Saturday, April 4, 2009
General Conference Topline Report (part 3)
I did not attend the Priesthood session of conference today. Nor was I able to talk my DH into taking notes for me :-p. But here is a good summary if you really need one. Many thanks to BCC.
General Conference Topline Report (part 2)
Saturday PM Session
During this session new Sunday School and YM presidencies were called. For the Sunday School it was Oscarthorpe (P), McConkie (1C), and Richardson (2C). And in the YM it was Beck (P), Gibson (1C), and Quintanna (2C).
Speaker 1: M. Russell Ballard
President Ballard described his talk as an "important message" for the youth of the Church. "When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life's teachers can help guide you." He discussed the importance of being willing to learn from others' experiences, as well as from the past. The cyclical nature of righteousness/wickedness as seen in the Book of Mormon can easily be seen in modern society as well. The youth will have to decide for themselves if they will ignore the past or try to learn from the "noble example" of the "faithful followers of Christ." There is no new technology that will help one to gain a testimony of the gospel.
Speaker 2: Quentin L. Cook
Faith in the gospel was the topic of President Cook's talk. He focused on two aspects of faith: 1. stumbling blocks to faith (a. inaccurate media reports; b. the teaching of incorrect principles, such as the belief in no modern revelation; and c. the juxtaposed views of a loving Heavenly Father and the belief that most mankind is doomed to an eternity of hell) and 2. Heavenly Father's plan is big enough for all of mankind. We should not judge others, especially family members.
Speaker 3: Kevin W. Pearson
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pearson spoke on having faith in Jesus Christ; "there is never a greater need for faith." To have faith is to have confidence in someone or something. Our faith should be centered in Jesus Christ. Faith increases as our personal righteousness increases; we must continually strive to build our faith. Our NET (total) amount of faith can be viewed as our faith minus all our doubts and disbelief. There are 6 Ds that can "erode and destroy" our faith: 1. Doubt; 2. Discouragement; 3. Distraction; 4. lack of Diligence; 5. Disobedience; and 6. Disbelief. We must choose to live by faith and not by fear.
Speaker 4: Rafael E. Pino
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pino told a story of a friend whose 3-year old daughter drowned in an accident. The friend was greatly comforted by the thought that his children were born under the covenant. The family became more determined than ever to endure to the end to be worthy to be with this daughter again. "When adversity arises in our lives, the only true source of comfort is in the Lord." Times of adversity are when we should most show loyalty to God and our willingness to follow Him. Adversity enables us to better understand the Savior's atonement.
Speaker 5: Richard G. Scott
These latter days have brought increased access to the temple for most people in the world. Those who live in the "shadow of the temple" need to set specific goals for temple attendance. We should not let things get in the way of the goals we set in regard to the temple. President Scott gave the following suggestions in relation to temple attendance:
1. Strive to participate in all of the different ordinances regularly
2. Seek to understand the doctrines taught in the temple, especially the atonement
3. Express gratitude for temple blessings in your prayers
4. Schedule regular visits to the temple
5. Remove your watch when in the temple
6. Listen carefully to each element of the ordinances
7. Pray for the person for whom the ordinance is being completed
President Scott then related the main reasons the temple is meaningful to him is that he had two children die in infancy, who were born in the covenant. Also, his wife has been deceased for 14 years now.
Speaker 6: Russell M. Nelson
The Lord's Prayer and other prayers cited in the scriptures give great insight into how we should pray to our Heavenly Father. All open with a salutation to the Father. "Hallowed be thy name" is a reference of respect for our Heavenly Father. Closing with "amen" signifies our affirmation or agreement with the words of the prayer. "If we really care for others we should pray for them." We should pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and its vital force for good. Things that enhance our prayers include 1. the song of the righteous; 2. fasting (but not too often/too much); and 3. formal language (thee, thy, thine, etc.). Public prayers should be brief.
During this session new Sunday School and YM presidencies were called. For the Sunday School it was Oscarthorpe (P), McConkie (1C), and Richardson (2C). And in the YM it was Beck (P), Gibson (1C), and Quintanna (2C).
Speaker 1: M. Russell Ballard
President Ballard described his talk as an "important message" for the youth of the Church. "When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life's teachers can help guide you." He discussed the importance of being willing to learn from others' experiences, as well as from the past. The cyclical nature of righteousness/wickedness as seen in the Book of Mormon can easily be seen in modern society as well. The youth will have to decide for themselves if they will ignore the past or try to learn from the "noble example" of the "faithful followers of Christ." There is no new technology that will help one to gain a testimony of the gospel.
Speaker 2: Quentin L. Cook
Faith in the gospel was the topic of President Cook's talk. He focused on two aspects of faith: 1. stumbling blocks to faith (a. inaccurate media reports; b. the teaching of incorrect principles, such as the belief in no modern revelation; and c. the juxtaposed views of a loving Heavenly Father and the belief that most mankind is doomed to an eternity of hell) and 2. Heavenly Father's plan is big enough for all of mankind. We should not judge others, especially family members.
Speaker 3: Kevin W. Pearson
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pearson spoke on having faith in Jesus Christ; "there is never a greater need for faith." To have faith is to have confidence in someone or something. Our faith should be centered in Jesus Christ. Faith increases as our personal righteousness increases; we must continually strive to build our faith. Our NET (total) amount of faith can be viewed as our faith minus all our doubts and disbelief. There are 6 Ds that can "erode and destroy" our faith: 1. Doubt; 2. Discouragement; 3. Distraction; 4. lack of Diligence; 5. Disobedience; and 6. Disbelief. We must choose to live by faith and not by fear.
Speaker 4: Rafael E. Pino
(Of the Seventy)
Elder Pino told a story of a friend whose 3-year old daughter drowned in an accident. The friend was greatly comforted by the thought that his children were born under the covenant. The family became more determined than ever to endure to the end to be worthy to be with this daughter again. "When adversity arises in our lives, the only true source of comfort is in the Lord." Times of adversity are when we should most show loyalty to God and our willingness to follow Him. Adversity enables us to better understand the Savior's atonement.
Speaker 5: Richard G. Scott
These latter days have brought increased access to the temple for most people in the world. Those who live in the "shadow of the temple" need to set specific goals for temple attendance. We should not let things get in the way of the goals we set in regard to the temple. President Scott gave the following suggestions in relation to temple attendance:
1. Strive to participate in all of the different ordinances regularly
2. Seek to understand the doctrines taught in the temple, especially the atonement
3. Express gratitude for temple blessings in your prayers
4. Schedule regular visits to the temple
5. Remove your watch when in the temple
6. Listen carefully to each element of the ordinances
7. Pray for the person for whom the ordinance is being completed
President Scott then related the main reasons the temple is meaningful to him is that he had two children die in infancy, who were born in the covenant. Also, his wife has been deceased for 14 years now.
Speaker 6: Russell M. Nelson
The Lord's Prayer and other prayers cited in the scriptures give great insight into how we should pray to our Heavenly Father. All open with a salutation to the Father. "Hallowed be thy name" is a reference of respect for our Heavenly Father. Closing with "amen" signifies our affirmation or agreement with the words of the prayer. "If we really care for others we should pray for them." We should pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and its vital force for good. Things that enhance our prayers include 1. the song of the righteous; 2. fasting (but not too often/too much); and 3. formal language (thee, thy, thine, etc.). Public prayers should be brief.
General Conference Topline Report
Saturday AM Session
Speaker 1: President Thomas S. Monson
Called Neil L. Andersen to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and asked for a sustaining vote.
Briefly summarized some of the broad improvements the Church is seeing, including temple dedications ("There is something about a temple dedication that prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance."), 53,000 missionaries serving, and the success of the PEF. President Monson thanked us for our prayers for him and encouraged members to "have a renewed determination to live the gospel."
Speaker 2: Robert D. Hales
President Hales' addressed the "vital lessons" that come from economic adversity, as well as those who have lost agency due to poor past choices (i.e., through addictions). He encouraged us to become "Provident Providers", which are those who provide while following the principles of Provident Living. He gave two personal examples of learning principles of provident living, emphasizing the need to look at the "temporary" vs. "eternal value" of choices.
Speaker 3: Margaret S. Lifferth
(of the Primary General Presidency)
Sister Lifferth discussed the great need to nourish the souls of our children with the "living word" and "water." To truly feed His lambs we have to cultivate respect for each other and reverence for God. "Reverence for God is strengthened as we learn to respect others." Adults need to set the example to help teach reverence and respect to children. Numerous suggestions for helping to encourage reverence at church were provided by Sister Lifferth.
Speaker 4: Michael A. Neider
(of the YM General Presidency)
Brother Neider began by praising the addition of virtue to the YW general theme and emphasized that sisters should not be "the only example of virtue" in the Church. Then he went on to teach the young men about the importance of quorums. "A quorum is a class, a brotherhood, and a service unit." Bishops were encouraged to utilize YM/YW class presidencies in striving to reach ward goals.
Speaker 5: Allan F. Packer
(of the Seventy)
President Packer emphasized the need to build our testimonies on bedrock during these challenging times and outlined the steps needed to become truly converted: 1. Have the desire; 2. Study; and 3. Ask through prayer for a testimony. Our "capacity to receive personal inspiration will be necessary in coming days."
Speaker 6: D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Christofferson emphasized the need for strong Christians who can "defend against moral relativism and militant atheism." Divine covenants make for strong Christians. By honoring our covenants with the Lord we can 1. receive empowering blessings; 2. have the faith to perservere; and 3. be bestowed with divine power.
Speaker 7: Henry B. Eyring
The one common challenge we will all experience in this earth experience is adversity. Adversity can bring fear and anger and can even shake our faith. The purpose of his talk was "to assure us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love all humanity." Trials will educate us, help us to be truly penitent, and will purify us. As we rely on the Atonement of the Savior we will have the strength to endure through adversity.
Speaker 1: President Thomas S. Monson
Called Neil L. Andersen to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and asked for a sustaining vote.
Briefly summarized some of the broad improvements the Church is seeing, including temple dedications ("There is something about a temple dedication that prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance."), 53,000 missionaries serving, and the success of the PEF. President Monson thanked us for our prayers for him and encouraged members to "have a renewed determination to live the gospel."
Speaker 2: Robert D. Hales
President Hales' addressed the "vital lessons" that come from economic adversity, as well as those who have lost agency due to poor past choices (i.e., through addictions). He encouraged us to become "Provident Providers", which are those who provide while following the principles of Provident Living. He gave two personal examples of learning principles of provident living, emphasizing the need to look at the "temporary" vs. "eternal value" of choices.
Speaker 3: Margaret S. Lifferth
(of the Primary General Presidency)
Sister Lifferth discussed the great need to nourish the souls of our children with the "living word" and "water." To truly feed His lambs we have to cultivate respect for each other and reverence for God. "Reverence for God is strengthened as we learn to respect others." Adults need to set the example to help teach reverence and respect to children. Numerous suggestions for helping to encourage reverence at church were provided by Sister Lifferth.
Speaker 4: Michael A. Neider
(of the YM General Presidency)
Brother Neider began by praising the addition of virtue to the YW general theme and emphasized that sisters should not be "the only example of virtue" in the Church. Then he went on to teach the young men about the importance of quorums. "A quorum is a class, a brotherhood, and a service unit." Bishops were encouraged to utilize YM/YW class presidencies in striving to reach ward goals.
Speaker 5: Allan F. Packer
(of the Seventy)
President Packer emphasized the need to build our testimonies on bedrock during these challenging times and outlined the steps needed to become truly converted: 1. Have the desire; 2. Study; and 3. Ask through prayer for a testimony. Our "capacity to receive personal inspiration will be necessary in coming days."
Speaker 6: D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Christofferson emphasized the need for strong Christians who can "defend against moral relativism and militant atheism." Divine covenants make for strong Christians. By honoring our covenants with the Lord we can 1. receive empowering blessings; 2. have the faith to perservere; and 3. be bestowed with divine power.
Speaker 7: Henry B. Eyring
The one common challenge we will all experience in this earth experience is adversity. Adversity can bring fear and anger and can even shake our faith. The purpose of his talk was "to assure us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love all humanity." Trials will educate us, help us to be truly penitent, and will purify us. As we rely on the Atonement of the Savior we will have the strength to endure through adversity.
Friday, April 3, 2009
New Giveaway Opportunity
Just a quick note to let you know there is a new giveaway of my book that started today on the Family Home Evening Blog! Head on over there and get yourself entered--you know you want to ;-).
Police Beat #35
Welcome Friday! Hope your day is great!
March 24: A female employee at the Taylor Building reported receiving more than 20 rude phone calls on the same day from someone wanting to talk to the social service director. The employee said she traced the call back to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
(Comment: The mental ward at UVRMC really should not be letting patients use the phone.)
March 24: A secretary in the SWKT found a suspicious envelope in the mail. The envelope was covered in nonsense writing in magic marker and contained a newspaper article.
(Comment: The article was probably about the evils of magic marker sniffing.)
March 24: Police responded to a report of two male students climbing the wall on the west side of the law library. The suspects told the officer they were parkouring, or trying to move from point to point as easily and quickly as possible. The officer told the students the activity is not allowed on campus.
(Comment: Don't the police know parkouring is what every student running late to class does? How are they going to prevent it?)
March 24: A bag containing a camera and accessories worth $1,500 was stolen from an unlocked drawer in an unlocked office in Creative Services at the BYU Bookstore sometime between March 17 and 20.
(Comment: The thief performed some creative service to steal it without being known for possibly more than three days! Impressive!)
March 26: An employee at the traffic booth on South Campus Drive reported people taking traffic cones and getting into a truck. Police stopped the truck and found traffic cones labeled ‘BYU Police’ visible in the backseat. The driver admitted to taking the cones to put on a friend’s car. Three females, including a BYU student, a UVU student and a visiting friend, were issued citations for theft. The nine traffic cones were valued at $135.
(Comment: Doesn't that sound like the beginning of a joke? "A BYU student, a UVU student, and a visiting friend were stealing traffic cones...")
Scripture of the Day: Alma 27:28
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Easter Pics
Many thanks to OneHM for the cute pics she took of my kiddos last week. Here are a few of my favorites. I was conservative this year on Easter clothes. Kitty is not a fan of girly dresses and refuses to wear matching ones with Sweetie Peach (much to my chagrin). So instead of buying dresses I looked for skirts that semi matched. For the pictures, though, I just went with white shirts and jeans. Quick, easy, and cheap.
Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 15:20-22
Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 15:20-22
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
New Month, New Theme
April has arrived! Time for a new theme and I can't help but choose Easter. I have to admit it is one of my favorite holidays because of the religious significance. I have not been asked this year or last, but for five years I had the opportunity to work as the research director for the Easter Pageant here at the Mesa temple. It was an experience I will always be grateful for because I learned so much and really felt the spirit of the siginificance of Christ's resurrection.
The pageant itself is wonderful, the largest of all the LDS pageants (even Hill Cumorah!). And the volunteer leaders who put so much time and effort into it (for over 6 months per year) do such a fabulous job. If you have not been recently, I highly suggest you go again soon. Here is their website with this year's dates and times. I think I will be heading down there tomorrow night since my brother and his family are in town from Denver. Feel free to join us!
Scripture of the Day: Helaman 14:15
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