I can’t recall a time in my short life that I have felt like we General Conference needed to get here – and I mean pronto! Maybe it is just me, but I feel like the world is in chaos, or as it says in Psalms, “They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.” (Psalms 107:27) Seems like we need good dose of Conference sensibility.
(Glad to see that we are now underway with the Women’s Session last night, and there was an easily identifiable theme: How to find hope, and how to be happy.)
Whys do I think we need Conference so badly? I’ll limit it to three reasons, because I’ll be late for Church if I elaborate.
1) Continuity
Right now, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is at 75% capacity. This hash;t happened since 1904. It is hard to imagine a world, or a Conference without Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry and Richard G. Scott giving us inspired counsel in their unique ways. They had such diverse styles and personalities, but all delivered God’s message. I will miss them tremendously.
But the Church must move forward. There will be three new apostles called and sustained. I have no idea who they will be – I just know that I haven’t received any Top Secret phone calls for Headquarters. Yet. So I think we are all safe there.
The new apostles will be different, younger, and will bring their own personalities and new energy to the Quorum. One thing for certain, they will still stand as special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I will raise my hand high in the air to sustain them.
2) True Prophets – True Prophecy
It has been an amazing week as the world has watched Pope Francis’s visit to the United States. I do appreciate the fact that he is a powerful figure. I hope his visit to our Nation and the government institutions will help everyone remember that God and religion does matter, and deserves more consideration.
However, in God’s eyes, he holds no authority. My 13 year-old son holds Priesthood power, and keys, that are not found in any other Church. Rather than listen to the political/religious views of the Pope, I would rather get closer to the source of truth.
Additionally, tonight is the dreaded blood moon, which some people think will usher in the end of times. Many of the people who believe this are blinded by others, and are even ignoring the Church’s counsel to not chase after such things. (Link) Yes, there are false prophets and prophecies in the land. Again, I would rather get closer to the source of truth.
Next week, we get to. We will hear from the Lord’s chosen servants what HE thinks is important for us to know and to do. We can hold up our worries, personal beliefs, agendas, and habits to the light, and evaluate if we are focusing on the things that matter – according to the Lord.
3) I Need It
Yes, I need a spiritual boost every now and then. Mortality is draining, and a dose of perspective is always helpful – if not painful. Life is a series of readjustments, repentance, and improvement. General Conference can be a catalyst for personal change and improvement, if we let it. (It can also be a huge pile of guilt strapped to our backs, if we look at it wrong. Read about it here: Failing Conference.)
I see General Conference as a time for personal training, inventory, and an infusion of spiritual strength and energy. Who doesn’t need that? I sure do. Yes, it can be painful at times, but that is OK, too.
The world is indeed “reeling to and fro like a drunken man.” Next week, the Lord will instruct us how to sober it up.
Enjoy!
Note: I am not attending next weekend, so I will be posting my immediate thoughts about each session, which will be worth exactly what you pay for them.
Good Sabbath!
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I loved the thought that mortality is draining. I’m stealing it, if you don’t mind. It has amazing eternal implications! Thank you again for taking the time to put my thoughts into words 😉
I too can’t wait for conference. But then I think do I even remember what was said last conference and taken that counsel into my life to make it better? Time to do some re-reading.
I wish we could just fast forward through this week and get to Conference already. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas to arrive!! C*A*N*T W*A*I*T!!!!! 🙂
Well MMM, Yes i understand the wonky feelings. Also, you mentioned ….”they will be younger..” tis true, but I also believe that the Church is ggrowing. Everywhere. I can pretty much bet that they will be from different Countries to represent other Nations, Now the 3 have past, now is time the Church can reach into Countries from distant shores. In 1978, the Church gave us the Revelation the time was now for the people of color( that’s how it was said back then, I was there), Now it’s like the same feeling loosing the 3 so close before Conference that we have so many new lands that have opened up. Should be interesting.
Amen! Hurry up conference!
I feel the same way I feel that the world is in much confusion and that we need a nice refresher from our general authorities. I also feel that conference isn’t coming soon enough!!!!!!
Yes! I’ve been feeling the same way! I can’t wait until next weekend! (My little boys are excited too.)
Great post! One of my favorite General Conference things to do is, I listen with several questions. Sometimes I write the questions on the note book I’m taking notes in. Sometimes it’s a personal question, sometimes doctrinal..which ever the case, I have a testimony that the Lord could inspire someone with the words He wants me to hear. I love it because it personalizes the sessions, enlarges my faith in the Gospel and strengthens my knowledge that the Lord knows me, my circumstances and my needs. Yay!!!Conference is coming!!!!
My EC is already in Utah and I will be headed there mid-week for 7 days, we were both saddened that we couldn’t manage to get tickets to any sessions (hazard of not knowing soon enough that we would have the chance to visit the kids) We haven’t been to conference together since our honeymoon….many moons ago, when we sat in the cramped south east balcony of the Tabernacle. Our son is excited that he has an entire investigator family who have committed to attending both Sunday sessions with him and his companion.
I am excited to learn who the next three men called to bear special witness are going to be. But that doesn’t account for the sadness of losing the first 2 Apostles that I remember being called. Funny thing is, I know who I would love to see in the calling, but those same men serve just as well where they are. The Lord calls His witnesses as He sees fit, not who we want. —on a side note, has anybody ever thought of a General Conference with “fantasy GA’s”? I am willing to suggest that this would be what we DO get every 6 months.
Looking forward to General Conference too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on some the reasons why.
This is a great post and you summed up everything ice been thinking perfectly. Thanks! I don’t have to do the work to write it now, I’ll just share yours 🙂
I don’t think I have ever been as anxious for General Conference as I am now, ever in my life. You nailed the reasons why!
We in our lifetimes will probably not witness 3 Apostls called and sustained in the same conference! Pray for them and our other leaders and also pray for the personal revelation/inspiration you need. You will find it in a particular talk, comment, or song. Our hearts will be touched as we prayerfully prepare ourselves and family. I found comfort one conference with the tabernacle choir singing “Be stilll my soul”. Hymn 124. Peace and blessings to all.
Amen. Although there is one brother that is terrified conference is coming so quickly. Perhaps pray for him?
Layne, make that at least THREE brothers terrified (3 new appstles) not to mention their 3 stressed out wives… just sayin’.
I was thinking of the man just called this week (only an assumption). The other two might have had a little more time for it to sink in.
MMM you just expressed my exact feelings and longing for next weekend to get here fast. Thank you for putting into words the feelings in my heart!