APRIL 2026 SATURDAY AFTERNOON GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION
OK, friends - 10 lbs. of pork tenderloin is resting safely on the smoker and it’s time for Round TWO of General Conference.
Even though I’m not part of the Primary, this presidency will be missed but I’m sure the new one (including a new President from Zimbabwe) will do many amazing things as well, as they always do!
While I fortunately have never lost my luggage, I appreciated Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s analogy about Kaizen and thoroughness and attention to detail, while making regular improvements on our relationships and stewardship with God’s most precious “luggage” - his children. “In the perilous times in which we live, the rising generation needs a defense and refuge from the storm. We can contribute to this effort by investing time and teaching.”
"Our family heritage is a great blessing but it is not a substitute for an intentional search for a personal testimony of Jesus Christ." True discipleship starts with a personal decision. Cool examples of how Elder Eduardo F. Ortega’s family came into the Church in Argentina and how we all can continue on that same path with our own families.
Elder Wan-Liang Wu has had quite the journey. Born in Taiwan, joined the Church in Bolivia, and was serving as a mission president in Chile before his call as a General Authority. Becoming a lifelong disciple of Christ is a process of small, daily spiritual efforts. That transformation from common creatures to celestial citizens is the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Dad, you really want me to take Jesus out of my pack and leave him behind?" Bro. David J. Wunderli’s story of his son’s favorite picture of Jesus reminded my to never leave Jesus behind. Taking Christ out of your life IS NOT the answer. Jesus Christ is not the weight, He is the relief. Note: “Dad, you're not as smart as I thought you were” is a look all sons give to their dads regularly. 😂
“Know this: Satan is a liar” 🎤
Elder Gerald Causse’s response to a journalist who asked him what he’s come to know since being called as an Apostle? “I have learned I can love even more.” So awesome! Christlike love grows and multiplies as it is shared. “Are we selective, or exclusive, in determining who deserves our love, or do we extend Christlike love to all with whom we associate?” God loves all and God loves “each”. His love is both universal and personal.
Fun fact: Apparently “Beauty and the Beast” has been referenced twice before in General Conference…but probably never with a French accent. 😂
Like Elder Brian J. Holmes’ marathon experience seeing a blind runner and a guide - at some point, we are all like the blind runner. We all need a guide who can call out obstacles in steep stretches of our lives. To walk with Jesus is to follow His prophet. “Once we bind ourselves to our Savior through covenant, only we can sever the tie. Jesus never will.”
And Elder Clement M. Matswagothata (first GA from Botswana and best surname EVER). It means “getting out of a difficult situation and can do hard things”. Wow! A surname that provides hope! "Even as Jesus Christ invites us to always remember him and take upon ourselves his name, he also remembers us and knows each of us by name." He knows you! He will know how to heal your broken heart. Tomorrow will be better than today. So many fantastic one liners from his powerful talk.
Bottom line?
He. Knows. You. 🎤
The title “I AM” has always been a favorite title of Jesus - especially with often comes next. We cannot grow to our full spiritual potential without being connecting to and then abiding with the True Vine. Which means there are other vines that we can entangle ourselves with that aren’t true. These others can be attractive but they lack substance. “True wisdom in our technological day is found in using modern tools with spiritual discernment—through the Holy Ghost—without allowing them to replace the rightful voice of the True Vine.” If we desire to bring forth good fruit, we need to make sure we are connected with the True Vine, Jesus Christ! Thank you Elder Soares!
What a great and inspiring session with some beautiful quotes and messages!
Not gonna lie - I kind of miss the idea of the Saturday night session, but I’ll be just fine.
Pork tenderloin is at 145 degrees - time to pull it off and rest it.
See you tomorrow morning!