testimony of the Savior, and in its simplicity, it touched my heart the most today.
The sis. Reeves comment hit me hard because I recently (in the past month) had two women tell me this! I was shocked and very sad they feel this way…it IS a stress reliever just like sis reeves said.
Sad. : (
Sometimes Saturday is the best day. But then Sunday is too. Ok! It’s all wonderful!!
Oh how I loved all the talks. Did you notice several mentions of the “hen gathering her chickens”?
And I LOVE President Uchtdorf’s orange striped tie. I want one for my missionary!
Good show sir, Good show.
Some things I needed to hear for sure.
I was doing my BYU-I homework, so didn’t see any of the ties.
I think you’re right. Elder Amado should’ve spoke in his native language, and been subtitled. I think it would be good for the saints, and humbling for others.
I thought the same thing about Elder Andersen’s talk– as far as I remember, the brethren have alluded to the issue during conference, but hadn’t (until today) called the issue out. Honestly, I think some people have been able to miss other messages about it, and needed to hear a direct address, from an apostle, in conference. Hopefully they hear it, and don’t ‘stop their ears.’
I loved how all of the addresses complimented one another. I also thought how many talks were addressed specifically to the youth was significant.
Can’t wait for the next session!
As temples are a big theme in my work, Did anybody else get the feeling that President Monson announced an end to the accelerated temple building program, and a return to an on-needed basis? Or do you guys think I was just reading to much into it?
I think it is probably just a breather to catch up. Maybe there are financial considerations – worldwide growth=less per capita contributions.
I would have difficulty believing Financial difficulties. I know the for profit arm of the Church makes huge contributions to things like building construction. I could see it in relation to the cost difference of large vrs small temple construction, but that said we are currently building 13 large temples, with 2 more in remodel and another small temple about to undergo remodel.
I had wondered if there was a lack of membership activity to justify expansion.
I do like the idea of a time of catch-up. I would hate to think that the world has become so wicked that there is no justification for new temples.
One of the people that oversee’s all the temples being built for the church lives in our ward. I asked him about this at the last conference as to why we didn’t see any new temples being announced. He just laughed & said that they’re literally running as fast as they can to keep up with the brethren announcing new ones and that he was extremely grateful for a bit of a breather to get caught up. But he said it’s just that, a breather, there’s several more in the planning stages yet to be announced.
There’s also some really big projects going on right now. Ogden is a huge undertaking and the Provo Tabernacle is also a monumental task as well. But, once they’re caught up a little more I’m sure we’ll see several more being announced.
Thanks or the inside scoop, Graydon!
Or they’re spending more on missionary work and that’s the focus right now… Maybe…
Is it too late to get into the betting pool for new temples?
Yes, Pres. Monson said there would not be any more announced until the 27 that are in some stage of building are near finished.