We have a tradition here at Mormon Women: Who We Are of inviting those who had the opportunity to listen to General Conference to share some of their thoughts.
I’ll start off the discussion.
Some of the themes I noticed were about following the prophets (I plan to write more on this another time); choice and accountability (the word we often use in Mormonism is “agency”); the blessings of obedience and faith; the plague that pornography and other addictions are in our day — and yet the very clear message that there is hope, that such addictions can be overcome. (We’ll be talking more about this subject in the future as well — we’re finding that this is a topic readers are regularly searching and asking about.)
Powerful talks were given about the doctrines related to marriage and God’s plan for eternal families. There is so much there that helped deepen my appreciation for God’s plan for us, and increased my desire to make my family life even more of a priority. Truly, nothing matters more except my relationship with God.
Drawing close to God was another theme of the conference. I am determined to give more attention to my personal scripture study and personal prayers. I have always been one to do these things daily, but I don’t always do them with enough focus and intent.
There are so many other topics that were addressed. It was a wonderful weekend.
And I’m still in awe over the talks that were given last weekend in our General Relief Society meeting.
It is a such a blessing to have leaders we can look to, lean on, and trust to guide us in these exciting but challenging times.
What inspired you? What themes did you notice? What do you want to do better after listening this weekend (and last)?
Many, many things inspired me. There were so many halmark talks, that I notated at least a half dozen to study further. What I did this morning however, was a short recap of all the MUSIC. It was incredible how the choir has grown and the sound they now produce. I loved the messages, and in a short-hand, capsulized some of my favorite messages.
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
– We are weak, but thou art able; Hold us with thy pow’rful hand.
Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~Dear Lord, prepare my heart – To stand with thee on Zion’s mount
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet – ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness. We’ve proved him in days that are past.
Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel – ~ Congregation
~The Church has need of helping hands, And hearts that know and feel.
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus – ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~I shall imagine his blessings resting on me;
Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, All in the love-light of Jesus’ face.
The Morning Breaks – ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~The clouds of error disappear Before the rays of truth divine;
Come, Ye Children of the Lord~ Family Choir from Stakes in Draper and Sandy
~ When all men from sin will cease, And will live in love and peace.
Beautiful Zion, Built Above~ Family Choir from Stakes in Draper and Sandy
~Thither I press with eager feet; There shall my rest be long
Lord, I Would Follow Thee ~ Congregation
~ In the quiet heart is hidden, Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Home~ Family Choir from Stakes in Draper and Sandy
~Home is where the heart is And warmth and love abound.
Hark, All Ye Nations! ~ Priesthood Choir from Provo MTC
~ Chosen by God to serve him below, To ev’ry land and people we’ll go,
Go, Ye Messengers of Heaven~ Priesthood Choir from Provo MTC
~ Go, ye messengers of heaven, Chosen by divine command;
High on the Mountain Top ~ Congregation
~ We’ll now go up and serve the Lord, Obey his truth, and learn his word.
Called to Serve~ Priesthood Choir from Provo MTC
~ Far and wide we tell the Father’s story, Far and wide his love proclaim.
Truth Eternal ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~Truth shall triumph as the light, Chases far the misty night.
Jehovah, Lord of Heaven and Earth ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir
~ In thy new kingdom may they stand, And own thee God and King;
I also do a quote from many of the speakers that I just love. .. it helps me remember and review.
I noticed an interesting contrast–almost as if there were two distinct messages being delivered in different words. Probably to two different groups of people.
The dominant message I noticed was that we are accountable for our own growth in the gospel, and if that growth isn’t happening, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
The other message was a sweet message of gratitude, and it’s inseparable relationship from true love. Hearing that message, I’m able to see that many of the good people in the Church must be feeling starved for appreciation–even though they are prepared to proceed without ever receiving a word of it. And while I never thought of gratitude as being a means of protection from Satan’s deceptions, it seems really clear to me that grateful Saints don’t need to be warned about pride and apostasy. The very thought of it causes their souls to quake and tremble.
The mental image that comes to mind to see those two contrasting thoughts is the wheat and the tares. It would appear as though the Lord is sorting out His faithful. How else do you explain a mighty voice of rebuke coming over Elder SCOTT, of all people? That was surprising.
I noticed a lot of mention of the Holy Ghost and making him a constant companion. I came away more inspired to be better in general. I’ve thought about what more I can do to serve, how I can better prepare myself for the whisperings of the Spirit, how I can teach my children when they are hearing those whisperings.
I felt following the Prophet(s) was a major theme. I also appreciated our Prophet’s emphasis on gratitude. Conference left me refreshed, but desirous to repent and come closer to God.