notes

i love general conference, i'm grateful to have a living prophet. i testify that everything said at conference is true and that it is for our benefit. here are my notes from conference feel free to read them, i'm posting them mainly for my personal record. i know they are extremly lengthy.

General Conference October 2010
1st session:
President Thomas s. monson:
- The ordinances of the temple are vital to our salvation
- Every worthy able young man should serve a mission
- Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to serve a mission
- be in tune to the spirit of the lord
Elder Holland:
- the apostles of the lord sustain and pray for us.
- We are individually loved by God.
- The divine nature about each of us is why the plan of salvation is.
- The women of the church are always there… and they always need to be there when hands hang down.
- Every calling in the church is important … every single one.
- Thank heaven for all the helpers
- President Holland has been discouraged and frightened … his parents sacrificed for him and now he is greatful
- It is so important for Jordan and I to sacrifice for peyton, to give her the happiest life we can. That should be our goal, that was my parents goal and that should be our goal for each of our children and we should never loose sight of that.
- We need to follow elder Hollands example to renew our commitment
General primary president:
- We can hold on to our children and lead them the way.
- We need to be examples to our children … read the scriptures together every day. 3 verses each night. And on and on. Daily family scripture study is a habit now and the spirit has increased in our home. NEVER TO LATE TO BIGIN.
- The world will teach our children if we do not.
- You need to pray. Teach our children you need to pray.
- What trials will our children face, when we are intentional about holding and teaching them they will come to know where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going.
Elder costa:
- joseph smith is the prophet and what a blessing to have prophets in our day
- a person called by god to speak in his name, receives revelations from god
- if we believe in the holy prophets we will have eternal life, a faith and confidence in them and to do what the prophets ask us to do.
- 1. the prophet is the only man who speaks for the lord In everything
- 2. the living prophet is more valuable to us than the standard works
- 3. the living prophet is more important to us than the dead prophets
- 4. the prophet will never lead the church astray
- 5. the prophet is not required to have any credentials to act or speak about anything
- 6. the prophet does not have to say thus saith the lord
- 7. the prophet tells us what we need to know not what we want to know…
- Follow the prophet and be blessed
Elder mcconkie:
- the how of learning
- what matters most in learning is the attitude of the teacher or spirit
- successful teachers love the gospel and their students , to teach the gospel is to share the love of the gospel
- 1. immerse yourselves in the scriptures – you cannot love what you do not know
- 2. apply in your life the things that you learn – keep the commandments with all of our might mind and strength
- 3. seek heavens help – help us to know and meet the needs of each student and to reach each student
- 4. exercise our agency and act with the promptings we receive – promptings of the spirit our not to be postponed
d. todd Christopherson:
- life offers you two precious gifts, 1 – time 2 – agency to use time
- men are that they might have joy
- love and harmony in the home = joy = true happiness that doesn’t fade
- time and choices is life
- the consecrated life is a pure life – those who follow him have claim on his grace
- labor is part of consecrating our life – we desire to participate in god’s work… all honest work is in the work of god
- by work we sustain a rich life it, hard earned achievement = self worth
- wholesome recreation is the companion of work as long as it is uplifting, it some times takes hard work to find worth while and uplifting leisure.
- each life is long enough to acquire resurrection after this life.
- your body is a temple that is a holding place of the holy spirit – our body is the instrument of our spirit.
- quietly and thoughtfully go about doing good = a consecrated life
- our responsibility is first to nourish our marriage and second provide for the temporal and spiritual needs for our childrenPresident Uchtdorf:
- slow down when life gives you turbulence (or a speed bump)
- when tragedy strikes we often times think we need to keep up the normal pace of life, it is easy to be busy
- we over schedule our days
- resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of every day life … focus on the things that matter most
- we have to forego some good things to spend our time doing better things
- simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
- turning our ways to his ways
- experienced players could only become great by mastering the fundamentals
- we sometimes get distracted by things that may seem more important than the fundamentals
- come follow me (with a still small voice)
- the holy scriptures and the spoken word of the prophets of the lord are the fundamentals
- we would do well to slow down a little, to truly see the things that matter most
- diligently doing the things that matter most will bring us back to our savior
- this is the more excellent way… what are the basics? We learn 4 relationships we need to keep 1. with god 2. with our families 3. with others 4. and with ourselves
- we need to purify and refocus our lives, as we seek God our lives become more stable and secure we experience more peace and joy – by learning of him by communing with him and repenting through Christ. Daily time alone with our heavenly father scripture study and prayer.
- Be still and know that I am god.
- High priority on our families doing simple things together, family dinner and family home evening love is spelt TIME
- Build relationships with others one person at a time staying in tune to the spirit and the needs of others
- Some people do not like them selves they are critical and be little themselves, we need to know what god means to us personally, learn how god sees you!
- The heavens are open and the truth of god’s church is on the earth
- Let us simplify our lives and make the changes necessary to reline our lives with our savior and our god.
2nd session:
Elder hales:
- agency is the ability that god gives us to choose and act for ourselves
- without agency we would not be able to progress but with it we also can make wrong choices
- the only power satan has is to tempt and to try us
- for making the same choice now… we will be blessed … we must continue to choose our savior
- returning to the lord isn’t always easy but it is worth it
- when we follow the council of the prophet to have family prayer, family home evening, and family scripture study our homes become an incubator for spirituality to grow
- we do have agency and using it righteously is always a better choice
- sal excused himself by blaming others … we make our own choices
- to obey is better than sacrifice
- are we practicing selective obedience and fearing man more than God?
ELDER COOK:
- we need to preserve light
- we would be wise to black out from our homes the bombs that can hit and hurt our families, tv, movies, internet programs that remove light and truth- peace is the reward for righteous living
- we should be a source of light in our homes and communities
- religious faith is beneficial to society
- government should be morally based
- we can be a force for righteousness
elder edgley:
- we can choose how we react to the world attacking us
- choose faith over doubt, fear, unknown, and over pessimism
- we are also responsible of the lack of faith that we have
- the things we need to know are the plain and simple truths that lead to exaltation
- faith will bring us to a perfect knowledge
elder Duncan:
- every prophesy that Brigham Young declared has come to pass
- the only sure and secure road in this life comes from following and listening to the prophet of God.
- The lord blesses those who do as the prophet teaches
- It is easy to get caught looking to man for the truths of life like raising children ect… but we have the way the light and the truth all we need to do is listen to the prophet and do what he teaches
- God is a god of order and he has a prophet to tell us that order and to keep our lives in line with his
Elder gong:
- each human being has divine nature
- eternal families are an incredible true blessing and gift that god has created a plan for this dream to become a reality … there is no beginning or end of generations in temple mirrors of eternity
- as we learn and teach in eternal roles
- he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it
- the power is not in us to save our selves, it is only because of our savior and redeemer Jesus Christ that we may be saved
elder Anderson:
- how do we remain true to the savior? Except you become as little children you will not enter into the kingdom
- we need the believing heart of a little child
- our life does not turn out the way we were expecting , we learn of something that bothers us, we are ignored or under appreciated … do not be offended
- when things happen to us that offend us we need to have faith and move on Christ will take care of everything, he will give justice, and he will be the judge
- go forward with faith unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- some ask can’t I love Christ and not go to church? can’t I love Christ and brake the law of chastity? The Christ answered if ye love me keep my commandments
- unto whom much is given much is required
- your testimony when nourished will keep you safe
elder Scott:
- faith in the savior is a principal of action
- faith in the future is demonstrated when two people are sealed together in the temple, they can have a joyful life together, through the holy spirit we can overcome trials
- character is used in moments of great challenge
- your faith in principals of the gospel grows your character
- the bedrock of character is integrity
- your consistent exercise of faith builds strong character
- make Jesus Christ the center of your life
- your character is a measure of what you are becoming, of how well you are using your time and agency here on earth
- this mortal life is a proving ground
- satan cannot alter character, he cannot take away blessing, he cannot break covenants made in the temple, he cannot take away testimonies… he can tempt you but he does not have power over you unless you give it to him
- principals for peace:
o faith in the lord Jesus Christ
o repentance
o obedience to the commandments of the lord
o selfless service
- you are making better progress than you realize if you are holding to the rod
- always make decisions that fortify your character
3rd session:
elder Eyring:
- alma “ oh that I were an angel … that I could go forth and speak like a trumpet the word of god..”
- the lord does council out of wisdom
- god sends messages and messengers to his children
- a lack of trust in the lord brings sadness
- those who did not come into mortality lacked the trust of god
- trust comes from knowing god
- go back and study joseph smith history
- the lord will tell us what to do to help our families, and communities if we have trust in him and do what he tells us
- go and do whatever he asks
- god speaks today through his chosen messengers, through the prophet
elder packer:
- the family: a proclamation to the world : have a family home evening reading this
- we should be happy , men are that they might have joy
- the plan of happiness is the key
- wickedness never was happiness
- be careful of those who confuse light with darkness
- there are both physical and moral laws that God has put into place, to legalize something that is wrong will alter the consequence… but consequences will still come
- we must protect and nourish the family unit
- angels and God will help you through the repentance process
- forgiveness means forgiveness… we need to forgive ourselves
elder Jensen:
- I did not have a testimony of my own… I was living on borrowed light
- Heavenly father are you there? God and Jesus are real
- The gift of the holy ghost is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man
- Teach and testify of the father and the son
- The holy ghost is a great teacher and comforter it can comfort in a crisis, it can teach you what is true when you study, and in daily living
- The first vision and the book of morman – both born of goodly parents
o each prays
o each has a vision
o each receives an answer from the holy ghost
- our testimonies of the book of morman teach us that this religion is true
sister Cook:
- how can we start and keep our children on the path to eternal: never do something we do not want our children to do- being a good example
- Joseph learned to use the scriptures because his mother did
- Lucy would pray with great faith … joseph saw his mom pray so he did too
- Strengthen our kids testimonies by strengthening our own
- Our message must be clear… both hands on the rod
- You are raising tomorrows leaders
- Example of purity – become pure ourselves
- The moment they step out of the water they step out of the world
- Read the for strength of youth and teach from it know it
- Daily scripture study and prayer
Elder oaks:
- there are 2 sources of communication to our heavenly father 1. a personal line 2. a priesthood line
- his church is the way and his priesthood is the power
- the voice of the lord’s servants are the voice of the Lord
- when it comes to a personal testimony we cannot rely on any one else
president Monson:
- do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive
- giving thanks unlocks the doors of heaven
- do we focus on what we lack rather than our blessings?
- Rejoice for what we have
- Gratitude is a divine principal
- Live in thanksgiving daily
- While much is wrong… there is many that is right – parents who sacrifice for their children – marriages that are happy and make it
- Lets have an attitude of gratitude
- If we are grateful the good will out weigh the evil
- We often take advantage of the people we owe the most gratitude too
- Lets frequently express our love and our gratitude before it is to late
- When I watch pres. Monson speak I can not help but notice that because of his life style he is truly happy… he cannot keep from laughing and smiling
- To live with gratitude in our hearts it is to touch heaven
4th session:
Elder Perry
- the world puts a lot of peer pressure on our young priesthood holders which is not uplifting or good – these influences can confuse right from wrong
- Daniel in the lions den 1. body clean 2. develop mind 3. resist temptation 4. stay close to the lord
- The priesthood gives man the right and power to act as god’s agent
- Parents it is your job to teach your children the responsibility’s of priesthood holders, to teach them why it is such an awesome gift and to respect and magnify his priesthood, teach your daughters to love and appreciate the priesthood, to respect it and to respect those who hold the priesthood
Elder Bednar:
- baptism of immersion comes first… baptism of the spirit comes second
- receive the holy ghost – not passive, an authoritative administration to act
- 1. sincerely desire to receive the holy
o Do we pray to receive the holy ghost and to be guided by it in our daily lives? Or do we neglect this gift?
- 2. appropriately invite the holy ghost into our lives
o We have to invite him – through keeping covenants, prayer, scriptures study, good relationships, actions and language, and through worship
o Do not partake in things that make the holy spirit leave us
- 3. keep the commandments
o “Always have his spirit to be with us…”
- we gather together to feel and be taught by the holy ghost , we go to places the holy spirit is such as the temple, church, and conference
- the church of Jesus Christ of later day saints is the ONLY true church upon the face of the earth today, because it is Christ’s restored church here on the earth once again
- the holy ghost is the ultimate teacher, he teaches by opening our eyes, he only teaches truth, and he brings peace
elder Lawrence
- parents of teenagers: “be not afraid” courageous parenting who are not afraid to speak up and take a stand
- if your daughter was laying on the train tracks and you could hear a train coming would you speak up… would you move her? Or would you fear of being over protective?
- Parents are responsible to protect their children
- Command thy children to do good
- Parenting is not a popularity contest, afraid to offend our children – we will be warned we need to listen out of love for our children… if we have a bad feeling we should share that with our children
- Respect your spouses feelings – you may be enabling destructive behavior
- Satan will do whatever he can to stop young men from serving missions and temple marriages
- It is best to wait up for your children to come home – when they know they will have to answer to you, overnight activities should be avoided , protect your children
- 1. family prayer
- 2. family scripture study
- 3. family home evening
- 4. family dinners
- 5. individual interviews with each individual child
- Counseling requires courage – if we do this our kids will be like Helamen’s army the lord is counting on righteous parents
Elder Malm:
- I am a child of God
- We grow step by step in order to be solid and steadfast, we can have faith to stand tall and strong
- Come unto me … and I will give your rest… find rest unto your souls
- Peace of mind and heart = learning and following the doctrine of Christ
- Hope can become a solid anchor to our souls making us stead fast and immovable
- This life is a very small moment … do not waste the days … have good feelings, thoughts, and do good actions we will be judged by all three of these aspects
- Do not wait to do things we should do today til some future unknown tomorrow
o Such as fhe, scripture study, prayer, and feeling our lives and homes with the spirit
- following evil influences can never result in peace
- how we act and how we choose to react – we can build up or tear down
o handle small and simple daily things with wisdom and inspiration: will build up and strengthen those around us
- beware of things that can destroy you from the inside out
elder Mazzagardi:
- sin can sneak into our lives if we allow it to
- go to bed early and wake up early ; some times at night is when bad influences are more likely to tempt our children
- decisions about what to do in tempting situations need to be made before we and our children are in the situation
elder Arnold:
- we will have to account to Jesus Christ one day for what we have done with his name
- work hard, be honest, pay a full tithing, and marry in the temple: if we are to leave our children early and unexpectedly will they know what we wanted them to learn from us
- we are free to choose for ourselves but we are not free to choose the consequences for our actions
- commandments and parents rules are a protection to keep us happy and safe
- the lord wants us to turn to him so that he can heal us
- I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course
Elder Ballard
- satan knows our weaknesses he uses them against us… he wants us to be miserable
- One way satan tempts us is to try and convince us that evil is good and good is evil, he tries to subtly change our perception of what is actually wrong
- Stay away from anything that you can get addicted too
- If you are addicted there is hope for you – a way to escape: sincere prayer is the way … repentance is the way
- Set aside pride and turn your life and heart to Christ … you may have to do this over and over but keep doing it, you will be free
President Monson:
- we believe all the words thou has spoken unto us because of the spirit
- we need to read all the talks that have been shared this conference
- god loves us and wants to help us and bless us and he will as we pray and keep the commandments