Round Two - snacks were great! Let’s do this!
Where can I get that tie that Elder Dale G. Renlund is wearing? Yes, I probably too much attention to all the ties but as an accessories guy, it’s what I do. How often to I focus on the cold oatmeal instead of the miracle? I don’t want to use up all my “coping coupons” on cold oatmeal. Silly Mr. Martin…um, I AM Mr. Martin. 😅. Like the Old Testament Israelites - we sometimes focus on the here and now, and lose sight of the bigger picture. Obliterate the asterisks that somehow you don’t qualify for God’s promises. His promises are for YOU!
By the way - the words to the new hymn “Standing on the Promises” are SO good! If you haven’t seen them, go check them out
The YM are in good hands with Pres. Timothy L. Farnes. Love how real he was with his discouragement - it happens! And his interaction with Pres. Oaks was so cool. "Brother, how are you REALLY doing?” Like President Oaks to a discouraged Pres. Farnes and then Pres. Farnes to a panicked missionary - "As covenant followers of Jesus Christ, we minister with compassion to whomever God places in our path."
Christ’s life should be reflected in ours. When someone encounters us they should experience something of Jesus Christ - His kindness, His patience, His hope, His love, His compassion.
Christian C. Chingbundu (from Nigeria) talked about one of my favorite concepts taught in the Book of Mormon - “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass”. I think we humans REALLY overcomplicate things, and members of the Church sometimes have a unique ability to do that. What if we really just broke it down to scripture study, prayer, the sacrament, and making and keeping covenants? While they may seem small and simple, they are truly the armor of God.
Patricio M. Giuffra (from Chile)- there are no exceptions to the law of tithing. “Some blessings have been temporal, others spiritual, but all have strengthened our testimony that the Lord always fulfills His promises and that the windows of heaven are opened according to our obedience."
The law of tithing is a law of faith!
Jeremiah J. Morgan, a convert at age 18 from the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS)…from Liberty, MO! Loved hearing his conversion story. I read a little bit more about him in a Church News story - very cool! Covenants do not take a day off! The covenants we make in the temple can help bring wandering descendants back into the fold of the Good Shepherd. They stretch across the universe, covenants with God stretch over all time and all space. There is no limit to them - don’t ever give up!
“No time or effort is ever wasted in reading the Book of Mormon. Not for you, not for your children, not for your family, not for anyone.” 🔥
Hutch U. Fale - "Understanding our Father’s love and our true identity as His children is essential for our daily and eternal happiness. It prevents deception and gives purpose to this mortal life." Our kids don’t need to ever “earn our love” and what we feel is only a small fraction of what our Heavenly Father feels. I am an imperfect parent who imperfectly loves my six imperfect “Crimlets” so much. Why would we ever question the perfect love of a perfect Father to His imperfect children.
I, Derek Alan Crimin, am a Child of God.
How can Patrick Kearon get even cooler? Aviation analogies. As he described the concept of sink, glide, and “lift” - Rochelle explained, “That sounds awesome - I want to do that!” Our Savior loves to lift. “Our Savior constantly sought out the most desperate souls sinking into darkness and dread and lifted them up. And He wants to lift you!” Jesus Christ lives to lift!
"When we first experience spiritual lift, it is wondrous. We may feel a soul expanding lightness of being unlike anything we've ever experienced."
That phrase can only be truly appreciated from his voice and the inflection he gave it!
Jairus references today: 2
Now, I’m up for 1000 miles in one year - but 100 miles in one day? Elder Michael A. Dunn has my respect. And love his real life “Ted Talk” from his running buddy, Ted. “I know you can do this Mike, and I’m going to help you there”. Jesus Christ is our “load bearing friend”. He lifts and uplifts - great follow-up to Elder Kearon’s testimony. "The Redeemer rescues not by shortening our course but by helping us lengthen our stride."
"When the outcome or the timing is not what you plead for, take solace knowing that feeling broken does not mean you’ve been abandoned by God…. Peace will come even when hoped for outcomes do not." 🔥
Matthew J. Eyring (son of President Henry B. Eyring) shared some tender thoughts and experiences on how important it is to not allow our challenges to negatively impact our faith. Even as He comforts us through temporary times of challenge and pain, He has prepared our rescue from permanent tragedy.
"We will realize that all the suffering that brought us closer to the Savior was preparing us for greater blessings." 🔥
Am I the only one that has noticed this theme all throughout today’s sessions?
“My Song in the Night” by the choir - Hymn 1058. Absolutely and hauntingly beautiful!
And Elder Ronald A. Rasband - my gosh! What have you done? That was SO personal and beautiful. The phrase “pressed out of measure” is one of my favorites from the New Testament. And anyone who has someone they love who has been “tossed to and fro” with someone who has left their faith - "By design, brothers and sisters, everyone must choose for themselves to follow Jesus Christ."
"We love our family members and friends profoundly, but they are foremost children of our Father in Heaven who knows and loves them even more than we do."
So many beautiful thoughts and quotes from this talk that I look forward to reading and seeking comfort from over and over again!
Jesus Christ says to all who grieve...I've got this.
No words! ❤️
Quote from X that sums up my thoughts - “anyone else feeling like the talks this conference are on fire more than usual? like it’s been BANGER after BANGER”
100% agreed!
I need sushi!
See you tomorrow morning, my friends!