I really do love General Conference. There is only one session left, and I have a few minutes to contemplate before it begins. Rather than talk about what has been said, I have a couple thoughts about Conference in general (Get it? Conference in General?)
Yesterday I described the gist of Priesthood Conference with this picture:
“I would like to speak of one particular attitude and practice we need to adopt if we are to meet our Heavenly Father’s high expectations. It is this: willingly to accept and even seek correction. Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ”. (Link to talk here)
Part of my intention in taking notes during Conference is to make a checklist of things that I need to improve in my life. I crave this type of correction. Yes, it reenforces my awareness of my shortcomings.
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Ether 12:27
But Conference is not just a downer. Quite the opposite. Because with that correction comes strength. As I listen to the words of the prophets, and the Holy Ghost as he prompts me, I am blessed with the tools that I need to overcome my weakness. I am blessed with an increase in knowledge, faith, testimony, hope, charity, and stronger desire to be better. I emerge stronger, and more determined to follow my Savior. Conference is filled with motivation, and gentle comfort – if we are listening.
When Conference ends, I have much more to accomplish that before it began – but I am much better equipped to “step up”. This semi-annual experience blesses my life, and gives it greater purpose.
I don’t resent it, or shy away from it. Progress makes me happy.
So if you hate Conference, or it makes you feel bad, remember that God loves you. General Conference is proof.
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As overwhelming and draining as conference weekend can be, I don’t come away from it sad and overwhelmed. There’s so much hope and inspiration and revelation. It’s amazing how even these “calls to repent” can be so uplifting when delivered by the Power of the Spirit.
Sometimes I think we feel like we have to be perfect. But that’s not our purpose here. Our purpose is to try our hardest and be our best! Conference helps us to know what we need to work on. Its a positive thing. We need to remember that as long as we are working our hardest, we have the Atonement that will help us make up the rest. To me that is a hopeful positive message. Yes I need work. We all need work. But we have help! I LOVE IT!
That quote from Jeffrey R. Holland came during the Saturday afternoon session and I was glad he said it. That was a powerful talk and I think anyone that took it hard needs to re-read what Nephi said to his brothers.
I like being challenged…
=)
Amen to this. Pride is the ONLY thing i think that could make you hate such a sacred and amazing thing. I told my best friend today every session feels like my patriarchal blessing. Like it is designed precisely and only for me. How could you not love the type of Heavenly Parent that is THIS involved in bettering his children and bringing them home?
I’ve never come away from conference feeling like I’ve been told “everything I’m doing wrong”. Maybe that’s one of my defects (not ‘getting’ it). Especially THIS conference weekend, I feel energized and “pumped” to do great things in the Gospel.
Conference always reminds me that I have plenty of work to do.
Sandy
This reminds me of something Sister Beck said when I asked her a question in a fireside:
Any voice that says “You are not good enough” is from Satan. A voice that says “You can do better, and I’ll help you.” is from Heavenly Father.
That has been a really helpful point of analysis for me.
That’s really good company – I’ll take it! Thanks!
Ooo. I like that. Thanks for asking her, and thanks for sharing it with us!
Funny….I half expected this post, based on the title, to be about the high and mighty internet commenters who feel the need to correct GC speakers. Lots of angst out there regarding some talks in some quarters.
There will always be some that seek to counsel the Lord… not that the approach has ever been particularly effective at granting people what they want. Some people simply choose to be unhappy.
wonderful point of view. we are “works in progress” and can only step up!
Great post. It reminds me that the Spirit is the teacher, not the brethren (they would agree with me on that). So if we feel uncomfortable, it is probably the Spirit making us feel uncomfortable, not the brethren. Same with feeling comforted. Only the Spirit can truly comfort us. We have to take our weaknesses and our pain and grief to the Lord.
I heard a lot of that in conference today too – the apostles testifying of the atonement.
Where did your email address go?
middleagedmormonman@gmail.com
Ditto!
I love the way you put it, “I am blessed with an increase in knowledge, faith, testimony, hope, charity, and stronger desire to be better. I emerge stronger, and more determined to follow my Savior. Conference is filled with motivation, and gentle comfort – if we are listening.” Exactly how I feel.
The only thing that makes me sad is when people criticize the speakers. There is NO way each one of them doesn’t listen the the Spirit when preparing their talks.
Perhaps the reason the comment was deleted is that the person that commented realized that he was being unfair and angry about needing succor and encouragement and hearing only “we’re not good enough.” Sadly, this is true. Also sadly, there are many that need succor and encouragement that do not get to hear it because there are too many among us that badly need correction. (reference Jacob 2:6-9). Perhaps it was not intended as a criticism of the speakers, but a sad commentary about the predictability of the priesthood getting another “you’re not doing your duty” talk.
I think Anonymous is right on all counts. Unfortunately I can’t see we brethren ever getting to a level of efficiency to where we can enjoy two hours of praise – mostly because I will be in the audience.
Good point. Perhaps I should develop other avenues for receiving succor other than in a public meeting. ^_~
Very wise! You could always slip into Relief Society Conference…
(I’m gonna pay for that one)
You read my mind actually deleted that from my response =) How telling it is that they get encouragement and the Priesthood gets rebuked. The good sisters of the church are indeed wonderful.
(I’m not going to make yo pay)
In general, I think women are less confident in their own abilities and need to be built up. Sometimes it’s the only time we get it. I think anonymous is right that we need to “receive succor from other than public meetings”. I have a firm knowledge that Heavenly Father loves me (as much as he loves anyone). In knowing that, I can listen to the messages as direction, not critical.
(it may be a stretch, but some will see my point) I remember as a young newlywed I went to my dad and complained about my husband. His advice was,” go home and work on yourself and everything will work out”.
Church meetings, General Conference, and any other church meeting that we attend is a chance to know and work on our own imperfections.
We can choose to be like Nephi and rise to the occasion and correct or better our behaviors or we can be like his brothers and ignore or resent reminders that truly are just tender mercies from the Lord.
I find that attitude interesting since with these counsels and teachings come blessings which are also told to us in the conference talks. Some people are just content with a few blessings and don’t want to earn more, I guess.
AMEN. There were quite a few I squirmed through this year. And that’s a good thing, I know! 😀
Well said. Thanks for the reminder of that talk last year. That last story about the 3 kids in Haiti being under rubble and the 5 year old singing I am a child of God, caused me to cry. I wondered if I had taken my happy meds this morning. Everything that I have done and gone through these last 3 years have caused me to feel at odds, with who I am and where I’m at and what to do and how to feel about myself. But that reminder shoke right to my heart that regardless of everything stupid and hard, I’m still a child of God and he still loves me even if it will take longer to perfect me than others.
Excellent thoughts. Elder Holland’s talk was like a dagger through my heart- but in a good life-changing way. I already feel happier from the change of heart and mind I’m having. Sure, I’m very guilty of some of the sins he mentioned, but I learned to “Be kind. Be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.” So true, I already feel much more happy.
Conference was excellent , because I came away reminded of what i need to improve. It’s not what I was told but what I felt.