Sunday, October 2, 2011

LIVE BLOGGING! LDS General Conference Notes: Sunday Afternoon, October 2, 2011

Sorry. I'm not asleep. Dinner was late. So, we're back at it: See it live here.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Spoke about covenants [I was listening]
If I got this right, he said the visit of the Father to the Prophet Joseph Smith was to restore the Abrahamic Covenant.
We take on the Abrahamic Covenant by entering into sacred covenants in this life.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Testimony [and explanation] of Christ taken from Biblical Scripture
Purpose is to explain to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Focus on Him not the things of the world. He is the Bread of Life. People who relied on earthly bread, including manna are dead - but His bread was for eternal life.
The culmination was the Resurrection and Atonement for the sins of the world.
When the Lord visited the Nephites he let them see and feel the prints in hands, feet and side. 3 Nephi 11
Atonement allows us to overcome the spiritual death and by repentance and obedience to have eternal life.
Jesus is the Light of the world - Savior of the world. - You can know it for yourself through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost - the way is desire and obedience. Seek and find, knock and have it opened.
[Elder Oaks is very personable in person]

Matthew O Richardson, Second Counselor in General Sunday School Presidency
"Real" missionaries.
Is that a "real" priesthood holder, father, member of the church?
Real life requires real learning.
Holy Ghost is the REAL teacher of truth.
Moroni said the saints conducted meetings after the spirit
Story about climbing Three Sisters in Oregon
Our teachings should match Holy Ghost's teachings
1. Holy Ghost teaches in a very personal way. Spirit teaches truth line upon line
2. Holy Ghost teaches by inviting, leading, guiding, showing. We come to the Spirit by being obedient. Cant facilitate opportunities
The question is not to ask what can I do to teach them but how can I help them understand and live doctrines.
We need real teaching and learning. Climb the mountain one step at a time.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy
complements missionary on coat because it looked a hand-me down from a departing elder. The elder said it was his father's coat from his mission in Japan some 20 years ago.
Expresses love for return missionaries who have served around the world. Sure those helped to conversion are grateful. "how beautiful upon the mountain are the feeet . . . " Isaiah 52:7 .
Story about baptismal service.
Words to missionaries currently serving. A treasure to this church. Grateful for sacrifice.
Talks to future missionaries. Speaks to his sons. Need three things:
1. Desire to preach the gospel
2. Develop your testimony.
3. Love others.

Elder Randall K. Bennett of the Seventy
Trip to the beach, dangerous under currents. Feeling confident, he decided to stay in shallows and swim but current had captured him but he was dragged further, and further out. Lifeguard had been watching him and prepared where he would be and waited for him to call for help.
Pres. Monson has taught that decisions determine destiny.
three-year-old who wanted the choice of play, ice cream and not going to bed without any consequences.
Repentance is one of those critical choices
Eternal destiny is not the result of chance but of choice - never too late to choose eternal life

Elder J. Devin Cornish of the Seventy
Story about praying to find a quarter to buy some chicken. And he did. We must ask for the Lord's help and he will even with seemingly little things.
D&C 64 forgive all men. It relieves us of our pains.
Secret to a happy life is to do things the Lord's way.
You can learn the language of the Spirit.
Prayer is the way we reach our Father.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
We see much suffering and sorrow. It stirs us especially when we see innocent people.
Tragedy
Why does God allow it to happen? We don't know all answers but we know some principles.
1. We have a Father in Heaven who knows and Loves us
2. Christ, his son is our Savior and Redeemer
3. Father's plan of happiness includes an eternal life including great and glorious reunion with those we have lost.
Walking into the middle of a three act play can be confusing. We don't see the pre-mortal life or the eternities.
Refers to the Titanic - accident - we have also seen the evil exercise of agency in wars and 9/11
Titanic teaches us about pride and God is no respecter of persons. LDS connections to the Titanic. Alma Sonne - booked passage on the Titanic for missionaries. Elder Sonne cancelled all six bookings because one Elder was late. Elders thanked the Lord.
It will not always end in happy endings in mortality. Call the Elders and be blessed
Irene Corbett - Sister who chose Titanic because she thought the missionaries would be on board perished.
Evil conduct is a component of agency - we can suffer from the choices of the wicked. The righteous are not lost and the wicked will be held accountable.
Not enough lifeboats on the Titanic but the Savior provides lifeboats for everyone through the Atonement.
Elegy written in a Country Churchyard. by Gray
Sister Corbett will have eternal reward.

President Thomas S. Monson
This has been a most-inspiring conference
Testimonies strengthened
We're here because we love the Lord and want to serve him.
Thanks to all.
Our Heavenly Father is mindful of our challenges in the world today.
Blessed to have the restored gospel - answers as to where we came from, why we're here and where we go after this life.
Thankful for our service because we are God's hands here on the earth. Serve wherever you are called.
Conference is now over.
May heaven's blessings be with you.
Remember me and all the General Authorities in your prayers.
May God give us strength, ability and determination to play our part well.
Testimony that church is true. God lives and loves us. He is personal and real. May we realize how close he is willing to come to us. May He bless you.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for you notes on conference. I was unable to watch conference this past weekend and your notes were very enjoyable so thank you, I really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to disagree as many do. You can even be passionate (in moderation). Comments that contain offensive language, too many caps, conspiracy theories, gratuitous Mormon bashing, personal attacks on others who comment, or commercial solicitations- I send to spam. This is a troll-free zone. Charity always!