Sunday, April 05, 2009

My Thoughts on Gen. Conference

I adore General Conference, dear reader. How could I not? For two whole days, although peppered with crazy kids, messes, and many distractions, I find myself filled with the Holy Ghost and overcome with love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It simply rocks.

Now this weekend, especially, has given me more hope and a desire to do better than I ever thought possible. Each talk was for me, dear reader! Sometimes there are one or two talks that touch me and sometimes prick guilt --but this time? I was inspired by everything that was said. I can't think of any talk in which I tuned out or thought "huh --I don't need this." I needed it all, and I'm still overcome with emotion at how beautiful it was to hear everything I needed to hear. It's almost as if I gave them the topics myself and asked them the questions, which they answered willingly!

But for my own remembrance (and before the May Ensign comes out --I can't wait!), here are some talks that hit me the hardest (and may have induced the most tears --happy and sad. What can I say? I'm a bit hormonal right now...):

Elder Hales: What hit me the most was how he spoke about debt and the idea that "I love you" doesn't mean as much as "We don't need it". Loved this talk! And needed it...

Elder Ballard: "You can't text-message faith" (I could go on and on about this one --and I probably will in the future, because it's so good for all of us technological addicts!)

Elder Snow: Change --this one was wonderful.

President Uchtdorf: Do not be Spectator Disciples!

Elder Cook: "It is equally important that we be kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other....our obligation is to love and teach and never give up..." (probably not word for word, so my apologies if it's not)

Elder Holland: The most moving description of Christ's ultimate sacrifice I have ever heard. Ever. In fact, I don't think I ever truly understood the Atonement until this very moment.

President Monson: Could I have bawled any louder? My kids were worried about me, but how could I not be so emotional when he described my worst nightmare? And to think it was supposed to be about good cheer...! And it was --really. In the end, I couldn't help but think: If a woman, in such despair and agony, could turn to God and rejoice and be happy, then why can't I, who have everything I've ever wanted or needed?

Elder Oaks: Sacrifice. Oh, how this one touched me. Sacrifice as a mother, as a steward, as a disciple of Christ... And with his words came the answer to one of my most current pleading prayers...

Elder Stevenson: Is my home like the Temple? Is it a place of peace and refuge?

Give me your thoughts: do you love General Conference? Why? Which talks were "for" you? Which ones touched your hearts and gave you hope? What made you want to improve? And wasn't the music gorgeous?

15 comments:

Kelly said...

Those are lovely thoughts, but my question is, did you crave the light blue, icy mint jelly bellies every the MoTab appeared? No? Just me?

Anonymous said...

Elder Holland's talk will stick with me for a long time. That was the talk of the conference for me.

Rochelleht said...

They were all great. I loved that the temple was such a huge theme. I have made it a big part of my life in the last year and I try to go once a week, or at least a few times a month. It has made all the difference in my life.

BTW: I never wait till the conference Ensign. Just go to the church website and download all the talks to your ipod. I have them from this conference already on my ipod. I listen to conference talks all the time. In my car, mowing my lawn, doing laundry. I love it. I could practically quote the last few conferences as a result. It's totally the way to go and makes a HUGE difference in your life. At least that's been my experience.

Cheryl said...

Kelly-
Ha!

Bythelbs-
The awesomeness was only exceeded by the more-awesomeness!

Rochelle-
Well, that's implying I have an ipod! I actually do somewhere (well, our family has one somewhere in the house), but I never use it. I'm kind of like that with the cell phone, too... :) But good point! I can read them online soon.
Oh --and the Temple stuff was awesome, too --I totally need to rededicate myself to Temple attendance. I'm so impressed you've made it a priority!

Michelle Catherine Walker said...

Yeah, I feel ya with the bawling after Pres. Monson. I won't be able to look at a spoon without getting all choked up for a solid month.

Jocelyn said...

I really enjoyed the talks.

The one that was most poignant/painful/comforting for me was Elder Scott's.

I loved President Monson's talk and bawled like a baby as the MoTab sange We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet and showed the images of a loving an kind leader. What a privilege to have President Monson in our midst.

Cardalls said...

We were able to attend Sunday morning session. We had fabulous tickets/seats and were like 100 feet away from the brethren. We took our two oldest and it. was. AWESOME! We got to shake Elder Christophersons hand. I too thought Elder Holland's talk was amazing and touching and so tender and personal for me. I love Elder Uchtdorf always and Pres. Monson about the tablespoon was heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time. LOVE CONFERENCE!

Cardalls said...

oh and Living for Eden benefit...SOLD OUT!

Blogging and Bliss said...

I totally cried at President Monson's talk as well. my kids thought the same thing. How can anyone as a mother not cry at that one. They were all good. I was pretty impressed with being able to get my kids to listen to all 4 sessions. great job recapping. Thanks.

Summer said...

Elder Holland's talk was one of the most powerful and moving I've ever heard. I was crying through most of it and then all over again during President Monson's.

Judi said...

Elder Holland's talk was amazing!!! And President Monson's talk...wow....I have a few friends who have lost children (older and younger) and as a mother it is something that I don't know if I could bare..I look at my children and realize that they are my life and I everything I love and why I am...I guess that is where the atonement, temples, and faith, etc...all come into play...
And the music...I think I was touched more by the songs that were sung then anything else...Especially when the choir sang, "We Thank Thee O God, For A Prophet" and they show the different images of President Monson. I have missed President Hinckley so much and this was just another way for my testimony to grow and know that Pres. Monson is our prophet!!!

Amanda D said...

I felt like every talk was for me too. Especially Elder Bednar's when he talked about endowed members that haven't been to the temple recently. And whoever it was that talked about not judging, and forgiving and making our families strong, and making our homes more like temples. SO much to think about. SO much to ponder. I can't wait to start discussing the individualy talks on Scripture Sisters and mark up my Ensign.

Siobhán said...

i missed elder holland's talk during a bathroom trip with the kids. :( we have to watch at the stake center and my husband always has to work conference weekend. with four kids five and under, i don't think i get too much out of conference the first go-'round. my hope is that it's planting seeds for my kids, though. i really like curling up with the ensign when it comes out.

"makakona"

Anonymous said...

This was a really good conference, but I seriously could have done without all the dead baby stories. Seriously.

Richelle said...

That really was a great conference. I feel rejuvenated every time we have conference.