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180th Annual General Conference – Sunday Afternoon Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:00:48 +0000

Well, another General Conference has come to a close. I know I comment on this every time, but it’s hard for me to get through 10 hours worth of meetings over two days. I don’t know how the General Authorities manage to do get through it in the Conference Center without falling asleep.

We watched this last session at home in the comfort of our living room.

Overall, it was much like other General Conferences. There certainly weren’t any talks that I thought were terrible, but that isn’t to say that I loved every one. There are obviously ones that I liked more than others. Out of all of the talks, the one I’ll probably remember the most was Elder Holland’s about pornography. He was definitely bold. I also thought Sister Beck’s talk was excellent. I’ll have to watch/read them again and see if I still feel the same way.

President Henry B Eyring conducted

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang Come, O Thou King of Kings

The invocation was offered by Christoffel Golden, Jr

The choir sang Jesus, Once of Humble Birth

Elder Russell M Nelson

When we sense the love we have for our family, we can imagine the love Heavenly Father has for us
The Church protects the truth that family is central to God’s plan
This church brings hope and help to this sacred institution of the family
No matter your situation, you can make family history a part of your life
New FamilySearch is creating one pedigree we all work on

Elder Robert D Hales

There is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily life
The stripling warriors didn’t have to wonder what their parents believed
Do our children know what we know?
When we sit down at the dinner table, is the whole family there?
Mother, Father, Grandma, Grandpa, are you there?
Being there means understanding their hearts and connecting with them
Teach them to walk in the light, but it can’t be borrowed light

Elder Bradley D Foster

There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood
By diving design, nurturing is part of mothers
A distraction doesn’t need to be evil to be effective
In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season, but we must never give up
We never know when a heart will be turned

The choir and congregation sang I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Elder James B Martino

We’ll all face trials
How we react determines are success
We need to humble ourselves before God and learn from him
Learn from Christ
1. Remain committed
2. Learn to not complain
3. Seek greater help from God
4. Learn to serve and think of others
5. Forgive others, and do not blame others
As we pass through the trials of life, keep an eternal perspective

Elder Gregory A Schwitzer

Do not judge others, but use excellent judgment
Good judgment guidelines
1. Align yourself to the gospel
2. Listen to the messages of the living prophet
3. Have a listening relationship with the Holy Spirit
4. Keep the commandments

Elder Francisco J Vinas

Spoke of natural disasters
Dying to spiritual things is worth than death
The Leadership Training Emphasis wants each family member to read, pray, and live the gospel
These things are works of righteousness
He who doeth the works of righteousness will receive his reward

Elder Neil L Andersen

The harmony in the talks is a miracle
We have heard and felt the mind and will of the Lord
The rising generation is the very best ever
“Tell me the stories of Jesus”
Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the hearts of our children?
Do they know that Jesus taught “Ask, and ye shall receive”?
If the child is not listening with a believing heart, your testimony will stay.
If a child is not listening, do not despair. Time and truth are on your side
Two men can do anything, as long as one of them is the Lord

President Thomas S Monson

Trust in the Lord and lean not unto thine own understanding
That is the story of his life
We’ve been richly blessed
The world seems to have slipped from the moorings of safety
The problems in the world cause people to be tossed about in a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reef of missed opportunities and shattered dreams
There is no one so lost that can’t be saved by the lighthouse of the Lord
Thank you for your prayers
May His promised peace be with you

The choir sang Abide with Me; ‘Tis Eventide

The benediction was offered by Bishop Richard C Edgley

Read the recaps and other notes from the 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

180th Annual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session I know that in areas where the Church has a...
180th Annual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, the Young Men and their fathers...
180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session Another General Conference is here. Time sure does fly by....

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180th Annual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 18:00:21 +0000

I know that in areas where the Church has a lot of members, General Conference is shown on TV, but where I am for years we’ve only been able to get GC at Church. Many years ago it was only at the Stake Centre, but now we can get it at our own Ward Meetinghouse. Now with the amazing Internet broadcast, we don’t have to go, but we still feel like you have to on Sunday morning, kind of like it is “regular” Church. So, off we went.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang On This Day of Joy and Gladness

The session was conducted by President Henry B Eyring

The choir sang Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

The invocation was offered by Elder Kenneth Johnson

The choir sang This is the Christ

President Dieter F Uchtdorf

Told story of a statue of Christ in Germany that was damaged in the war. It was fixed, but the hands were shattered. A sign was put up that said “You are my hands”
It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient
We are all in need of mercy
In our zeal, we confuse the sin and sinner
Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father
A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born in adversity
True love requires action
Love is the grand motive of the Plan of Salvation

Elder Richard G Scott

Easter should bring peace and joy
He rose with healing in His wings
Saviour’s atonement allows us to repent
Heavenly Father didn’t forsake Him. The atonement had to happen with Christ on His own
Learn about the atonement at the temple
“I love and adore him”

Elder Donald L Hallstrom

In the difficult parts of life, there is only one source of peace
He shared several examples of people who chose to be bitter rather than choosing peace
We need to choose peace

The choir and congregation sang Rejoice, the Lord Is King!

Sister Cheryl C Lant

We need to bring our children to Christ
Learn to love the Lord and our families
Become worthy examples
Teach them truths of the gospel

Elder Quentin L Cook

If we are to be His disciples, we must reverence the sacrament
He didn’t teach a class in ethical behaviour. He was the Son of God
You can disagree, but don’t be disagreeable
We live in a noisy, contentious world
If we want the Holy Ghost, we must slow down
None is exempt from the storms of life
Get to higher ground and cling to the saving ordinances

The choir sang When He Comes Again

President Thomas S Monson

Referenced the painting “A Hopeless Dawn“
“If a man die, shall he live again?”
If there is a design, there must be a designer
Man alone has capacity of faith
He recounted Christ’s life
He passed beneath all things that he might save all things

The choir sang He Is Risen

The benediction was offered by Wolfgang H Paul

Read the recaps and other notes from the 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session Another General Conference is here. Time sure does fly by....
180th Annual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, the Young Men and their fathers...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session It was so nice to sleep in this morning and...

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180th Annual General Conference – Priesthood Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:00:27 +0000

Before the Priesthood Session, the Young Men and their fathers met at the Church for our semi-annual “sub-sational” dinner. We had cold/deli meat and/or meatball subs along with pop and chips. As always, we had a great time.

We had a little less than 50 people attend the session.

Also, as is a tradition in my family, afterward my Dad took me out for some more treats. We tried to go to Swiss Chalet but they were closed. We headed to Dairy Queen, but of course they were closed too. We ended up just going to 7-11 and getting Slurpees.

President Henry B Eyring conducted

A Priesthood choir from Brigham Young University sang God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son

The invocation was offered by Elder Keith K Hilbig. It was kind of weird as at the end of his prayer, it didn’t sound like he said Amen.

The choir sang Choose the Right

Elder Dallin H Oaks
(Note: I missed the first half of the talk as there was a problem I had to tend to)

Spoke about priesthood blessings, such as administering to the sick
We are all affected by increases and decreases in sensitivity to the Spirit
If faith is sufficient, then the words of the blessings don’t necessarily dictate the outcome
Faith and healing power of priesthood can’t trump the Lord’s will

Elder Ronald A Rasband

Missionary service
Be worth to serve a mission
Told a great story explaining how the apostles choose where missionaries serve
The call comes from the Lord

Brother David L Beck

The Aaronic Priesthood is a sacred gift
The new Duty to God books will be available in June
“Behold thou art my son and I have a great work for you to do”

The choir and congregation sang Glory to God on High

President Dieter F Uchtdorf

Patience is not passive resignation
Patience means active waiting and enduring
Impatience is a symptom of selfishness
As the Lord is patient with us, let us be patient with those we serve
Give me patience to wait until I can comprehend it for myself

President Henry B Eyring

Diligence in the Lord’s service
A calling may end, but priesthood service never ends
Let every man learn his duty… in all diligence
Ponder deeply and diligently the scriptures
Persist in prayer

President Thomas S Monson

He commented that this was one of the finest General Priesthood Meetings he’s ever attended
“Come all ye sons of God who have received the priesthood”
He reminded us of many of the standards
Honesty is the best policy
Avoid pornography at all costs

The choir sang The Iron Rod

The benediction was offered by Michael J Teh

Read the recaps and other notes from the 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session Another General Conference is here. Time sure does fly by....
179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This...
180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session I made it home from work to watch this session...

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180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session

Graham — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:00:06 +0000

I made it home from work to watch this session at home (4 PM start where I am). It was much easier to pay attention at work. Saturdays are always slow, so I could just watch the session. However, at home, there were 3 small children running around, talking, and being generally distracting. It’s hard to be mad at them for being themselves, but it was also a little frustrating. We still managed to get through it

President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted

A choir from the Orem Institute of Religion sang Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

The invocation was offered by Lynn G Robbins

President Dieter F Uchtdorf presented the sustaining of church officers. There is a new Primary Presidency as well as a few new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Second Quorum of the Seventy. There were also loads of Area Seventies released and called.

Robert W Cantwell, Managing Director of the Church Auditing Department, presented the Church audit report. It’s all good.

Brook P Hales, Secretary to the First Presidency, presented the Church 2009 Statistical Report.

Stakes 2,865
Missions 344
Districts 616
Wards and Branches 28,424
Members 13,824,854
Child of record baptism 119,722
Convert baptism 280,106
Full-time Missionaries 51,736
Temples dedicated 2
Total temples in operation 130

Elder L Tom Perry

Mother’s best teaching occurred at home, not with the sisters at church
His mother thought a mind would become weak if it was not constantly being exercised
Though times change, a parent’s teachings should never be devalued
One of the most important activities is parents teaching the children in their home

Elder D Todd Christofferson

William Tyndale translate the bible into English and was put in jail
His work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the bible
Through the scriptures God shows His power to save His children
We have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory
We are becoming illiterate because we aren’t opening books. We are forgetting things our grandparents knew.
His commandments are the voice of reality
The central purpose of scriptures is to fill us with faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ
Scriptures are revelation and will bring added revelation

The choir and congregation sang We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Elder Koichi Aoyagi

Hands that help
Shared story of conversion
“I realized that I was not praying with all of my heart, and decided to do so. One morning I woke up early and knelt in my small apartment and prayed sincerely. To my surprise, the confirmation of the Holy Ghost came upon me as promised. My heart burned, my body shook…”
Follow the prophet, he knows the way
Sometimes we feel we lack the experience to rescue others, but we need to do it
We are surrounded by those who need us

Elder Bruce A Carlson

Strict obedience to God’s law brings blessings
“The safety in the Church lies in the members keeping the commandments. As they keep the commandments, blessings will come”
If we don’t keep the commandments, we are headed for disaster
Faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task will bring the Lord’s guidance, assistance, and peace
“When the Lord commands, do it”

Elder David A Bednar

He was recently driving in the rain. A sign said standing water ahead. The road seemed safe, but this sign helped him prepare
Early warning signals are evident in many aspects of our lives
Spiritual warnings should lead to increased watching
An early warning signal consists of 3 parts:
1. Reading and talking about the Book of Mormon with your children
  Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and heart of the reader more than any other volume of scripture
2. Bearing testimony spontaneously to your children
  A naturally occurring family conversation is a great way to testify of blessings received during the day
3. Inviting children to act, not merely to be act upon
  Be doers of the word.
A child is never to young to take part in this pattern of learning
We are not in the business of distributing fish. We are teaching people to fish
The best Family Home Evenings are not necessarily from purchased or downloaded packets. Search the scriptures together
Are we teaching our children to be anxiously engaged?

Elder Jeffrey R Holland

Why is there so much moral decay around us?
The Internet can blast a hole in your brain
The problems are no respecter of persons
Lust is a deadly sin. It defiles the holiest relationship God gives us in mortality
True love we’re giddy about, but lust is characterized by shame and stealth
Love makes us reach out to Go, lust is anything but Godly
Start by separating yourself from people, material and circumstances that will hurt you
When fleeing temptation, do not leave a forwarding address
Ask for angels to help you
The only real control in life is self-control
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step
Remember the symbols you take with you from the temple, never to be set aside or forgotten
We can reject the evil one

The choir sang Nearer, My God, To Thee

The benediction was offered by Elder Craig C Christensen

Read the recaps and other notes from the 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session Another General Conference is here. Time sure does fly by....
179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session I’m at home now. I can’t say enough about how...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session...

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180th Annual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session

Graham — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:00:35 +0000

Another General Conference is here. Time sure does fly by. Somehow or other it has worked out that I’m working again today, so I watched this session at work. I will be able to get home before the afternoon session starts.

I have no idea what the messages will be. The economy is slowly improving, but I’m sure there will still be some messages about being wise with our finances. I’m sure there will be messages about reaching out to less-actives. Of course, since it’s Easter weekend, I’m sure we’ll hear some good messages about Christ. A missionary from my ward is serving at Temple Square and helped at a General Authority luncheon. She got to meet President Monson, and he told them what he would be speaking on Sunday morning. This missionary wouldn’t tell us what it was, but said it starts with the letter “R”. We’ll see tomorrow if she’s right

As it has before, the Move Networks plug-in is amazing. It couldn’t get it to work with IE8 or Firefox 3.6.x, but I downloaded a portable version of 3.5.x and it worked fine.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang Sweet Is the Work

President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted the session

The choir sang Come, ye children of the Lord

The invocation was offered by Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi

President Thomas S Monson

180 years since Church was organized
Grateful for Prophet Joseph Smith
Reach out to the new convert or those making their way back
Surround them with love
Church humanitarian efforts are going around the world. It’s been around for 25 years.
Those who suffer are in our prayers
We will continue to build temples as our membership grows
His wife is recovering well

The choir sang There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today

President Boyd K Packer (sat in his chair)

Speaking to the fathers
Correlation and restructuring started under President Lee
Priesthood was the key
Gideon’s army was successful because every man stood in his place
It’s not easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It wasn’t easy in His time. It wasn’t easy when the Church was first organized
The priesthood will lose great power when the sisters are neglected
The priesthood will not be successful until the power of the priesthood is secure in the homes
We need to activate the power
Power comes from faithful living

Sister Julie B Beck

Has met with thousands of sisters
There is much distraction, not enough peace and joy
No one is rich enough, beautiful enough, or clever enough to avoid a mortal experience
Relief Society teaches and inspires women to be strong
If we don’t get all the appreciation we think is do, what does it matter?
Refine and cultivate in ourselves in all that is good
It is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from the proper sources

Bishop Keith B McMullan

This is a troubled world
God helps us to forgive
Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligent
It isn’t just what is legal, but what is virtuous
Rests on personal responsibility, integrity and courage
Prayer gives us the guidance we need
Our path of duty is clearly marked

The choir and congregation sang Guide us, O thou great Jehovah

Elder Wilford W Andersen

Visited Nauvoo with his family
The early Saints were filled with hope
Hope does not depend on circumstance
The Haitian Saints are filled with hope for the future
Christ has overcome the world and will not forget or abandon us

Elder M Russell Ballard

Mothers and daughters play a critical role, despite the undermining influence of the world
Men cannot do what women can do in nurturing and influencing
Don’t look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors
Do not model yourself after celebrities
Trust your mother
“Hold your tongues about the things of no moment”
Teach your daughters the importance of keeping covenants and then show them how to keep them
Teach them to repent and stay worthy
Parents and children need to learn from one another

The choir sang He Sent His Son

President Henry B Eyring

We help children most by helping them build faith
The Lord has put rescuers in place
Some of the best rescuers work with people in their teenage years
Learn what you should learn, do what you should do, be what you should be
We need to make plans that are not only wishes but covenants
The YW Personal Progress program recently was revised. AP Duty to God is also revised and there will be one common book for all quorums/ages

The choir sang How Firm a Foundation

The benediction was offered by Elder Erich W Kopischke

Read the recaps and other notes from the 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session It was so nice to sleep in this morning and...

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179th Semiannual General Conference – Post-conference notes

Graham — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:29:21 +0000

Well, another General Conference has come and gone. There were no “Wow!” talks for me this year. This isn’t to say that they were boring or that they wouldn’t have affected anyone. There are definitely things that I will work harder on now. I’ve made my notes (obviously), and we’ll have lots to choose from for the 4th Sunday lessons.

I loved Elder Ballard’s talk during the Priesthood Session (suggestions for sons and fathers to get along better). As always, I also enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing was beautiful, as was O, Divine Redeemer.

One last time I’ll comment on how great the Move Networks player is. Perfect! It just amazes me that I can sit in my living room and watch General Conference in something close to HD on my living room TV. This might be normal for many parts of the United States, but not here.

It was neat hearing Sister Dibb mention our city by name. I drive by or over the Garden City Skyway almost every day. It is kind of neat to think that I’m the bishop of the ward whose city was mentioned by name in General Conference.

Watching/participating in General Conference reaffirms my testimony. I love the Church, and love its teachings and principles. It is true!

Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Pre-conference notes The last 6 months have flown by, and General Conference...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session It was so nice to sleep in this morning and...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This...

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179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Afternoon Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:53:15 +0000

We watched the last session of conference at home again. As before, the transmission was perfect. My parents came over to watch with us, and we then had dinner together.

President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted

The choir sang “In Hymns of Praise”

Elder Marlin K Jenseon offered the invocation

The choir sang “O, Divine Redeemer”. Beautiful!

Elder Jeffrey R Holland ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

Even those in the covenant could be deceived by the enemy of truth
The rod marks the way of that redeeming trail
“As one of a thousands elements of my testimony…”
In Joseph’s and Hyrum’s last hours, they marked a scripture in the Book of Mormon as their testimony
“I lie not!”
Shared his testimony by oath and his office of the Book of Mormon
These are the words of Christ and they teach all men to do good
God always provides safety for the soul

Elder Quentin L Cook ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

We live in perilous times where people feel they are not accountable to God
We do welfare work because we are doing what we believe God wants us to do
We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven, not because someone is forcing us to obey
It is our responsibility to teach the Saviour’s standard of morality
“What happens in Sevier County, you can share with your friends”
See that all these things are done in wisdom and order
In all of our stewardship efforts we follow Jesus Christ
Review our stewardships and know we are accountable to God

Elder Brent H. Nielson ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

Go ye into all the earth and teach all nations
Lengthen our stride and widen our vision
Every young man should serve an honourable full-time mission
Who are the labourers? They are prophets and apostles, stake presidents, bishops, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters
We have just begun to scratch the surface
The need has never been greater, the field has never been whiter

The choir and congregation sang “Hope of Israel”

Elder Dale G Renlund ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

If you feel good, all is NOT well
The ultimate operation is a spiritual change of heart
Our transgressions lead to our hearts that are hardened and diseased
Do not become casual with prayer and scripture study
Do not compromise our covenants or commitments

Elder Michael T Ringwood

Pray till you have faith
We need to allow the words to sink deep into our hearts
At some times, it is easier to believe the word of God
The teachings of this conference, if followed, will lead to an easiness in believing the good word of God

Elder Joseph W Sitati

The Church has become a global faith
Now, more than at any other time, we can more fully understand the gospel

Elder D Todd Christoffersen

We need moral discipline
The gospel of Jesus Christ provides moral certainty
Self-discipline has eroded
The lack of internal control in people, breeds external controls by governments
Moral discipline is learned at home

President Thomas S Monson

Study the addresses in the Ensign
We often find ourselves swimming against the current
We can survive this
We will be blessed as we do what is right
“I invoke the blessings of heaven upon each of you”
Leave this conference a better person

The choir sang “Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing”

The benediction was offered by W Douglas Shumway (released yesterday)

Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session It was so nice to sleep in this morning and...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session I’m at home now. I can’t say enough about how...

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179th Semiannual General Conference – Sunday Morning Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:35:20 +0000

It was so nice to sleep in this morning and then actually be able to help my wife with the kids. As we were driving to church today she said it was weird to be going together as a family. We also brought a YSA who lives with us (I saw her taking notes during the session) and an investigator.

We got to church for the last part of the Tabernacle Choir broadcast, just in time for Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. A truly beautiful hymn!

The choir sang sing “Praise to Him Who Reigns Above”

President Thomas S Monson conducted

The choir sang “I Need Thee Every Hour”

The invocation was offered by Elder Glen L Pace

The choir sang “Beautiful Zion, Built Above”

President Henry B Eyring ** might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **

We have a desire to be better than we are
By living the gospel we can become like the Saviour
“I’m trying to be like Jesus”
The greatest joys and sorrows come in the family
Pray for the love that let’s you see the good in your companion
Persist in love
Pray for your children. Love them and reach out to them
Honour thy father and thy mother
The only one of the 10 commandments with a promise
Look for opportunities to do what He did

Elder L Tom Perry

The pioneers left us a great heritage
Reviewing the lessons of the past help us face the challenges of the future
The missionaries teach about the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Bishop H David Burton

Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the Lord
Virtue traits form the foundation of a Christ-like life
“Ity” virtues (charity, chastity, morality, etc)
We need not be part of the virtue malaise
Integrity is more important than revenge

The choir and congregation sang “How Firm a Foundation”

Sister Ann M Dibb

Shared a story about St Catharines, Ontario, Canada and the Garden City Skyway… I live in St Catharines! I’m the bishop of the St Catharines ward. There was quite a buzz in the chapel when she mentioned our city.
Workers fell because they didn’t have safety equipment
The iron rod brings us safety
If we are on strange roads, it is always possible for us to find our way back

Elder Russell M Nelson

Even more amazing than modern technology is the ability to get information directly from heaven without any special hardware or monthly service plan
Personal revelation can be honed
Develop faith, hope, charity, and love

The choir sang “Love is Spoken Here”

President Thomas S Monson

What did you do for someone today?
When you are in the service of your fellow being, you are serving God
Members responded to his request to serve others as a gift for his birthday last year

The choir sang “Have I Done Any Good?”

The benediction was offered by Enrique R Falabella

Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Pre-conference notes The last 6 months have flown by, and General Conference...

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179th Semiannual General Conference – Priesthood Session

Graham — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:33:06 +0000

Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This is where YM and their fathers gathered for a dinner of submarine sandwiches. It’s always a good time.

President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted

The choir sang “High on the Mountain Top”

The invocation was offered by Dennis B Neuenschwander (released from the Seventy today). Note: He said “Uh” in his prayer at one point.

The choir sang another song but I missed it as I went into the kitchen to see if the clean up was almost done.

Elder M Russell Ballard ** a great talk, but not one that would translate well for the RS to use in a 4th Sunday lesson)

Seeing the priesthood together is a visual reminder of two important parts of our theology: priesthood and family
Sons
1. Trust your father
2. Take an interest in your father’s life
3. Ask your father for advice
Fathers
1. Listen to your sons
  - There should be at least monthly focused conversation
  - Conversations where you do 90% of the talking is not a conversation
2. Pray with and for your sons
3. Dare to have the big talks with your sons
  - Talk about sexual matters
Return Missionaries
- Be where you can meet the right kind of friends
- Rediscover courting
- Do not drift to the ways of the world

Elder Walter F Gonzalez

Be a more powerful priesthood holder by using the Book of Mormon
3 ways to use Book of Mormon
1. Feast upon the words of Christ
2. Apply in our lives what we learn of Christ
3. Teach the doctrines and principles found in the Book of Mormon

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

Told story as young men when he was a bishop
There leaders and wives became like mothers and fathers
Be obedient, even if you don’t know why yet
Attending their church meetings was very important
Teach our boys to change their lives
Be goodly parents to the rowdy boys

The choir and congregation sang “Praise to the Man”

President Dieter F Uchtdorf ** Might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **

Winter will surely give way to spring
We must remain steadfast in hope
2 principles to get through tough times
Work
- The Lord loves the labourer
- Thrust in your sickle and your sins are forgiven you
- Work to your capability
- Cultivate a reputation of excellence
- There is no retirement in the kingdom
- Working diligently in the kingdom bolsters your “resume”
Learn
- Education is not just a good idea, it’s a commandment
- Intelligence rises with us in the resurrection

President Henry B Eyring ** a great talk, but not one that would translate well for the RS to use in a 4th Sunday lesson)

The call to give a blessing can come unexpectedly
The preparation is far more than having oil at hand
The preparation begins in families and quorums, but mostly in personal lives
You must have faith that you have won his confidence
Faith does not come in the moment. It is earned.
Have pure motives

President Thomas S Monson ** Might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **

Much in the news is a result of anger
Cease from anger and forsake wrath
Anger doesn’t solve anything. It doesn’t build anything, but it can destroy everything
No one can make us angry; it is our choice

The choir sang “Rise Up, O Men of God”

Elder Lance B Wickman offered the benediction. Strangely enough, he also said, “Uh” during his prayer.

Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Pre-conference notes The last 6 months have flown by, and General Conference...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session I’m at home now. I can’t say enough about how...

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179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Afternoon Session

Graham — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:52:20 +0000

I’m at home now. I can’t say enough about how great the Move Networks player is. I watched it through my laptop on my 26″ HD TV, and it was perfect. Very impressive. The only thing is that the stream seems to be a few minutes behind the live broadcast (even when you are showing it “live”).

I liked watching all of the various leaders sit down before the session started. There is a lot of smiles, a lot of hand-shaking, and a lot of talking. I know people who are so uptight about reverence, and that when you walk into the chapel it should be silent. I know the Conference Center isn’t a chapel, but for the purposes of General Conference, it is, and it is great to see people being so friendly with each other. It’s also nice to see everyone (including the leaders) stand as the First Presidency walks in. I also liked seeing President Eyring whisk something off of President Monson’s shoulder. Maybe something from lunch?

President Henry B Eyring conducted the session.

The choir sang “Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise”.

Elder Carlos H Amados offered the invocation.

The choir sang “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free”

President Eyring conducted the business. Several members of the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy were released, but no one was called to replace them.

Elder Dallin H Oaks ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

God’s love and God’s commandments
The love of God does not supersede his commandments.
His commandments do not diminish the love of God
Every parent knows you can love a child and be angry and disappointed
The love of God is so universal, even those who are rebellious benefit
Where do parents draw the line with children that are not following the commandments. Don’t go to extremes (shunning the person, or totally ignoring the disobedience)
Real love does not support self-destructive behaviour

Elder Robert D Hales ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

We live in a time where secularism is deepening
We declare We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost
Why is belief in God so important?
Without God, life would end at the grave, and life would have no purpose
Cultivate a diligent desire to know God lives

Elder Jorge F Zeballos

From a purely human point of view at first, the commandment to be perfect seems to be an impossible task
The command to become perfect encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves
God will not require more than the best we can give
Let us with enthusiasm do all that is within our reach
It is possible to achieve the impossible. We can receive eternal life. We can be happy now

President Eyring forgot 3 other names that are being released from the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy

The choir sang “Come, Ye Children of the Lord”

Elder Tad R Callister ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

Joseph was the Lord’s anointed
He learned 4 fundamental truths
1. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are two separate, distinct beings
2. The Father and Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones
3. God still speaks to man today; the heavens are not closed
  Does God love us as much today as before?
  Does God have the same power today as then?
  Do we need him as much today as then?
4. The full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth
Hard to believe Joseph Smith saw angels? Were there not angels before? Mary, Joseph, Peter, James, John, Cornelius, Paul, Stephen all saw angels
There will always be an intellectual crisis, but there will always be faith that can strengthen us
Attempts to intellectualise salvation will never find the answers they seek. At some point, one must trust in God.

Elder Kent R Watson

Temperance
Exercise self-control
Peace of mind and security and happiness do not come from buying things we can’t afford
Security from our families comes from learning self-control
Peace of mind comes from faith in Jesus Christ
Happiness comes from being diligent in keeping covenants

Elder Neil L Andersen ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **

I have felt His love in sacred and unforgettable ways
Spiritual arms of mercy, safety, love
We rejoice in repenting and the joy of forgiveness
There is no sin that cannot be forgiven (other then turning away)
“Will ye not now return unto me… that I may heal you?”
Repentance is more of a journey than an event
“You can’t feel what I have felt” – I don’t fully understand, but there is One who does. He does. He has felt your pain. He has said “I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands”
I promise you, relief will come
Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance

President Boyd K Packer (spoke from a chair)

We must use our agency wisely
Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind
The Spirit can protect you
The Gift of the Holy Ghost operates with men, women and children
Keep your mind clean and free from the clutter of the world
No matter who you are and what you may have done, you can always pray
Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven and the lock is on your side of the veil.
He has learned to conclude all prayers with “Thy will be done”

The choir sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

The benediction was offered by Robert S Wood (who was released today)

Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

179th Semiannual General Conference – Saturday Morning Session As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session...
179th Semiannual General Conference – Pre-conference notes The last 6 months have flown by, and General Conference...
A recent Sacrament Meeting Talk – Conversion and The Ship of Theseus One of the things that does separate us from other...

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