April 2017 General Conference Highlights

Every general conference I take notes in my journal - so my conference notes are a journal entry - and I thought I would put my favorite parts here to share with everyone.

General Women's Session

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon talked about being Centered in Christ. She taught three ways to keep centered:

1. Feast upon the words of Christ.
2. Come to the Lord and trust Him through prayer.
3. come to the Lord as we serve others.

Sister Carol F. McConkie spoke about holiness. My favorite part was:

"Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments and to honor the covenants we have made with God. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide. Holiness is setting aside our natural tendencies and becoming “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” 

Sister Linda K. Burton talked about being a certain woman. Meaning we are certain in our faith, knowledge, and keeping our covenants.

President Henry B. Eyring talked about peace and the Holy Ghost. He told the story about how in the process of disciplining his son, the Holy Ghost helped him see his son the way the Lord sees his son, "You are holding a great person."

Saturday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring talked about the spiritual gathering of families. He said that we have the opportunity to accept or reject God's invitation to gather.

M. Joseph Brough:

"When Satan wants us to think all is lost, Bishops are there to guide us.""Repentance isn't a punishment, it is a privilege."

Elder Dale G. Renlund talked about love, empathy, and compassion. He said that God is clear about what is right and what is wrong. God doesn't want blind followers, but he does want us to choose Him. Elder Renlund reminded us that God's laws and doctrine cannot be changed by us. He also said, "we must not be guilty of persecuting anyone inside or outside of the Church." He counseled us to have respect for all and hatred towards none.

Elder Mark A. Bragg gave us three places we can always find light:

1. The light of the church.
2. The light of the gospel.
3. The light of Christ.

President Russell M. Nelson explained how it is incomplete to speak of the Atonement without including Jesus Christ. He said that it was Jesus Christ who suffered, who broke the bands of death, who delivered us. There is not entity called the Atonement. Jesus Christ is the source, the Atonement is what he did. "Faith in Jesus Christ propels us to do things we normally wouldn't do."

Saturday Afternoon Session

Elder Robert D. Hales talked bout discipleship. He said that true disciples are not just followers, but live so that the characteristics of Christ are molded into the very fiber of their being. He said that we cannot have selective obedience and be part-time disciples. "Be as devoted to God in the public square as we are in private."

Elder Jeffery R. Holland  talked about inclusion using the symbolism of a choir. He said that Christ has perfect pitch, and the rest of the voices of God's choir are all different, and the loss of one voice is devastating. He said that there is a place for everyone who loves God, follows his commandments, and wishes to be here. He said that loving God and keeping his commandments is the only way to solve problems.

Elder Gary B. Sabin talked about being all in and fully committed to the gospel. He said, "It is better to follow the creator than the crowd."

Elder Valeri V. Cordon gave us three ways to preserve the language of the gospel:

1. Be more diligent and concerned at home.
2. Be a strong model in the family.
3. Traditions.

Neil L. Andersen talked about overcoming the world. I won't say much about it here, because I'm writing about his talk for Mormon Women Stand. So, stay tuned!

Elder M. Russell Ballard talked about goals and the Plan of Salvation. He said that our personal goals should fit into the plan of salvation. He also said that the simpler it is, the more power it has. He gave the example of "Return and Receive." Our goal is to return to Heavenly Father and receive his blessings. He reminded us that Satan also has goals, and he uses loud voices and those who are blind to his lies to try to accomplish them. Elder Ballard reminded us again to keep Jesus Christ and his doctrine at the center of our goals.

I didn't take notes during the Priesthood Session, but I did listen to it. I really enjoyed it and felt the spirit. I especially enjoyed President Monson's message about how people use the priesthood correctly when they are serving and compassionate. I also liked Elder Bednar's message about the difference between being called to serve and assigned to an area.

Sunday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson announced five new temples! Brasilia, Brazil. Manila, Philippines. Nairobi, Kenya. Pocatello, Idaho USA. And Saratoga Springs, Utah USA. I always giggle when a new Utah temple is announced because you can hear the congregation in the conference center react - the loudest was definitely when he announced the Provo City Center temple several years ago. He then talked about the importance of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. He said that because the Book of Mormon is true, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on earth.

Sister Joy D. Jones gave us three universal guidelines on how to fortify our children against evil and raise a sin resistant generation:

1. Understand the importance of the responsibility of raising them and see their divine entity as children of God.
2. Understand repentance.
3. Begin at early ages.

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi said that his father taught him, "do not lose your faith because of the people around you... build a relationship with Christ...don't look around, look up."

Elder Ronald A. Rasband gave us four ways to keep the spirit with us:

1. Strive to be worthy of the spirit.
2. Be willing to receive the spirit.
3. Recognize the spirit when it comes.
4. Act on the first prompting.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked about the Godhead. I'm also writing about his talk for Mormon Women Stand. So once again, stay tuned!

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf talked about fear and how it can incorrectly motivate people. He then compared it to how Heavenly Father motivates, which is through Jesus Christ and his love.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson talked about the duty to warn. I really don't know how to do it justice in a summary, so I'm just going to tell you to read it or listen to it again. It was so amazing.

Elder Joaquin E. Costa gave four pieces of advice to new members and investigators:

1. Once you meet the missionaries, please take them seriously.
2. If you are confused, don't worry, remember your good feelings and know they come from God.
3. Read your scriptures - it is the only way to know they are true.
4. Experience repentance. Nothing draws you closer to Jesus Christ than the desire to change.

Elder S. Mark Palmer said that the invitation to repent is also an invitation to receive forgiveness and peace.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson talked about the Holy Ghost. He said that the Holy Ghost warns, comforts, and testifies.

Elder C. Scott Grow taught to come to know God through prayer, scripture study, doing God's will, becoming like Christ, and following righteous mentors.

Elder Quentin L. Cook said, "Faith is the essential foundation for exaltation and eternal life."

I did miss a few speakers in my notes because my kids needed me, so I'm looking forward to reading those talks in the Ensign next month! This was a great conference weekend. I feel uplifted and edified.