In preparation for the April 2014 general conference, Michelle and I have been reading one conference talk a week from the last conference. Having both just finished, I wanted to share what for me were some of the crucial take aways:
1. Search, Ponder, and Pray: This is in some respects where the conference began and ends. I have noticed lately that I have struggled with daily prayer, diligent study, and patient pondering. Here are some thoughts from conference that have motivated me to improve in this area:
President Monson quoted this counsel: "All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer has been prized above almost any other advice I have received. It has become an integral part of me--an anchor, a constant source of strength, and the basis of my knowledge of things divine..."
Elder Bednar taught us that our prayers are not always
answered in the way we wish...that often when ask God for the outcome of
success he gives us the strength, stamina, and tools needed to achieve
it and rather than handing us success on a gold platter.
Elder Nielson taught us
that prayer can help us in our missionary efforts. We ought to pray
daily to bring someone closer to the Savior, pray for people by name,
and then listen for promptings. Elder Eyering reminded us to use prayer to assist us in magnifying our callings, and in knowing who and how to serve.
Elder Packer taught that the scriptures "hold the keys to spirtual protection...there is a voice of warning but there is also great nourishment."
references: 3 Nephi 17:3
2. It will not always be so. In the most recent conference Elder Holland re-emphasized this message from elder Hales that "the church has largely been spared the terrible misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early Saints. It will not always be." We need to be ready to stand, true to the faith in face of accusations of bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance. We will be "despised and rejected of men, men and women of sorrows and acquainted with grief." We stand in good company.
Elder Christofferson warned us about one of the ways the world has begun to misunderstand and persecute the family. He discussed: (1) The devaluation of marriage and of motherhood. (2) Changes in attitudes toward human sexuality, abortion, and other sensitive topics. And (3) The blurring of gender differences. Let us be watchful of these worldly philosophies and prepare against them.
Elder Uchtdorf reminded us that sometimes we are harder on ourselves than the world will ever be. We become so demoralized by our weaknesses and mistakes that we "go on, living only a shadow of the life we could have led, never rising to the potential that is our birthright."
references: 1 Nephi 19: 7-9, Mosiah 3
3. My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways.
Elder Uchtdorf addressed the fact that we sometimes struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. He reminded us that "questions arise because we simply don't have all the information and we just need a bit more patience." His counsel in the end was to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."
Others reminded us that the Lord has big picture and knows the end from the beginning. If we trust in him we will be able to endure AND enjoy this life.
references: D&C 58: 2-3; Isaiah 55:8-9
4. The power of Godliness. A recurring message throughout this conference was the need for ordinances and covenants. We can receive spiritual power as we make and keep covenants.
"[We] each have a divine nature and destiny. To achieve this divine destiny, each son and daughter of God needs priesthood ordinances and covenants" --Sister Stephens
"When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power..."
Sister Oscarson taught: "For all of us, conversion to gospel principles comes through righteously living the principles of the gospel and being true to our covenants with the Lord."
Elder Anderson gave a great talk explaining the power of the priesthood, how it works, and how it blesses all people.
Linda Burton taught about the Joy of keeping covenants and this theme was supported by sister Stephens and sister Reeves.
references: D&C 84:
5. No other God's before me. -Oaks
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