As always, I was very much ready for General Conference.
Saturday Morning Session
First of all, we got to participate in a solemn assembly to sustain our new prophet. I was 17 when President Monson was sustained as the new prophet, but I don't remember sustaining him so I must have been working that day. So this was my first sustaining of a new prophet that I will remember. It was really special.
The majority of the morning talks were essentially testimonies of modern day prophets - which is important - coupled with an other topic.
I really liked what Elder Brian K. Taylor said about us being children of God. In quoting an other GA he said, "Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it." I also liked when he said, "Knowing that I am a child of God is the most powerful knowledge I possess."
Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke last, and I felt like his talk was a perfect continuance from has talk in October. Elder Andersen testified that the prophet's voice brings safety during turbulent times. He encouraged us to put exclamation points after statements by the prophet instead of question marks. And, "The prophet does not stand between you and the Savior. Rather, he stands next to you pointing you towards the Savior."
Saturday Afternoon Session
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson gave once again one of my favorite talks. She talked about how the Young Women of the Church can and should be included in the work of the Church. It was so powerful. She said, "Each member should know how much he or she is needed."
One of my pre-conference prayers was asking for inspiration on how to improve my mothering abilities. Brother Devin G. Durrant's talk was a good start. He talked about the ways in which parents teach their children: FHE, family prayer, on-call teaching opportunity, family scripture study, and example.
I felt a little frustrated by the end of his talk because I'm already doing all of those things. After a minute or so of feeling upset the inspiration came to me that just because I'm already doing those things doesn't mean I don't need reminders. I needed this reminder so that I wouldn't give up, that I should continue and improve and change as my children grow and their needs change.
Sunday Morning Session
I had no idea that a Latina was in the RS Presidency, so when Sister Reyna Aburto began speaking my heart soared. I also loved the topic of her talk. Her talk was about what it means to be "with one accord," or unity. She defined one accord as in agreement, in unity, and all together. She said that the blessings of unity are more inspiration from the Holy Ghost, growth as individuals and as a Church, and miracles increasing.
President Russell M. Nelson closed the morning session. I really can't adequately summarize his talk. But I can say that while he was speaking I felt the Spirit so strong. The Holy Ghost testified to me that President Nelson is indeed the Lord's chosen prophet at this time.
Sunday Afternoon Session
We got to listen to our two new Apostles, Elder Gong and Elder Soares bare their testimonies. Then we got the exciting announcement that the Home and Visiting Teaching programs will be replaced with Ministering! I haven't read the email yet that goes into detail, but it's sitting in my inbox!
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf asked, "What is the most important day in history?" He answered that it is the day that Jesus Christ knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and fulfilled the Atonement. I wrote in my journal that after that day, I think the next most important days in history are: The birth of Christ, The First Vision, and the restoration of Christ's Church in modern days.
Elder Quentin L. Cook condemned rape, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual violence under the term "non-consensual immorality." Another GA did so also during one of the Saturday sessions, but I didn't write down what he said, so I can't remember who said it, but it was something like, "My father said to me, 'Son, you have big strong hands, I hope you never use them to touch a young woman inappropriately."
President Nelson closed the afternoon session as well. He encouraged us to incorporate the messages heard in conference into our FHE lessons - this is something I plan to do right away. He then announced 7 new temples! I think the most exciting one for me to hear was that a temple will be built in Russia!
It was a great weekend of exciting changes, a strong spirit, and wonderful time with family.
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