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Sunday, October 01, 2006

Just for Michelle :)

OK, Michelle asked me to post my notes from General Conference. Take into account that I have 2 kids to take care of so some aren't very complete and are short because I was busy with kids at times. :)


Saturday Morning Session

Pres. Hinckley- Growth of the Church
President of the Church

Talked of the amazing growth of the Church


Dallin H. Oaks- Jesus Heals All Afflictions
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Jesus can heal all afflictions. He healed those with physical illnesses as well as those with mental and emotional illness. "The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ...is available for every affliction in mortality". Repentance process strengthens relationship with the Savior. Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us strength to endure pain, afflictions, and temptations. Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden..."


Richard H. Winkel- Temples Increase Love of Families
Quorom of the Seventy

The Temples increase love of families. Prophet Joseph Smith said sealing of families will bring posterity back home. Gordon B. Hinckley "through proxy..we...become saviors to those on the other side..." The Savior wants us to be active in the temple.


Paul B. Pieper- 1st Generation Members
Quorom of the Seventy

For 1st generation members conditions may be challenging, but it is all worth it. Be a good example to those around you and you will be blessed. "...you will extablish patterns of faithfullness and righteousness." Opportunity to research and find ancestors to do work for. "Never underestimate who you are and the power you have to affect others." Descendants of 1st generation members look back at their ancestors with reverence.


David S. Baxter- Faith
Quorom of the Seventy

Faith breathes life into our souls. "Faith fuels hope. our perspective changes, our vision becomes clear, we begin to look for the best in life..." Help solve problems of those around us instead of wallowing in our own. Service helps us rise above our challenges, our burdens are dimished, we become happier, more substance from life. "There are days...when life is hard...sometimes it seems more than our fair share...stand steady and see it through. Stay steadfast, constant and true." "Hold fast to that which is good." Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed but not in despair..."


Robert C. Oaks- Christlike Charity
Presidency of the Seventy

Charity 1- suffereth long 2- not easily provoked 3- beareth all things 4- endureth all things. Job 1:21-22 "...sinned not, nor asked God foolishly" Jesus is greatest example of patience and endurance. 3 Nephi "...what manner of men out ye to be?...even as I am." Seek to become after the manner of Christ. Peter asked how many times he had to forgive, Christ replied 70 times 7. Neal A. Maxwell said "When we are unduly impatient we are suggesting that we know what is best (better than God)...." 1- Read scriptures in topical guide under Patience 2- evaluate ourselves on where we stand on patience 3- how much more do we need to become more Christlike 4- be sensitive to examples of patience or impatience 5- recommit each day to become more patient.


M. Russell Ballard- Oh Be Wise
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Lehi's son Jacob witnessed his family being torn apart, Laman and Lemuel disobeying, and Nephi doing good. "Oh be wise, what can I say more." He loved his people partly because they were his family, wanted to warn them and inspire them to be good. Lord designed Church to operate with a lay minestry, we are to serve and love each other as Heavenly Father and Jesus do. Some focus to much time and energy on church service and neglect family. "We need to strive to keep things in proper balance." Kind Benjamin "...see that all these things are done in wisdom and in order, for it is not requesit that a man should run faster than he has strength." 1- Use programs of Church to lift, teach, encourage, and love people. 2- Be innovative, use resources to be creative and make use of individual talents. Magnify our callings not a command to embellish and complicate. We do not have to be told everything that we should do. Use inspiration...within the framework of Church policies" 3- Divide the work and delegate responsibility. Allow others to progress and grow, even it it means sometimes getting less than perfect reports. 4- Eliminate guilt. Motivate through love and sincere appreciation. "As mortals we simply cannot do everything at once, therefore we must do things in wisdom and in order." Christ came to bring peace to the troubled soul "Peace I leave with you..." Savior has already born the burden of our guilt. 5- Thoroughly allocate our resources of time, income and energy. "...there is no such thing as done. There will always be more we can do." Just do the very best that we can (Pres. Hinckley). Prioritize. 6- Extending responsibilities to members. Should not overwhelm new members, but give them opportunity to increase knowledge and testimony of Church. Focus on simple ways we can serve. Help others find peace and joy only the Gospel can give. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."


James E. Faust- Discipleship
2nd Counselor, 1st Presidency

Jesus told Peter where to fish, he caught more than the nets could hold. Jesus called them to be fishers of men. Disciple and discipline both mean 'pupil'. Discipleship is keeping all the commandments and forsaking all that is not good for us. "It is a price worth paying, it is a price we cannot afford not to pay." "I'm trying to be like Jesus..." (Children's Songbook). We can all do something good every day. Stand as witness of God at all times. True followers of the Savior should be prepared to lay down their lives. D&C 103:27-28. July 17, 1915 two brethren (Bro Monroe and Bro Raphael) where tortured and then killed for their religion by Zipatistas. For most of us what is required is not to die for Christ's church, but to live for it. "It is never to late to change. Discipleship does not come from positions of prominence, wealth or learning..." Blessings of discipleship available to all who are willing to pay the price.



Saturday Afternoon Session

Thomas S. Monson
1st Counselor, 1st Presidency

Sustainings of the General Authorities


Robert D. Hales- Scriptures
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Scriptures are the gift of God. "It has been written to convince us that Jesus is the Christ, the eternal God...It contains the fullness of the Gospel..." Lehi found the scriptures to be desirable, of great worth, containing their lineage, geneology, and the Gospel. They contain prophecies, commandments, laws, and how to return to Heavenly Father. So essential are these truths that Lehi and Nephi both recieved visions of holding to the rod that keeps us on the straight, narrow path to Heavenly Father. Examples of faith bringing prosperity and lack of faith bringing destruction in Nephites and Jaredites. "Take hold of the scriptures, cling to them, walk by them, live by them, rejoice in them, feast on them, don't nibble." Scriptures testify of Jesus. The Book of Mormon shall not perish or be destroyed. Prophesies and promises have been fulfilled in our day. To hear God speaking to you, search the scriptures. The Prophets all testify that Jesus Christ has come and will come again. Moroni pleads for us to claim the blessings of the scripture. Moroni's Promise.


Joseph B. Wirthlin- Resurrection
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Bro. Wirthlin's father served much, served as General Authority. His mother was always on the move, with great expectations for her children. Love at first site with his wife. His strength and joy, had 8 children, together 65 years before her death. We will be resurrected in perfect bodies, with no more pain or burdens. Christ made it possible to be together with our families again after death, and that softens the pain of their passing. "Death is merely the beginning of a...wonderous existence."


Elaine S. Dalton- Personal Worthiness
2nd counselor Young Women's General Presidency

Our personal worthiness will qualify us to fullfill our earthly missions. We do those things that qualify us to claim blessings. Light clingeth to light. Absolute perfection is not possible, but we can do our best. Gospel is one of simplicity and we are given tools. Always live in a way that when you need blessings you can ask for them and be worthy to recieve them. Personal worthiness essential to enter Temples.


Shayne M. Bowen- Reclaiming Life Through the Atonement
Quorom of the Seventy

Idaho Falls Airport and Freeman Park both built on sanitary landfills. Is it possible to reclaim a life that is full of sin and become clean again? Alma 7:11-13. 2 Nephi 9:7. Atonement is infinite, applies to everyone. Atonement can clean and reclaim our lives.


Daniel L. Johnson- Tithing
Quorom of the Seventy

Lack of paying tithing limits our blessings. Spencer W Kimball says tithing is law of God. Tithing is 1/10th of all interest [profit] annually. Tithing is paid to Branch Presidency or Bishopric, and the funds help the growth of the Church. The Lord is our father and as our father he loves us and wants to bless us, spiritually and temporally. To do this justly and equitably he makes laws to govern. Blessings obtained by obedience to laws. D&C 82:10. Malachi 3:10-13. Lord provides a way for us to keep all commandments, including paying tithing. If you pay tithing you will become a witness to many blessings. Each time you pay tithing, your personal commitment to the Lord is renewed.


Dieter F. Uchtdorf- Testimony
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

His family had to flee East Germany with family, and go to West Germany. Had to learn English but it was very difficult and he knew it was definitely not his language. Realized he wanted to become a pilot, but needed to learn English to do so. He was soon able to learn English with lots of work, persistance, and patience. "...motives and thoughts ultimately influence our actions." Look to me in every thought, doubt not, fear not D&C 6:36. Testimony has warmth and feeling. "Our firm conviction of Gospel truths is an anchor in our lives. it is steady and reliabel as the north star." Foundations of testimony 1- God lives, he is our Father and we are his children 2- Jesus Christ is the son of God and our Savior 3- Joseph Smith is a prophet of god through whom the Gospel was restored 4- Pres. Hinckley and Quorom of 12 are prophets, seers, revelators. Core of testimony is faith in and knowledge of Jesus Christ and his divine mission. How to recieve testimony? 1- Desire to believe. Alma 32:27. 2- Let the seed of faith grow. 3- Do the will of God. Keep the commandments. Learning and then doing God's word. Testimony provides optimism, happiness, motivation to choose the right and draw nearer to God, protection and guidance. I will go and do... 1 Nephi 3:7.


Richard G. Scott- Finding Peace and Happiness
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Father in Heaven wants us to enjoy peace and happiness in our mortal lives. Wrong way to find happiness- going on your own without help and support. Right way- linked to an anchor with a lead person providing support and direction. Practice and learning. Helping each other. Savior is our lead in life, he will lead us over the difficult obstacles, his laws are our anchors. "Your life can and should be wonderously rewarding." Peace and happiness are fruits of a righteous life, only possible through the atonement. Repentance and obedience essential for atonement to be complete in your life. Human mind cannot fully comprehend the Atonement, but we should try to study and learn about it as much as we can. No flesh can dwell in the presence of God save it be through...the holy Messiah 2 Nephi 2:8. 2 Nephi 25:23.



Sunday Morning Session

Thomas S. Monson- Foundations
1st Counselor, 1st Presidency

Foundations need to be deep to withstand the weather. Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves. We must face challenges and difficulties. If our foundations of faith and testimonies of truth are not deep we can crack and crumble in the storms of life. Life's routines can take our minds from the holy to the mundane. How can we maintain the foundation we need? 1- Prayer. Fortify foundation in prayer. "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire". Pray with meaning, listen for answers. We will be strengthened and blessed. "There is no finer hour to begin than now." Do not neglect family prayers. 2- Scriptures. Study the scriptures and meditate therein day and night. Apply in our lives the lessons we find there. Spending time each day in scripture study will strengthen our foundations of faith and testimonies of truth. 3- Service. King Benjamin desired to serve his people. Mosiah 2:16 "When ye are in the service of your fellow being, ye are only in the service of God". Story of Jamie, couldn't walk and wanted to go on hike, but told her friends to go ahead. They said they would carry her to the top. "Fear not for I am with thee, oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid..." (How Firm a Foundation).


L. Tom Perry- Plan of Salvation
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Story of young lady who worked as waitress. Truck driver stopped to eat at same restaurant every week to eat. They talked and she was able to serve and teach him and gave him missionary information. God's whole purpose is to enable each of us to enjoy all of his blessings. He provided plan to accomplish his purposes. We accepted this plan before coming to Earth. We have opportunity to share this plan. We all chose to accept this plan and Jesus became the leader in this plan. With that choice we earned the right to come to Earth. God created Adam and Eve and gave them choice to partake of the fruit. Because of there choice they would experience all trials and difficulties of mortality. Savior is the centerpiece of the plan, a ransom to pay the price for our sins. Overcame physical death. We will all be resurrected, immortality is a gift to every child of God. Perfect immortal body of flesh and bones, never to have pain or death again. Church went into apostasy, then came Dark Ages, then the Reformation brought back Christianity, and then the Restoration restored the fullness of the Gospel. Our Father's love has no bounds. All men have possiblity to fullfill eternal destiny. Alma 34:30-32. We live in the fullness of time.


Richard C. Edgley- Honesty
1st Counselor, Presiding Bishopric

Dishonesty. One person's dishonesty can affect many people. Dishonesty based on greed, arrogance, disrespect. Prov 12:22. Alma 27:27. Honesty embedded in covenants we make. When we are true to principles of honesty and integrity we are true to our faith.


Margaret S. Lifferth- Teach the Children
1st Counselor, Primary General Presidency

Protecting children means providing environment that invites the Spirit into their lives. Children are open to Gospel truths more than at any other time. What to teach? "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ..." 2 Nephi 25:26. Family worship, prayer, FHE, teaches and invites blessing of the Lord. Being an example is best way to teach children. Love the children. "Invite, listen, affirm, guide, build, serve, and share testimony. Your love can help bring a child to the love of the Savior." Story of nonmember children that were drawn to the truth and came to Primary. Savior appeared in America and blessed the children. How eager the parents must have been, they watched as he wept over them, blessed them, and called down angels to minister to them. Likewise, we are commanded to bring our children to the Savior. Because it is not easy to bring them to the Savior, we also must come to him, seek him and we will see miracles, becoming submissive, meek, humble, patient, and full of love.


Anthony D. Perkins- Overcoming Adversity
Quorom of the Seventy

Repentance. "Become as a little child and feel again the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world". "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7. 1- See yourself as a precious child of a loving Father in Heaven. You are beloved. So much so that Jesus gave his life for you. Refrain from saying negative things about yourself. 2- Place burdens on Jesus. Doubt not, fear not. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me". Savior promised "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden..." 3- Forgive yourself of sins and imperfections. Heavenly Father does not expect you to be perfect. To forgive yourself you must trust in Christ. Father is saddened when we limit the power of his Sons sacrifice. 4- Sustain hope of eternal life. Consider Alma the elder who was a wicked priest of Noah, but came to be a great Prophet of God. 5- Find joy each day. One joy is service. "For whosever shall save his life shall lose it, but..." Luke 9:24.


Russell M. Nelson- Gathering Israel
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Lord made promises to Abraham that his posperity would be a chosen people. Some aspects have already been fullfilled, but not completely until these latter days. We are among the covenant people of the Lord. We get to participate in the fullfillment of these promises. Savior sent his apostles into the world to preach the Gospel, eventually the Church fell into decay, and the apostasy came. A complete restoration was required. God and Jesus called upon Joseph Smith to be the prophet of this dispensation, fullness to be restored through him. All things were to be restored, therefore there must come as part of that restoration the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel. If there were no Book of Mormon the gathering would not occur. After the Kirtland Temple was dedicated, heavenly messengers came to restore all the keys of the kingdom. Noah, Elias, Elijah. D&C 110:14-15. We do geneology and temple work for ancestors to gather those who've already passed. "The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location, it is a matter of individual commitment." "Spiritual security will always depend on how one lives, not where one lives."


Gordon B. Hinckley- Faith
President of the Church

The President's life is not his own. He has been permitted to live for a long time to serve the Church. It is not an easy thing to preside of the Church. Great responsibility and stress. He feels well, his health is reasonably good. When it is time for a successor it will go smoothly.
Faith. Faith brought Joseph Smith to the grove to get his answer, to publish the Book of Mormon, to pray for the Priesthood, to organize the Church. Faith was exercised to Brigham Young to organize and move the pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. So has each of the Presidents of the Church moved forward with faith in the face of every opposition. Pioneers from England faced many trials and tribulations, many died and suffered much, on their way to the valley. They were in dire need in the cold, with not enough food or shelter. Brigham Young got word and stood during conference to call the Saints to help them be brought to the Valley before Winter set in. Immediately they were able to assemble all that was needed to go rescue the Saints on the trail. Sis. Hinckley's g-grandmother was one of them, she died upon entering the Valley. Faith is demonstrated not only in big events like that, but in small and simple events. Story of the wedding band. Sis. Hinckleys grandma had a ring that was the only remembrance from her dead husband and she misplaced it, but prayed and was able to find it. She passed it on to Sis. Hinckley. "May faith be as a candle to guide us in the night as a light."



Sunday Afternoon Session

Boyd K. Packer- Ensign to the Nations
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Brigham Young waved a flag at Ensign Peak to be an ensign to the nations. They didn't have much, but began to build and prepared for the winter. "Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard to the nations..." Principles of Gospel based on doctrine. We are bound to standards by covenant. We are not free to alter or ignore standards, we must live by them. We are to do the best we can. Teach our children moral standards. Be completely faithful in marriage, pay tithing, take sacrament, honor priesthood. Pioneers knew there would be no end to opposition and challenges. Church growth cannot be held back. "If we gather into the church and live...the Gospel...then we need not live in fear." There is opposition and temptations. We do not attack others. There are some who believe strange lies about our Church. "We are all children of God, drawn to truth and to good." Even in a world where hostilities never end, we are to be happy and positive, not to be afraid. "Fear is the opposite of faith." A latter-day family is a standard to the world. Matthew 5:16. Need not apologize our Church or it's history. Willingly defend it. Face the challenges, we cannot avoid them, teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 25:26. "The Church will prosper, it will prevail. Of this I am absolutely certain."


David A. Bednar- Taking Offense
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Spoke of his experiences visiting less active members and the reasons why they say they were so. Recurring thing of being offended by something or someone at church. Most had a true testimony of the Gospel, but were not participating in the Church. Because someone offended them, they were missing out on the blessings they could be recieving by becoming active in the church. "The time to stop being offended is now." To be offended is a choice we make, not a condition imposed upon us by someone else. To believe we can be made to feel angry, offended, etc diminishes the power of moral agency. Choosing to be offended is a symptom of much deeper spiritual problem. 1 Nephi 19:9. Through the atonement we can be blessed to avoid and triumph over offense. Ephesians 4:12-13. Elder Maxwell "[The Church is] not a well provisioned rest home for the already perfected." At some time, someone in the Church will say or do something that could be taken offense at, but we determine whether we take offense or not. Alma 61:2,9. Invitations: 1- Learn about and apply Saviors teaching of interactions that can be construed as offensive. Matthew 5:44,46-48. 2- Many individuals and families who could use this message are probably not participating in Conference today. Prayerfully identify a person to visit and extend invitation to return to worship with us. "These things have I spoken unto you that you should not be offended." John 16:1.


A. Roger Merrill- Recieving the Spirit
General Sunday School President

Alma 29:1-3. "Oh that I were an angel...but ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted me." We often focus on teaching by the Spirit, but there is equal or greater importance in recieving by the Spirit. Boyd K. Packer said "No message...appears in more times and in more places...than ask and ye shall recieve." D&C 88:33. Those who recieve do 3 things: 1- Seek. Focus on seeking and recieving the Spirit, by doing this we become more concerned with giving our attention. 2- Feel. Pay attention to feelings. 3- Intend to Act. Spirit teaches what we honestly intend to learn.


Craig A. Cardon- Priesthood
Quorom of the Seventy

Malachi "Behold I will reveal unto you the priesthood..." 1829 restoration of Aaronic and Melchezidek priesthoods. 1836 keys of the priesthood authority all restored. Crowning temple ordinance only available to a man and woman as a unit, the sealing for eternity. Priesthood has power to change our very natures. All ordained to the priesthood are made like unto the Son of God. Man may be refined by service to others, and blessed with constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Qualities of faithful priesthood holder: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love-unfaned, kindess, pure knowledge. Qualities that enlarge the soul, and thoughts garnished with virtue, adjust our spiritual temperatures, and bring us closer to God.


Don R. Clark- Service
Quorom of the Seventy

Do not need a calling, invitation, or good health to serve others. "Do unto others..." Alma and Mosiah's sons prayed, fasted, and went on mission to teach. Need to be receptive to promptings of Holy Ghost. Alma 29:9. Write down the thoughts and inspiration we recieve and act on it. "God treasures those who help his children."


Keith R. Edwards- Understanding Christ's Suffering

Quorom of the Seventy

Christ suffered so we would not have to suffer as he did. But there is still suffering. Romans 8:17. 1 Nephi 19:9. D&D 122:7. As we endure suffering, we can choose to have a new awareness of the suffering of the Son of God. It might allow us insight into the depth and magnitude of His atoning sacrifice. Christ's sacrifice was willing and voluntary, we can never comprehend the depth of his suffering. We can have a greater appreciation and know the Savior in a greater sense.


Larry W. Gibbons- Keep the Commandments
Quorom of the Seventy

If God created us it is not logical that He would leave us alone. Commandments are guideposts to keep us out of trouble, give us fullness, and bring us back home. To be worthy of the Celestial Kingdom, we must keep the commandments. D&C 88:22. We do not have to wait to experience Celestial joy, we can experience joy now by living the commandments. "We cannot keep one foot in the Church and one foot in the world...we will lose our balance." Salt of the earth Matthew 5:13. We should be different from the world. We must be prepared to take a stand and not follow the crowd. Be in the world, not of it. Do not be "80/20" members of the Church. It is not enough to just be good 80% of the time, we should be 100%. Luke 14:28. There is one path of safety, that is the path of duty. It is not up to you to decide which commandments you will keep. Do not flirt with evil. "Living the commandments will bring you the happiness that too many others look for in other places."


Jeffrey R. Holland- Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice
Quorom of the Twelve Apostles

Story of Caroline, who went on hike with some friends. They stopped for a break and all the people stopped to listen to Conference. They explained to her what was going on and invited her to listen. She was converted. We are blessed to be able to listen to General Conference. We are gathered as members of the Church to hear the messages of our Prophet and other servants of God. What is declared at Conference: 1- Eagerly and unequivocally that there is a living prophet on the earth speaking in the name of the Lord, and that we need the guidance. Our Prophets are very in tune with all the issues of the time. 2- Each marks a call to action, in our own lives and on the lives of those around us. The Lord will lead you to those in need. 3- To all the world that Jesus is the Christ. That Jesus and the Father appeared to the Prophet Joseph to restore the true Church. A declaration that he came to Earth in poverty and humility to face death that we might be saved, that with his stripes we are healed. His mercy endureth forever. Christ's hand is stretched out to all, even if they feel they are too far away from Him to ever return. His is the pure love of Christ, the charity that never faileth.


Gordon B. Hinckley
President of the Church

What a great miracle these conferences are. We have been inspired by the messages taught. May the Spirit of the Lord dwell in your homes. We leave our love and blessing with you.

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