APRIL 2025 SATURDAY AFTERNOON GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION
Round TWO of General Conference - so excited!
I like this idea of having members of the Twelve rotate through the assignment of conducting that we have done the last several Conferences. Although maybe that's partially due to the health and age of President Nelson and President Eyring. But still….I like it.
Elder Neil L. Andersen right out the gate with a tender, but powerful story of repentance, change, and a good loving ward family leading into the sensitive topic of abortion. “Please remember, although we cannot change the past, God can heal the past.” I appreciate the clarity and conviction on the sanctity and holiness of life. We actually just read the church’s topic on abortion a couple weeks ago with our boys and its focus on agency and forgiveness a couple weeks back. Good time for a reminder of this moral, not political issue.
“God cherishes life!” 🎤
I will miss Steven J. Lund as the General YM President. He (and the entire YM presidency) has made a powerful, positive mark on the young priesthood holders of the Church. Those who know me, know my affinity for the OT book of Leviticus and its connection to Aaronic Priesthood holders and the sacrament. “The Lord entrusts today’s bearers of the priesthood of Aaron to do very much the same things they did anciently: to teach and to administer ordinances, all to remind us of His Atonement.”
“Serious expectations require serious preparation.”
Love the example of those humble, bold deacons who decided to serve a hard-edged brother, Alan. They loved him into coming closer to our Savior. Never doubt what the youth of the Church can do to bless others' lives!
I already love the metaphor from Elder S. Mark Palmer of the fallen willow tree with only root that the neighbor encouraged not to give up on! - “There is hope even when all seems lost.” I am inspired by the stories of so many who have chosen to renew their discipleship and come back to their Church home.” It seems like there have been many of those stories shared already today. Personally, I love those stories too.
I would echo his words - Come back, repent, join us again. We are all on this journey together. “The journey back is often not easy or comfortable, but it is worth it.” ❤️
Loved Elder Sandino Román’s (whose hair is fantastic - in fact, someone on X shared “My faith is as strong as Elder Román's hairline” 😂) simple words on faith and obedience. “When we have faith in Christ, we recognize His blessings and develop a relationship of trust with Him…If you want a true relationship with Jesus Christ, make covenants with Him!" I bet that his mother is proud of her boy for keeping his promise.
Youth theme “Doubt Not, Fear Not” count today: 2
Elder Dale G. Renlund’s tie game is a solid 10/10! “When President Nelson speaks about the Second Coming, it is always with joyful optimism.” When we follow Jesus Christ's example and teachings, we don't need to fear his second coming. Personally, when I think of the Second Coming, I am excited…and joyfully optimistic. I mean, think about it - Jesus will be here! How can that NOT be exciting! Oil in the lamps, magnify talents and abilities, bless and serve others. Don’t be scared…just be ready.
Ten Virgins Parable count today: 2 (maybe more…)
Best GA name? Hans T. Boom! 💥. Gewoon doorgaan!! (“Carry on” or “Just keep going” in Dutch). In fact, number of hymns he quoted was pretty impressive - “What do we feel when we sing the hymn ‘True to the Faith’: ‘Shall the youth of Zion falter in defending truth, and right? While the enemy assaileth, shall we shrink or shun the fight? No!
Let us be “True to the faith that our parents have cherished.’” And what stories of faith, strength, and celestial commitment will I pass on to the next generation?
Speaking of good ties - Elder Uchtdorf never disappoints. Solid, spicy green pattern. Any missionary can definitely relate to hoping everything goes perfectly when one of the people you're teaching first comes to Church. Picture perfect meetings are not as important as the feeling of love, compassion, and how we treat each other - as imperfect and non-ideal as that is at times. The gap between the ideal and the real can be frustrating at times (not just in Church), but “do not give up on the ideal...with the Lords help, nothing is impossible!”
Can a church, leaders, and member of the church be true and called of God even with faults and errors? I say a resounding YES! We are all a work in progress. Individually and as a Church. In the Savior's church, we gather all who are willing. Political views, culture, or common backgrounds are not what unite us, but our common objective and our commitment to Christ.
“God does not view things the way people do - the outward appearance versus the heart. What should come first? Child of God, and we all fit that perfectly.”
Loving how wholesome and virtuous this amazing choir is, by the way. And they sound SO good! Even recognized a few. Way to go, Northern Utah!
What an amazing session! Can’t wait for Saturday evening!