Today, we want to hear from anyone who would like to share their thoughts after this past weekend of General Conference.
Of course, some of what you feel and think during this weekend of spiritual feasting is personal, and not something you will want to share publicly. But sometimes there are thoughts that we can discuss together, and also share to help friends not of our faith understand more of what General Conference means to us.
p.s. We are planning a photo essay related to Conference for our Family Friday post this week, giving glimpses through pictures of different ways people enjoy Conference weekend. Whether you are a family of one and enjoyed conference in the quiet of your own home, or you are a mom of little ones whom you tried (however unsuccessfully) to keep occupied enough to hear something, or you live where your ward or branch family gather and worship (and eat!) together, please consider sharing a picture or two of your experiences. Food shots (and recipes?) are welcome, too! Email pictures (with a brief caption in the subject or email text) at gmail to username mormonwoman.
To review any of the talks from any of the five sessions this weekend (or the General Relief Society Broadcast from the previous week), you can go to the archives here. Transcripts will be available on Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Elder Holand’s talk was awesome. Out of all the talks, his inspired to to want to share the Book of Mormon with our non-member family.
I was stunned to sit down for the first session, Saturday morning, and find my personal struggles addressed in the very first talk. Elder Scott was so heartfelt as he taught me, I appreicated every word. I look forward to reviewing it.
My kids appreciated Elder Eyring’s talk. It is hard for them to understand much of what is going on in General Conference. (They try to find words here or there that they know.) So for him to quote a primary song that they knew made them smile. Elder Uchtdorf’s talk where he mentioned popcorn popping did the same.
I was so amazed at the passion and the fire that Elder Holland spoke with. It brought me to tears just hearing him.
I also loved Elder Holland’s Apostolic witness of the Book of Mormon. I was crying too.
Another theme that caught my attention was Discipleship. I have been trying to work on being a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I have improved my prayers, been more consistent in my efforts to be obedient to the Commandments. But this conference brought to my attention that to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be filled with Love. True disciples heed to two great commandments to love God with all my heart, might and soul. And to love my neighbor as myself. What a needed reminder.
I also loved Elder Bednar’s talk on how to improve family relationships. I will be studying in depth his talk as well as Elder Scott’s on how to obtain greater personal revelation.
What really stuck out to me were all of the calls for us to serve our neighbors (and families). I look forward to using President Eyring’s talk as a FHE lesson. I loved when President Monson said that we wont regret being “too kind’. Sister Ann Dibb’s talk also gave me pause – she talked about soceity’s tolerance of sin, and it made me wonder about my tolerance of sin.
I could go on and on. It was so good. I can’t wait for the November Ensign so I can study and re-read.
The call for service really influenced me during conference. Whether through sharing the message of Jesus Christ with friends and family, lending a hand to those who need help and support, or simply being kind to my fellow men, the message seemed to continual touch my heart. President Monson is a wonderful example of kindness and charity.
I also came out of conference with an encouragement to do a better job studying my scriptures and praying daily on my own and with my husband. We have already begun and can see a difference today!
After Elder Holland’s talk, I really felt confidence rise in bearing testimony of my Savior and the things I believe. Sometimes it’s easy to get gun shy when it comes to religion or personal beliefs. However, my testimony in Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon is something that I want to share with all because of it’s truth and the peace and joy it brings. Elder Holland is a faithful example and true disciple of Christ. I only hope I can show a fraction of his faith.
And of course the song “Oh Divine Redeemer”! It was beautiful and powerful.
One of the most endearing things I’ve seen from an Apostle is President Eyring forgetting the names of the Seventy who were released that really made my Sunday.
Other than that I can’t think of 1 thing that stands out, because they were all great and each one was something I needed to hear.
I think one of the best moments for me was sitting as a family, listening to Pres. Monson speak about all the birthday gifts of service he received in the mail. My kids laughed and laughed when he told about the warm fuzzies. In fact, because we were recording it, they made me rewind it three times so they could hear it again and again. It made me so happy that my kids could connect with one of the conference talks and hopefully remember the message too.
There were many talks about personal revelation and receiving guidance through the Holy Ghost. This is a big deal to me in my life right now. I was particularly moved by Elder Scott’s talk on that subject.
Truth be told, it’s hard for me to capture all that I loved, because there were so many powerful messages that are swirling in my head. I have already listened to several talks more than once. I appreciate the fact that with the blessing of technology, we can do that.
BTW, more thoughts on what inspired Mormon women from this general conference can be found here.
Jaime, we loved that so much that we went out and bought warm fuzzies today to make our own service jar…that was part of our Family Home Evening! 🙂
Oh, my. Where do I start? General Conference was (again) just fabulous.
I loved Elder Bednar’s talk so much that I watched it again. His admonition to express love to our families was important, but what hit me was the idea of sharing our testimonies with our families. I don’t think I do that as often as I should, and when I heard what he said, it made me resolve to listen more intently for the Holy Ghost prompting me to share my testimony of the gospel.
Elder Holland was amazing. Simply amazing! I loved his logic, his testimony, and the power he evoked in his words.
President Monson’s words of service touched my heart.
Elder Oaks’ talk was wonderful. I loved how he pointed out that by giving us a law to live, God was showing us His love.
There was so much more! So much more, and I can’t wait to read and watch it all again.
I really loved Elder Holland’s talk. The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith have been bashed so much. I’ve recently had people tell me how the Book of Mormon does indeed have power in it, but that it’s the power of witchcraft, and that Joseph Smith was at the age where the onset of Schizophrenia often happens. This left me a little more vulnerable because I’ve observed at psychiatric units and been around people like that. Many of them talk about angels visiting them, of visions, many of them quote whole chapters of scripture, etc. I’ve also had Wicken friends…So hearing and feeling Elder Holland’s talk was just incredible and just what I needed. It was a good reminder to me as well about the parallels of the Book of Mormon to our day, and how Satan would spread lyings and deceivings throughout the land getting ahold of many peoples hearts and deceiving the very elect, etc. President Holland completely refuted everything and bore his own apostolic witness so powerfully. I’m going to watch his talk again as soon as I can. I just seriously want everyone in the world to have the opportunity to experience his talk. It would truly help flood the earth with the Book of Mormon more by casting out doubts and stating the truths so very clearly. I just loved his talk and very much needed it!!!! How incredible! I no longer feel vulnerable at all in that way. I love the Book of Mormon so much and am grateful for it’s teachings. It truly helps me to understand and love the Bible even more as well:):):).