Note: These are the instant, mildly-filtered things that ran through my brain and heart as I watched this session of General Conference. If you are looking for deep, spiritual analysis, this is not the place. Drive on. Please check back later for that, after I have had some time to process.
FULL DSCLOSURE: As I mentioned, I smoked a prime rib for an early Easter dinner. It was FABULOUS. But, while engaged in the process of cooking and eating, I totally forgot to pause the live stream of this session. The result? I came in halfway through, while President Oaks was talking. Sory about that. I’ll try and go back later and fill in the first hour.
Did I mention the the prime rib was awesome?
President Dallin H. Oaks: Refresher on the Plan of Salvation. “What has Jesus done for me?” Pull up a chair…
“We know that these mortal separations are only temporary, and we anticipate future joyful reunions and associations. The resurrection provides us hope and the strength to be patient as we wait.”
“The magnificent and incomprehensible effect of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is based on God’s love for each of us.” (Awesome thesis statement.)
“The resurrection provides us hope and the strength to be patient as we wait. It also prepares us with the courage and dignity to face our own death — even a death that might be called premature.”
(2nd talk that delves into death and mortality.)
“Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all of us can know that our mortal deficiencies are only temporary.” Thank heavens! Right?
“The Resurrection gives us more than this assurance of immortality. It changes the way we view mortal life.”
“We must love God with all our might, mind, and strength. His plan motivated by love should be received with love.” (Yes, almost every sentence of this talk could be a quote.)
President Russel M. Nelson concludes:
“I hope you have found an increased ability to Hear Him and receive Personal Revelation.”
“Difficult trials often provide opportunities to grow that would not have come in any other way.”
“I believe you will see many ways in which the Lord has been guiding you through this time of hardship, helping you to become a more devoted, more converted man — a true man of God.”
“As you continue to let God prevail in your life, I know that He is just as optimistic about your future as He has ever been.”
Asks how we have grown during the past year. For some that is a tough question to answer…
4 Lessons he hopes we all learned during the pandemic:
- “The home is the center of faith and worship.” “I urge you to continue to make your home a truly holy place, ‘and be not moved’ from that essential goal.” Even after the pandemic is over. “Between now and the time the Lord comes again, we all need our homes to be places of serenity and security.”
- “We need each other.” “We can accomplish so much more together than we can alone. God’s plan of happiness would be frustrated if His children remained isolated one from another.” “If you know anyone who is alone – reach out…just say hello.”
- “Your Priesthood quorum is meant for more than just a meeting.” Seek revelation to know what your quorum can do.
- “We hear Jesus Christ better when we are still.” All things shall be in commotion…” “True before the pandemic, and will be true after.” “The voice of the Lord is not a great tumultuous noise. It is a still voice of perfect mildness.” “Quiet time is sacred time. Time that will facilitate personal revelation and instill peace.”
(Confession: I am strong on 1&4, but a little weaker on 2&3)
“The future is bright for God’s covenant-keeping people.”
• Man, I missed all sorts of good stuff. Dopey me. I’ll catch up with it later.
• Have a great night, and we’ll do this again tomorrow.
