Thoughts and notes from Conference:
I first noticed the empty seats and then the humble surroundings of the setting of this conference. I love how the authorities of the church don’t hide what is real. They aren’t masking the humble circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic behind a fake sense of security. They don’t pretend or act to be above any of it. There is nothing phony in their countenances or messages. Instead they simply acknowledge it for what it is and move forward. So refreshing.
Pres. Nelson – Prepare myself spiritually to be able to endure trials. Build up my spiritual strength – I will need it.
M. Russell Ballard – Joseph Smith’s family suffered greatly and his cause was directly for the Lord. None of us are above suffering. The Son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than He? No. Absolutely not.
James R. Rasband – We can only have real peace and joy in repentance when we know that those we have hurt can be made whole again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This made me think of my kids and how my choices play into their lives. I struggled with divorce because of how it would affect them and their lives. It was the hardest thing to do. But time and time again I was reassured that my Savior could wrap them all up in His loving arms and make it all okay for them. It didn’t mean that they wouldn’t hurt. It didn’t mean that they wouldn’t have to do hard things and make sacrifices. But it did mean that they would be okay. I can’t express enough the peace and love I feel in this.
Joy D. Jones – “The Lord loves effort.” – Pres. Nelson. I can attest to this. Lay aside the things of this world!!!!! Hear Him. Trust Him. Be an extension of His love. In the Millennium, it is said that Satan will be bound. But this binding will be because of our choices. It won’t be a physical binding of him, necessarily, but it will be that he has no influence on us. That will be at our doing and our choices. We will make righteous choices only. I feel like what Sister Jones is teaching us is to begin to be what will lead into the binding of Satan. If we are solid with ourselves and then can radiate God’s love to others and encourage them to become solid in their salvation etc, it begins to spread and eventually the world is covered with the pure love of Christ. Satan would have no influence then. This will take a long time to do, but I believe this is where this is heading.
Neil L. Andersen – His repeating message of “I knew it, and I knew that God knew that I knew it.” was so super cool! I love his story of President Nelson’s surgery and enlightenment while in the middle of it. I spent a second talking to my kids of how really, the Lord does these types of things (moments of enlightenment) for all of us. The difference is in our confidence to 1, recognize them as such and 2, to act on them. Think about it. How often has a thought come in to your mind of how you could maybe do something good and you dismiss it with all of the reason’s you shouldn’t do it? Too busy. They probably don’t need it. They might think I’m weird etc. Did President Nelson stop and wonder if his surgical staff was going to think he was weird or crazy for suggesting this new life saving idea. Nope, he just sent it. In this gospel, this is exactly how we need to be! When the enlightenment comes, baby, just send it!
Douglas D. Holmes – Seeing other’s as God does is a gift. And with this gift, you can help others see themselves as God sees them. So true. He loves you so dearly and sees you completely – all that you have been, are and are yet to become. He loves your heart. When I choose to repent, I choose to change. Heavenly Father will repair and rebuild me time and time again to help me become the best version of myself. I know this. The hard part is allowing the same from myself. I get tired of the process over and over again. And I am hard on myself. God has commanded us to forgive ALL people. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” D&C 64:10 This means I must forgive myself just as I must all others. This means I must humble myself and let my Heavenly Father repair and rebuild me time and time again. I am so grateful for His undying love and work and effort for me. I am His.
Pres. Eyring – Pray in faith! Pray believing that God cares about you. Pray believing that He wants the best for you. Pray believing that He will give you all that you seek if it be in your best interest. Pray believing that He loves you. Pray believing that He will answer. Pray in faith. Ask “What would ye have me do?” and ask, “What am I to learn from this.” There is so much for us to learn. Heavenly Father is simply waiting to reveal it to us as we are ready. Seek Him. Hear Him.
I love conference so much! This session was so powerful in the Spirit. I can’t express enough my love for the Savior and for His prophetic leaders. I love their willingness to work and sacrifice on my behalf.
Forever grateful to be a member of this church!
