182nd Semiannual General Conference, October 2012

For the last two days, I have had the wonderful opportunity to listen to prophets, seers, and revelators that are on this earth today.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and two times a year (the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October) we gather together as a Church to listen to messages created with us in mind.  We are able to feel the Spirit, and learn new things that we can apply in our lives.

This weekend, I have learned so much, felt the Spirit so strongly, and been inspired to make changes in my life.  With this blog post, I decided to write one thing that stood out from every talk that was given.  I want to share the things that I found important, and hopefully see what you felt was important.

For those of you who aren't member of my Church, if you want to find out more about it, then go to www.lds.org, and click on the General Conference link. :]

So, Saturday Morning went like this.

President Thomas S. Monson: Major thing?  18-year-old male and 19-year-old female missionaries!!!  AHH!!  What a HUGE announcement!

Elder Quentin L. Cook: "If ye have experienced a change of heart... can ye feel so now?"  "It is never too late to make the Atonement the foundation of your faith and your life."

Sister Ann M. Dibb:  "I'm a Mormon.  I know it.  I live it.  I love it."

Elder Craig C. Christensen: ""Be inspired by what you feel, not what you see."  "The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice you feel, rather than hear."

Elder Shayne M. Bowen:  "You haven't been robbed.  There is a great blessing waiting for you, if you are worthy and faithful."  (This talk was really emotional for me.)

Elder Russell M. Nelson:  "Don't fear the missionaries, but learn from them."  "ASK THE MISSIONARIES!  THEY CAN HELP YOU!"

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:  "Make resolutions today.  Spend time with those you love, become who God wants you to become, and take the time to just be happy!"

Trust me, there were a LOT more things that stood out.  You can always ask me for more. :]  We can have a pretty sweet discussion! :]

Anyways, moving on.  Saturday Afternoon:

Elder L. Tom Perry:  "Create a strong family culture NOW!"  A strengthened family equals protection.  Begin by the cradle side, teaching by example and precepts.

Elder M. Russell Ballard:  "Great things are brought about, and burdens are lightened, through many hands focused on good."

Elder Larry Echo Hawk:  Don't hesitate to exclaim that you are Mormon, and that you know the Book of Mormon is true!  The message in the Book of Mormon is for ALL people.

Elder Robert C. Gay: It is so easy to get caught up in the world, despite our good intentions.  "I will give away all my sins to know Thee."  Let go of ALL sins, big or small.  "My testimony is my most precious treasure."

Elder Scott D. Whiting:  You are a temple.  Live to the standards that keep you strong, clean, and pure.  "The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Elder Neil L. Andersen:  "Fiery trials are there to make you stronger!"  With faith comes trials of faith that bring increased faith.  (Did you get that? :] Took me a few times to get it down.)  "Hold on.  Fear not.  For God shall be with you forever and ever."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks:  We have the duty to care for children.  We need to protect children from harm/injury of ANY form.  Children are role models of teachability and humbleness.

Sunday Morning:

President Henry B. Eyring:  God is never hidden, though sometimes we are.  We do not need to see Christ to know He cares for us.  The Lord's delays are always calculated to bless.

Elder Boyd K. Packer:  "If you haven't made mistakes, you don't need the Atonement."  Since we've all made mistakes, big or small, we have an immense need for the Atonement.

Sister Linda K. Burton:  "First observe, then serve."

Elder Walter F. Gonzalez:  "Come unto me, that ye may feel and see."  Be still and follow promptings.  Build your foundation on Christ so the Devil will have no power over you.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:  "Do you love me more than you love all this?"  Crowning characteristic of love is ALWAYS loyalty.  We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and love to give.  We can't quit, and we can't go back!  God expects our love and loyalty at every stage of our life.

President Thomas S. Monson:  Instead of focusing on the negative, step back and recognize all the blessings (big or small), and you will be happier.  Heavenly Father is aware of our needs, and will help when we come to Him.  The Lord will, indeed, make up the difference.

Sunday Afternoon:

Elder Robert D. Hales:  How are we doing in our quest to follow Christ?  As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change.  We won't want to go back to our old ways.

Elder Richard G. Scott:  Any work in the temple is time well spent, but doing family's work makes it better.  Do something that will have eternal worth.  This work is a spiritual work done on both sides of the veil.  Begin now.

Elder Russell T. Osguthorpe:  We follow Christ one step at a time.  Each step leads to change and us being closer to God.  Learn, teach, and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ every day.

Elder Marcus B. Nash:  Faith brings us the power of the Lord.  "Look unto me in every thought.  Doubt not. Fear not."  Press forward.

Elder Daniel L. Johnson:  Do your duty, no matter what happens.  Total submission to the Lord needs to happen.

Elder Don R. Clarke:  Sacrament meeting is the most important meeting.  Communicate with heaven, and heaven will communicate with you.  Come prepared, be willing to listen, and don't be distracted.  Comfort and happiness comes to the soul that takes the sacrament worthily.

Elder David A. Bednar:  Testimony is a personal knowledge of spiritual truth.  Conversion- offering of self, love, and loyalty.  Have a mighty change of heart, and a determination to do better!  Testimony alone will not protect us, we must be converted.  Do I still possess weapons of rebellion?  If yes, repent NOW!

President Thomas S. Monson:  Watch over one another.  Be of good cheer.  The purpose of mortality is to learn to grow.  Christ lived for us, and Christ died for us.

Those were the parts that stuck out to me from each talk!  I can't wait until the Ensign comes out, so I can reread these talks, put my thoughts into the margins, and just recall the thoughts and feelings that I had while watching this wonderful General Conference.