General Conference was wonderful. The messages shared were inspiring and great reminders of the essential elements of the gospel. I am thankful to have living prophets and apostles on the earth today to give us God’s word. The next step is: what will we do with what we have heard? As Elder Nelson asked, “Because of what I have heard and felt during this conference, how will I change?”
As I watched the sessions I specifically listened for the following (and encouraged my children to do the same):
1) the key message of each talk (summed up in just a few words, or one quote)
2) scripture references that stood out to me
3) any references to our 2015 family scripture, Helaman 5:12, or the idea of foundation (I was thrilled when my 5-year old was the first to notice President Packer’s mention of foundation).
President Eyring: the law of the Fast
President Packer: marriage and family life, testimony of the atonement, foundation
Sister Burton: husbands and wives, “thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together”
Elder Oaks: the parable of the sower, “spiritual food is needed for spiritual survival”
Elder Clayton: choose to believe in him, Alma 32:27
Elder Perry: marriage and families, “Family is the center of life. It is the key to eternal happiness”.
Elder Bednar: Godly fear, Helaman 5:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Elder Christofferson: marriage and families
Elder Nielsen: parable of the prodigal son
Elder Holland: the fall and the atonement
President Uchtdorf: grace of God, “God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly”, 2 Nephi 25: 23, parable of the debtor
Elder Hales: religious freedom and liberty, “How we live our religion is more important than what we say about it.”
Elder Cook: parable of the wheat and the tares, family, Psalm 27
President Monson: temples, peace, John 14:27
Sister Wixom: believe in God, Mosiah 4:9, Helaman 5:12
Elder Teixeira: have joy
Elder Pearson: 6 principles to endure to the end, “Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets everyday, everyday, everyday!”
Elder Andersen: can you see the hand of God in your life and the world around you?
Elder Sitati: be fruitful and multiply
Elder Nelson: how will I change because of what I have heard this conference? Sabbath day-is it a delight?, teach children the gospel, “No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!”
One of the great things about a General Conference weekend and hearing so many inspired messages at once is the ability to see patterns and themes. Did you notice how many talks were about marriage and families (especially including the General Women’s session)? And how each speaker bore witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ? I noticed a number of speakers referred to parables taught by the Savior, so add that to my spiritual study list. And Elder Pearson’s comment is a clear exhortation to study the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets EVERDAY.
I am looking forward to studying these messages in depth and applying their teachings to my life!