I love General Conference! It is always a true spiritual feast that I can literally feel all through my body and soul. The messages really do come from Heavenly Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost. People are saying the words, but you can feel the inspiration and the Spirit.
I especially look forward to the Priesthood Session. We usually get poked with a sharp stick, as my friend Gary McKell would say. The stick of a call to duty, to do better, especially at being mindful for the women and children that bless us so much. And the spirit is always very strong.
There is always an enthusiastic choir of fairly young men to get things going. Today it came from the Salt Lake University Institute, another time it might be MTC missionaries (but they sang this afternoon this time) or the BYU mens' choir. Today's group was just as wonderful as any of them. They started out with "Jesus
Savior Pilot Me". After the opening prayer they continued with "Carry On". Not only were they good, it turns out they were very appropriate for the theme of the meeting, which then began with ...
(what follows are highlights of thoughts that touched me)
Elder David A. Bednar
"If at
this moment we were asked to state in one sentence what is unique what would
our answer be?" Quoting President McKay, he said it was priesthood of Christ restored!
Priesthood is how God acts through men to save souls.
The
Priesthood is inherently active, not passive! The Priesthood covenant requires worthiness and also doing our
duty.
He shared a lesson learned from his nonmember father. We Priesthood holders are not inherently different from
other people, but because we have God's priesthood, we should act differently.
Sisters
yearn for men with not only Priesthood authority, but also Priesthood power.
The power that comes from leading and living actively in righteousness.
Brother Richard Edgley, released today as a counselor in
the Presiding Bishopric
Discussed the challenges
less active members face in coming back to full activity.
Many want
to return but are afraid. Rescuing one person often means rescuing many generations to
come.
Brother Adrian Ochoa, counselor in general Young Men's
presidency
Quoted
Elder Holland from last conference, "We are at war!" Stand up boldly
for what you know is true!
Asked
Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies to raise the Title of Liberty in their
quorums!
Quoted
President Monson, Never underestimate the far reaching impact of your
testimony!
The choir and congregation then stood to sing "Ye Elders Of Israel".
President Uchtdorf
Importance
of taking the assignment of issuing callings seriously. Show respect. Explain
it's importance. Let the flame of enthusiasm be evident!
It is
vital to catch the vision of why we do what we do, not just the what and how.
There are
times we must walk into the darkness in faith!
Said with much passion and enthusiasm!
Beware of
conflicting priorities! The fact that something is good is not enough!
Quoted
Thomas Edison, "The value of an idea is in the use of it!"
Plead
with God for guidance in your daily life! Promised us He will not leave us
alone if we do this!
Do the
right things even when they are hard!
Bore
fervent testimony of the reality of the restoration of Christ's church and
Priesthood power to the earth!
President Eyring
Discussed
the sacred sealing power, and its blessing to families.
Keys of
the sealing power is held personally by the Prophet. We use them as he
authorizes and sanctions it.
"It
is the will of the Lord to strengthen family units." Quoted President Joseph Fielding Smith April
1972 general conference
Gave 4
steps to lead in righteousness in the home:
1. Gain and keep a witness that the Prophet holds
sealing keys today.
2. Pray for your wife's love, put
her happiness above your own.
3. Salvation is a family affair.
Children need to be reassured they are loved and wanted...often!
4. Lead your family in the Lord's
way when discipline is needed. Control
our tempers and our pride.
Bore
witness that President Monson holds and exercises priesthood keys today
President Monson
Heartfelt,
"Brethren, how good it is to be with you today!"
How
blessed we are to live in these last days when we have the Priesthood. The Priesthood is not so much a gift as it is
a call to serve!
The call
of duty came to Adam, to Noah, Abraham, Samuel, Lehi, Nephi
Quoted 1
Nephi 3:7. Will we murmur like Laman or
answer the call like Nephi ?
Duty is
joy!
Let us be
worthy to serve!
Miracles
are everywhere around us!
Related
powerful war story of young man using priesthood to command fallen comrade to
stay alive until medical help could be obtained.
Repeated
one of his favorite quotes "Do your duty. Leave unto the Lord the
rest."
Brethren,
the world is in need of our help!
Let us be
willing and worthy to serve! Follow in the footsteps of the Master!
Salt Lake Institute men's choir sang the closing song "Dear to the heart
of the Shepherd" the spirit was even stronger than the words.
I know there was even more here than what I wrote, and hope you will help me remember what else was said and felt tonight!
So much
good, I could not note it all ... What did you hear that especially moved you?
