April 2024 Saturday Morning Conference Recap
Every year, in an effort to both share goodness and keep myself focused and accountable, I share some quick thoughts from my observation of each General Conference session.
Hope it can be of benefit to you.
First off - can I just acknowledge how spry and full of life 91 year-old President Oaks is and how well he rattled off all that business. The average age of our Prophets and Apostles is pushing 80, but they still absolutely bring it!
Fun fact - our new General Sunday School President Paul V. Johnson and his 1st Counselor Chad H. Webb have both been observers in my seminary classroom as they have both been heavily involved with CES over the years. I totally sustain this new presidency.
So, so good to see Jeffrey R. Holland back at the pulpit - it feels right! And his wit and humor is so refreshing. Death was knocking, and he didn’t care to answer. His personal and tender witness of warmth and warning is what this world badly needs - the need to take up our crosses more earnestly. What a testimony of the prayers of the faithful ‘ God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.’ So, when life gets dark and dreary… you know the rest.
“Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” GK Chesterton, quoted by President Holland. Preach!
As Rochelle pointed out, Sister J. Anette Dennis looks like she could serve in any ward as the best Primary or Relief Society Teacher.
“Each person on earth is a beloved son or daughter of God. When we choose to be part of a covenant, it enhances and deepens our relationship with Him.” I am so grateful for covenants that, as Sister Dennis reminded “allows me to be changed by God”. The temple garment is such an important reminder of those covenants - symbolically putting on Christ and being “covered” by Him throughout our life.
Nice use of two of my favorite Hebrew words “hesed” and “kaphar” - Covered by lovingkindness.
I love how Alexander Dushku (very uncommon name) bore a strong testimony of Joseph Smith (very common name). And with that, the heavens were reopened! We can receive heavenly rays of testimony, as well. “There are many ways to receive heavenly rays of testimony. … They may not be dramatic, but all of them form part of our testimonies.” No two people experience it the same way. What a blessing it is to be “living in revelation”.
“A biblical verse offers sound advice for each of us as we lean into the stiff wind of today’s worldly challenges: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence’ (Hebrews 10:35).” This verse, quoted by Elder Soares has always been one of my favorite verses. And the phrase “Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ” has such a nice ring to it. What a magnificent concept - for myself and for me to pass on to my children. Home centered, Church supported, and Temple bound!
Oh, and Primary is a fantastic temple prep class! Love that!
I love Elder Gerard’s remarks about the Christlike attribute of integrity - consistency in your words and your deeds. We, like Daniel, must rise about worldly expectations. “As a covenant people, and as leaders of His Church, we must be beyond reproach and aligned with the standards the Lord has set.”
"Christian kindness is not a substitute for integrity" Bold, but true statement.
I’m sure it was a pretty surreal for recently widowed, 90-year old President Eyring to be in the Conference Center and at the same time watching his talk being broadcast. I love the accomodating nature of technology for these beloved leaders. Qualifying for our covenants is not a one-time effort, but a lifetime pattern. Because of our covenants with God, he will never tire in his efforts to help us. We will never exhaust his merciful patience with us.
Simply put - “Whatever happens, all will be well.”
This is one of two times per year that I jump back onto Twitter, or X…or whatever it is. 😂
Funny tweet of the morning… “The Temple after General Conference is like the gym after New Years Day”
Prayer, Covenants, Revelation, Temple, Integrity, and more Covenants
Yeah, it’s going to be a great weekend!
Time to go see how my brisket is doing on the smoker. See you in a few hours.