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 umbeep, spiritual analysis, this is not the place. Drive on. Please check back later for that, after I have had some time to process.
• What a sweet and tender session of Conference.
• 186th Annual. That means in 14 years we will have the Bi-Centennial of the Restoration of the Church. I wonder if I will still be around. And by “still be around,” I mean “alive.”
• Elder Robert D. Hales. Detailed primer on the role of the Holy Ghost.
Just an observation: As Elder Hales listed the duties of the Holy Ghost he specifically used the words “He,” “Him,” and other gender-specific words. Often, when people discuss the Holy Ghost, the use gender-neutral terms like “It.” I find that to be respectful and more personal.
“The Holy Ghost is not given to control us…He speaks out to our minds and our hearts gently about many matters of consequence.”
Section 121 sighting. Follow the Holy Ghosts’s example by leading with “gentleness. Meekness and love unfeigned.”
He shared several experiences that showed how through a lifetime of learning, he had developed tremendous “fine-tuning” in receiving promptings from the Holy Ghost.
“Through the Holy Ghost we experience the multitude of tender mercies and miracles that do not cease.”
What a sweet man.
• I mentioned that we will definitely hear from Holland-Oaks this afternoon. My daughter thought I said Hall & Oats.
Elder Gerrit Gong. (He’s from California, FYI.)
Sacrament. & Remembering the Savior. Yeah! (I love sacrament talks)
Six ways to remember the Savior.
1: having confidence in his covenants, promises, and assurances.
2: Gratefully acknowledging God’s hand throughout our lives.
3: Trusting when the Lord assures us that when we repent, He, the Lord, will remember them no more.
4: He invites us to remember that He always welcomes us home.
5: We can always remember him on the Sabbath through the sacrament.
6: Remember Him as He always remembers us
Some of his key quotes:
“To be worthy is not to be perfect.”
“He knows everything about that we don’t want anyone else to know, and loves us still.”
“Life is not a cruel as it sometimes seems.”
• I’m pretty sure the grass has grown since yesterday. Some say plants thrive when you talk to them.
• Elder Patrick Kearon. (It shouldn’t, but his British accent makes him sound smarter.)
Estimated 60 million refugees. Half are children. (Here is some data to support those numbers: The Guardian.)
Disclaimer that he isn’t getting into the political aspects, but in the humanitarian aspects. (But it only took the Saints a few minutes to completely disregard that disclaimer and start using his talk as a hammer for political purposes. Nice.)
“Under the direction of the First Presidency, the Church is working with 75 organizations in 17 European countries.” (I would like to know how and how much $$$)
“As individuals and families, we can join in this great humanitarian endeavor.”
“Millions of refugees worldwide, whose stories no longer make the news, are still in desperate need of help.”
Huge idea: “This moment does not define them (the refugees), but our response will help define us.”
Here’s the link to the I Was a Stranger website: (link)
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40)
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Opposition to The Plan.
We’ve got to be “enticed” one way or the other – or we can’t be agents unto ourselves.
“Those who thought to destroy the Father’s Plan actually facilitated it.” (Take that, Satan!)
Three methods the devil will use in the last days. I looked them all up and attached links)
1) For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. (2 Nephi 28:20)
2) And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. (2 Nephi 28:21)
3) And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. (2 Nephi 28:22)
Because of this opposition, we are warned to not be at ease in Zion.
“God rarely infringes on the agency of any of His children by intervening against some for the relief of others.”
“The Church in its divine mission and we in our personal lives seem to face increasing opposition today.”
There is no “Loyal Opposition” in the Church.
• Elder Kent Richards. (I accidentally typed Keith Richards, but the Spirit alerted me)
An open invitation to get more involved in temple work – for old and young.
Spoke about temples, and quoted President Russell M. Nelson: “Service in the temple is a sublime activity for a family.”
“Come to the temple. Come often. Come with and for your family. Come, and help others to come too.”
Young people need the temple more than old people, because older people have a foundation of experience. Surprised to hear that, but it makes sense.
The blessings of the temple are priceless. No sacrifice is too great. Come
• Elder Paul Johnson is speaking about the resurrection. (Secretly hoping he doesn’t say anything that contradicts with my post on Easter.)
Greatest event in the history of mankind. Check.
Immortal Body+Spirit = fullness of joy. Check
No salvation without our spirit AND body. Check.
(Breathing easier)
“For all who have laid a child in a grave or wept over the casket of a spouse or grieved over the death of a parent or someone they loved, the Resurrection is a source of great hope. “
This is so sweet, so personal, as he refers to his daughter, Lisa, who passed away.
And now for the big finish:
• Elder Jeffrey Holland
Very tenderly: “Do you have any idea, do you have any notion or inkling whatsoever of how much we love you?… You thrill us to the center of our soul.”
“You are the miracle of this Church, and we love you.”
“None of us want tomorrow, or the day after that, to destroy the wonderful feelings we have had this weekend. We want to hold fast to the spiritual impressions we’ve had and the inspired teachings we’ve heard.”
“Post-illumination Affliction” comes to all of us. (PIA?)
(Dumb question: How do we know what occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration if everyone was asleep? Sorry – I’m sure one of you will let me now.) NOTE: Several readers have reminded me that it was at Gethsemane where they fell asleep. My bad! And who says “there are no dumb questions?”
Offered this encouragement for PIA:
1st: If you see limitations in others and yourselves, don’t get down on yourself and don’t give up. Conference in not intended to discourage you. Satan wants us to be miserable too – don’t fall for that.
“Only the adversary…would try to convince us that the ideals outlined in general conference are depressing and unrealistic.”
2nd: Please remember tomorrow and all the days after that that the Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments & try to keep them, who cherish Christ-like virtues & strive…to acquire them.
“The great thing about the gospel is that we get credit for trying- even if we don’t necessarily succeed .”
“The first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all our heart, might, mind and strength but the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind and strength.”
“His divine love and unfailing help will be with us even when we struggle—no, will be with us especially when we struggle.”
He closed with a powerful testimony of the Savior. What a great man.
• Wow! I don’t know if it from age, or the sessions are getting shorter, but Conference FLEW by this year. I never even had a chance to doze off.
• Thanks for reading my poor attempts to share my thoughts on Conference. It is good for me to document my experience, and I do appreciate your interest.
Have a great Sabbath!
I thought that mentioning the missionaries jumping on their beds in Thailand last year when the temple was announced was funny…..and believable. I know that when the Bangkok Stake was organized a few of years ago, a bunch of 40+ year old men wept and were thrilled that it had happened so “quickly” (40 years). When the temple was announced, there were a bunch of 50ish year old men holding their grandchildren and jumping on the couch…..because a temple had been announced in their lifetime!!!! (I assume the Sisters from that time probably maintained a little more proper decorum.) I find it interesting that in my youth, you could make a calendar out of pictures of EVERY operating temple. With today’s announcement, there will soon be two cities in the world that have 2 temples in that city. Amazing!!!
Because FOML 1-4 are spread out, and two have small children, we all watch conference in our individual homes most of the time. It may or may not be proper, but we have a running text dialogue during conference addressing what has just been said, or clarifying it since we are not together. You can often tell how engaging a talk is by the lack of commentary during a talk. The FOML were raised in an environment where international news and consequences had a real life impact on them. Elder Kearon’s talk was engaging AND produced quite a bit of discussion. I don’t know how many of you caught the shot of him during the hymn following his talk. He held his composure during the talk, then was comforted afterwards.
Part of our dialogue included: “The soldier in me is in turmoil. The Priesthood holder in me is hearing that the men I sustain as prophets, seers & revelators are saying that I need more compassion for them. I guess I know which one has to win.”
This is just a general thank you to MMM for his conference notes. Over the years as I have worked to improve my own learning from General Conference. I am very print oriented, as opposed to hearing. I finally figured out a while back that it helps to take notes (duh, what took me so long?). Not I print out your notes and keep them with mine until the Ensign comes. I study each talk with both sets of notes at hand. Interesting how we both seem to notice the same things, and the notes I took are still the highlights when I read the Ensign. Maybe I’m smarter than I think.
Wow. Maybe I should proofread! Nah.
Thanks!
I loved reading all of your post-Conference reviews. You do a wonderful job. I also love your little bits of humor and personal interjections.
Our stake began a refugee aid project in January, before it was announced. I was moved to tears to hear about it in the womens session and know that the spirit had led us to begin sooner. We are working in our area with Catholic Charities, and they seem amazed at our willingness to serve. We are not only involved in a worthwhile humanitarian effort, but are also spreading understanding about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I didn’t get to watch all of the sessions this conference and I love to come here to read your thoughts on the talks which get me excited to watch and read them this coming week. Thanks for taking the time to write them down.
Thank you Brother McBride for your thoughts. Our little branch in Qingdao, China will get together next Sunday to watch the Sunday sessions at our “chapel” condo. I loved reading your insights,,,it makes me excited for next Sunday. I could watch it all on lds.org, but that would take the fun out of it. I love the fellowship of our tiny branch of BYU teachers in the China Teachers Program and the Korean expats who make up the Qingdao International First Branch. A shout out to anyone who wants to teach English in China for BYU. We need more people for next fall. Must have a temple recommend, be over 40 years old, and have a four year degree in anything. Thanks again MMM for being one of my connections to home. I have about 90 days to go until I go home for good. But I’m not trunky!
Thanks for the note. So cool that you are doing what you are!
Due to the time difference, I have yet to watch the last session of conference. But I couldn’t help but read your summary first. Now I look forward to watching it even more! Thank you!
Watching via live-stream, I felt the “electricity” (Spirit) as Elder Holland stepped up to the podium. I noticed President Eyring leaning forward in anticipation, just as I did. His remarks were precisely what my soul needed to hear. My daughter sings in the MoTabs, and we compared notes after conference. She said she could feel the unmistakably strong energy of the Holy Spirit. She said it felt just like an electric current crackling through the room. We are so blessed to feast on the pleasing word of God. What a magnificent conference!
It is a testimony to me that the Lord is in control of this church when a man such as President Uchdorf, with his history and the tenderness he feels for refugees, “just happens” to be in a high leadership position in the church at a time when the world is full of refugees in need of succor from us.
One very powerful thing was when President Uchtdorf was announcing the song and speakers following the talk on assisting the Refugees. I love President Uchtdorf and I could feel his love for those displaced as I’m sure he reflected on his own experience of being one himself.
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Peter, James and John were with the Savior on the Mount of Transfiguration and saw Him transfigured. (Matthew 17 and Luke 9), but I suspect you really already knew this… Thanks for your recaps of the sessions!
I was particularly moved by elder Kearon’s remarks (as was former refugee elder Uckdorf). Working for the welfare department has allowed me to hear the concern that is held for the refugee situation. I wrote a note a few months ago on fb regarding my own grandfather and his family being forced out of Mexico and relying on the mercy of the us government and citizens along the border states. Even though they misunderstood and mistrusted them, they came to their aid. I never mentioned current political affairs. I did have several individuals upset about it. I’m so grateful I belong to the lord’s church where mercy and love trumps politics (yeah I meant to do that;)
Sigh…..this conference flew by. I’m grateful that all the talks were written just for me. How did they know? Can’t wait to read, ponder and apply. I’m older than you MMM, I may be running out of earth time but right now I’m planning on still being here on earth in 14 years…The Lord willing. Elder Holland is a big man, with a big loving heart and the perfect message for the end.
Loved the feeling of the messages.
Perfect. Thanks!
I am basking in the peace and love the spirit of conference brought into our home. Thank you for your summaries and thoughts of the sessions this weekend.
Did anyone else notice how emotional and choked-up President Uchtdorf was after the refugee talk. He seemed to have difficulty composing himself enough to introduce the song and the next slate of speakers. He clearly has a personal understanding of this topic. I shed tears as I watched him.
I always feel a little sad when Conference ends and Elder Holland’s talk was salve to my soul. I can’t help but love him! I love your blog, too. Excellent job, as always! Thank you!!!
I was quite touched by President Uchtdorf’s emotional response to Elder Patrick Kearon message of Christlike service to the refugees. Remembering President Uchtdorf’s childhood…..
Yes! So tender to hear President Uchtdorf hardly able to conduct after that refugee talk!
Yes, I saw that too and it added an extra emotional beat to that message.
I, too.
I agree. Loved that tender moment.
Peter, James, and John were there and awake on the Mount of Transfiguration–maybe you meant Gethsemane? As for that experience, my personal opinion is that Jesus probably told them about it in the 40 days after His resurrection. Same with the temptation of Jesus and other stories where He was alone. It seems to make the most sense to me.
Great post!
Reading the tender thoughts and feelings of my brothers and sisters that I have never met, helps me feel as if we have. Thank you.
I loved that Elder Kearon reinforced what we sisters heard last Saturday. Just in case people thought the Sistren were kidding when they said we need to do what we can to serve the refugees. I’ve started over from scratch at least twice during adulthood. Like many, I’ve suffered from the evil or stupid choices of others. (As well as my own wrong or stupid choices.) Those people are my tribe, because I have sipped from the cup of sorrow that is their current daily portion. Right now all I can do is tweak my contribution to the humanitarian fund. But in a few years I will be retired, with a paid-off mortgage, and I should have the time, greater means, and the health to do more. #calledtoserve
I always feel a little let down if Elder Oaks doesn’t include a bold call to repentance in his talk. ‘No loyal opposition in the Church’ is a clear message that I’ll be thinking about for a while. I also loved Elder Hollands bit about ‘sin and stupidity.’
You typed in Keith Richards. COOLEST FORMER BISHOP EVER!