Live-Blogging LDS General Conference April 2014 - Sunday PM

So I had about a 20 minute nap frequently interrupted by a grandson asking which of two different colors of pencils he should use for conference bingo. And who taught my nearly 2-year-old grandson to call me "Grampy" because when he says it, it sounds like "Grumpy."

President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of Twelve:
War brings things to [was it focus or clarity or what? He's not looking at all well]
When he went off to WWII he wanted to know testimony.
Things of great worth can't be taught -can only be learned.
God is our Father and we are his children. Of all other titles He could have used, he chose "Father."
Parenthood is important  - ultimate is for parents to be happy at home
Blessing available for all even those without children.
Promise that nothing essential to salvation will be left from you.
The Holy Ghost is real. Mission is to testify of truth and righteousness.
Gift conferred through ordinance of the Gospel. "Receive the Holy Ghost."
Each son or daughter of our Heavenly Father can come to know by the power of the Holy Ghost the truth of all things.
All that we do is anchored on the Lord's name - the authority by which we act in the church.
The church is named for him. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
disputations among the people in the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11.
Take upon ye the name of Christ which is my name and by this name ye will act - last days.
None other name given by which we shall be saved.
Only begotten of the Father. Advocate with the Father. The Rock of our Redeemer. The anchor that holds and protects us and our families through the storms of life.
The Sacrament every Sunday by the same words, we take upon us the name of Christ.
We preach of Christ . . . that our children may know to whom we look for redemption of our sins. 2 Nephi 25:26.
In the New Testament, many chose not to follow him.
Simon Peter's answer: Lord, to whom should we go. Thou hast the word of eternal life . . John 6:68
After all the years he has lived, taught & served - one great truth - witness of the Savior Jesus Christ.
Reference to Joseph & Sidney in Sec. 76 testimony "that he lives. For we saw Him."
Their words are my words. By Him and through Him all the worlds were created and we are the sons and daughters of God.
Special Witness in all humility of absolute certainty.

William R. Walker of the Seventy:
Loves Church History
Gilbert AZ Celebration "Live true to the Faith" True to the Faith that our parents have cherished - we could add our grandparents. Do they know their history? how their family came into the church?
The story of Pioneers is the story of all.
Wilford Woodruff in England 1840 inspired to go to a different area. He went south and went to Herefordshire - Benbow Farm. The Lord sent Wilford Woodruff to the United Brethren as answer to their prayers. Almost every member of the United Brethren joined the church.
[GADFIELD ELM!!!!  HEREFORDSHIRE!!!! Actuall Gadfield Elm is in Gloucestershire, but close.]
Story about his Harris Family. Including Mormon Battalion [SANTA FE shout-out!]
They knew they were led by a prophet of God.
We must not forget the things that we heard and experienced in the Temple of the Lord.
136 Grandchildren one was his Grandmother - she wanted to turn the hearts to the fathers.
The more we are connected to our righteous heritage, the more we will be faithful
No sacrifice is to great to receive the blessings of the Temple
Standing on the shoulders of Giants.
Countless others would send the same message to their grandchildren and descendants
Remember blessings of Temple and led by a prophet of God.
Unbroken chain through Joseph to Thomas S. Monson.

[Of course, once they got going with the United Brethren, some missionaries headed west through southern Herefordshire and into Monmouthshire where they found Welsh who joined the church including my 4th Great Grandmother Elinor Vaughan.]

Sorry, distracted by Family History -

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve:
He's been telling horse stories about guiding horses and obedience and the whisperings of the Spirit and basic principles of the Gospel.
Paul - Faith - hoped for - essence of things not seen - Faith and its examples in Hebrews 11.
The complexity of problems today require more simplicity in answering them.
Obedience is not passive or thoughtless.
Our faithfulness through obedience will save us.
strong, pro-active obedience is anything but passive.
Obedience is a choice - between our limited power and God's omnipotent power and knowledge.
Follow the driver's lead (horses)

Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge of the Seventy:
Opposition to the truth. Anytime truth is brought forward, there will always be a reaction against it.
The truth will always be opposed.
Look at Joseph Smith story - look for him and expect to find clouds of dust stirred up in the struggle.
Family is the pattern of heaven. - from Joseph Smith.
Which is more likely? That he dreamed it up all on his own? Or from heaven?
Look at all the evidence - not just any single piece but the entire mosaic of his life. Ask God.

Elder Michael John U. Teh of the Seventy:
Visited the Philippines after the typhoon
If we are not careful we will chase for the temporal more than the spiritual
Material possessions - Jacob's counsel - do not spend money for that which is of no worth - come unto the holy one of Israel

Elder Marcos A. Aidutaikis of the Seventy:
Internet full of knowledge but don't go digging through the garbage.
Trust in the Lord have hope in his promises.
Seek truth for any method but especially from God through the Spirit.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve:
Testimony of resurrection of Christ - they were witnesses of Him - even the testimony of angels was not enough
"He is not here but is risen!" Matthew 28:6
Story of the Resurrection
One word from His living lips changed Mary's grief into joy.
"Ye shall be witnesses unto me"
Testimony of the Book of Mormon -
Christ's resurrection shows that His existence is everlasting.
"Power to lay it down and power to take it again."
As Jehovah and Messiah he is the Great I AM.
"Christ's victory over death overcame the human predicament now we only have individual predicaments. . . " Neal A. Maxwell
Ultimate Justice and Mercy
We are all accountable unto Him - having redeemed us from the fall.
Gospel of Christ 3 Nephi 27
in the ordinances thereof [priesthood] the power of God is made manifest.
Did the Lord in reality die and rise again? Yes.
All will see and all will know.
Every tongue shall confess and every knee shall bow.
Testimony of Joseph and Sidney that He lives
Elder Anderson testifies of the same witness.

President Thomas S. Monson:
Conference thanks
Take time to read the conference messages. They are deserving of our careful review and study.
Gratitude to those released and sustained new ones. Welcome.
As we ponder, may we resolve to do a little better
kind and loving to those who do not share our beliefs and our standards
Savior brought a message to all.
He will guide and bless us
May we be filled with love and with courtesy.
May we have protection against buffetings of the adversary.
Testimony that this work is true that He lives.
His witness that God lives and loves us.
May God Bless You. -Until we meet again.

[I'm not sure if Pres. Packer will be meeting with us again. And I think if that last talk is what he goes out on, it will be the most powerful and humble testimony.]