10.05.2008

Sunday Conference Notes

Morning Session


President Henry B. Eyring
The Lord's Prophets have always preached about unity. The need for that gift, and the challenge to maintain it, will grow greater in the days ahead because of the the division, differences, and the increased conflict between peoples of the world. That is why my message of hope today is that a great day of unity is coming in which we will be prepared as a people for our glorious destiny. The miracle of unity is being granted to us as we pray and work for it in the Lord's way. Our hearts will be knit together in unity. You have seen evidence as I have that we are moving toward becoming one. The Lord does not grant the joy of unity to individuals. It comes when we gather together. We can follow the will of the Lord, together, by following the commandments, being humble, and speaking well of each other. Pride is the great enemy of unity.

Elder Robert D. Hales
When people attack our Church and beliefs we should not respond aggressively, but step back and follow the savior's example.When we respond to our accusers as the savior did, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him. True disciples seek guidance from the spirit, respond in ways that invite the spirit, are concerned with the welfare of others, avoid being judgmental of the views of others, speak with quiet confidence, and sometimes show courage by saying nothing at all. Meekness is not weakness. When we do not retaliate, and resist feelings of anger, it is Christian courage. We should be concerned with the welfare of others, help them understand the truth. bear testimony, love our accusers. We are not better than they are, but we can show them a better way. Answer with Christian courage.

Bishop Keith B. McMullin
Knowing that God created men and women is a truth that elevates the human family. But, we all have to contend with challenges of mortality such as moral temptations, heartaches, hardships, sickness, aging, and death. For these reasons and more, we need help. We can call on our Heavenly Father for help. The Lord can bless us through our efforts as we serve each other. God's help also comes through prayer. In other times of need, we can request a Priesthood blessing, but the ultimate help from Heavenly Father comes to us through His son, the Redeemer of the world.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton
Them temple is the reason we do everything in the Church. It is the reason our ancestors suffered privations and death to come west. Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on moral standards that include chastity and moral purity. It begins in the heart and in the mind, and is nurtured in the home. Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's temple, and to receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit. I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the spirit, can change the world. But, in order to do so, we must return to virtue.

Elder Russell M. Ballard
Jseph Smith was aware of the future struggles of the church in this dispensation, but he also knew that no enemy would have sufficient power to stop the purposes of God. There is still much to do before God can announce the world is done. The struggles we face today are different than those of the pioneers, but they are no less demanding. Instead of angry mobs we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, greed, and spiritual apathy. This is not a time for the spiritually faint of heart. We cannot afford to be superficially righteous. Our testimonies must run deep, with spiritual roots firmly embedded in the rock of revelation.

President Thomas S. Monson
We all must deal with change in our lives. There is nothing as constant as change. Some changes are welcome while others are not. Some happen suddenly, but most take place subtly and slowly. This is our one and only chance at morality. Let us find joy in the journey of life as we live it. What is most important in life is found in the people around us. we should be helping each other face the stresses of life as best we can through encouragement and love. As God loves us, we should love each other. Take pleasure in the small things, and be filled with gratitude for them. Be grateful to each other, and to our Heavenly Father. Let us follow him, let us emulate his example, let us obey his word, by so doing we give to him the divine gift of gratitude.

Afternoon Session

President Boyd K. Packer
In these perilous times, if we are to be safe individually, as families, and secure as a church, it will be because we have kept the Lord's commandments. In spite of years of mobbing and persecution, the early saints were long-suffering, tolerant, forgiving, and Christian. They could have been consumed with revenge, but instead they were anchored in revelation and teachings from the scriptures. Today we are guided by the same revelations, teachings, and we are led by a prophet. We will stay on course. We must anchor ourselves as families and as a church to those principles and ordinances. We must look forward with faith.

Elder Russell M. Nelson
We have a profound sense of gratitude for the the great plan of happiness. All human beings are created in the image of God and have a divine nature assigned before this life. The family is central to the Creator's plan. Joy comes when we follow the Lord. Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully. If a lesser choice was made previously, that choice can be upgraded to Celestial marriage. That requires a mighty and permanent change of heart, but is eternally worth it. The family proclamation says a husband and wife have a responsibility to care for each other. Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities. When that really happens, there is great joy in this life and in the life to come.

President William D. Oswald
Teaching the gospel is a sacred and holy calling. Our influence as teachers will be magnified when we we take the responsibility to learn and use these basic principles: 1] show love for those you teach and call them by name, 2] teach from the scriptures, and 3] encourage those you teach to ponder the gospel truths they have learned. We can understand these principles better by carefully watching able teachers in our wards and branches, reviewing The Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting On Teaching and Learning, and using Teaching, No Greater Call.

Elder Eduardo Gavarret
Just as most humans long to return home to the warmth of their families, many inactive members and those still seeking the Gospel yearn for such closeness. The attention and care towards our brethren are profound manifestations of our love for our Heavenly Father. We express our love for God when we serve. When this service is focused on the well-being of our neighbors, what a tremendous impact we can make in the lives of so many less active families and those who are not members of the Church. Let us accept the Savior's invitations to feed my sheep.

Elder Carlos A. Godoy
A testimony may come through a single and unquestionable event, but it may also come through many less remarkable experiences that, when combined, testify in of the truthfulness of what we have lived and learned. Scripture teaches us that the voice of testimony is not loud or harsh but a still small voice that requires the attention and effort of the listener to hear.

elder Quentin L. Cook
The atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of the the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this life, regardless of our trials. With the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we did not appreciate our blessings. I do not know of any, excepting the unpardonable sin, that is greater than the sin of ingratitude [Brigham Young]. Our foremost gratitude should be for the Savior and his atonement. We are aware that many are experiencing trials and hardships of such intensity that the underlying feeling in their heart as they approach our Father in Heaven, in prayer, is, Hope ya know, I'm having a hard time! At times, when we may feel to say, Hope you know, I had a hard time, we can be assured that He is there, and we are safe in His loving arms. When President Monson was asked, on his birthday this past August, what would be the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him, he said, without hesitation, Find someone who is having a hard time, and do something for them!

President Thomas S. Monson

May we long remember what we have heard during this General Conference. Each of the messages which have been given will be printed in next month's Ensign and Liahona magazines. I urge you to study them, and ponder thier teachings. I assure you that God is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today. We are a global church. Our membership is found throughout the world. May we be good citizens of the nations in which wel live, and good neighbors in our communities. Reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own. May we be men and women of honesty and integrity in everything we do. There are those throughout the world who are hungry, there are those who are destitute. Working together we can alleviate suffering and provide for those in need. May we ever be mindful of the needs of those around us, and be ready to extend a helping hand and a loving heart. May we live in peace. and harmony. and love. May we strive each day to follow the Savior's example. God bless you, and I thank you for your prayers in my behalf, and in behalf of all the General Authorities. We are deeply grateful to you.

3 comments:

brittany said...

Thank you for posting these! Conference with a baby is so different! Lyn, thank you so much for your beautiful gift! We didn't have the children's song book or the cd, and we are so so excited to have those; they will definitely play such a big role in helping teach little ella!

Annie said...

Your notes are so beautifully written. I can't thank you enough and want to transfer them straight to my 'small plates.'

MUCH THANKS.

shelly said...

This is wonderful...thank you so much, Lyn! Is there anything more wonderful than conference? I think not.

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