There is so much to learn from General Conference and I don't feel like I am learning what I truly need to learn or obtaining the true benefits for the conference that my Father wants me to have. Therefore, in an effort to try to truly listen to and understand the servants for God, I am doing a review of this past conference. I am of hope that this review might be of some small benefit to my children, grandchildren, family, and those I love; however, the true desire and objective is that it is of benefit to me and that it changes me. This is my hope and my desire, so to that end I will be begin.
The Saturday Morning Session, begin October 3 at 10 AM EST. I was unable to listen as it happened, but have listen to this conference more than once. However, listen it to it several times is not what I truly need, I need to study it. So to this end I am writing down what I have been listening to.
The opening song was Hymn number 4, "Truth Eternal" by Parley P. Pratt, one of the original apostles that served with Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. This is one of my favorite Hymns of the restoration and to me shows the profound understand that Elder Pratt had of the restoration.
This session of the conference was conducted by President Henry B. Eyring, second councilor in the First Presidency and was presided over by President Russell M. Nelson who as also the first speaker.
The next song song was Hymn number 72, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", this hymn was translated from another language. However, I know nothing about directly about those involved in its coming forth or coming into English. It is from the 1600 hundreds.
These songs had been sung at earlier conference and was lead by difference conductors and organist.
Elder Patrick Kirin gave the opening prayer
He prayed for those who feel marginalized or lost. He also prayed for civility in public life. He said, "...humbly acknowledge that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, joyfully lived, is the answer to all ills."
The first speaker of the conference, as mentioned earlier, was President Russell M. Nelson of the First Presidency of the Church.
His talk was "Moving Forward." Seems a very appropriate title for someone who is doing so much in their nineties.
Here is a link to my review of his talk: "Moving Forward" by Russell M. Nelson. Here I will only go over the highlights and my feeling about what he said.
First he talk about being "grateful for the technology" and I must agree, I also am amazed by the technology that made this conference possible and make it possible for me to study it in the way I am.
The next point that really catches my attention is his feeling for those who are suffering, particularly because of COVID-19.
He talk about the challenges and said that despite the difficulties, as a Church, we are moving forward.
This talk has a talk which I hope to learn both in Spanish and in English:
"Unusual time can bring unusual rewards."
I feel like this is for me. These are definitely some "unusual times" in my life which leads me to wonder what "unusual rewards" await?
"In the calendar year 2020, we will have broken ground for 20 new temples." This is a true sign that Church is healthy and growing, especially is ways that are spiritual.
"Increased gospel study in many homes is resulting in stronger testimonies and family relationships."
Do we have "increased gospel study in [our home]" and is this resulting in stronger testimonies and family relationships"? I don't think that my family fits the description that President Nelson gave in his talk. However, perhaps I can learn from their example and bring some of those blessing to my family.
He is praying that we will use this "unique time to grow spiritually." "We are here on earth to be tested to see if we will choose to follow Jesus Christ." We are to here to "repent regularly, to learn and to progress. He taught me that "[my spirit longs] to progress and [I] do that best by staying firmly on the covenant path." This is part of what I hope this review will do.
Thanks to his talk, I feel more that my "Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, love me. That is a sweet and much need blessing for me. I also feel "they are [caring] for me" and that "They and their holy angles are watching over [me]" and my family.
I am pondering a promise of the Lord that President Nelson shared, "whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunny and the wiles of the devil and lead the disciple of Christ in a straight and narrow course." See Helaman 3:29.
I feel this is true and hope to "choose to lay hold upon the word of God as it is declared" in this conference and to "feel the Lords perfect love for [me]."
We Will Prove The Herewith
The Importance of Tests
Present-Day Proving and Trying
Am I and my family "learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us"? Do I "more fully acknowledge the 'greatness of God' and the truth that 'he shall consecrate [my] afflictions for [my] gain"?
How effectively am I employing the principles of "preparation" and "pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ"?
2 Nephi 31:20
Proving and Preparation
Doctrine and Covenants 38:30–31
"These scriptures provide a perfect framework..."
"Follow the example of the Savior.."
"...a blended balance of intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social readiness."
"...preparing for unforeseen challenges"
"The consistency of prophetic counsel over time creates a powerful concert of clarity and a warning volume far louder than solo performances can ever produce."
Sam's pattern of study
"Effective and timely preparation precedes successful proving."
"...one of the Lord's primary patterns for growth and development"
How can I "consider [my] ways" and "examine [myself], whether [I] be in the faith; [and] prove [my] own [self]?
"What do [i] need to improve in [my life] spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually?"
Proving and Pressing Forward
Promise and Testimony
{I will add to this review as I am able.}
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