General Conference, what a great experience! If you missed the sessions on Saturday, there are two more on Sunday, so tune in and catch it on TV, where possible, or at LDS.org. What a huge smorgasbord of languages they offer! I enjoyed listening to conference in Swahili for about 30 seconds, then a couple other languages.
Toward the end of the Priesthood session, watching the missionary choir from the MTC was especially poignant with my own son in the MTC right now (his companion, Elder Excel, was in the choir). As I looked at the missionaries and contemplated all the good that they stand for and pondered all the powerful, inspiring, and Christ-centered messages we heard today, one thought crystallized: I love this Church. The wholesome, joyous, soul-lifting teachings, the goodness of its leaders, the rich Spirit that it brings, all make me so glad to be a part of it.
Yes, there are questions I can’t answer, historical details that leave me puzzled, and numerous imperfect humans with human failings at all levels of the church, but there is also a steady current of divine power and guidance throughout, with a wonderful combination of the spiritual and the miraculous with the intellectually satisfying, making it all the easier for intelligent and sincere members to find joy in serving God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.
If you are wondering about the Church, listen to all the sessions we had today, read all the talks in the upcoming November Ensign, and ask yourself if the world wouldn’t be vastly better off if this kind of material was being spread, discussed, and lived globally. I think many millions of individuals and many dozens of nations would be blessed by opening their doors more fully to the Church.
Conference weekend makes me happy, too. I smile most the weekend.
It seems much more efficient for me to receive gospel instruction while watching it at home without worrying about classroom dynamics and navigating hallways–sort of like homeschool Sunday school! Also, Sunday school teachers generally don’t understand that I often learn better when I’m doing something else simultaneously; the screen doesn’t get hurt feelings if I fold clothes during a carefully-prepared speech. And no handouts!!!! Hurrah! (Seriously, I hate that awkward feeling of being presented some little notion that someone has gone out of their way to prepare when it’s going in the circular file soon after I get home from church.)
Good post, thanks for sharing. While critics want to argue this and that, I wish they would just listen to the words that are being spoken and the messages broadcast throughout the world during conference. Really listen and feel that spirit. How different the world would be if even just the men of this world could hear the Priesthood session.
I am curious as to your thoughts on the temple announcement, namely, the KC area and Rome temples.
Amen to this post!
Am thrilled to hear about the new temples. Kansas City, near Independence, Missouri – well, what a big step that is. And Rome! I bet it will be a truly beautiful but small, cost-effective temple. Wonder how they worked out details with the Italian government, which I believe requires the right to enter and inspect buildings of this kind.
Could portend huge acceleration in missionary work in Italy, where we have a fabulous, highly educated population with so much to offer the rest of us. Not just talking about the food, but how I envy those who will be serving there.
Italy is a remarkably innovative, sophisticated, and inquisitive country. It’s time for the Gospel to really surge there.
I served my mission in Italy nearly 18 years ago. It was a great time.
I believe that the Mexican Government reserves the right to enter and inspect buildings.
“The MTC Choir at Conference”? You refer to the Missionary Training Center Choir. Also always an element of a wonderful conference is the other MTC: Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Priesthood session was unbelievable! My son went with me for the first time, and we had a great experience. Hearing President Uchtdorf, President Eyring, and President Monson one right after the other was amazing. Such an uplifting experience!
What a post, what a testimony you have! I was unable to watch the priesthood session live, but saw the rest! I personally was touched by the Primary Choir from Kaysville, Utah…they were like a mini MoTab. And then to see their young hands raised to upold the prophet…
And of course, who could forget the closing remarks of President Monson…I never felt the Spirit hit me more in that conference than it did then!
What a lovely weekend indeed…
I was inspired by the primary choir. How they sat still through an entire session just boggles my brain. Kudos to their parents.
In all my 24 years I’ve never been to a priesthood session. My dad used to take my brothers and then go out to dinner, but I never got to go. That’s what I get for being a girl.
As a Kansas Citian myself I can attest to the incredible excitement Saturday’s announcement brought to this area!
Of course- we can’t help but wonder about the location of the temple. You can imagine the speculation, I’m sure. Most, like me, tend to think this isn’t the prophesied temple in Independence, but rather one that will likely be in Lees Summit, MO (a suburb of KC where our Stake center was just built- and where there’s a significant plot of empty land) or possibly even on the other side of the stateline in the Overland Park or Lenexa area of Kansas. Notice the difference in the way it was announced.
Either way, we’re extremely moved to know that a temple will be close by!
And Mary, don’t feel badly.
Your Dad and brothers will probably never go to a RS or YW broadcast, either– just because they are boys. 🙂
Girl power!!