From By Jamie Kathryn LeSueur: What we hear this conference will add to what we’ve learned in past conferences rather than replace those teachings. Our prophet is like a “watchman” on the tower (Ezekiel 33:2). He is called to “blow the trumpet, and warn the people” (Ezekiel 33:3). And President Nelson’s warning is more than just a notification of danger—it’s a plan to help each of us prepare and withstand spiritual attacks. President Nelson knows we’re in the last days, and he is doing everything he can to help us stand strong. (March 2023 Liahona, "A Look at Our Prophet's Ongoing Warning Call")

Dieter Uchtdorf asked: "How might our approach to general conference be different if we saw conference as an opportunity to receive messages from the Lord Himself?" (March 2018, First Presidency Message)

I am excited for General conference this weekend. I am praying to be open to the counsel given.

 

Elder Karl D. Hirst gave a beautiful talk at the October 2024 General Conference. During the talk he included hints as to how we can feel love from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and when and where we can feel it. Here are some of the hints, scattered throughout his talk. I love these thoughts:

His arms are not shortened. They are always long enough to "[reach our] reaching" and embrace each one of us.

I really enjoy the symbolism of mountains being evidence of the certainty of God's love.

The house of the Lord is the home of our most precious covenants and a place for us all to retreat and sink deeply into the evidence of our Father's love for us.

I have also enjoyed the comfort that comes to my soul when I wrap myself more tightly in my baptismal covenant and find someone who is mourning a loss or grieving a disappointment and I try to help them hold and process their feelings.

Birdsong, feeling the sun or a breeze or rain on my skin, and times when nature puts my senses in awe of God--each has had a part in providing me with heavenly connection.

Perhaps the comfort of faithful friends.

General Conference.

Music.

Serving.

A journal.

Your unique place of personal suffering. I wonder, if Jesus were to choose a place where you and He could meet, a private place where you would be able to have a singular focus on Him, might He choose your unique place of personal suffering, the place of your deepest need, where no one else can go? Somewhere you feel so lonely that you must truly be all alone but you aren't quite, a place to which perhaps only He has travelled but actually has already prepared to meet you there when you arrive? If you are waiting for Him to come, might He already be there and within reach?

 

A prophet is one who, in fulfillment of his mission, undergoes great suffering, yet through it all, is radiant.  A Prophet, in short, is a saint.

(Truman Madsen, Praise to the Man: Fifteen Classic BYU Devotionals, pg. 102)

 

I am looking forward to hearing from President Nelson at General Conference!

 It has been a really fun week:)

Not everything is pictured however.  One of the happiest times of the week is when the two oldest grandchildren learned how to index on FamilySearch.org. We had some wonderful spiritual discussions and laughed while playing a new game together.

"When the Spirit teaches prophets the truth of things as they really are, this includes sensitizing these special men to the implications of what is just beginning, implications that are imperceptible to others. Prophets are alerted to tiny trends that bode ill to mankind. Prophets, therefore, are the Lord's early-warning system: they both detect and decry at His direction. What may seem to be a premature expression of prophetic concern is actually the early discovery of a difficulty that will later plague the people."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Things As They Really Are (1980), pgs. 77, 78.

 

I am looking forward to General Conference! I have been making an effort to spiritually prepare and humbly open my heart to the counsel that will be given.

Last Sunday a sister in the ward shared her testimony. She also spoke about her father and how he had taught her joy in living gospel principles.  Fasting for him was joyful, as was paying tithing and attending church meetings. This sister learned to love the gospel from her father. 

Matthew and I have talked a few times since about this principle.  Have we shared with our children and grandchildren how sweet the fruit of the tree tastes? Are we beckoning to them to come and share in the fruit of the tree (the love of God) and enjoy its deliciousness? Are we testifying of how joyful the gospel is to us? Is this something you say, or can people pick it up by the way you act?

I remember once as a child saying something slightly negative about Sunday and my father said simply, "Sunday is my favorite day!" 

I remember my mother's happiness as she served in various callings.

I remember watching my parents feast on General Conference. They listened to every word and lapped it up.

I don't remember hearing complaints or negativity about the church, the doctrines of the church, or the prophet. I am grateful for this. My parents found joy in the gospel and so do I.

"How can anyone walk the covenant path if they have not been shown the way? Should we be surprised that those who have not had the covenant path revealed to them stumble? Can we be loyally devoted to God, to follow in His footsteps if we don't know how to walk or where to walk?"

(Taylor Halerson The Covenant Path in the Bible and the Book of Mormon)

This is a reminder to me to be intentional and teach the covenant path.

Mormonism is an optimistic, forward-looking faith.  Our cheerfulness comes precisely because we are so confident in Christ's redemption.  Hope is emboldening and liberating. Hope orients and anchors us in the midst of chaos.

(Patrick Mason in Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt)

We have every reason to be happy, optimistic, and hopeful.

This was my view for several hours last weekend and I loved every  minute of it. Some of the time it was just Matthew and I watching, and for other sessions we had family members with us. Instead of writing only what the speakers were talking about, I tried to write down feelings and impressions that came to me while they spoke.

"I believe these people!"

"I feel the Spirit as I listen."

"I feel a desire to help out in good causes."

"I want to stay true to the Savior no matter what!"

In the Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Bruce R. McConkie wrote:

Deity works through witnesses; he does not personally teach each person. This mortal sphere is one in which men are privileged to talk by faith rather than by sight. The gospel is always preached by witnesses who know by personal revelation of the divinity of the message they bear. Acceptance or rejection of the Lord's witnesses bring salvation or damnation to men (pg. 72).

What a pleasure it was to attend General Conference this past weekend! We met wonderful people from around the world and were uplifted and strengthened.

I understand that as soon as conference finished, or maybe as it was going, individuals started to critique the talks. I am not a part of that. I stand with the prophet and the other General Authorities.  I listen to conference not to find fault, or something to debate, but I listen for ways that I can improve. General Conference provides instruction for those who seek to elevate their discipleship. I loved each of the speakers and I sustain them.

A few thoughts from my conference journal:

Each of us has a role.  What is my role?

Pay no attention to secular scoffing. The Lord is on our side!

The great and spacious building is empty.

An unseen power will aide you.  Press on! Hold fast! Heed not!

Love generously.

Lord, I give you everything.

How do we know our heart is changing? When we want to please God in all things.

Accept His will in place of our own.

God is a God of miracles. Trust God's wisdom and promises. Seek and expect miracles!

In times of trouble, turn to Jesus Christ right away.

Boss your brain.  Do what matters. Give God a fair share of your time.

We do not demand revelation, but wait upon the Lord.

Am I asking? Am I seeking?

In the midst of the refiner's fire, do not get angry with God. Get close to God.

Go forth and change.

Assume accountability for the condition of your heart.

Share what you love about the gospel.

Bury inclinations to hurt others.

End personal conflicts.

Discover the joy of daily repentance.

Learn about God and how He works.

Forgive and seek forgiveness.

Progress on the covenant path with increased momentum.

Be faithful, not fearful.

This weekend I will be listening to a conference that originates in this room. Thousands of people, no millions, from throughout the world will be listening along with me. I have been looking forward to this weekend and have been studying how I can best open my heart to the messages. 

Alison Wood suggests, "Honestly evaluate yourself. Self-awareness can be a valuable tool in determining where to start when it comes to applying what you’ve learned from conference."

She continues, "Pray to know what to focus on. Every conference talk has valuable messages, but some might be more applicable and needed for you personally right now."

And I really appreciate this counsel from her, "Start small. Your chances of successfully implementing changes are much higher if you focus on just one or two things. Even where a large change is required, it can be helpful to start small. The Lord will help you make big changes with your small, steady efforts." 

I will listen, learn, and feel the Spirit this weekend.  I will be guided to know how best to move forward and improve.  It's going to be a wonderful weekend!

(https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/04/digital-only-young-adults/4-ways-to-avoid-general-conference-overwhelm?lang=eng)

The October 2021 sessions of General Conference have ended. The speakers this weekend were exhilarating, instructive, strengthening, poised, confident, humble, and marvelous!

Frankly, I feel a bit overwhelmed.  Where in the world do I go from here? There is so much to absorb and so much to work on and change. Prior to conference I felt that I had more to do in life than I had time for, and now I feel I need to do and be more. 

But I will calmly and cautiously proceed, listening to the Spirit and being open to promptings.

Have I given my whole self to the Savior, or only part?

Who can I bring with me as I come closer to Christ?

How can I lift my slope?

How and where can I best "give back"?

In the days, weeks, and months ahead, how can I best fortify my spiritual foundation?

I need to become more loving. I need to rely on the Savior's grace. I need to let Him be the author and finisher of my story. I need to look for ways to make small gains (even 1% gains), and then feel good about the progress, no matter how small. I want to exude love like President Nelson does. I want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

In preparation for General Conference this weekend, I reread words from Elder Mark E. Peterson:

Contrary to the general belief, the Lord is a God of communication, a God of revelation.  He is a God of light and intelligence, of knowledge and information.  He does not deal in darkness, neither does He save anyone in ignorance.  His entire plan of salvation rests upon communication with an enlightened people.

Human beings are slow to learn the ways of the Lord, and particularly are they dilatory in accepting the fact that although he is willing to communicate with them, His method of doing so is through inspired living men whom He designates as prophets.  It is a pattern with Him.  It is His method of procedure, and He has not changed it.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and so are His methods.

We solemnly testify that communication between heaven and earth has been reestablished in our day.  We declare that God is not isolated from the world.  He is not dead.  He lives.  He is not blind.  He sees.  He is not deaf.  He hears.  He is not dumb.  He speaks, eloquently, to His living prophets and through them to the world at large.  In this manner God is speaking to you today.

I love these words and I am really excited to hear for General Conference.

Everyone that listens to General Conference hears the same messages but perhaps hears things differently. I know there were messages that I needed to hear and will keep repeating in the weeks and months ahead.  Your personal messages may be different. The talks that were given were (without exception) absolutely wonderful, timely, and inspired. Here are lines and invitations that stood out to me....

You are good enough and you are loved, but that does not mean that you are complete. (Elder Whiting)

What are you doing that you need to stop doing? What are you not doing that you need to start doing? (Sister Craig)

The Lord does not expect us to do more than we can do, but He does expect us to do what we can do. (Bishop Waddell)

Enduring to the end means changing to the end. (Sister Craven)

Be of good cheer. (Elder Oaks)

Create places of security. Create a home that is a place of security.  (President Nelson)

Embrace the future with faith. Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. (President Nelson)

Let us talk and testify of Christ. As the world speaks less of Him, let us speak more of Him. (Elder Anderson)

Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Will you allow His voice to take priority? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? (President Nelson)

Am I doing enough? What else should I be doing? (Elder Renlund)

Faith means trusting God in good times and bad. (Elder Holland)

Live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your maker. (President Nelson)

General Conference was certainly a spiritual highlight! I went into it hungry for assurance and I received it.  We were presented a new church logo and symbol and it is beautiful:

President Nelson announced a new proclamation regarding the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I am anxious to study it. 

The prophetic blessing President Nelson gave to us at the close of the conference was absolutely marvelous. Here are his words:

Dear brothers and sisters, I express my love for you. During this time of tension and uncertainty, and invoking the authority vested in me, I would like to confer upon you an apostolic blessing.

I bless you with peace and increasing faith in the Lord.

I bless you with a desire to repent and become a little more like Him each day.

I bless you to know that the Prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness.

Should there be illness among you or your loved ones, I leave a blessing of healing, consistent with the will of the Lord.

I so bless you, adding once more my expression of love for each of you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to General Conference and hear instruction and assurances. I am grateful for President Nelson and his counselors, and all of the apostles. I am blessed and I feel "full," and now there is much to do and become!

Wow!  What a conference! I have always loved General Conference weekend but this one left me spinning.  The work is moving forward at a fast pace and I feel an excitement and a desire to get on board!  President Nelson is absolutely amazing. As I raised my hand to sustain him I felt a confirmation that he is the Lord's chosen prophet for our day. I heard so much truth and wise counsel-- no it was more than just wise, it was inspired counsel.  I have to work on, but I have a desire to change and improve.  I am grateful for my membership in the Church.  I am grateful to be led by a prophet, and to know that Christ is directing the prophet and the work on earth.  What a choice and eventful time to live. I pledge my efforts to be a better person and a more committed disciple.

One of the best days of the year arrived!  The Conference edition of the Ensign came in the mail.  I can't wait to read and study these talks.

What could be better than a General Conference weekend?  I can't think of anything.  Well, maybe it would be better if all of my family members were here and we watched conference together, but I can't complain.  It was a marvelous weekend.  I have been thinking about it and anticipating it. I have been praying for the speakers and for an open heart to listen to their messages and hear what the Lord wanted me to hear.  I felt like many of the talks were just for me! I felt assurance, I felt guided, I heard warnings, and I was strengthened.

I can't wait to read and study the talks.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is true!  The Book of Mormon is the word of God and the speakers at Conference are inspired men and women of God.

Some of my thoughts about General Conference:
What an incredible, beautiful weekend!  I loved each and every talk.  I know that the speakers think about their talks for weeks, if not months, and that they pray and ponder about every word.  I appreciate their preparation and the inspiration that they are blessed with.  Many times I felt like the speaker was talking directly to me.  I came away feeling assured in the leadership of the church, that Jesus Christ is at the helm, and that He directs the affairs of His church on earth through his chosen servants.  I trust the Lord and I trust the leaders of the church.  Though I enjoy watching the sessions at home, it was delightful to go into Salt Lake City for the final session.  I feel like my spiritual batteries were charged and I have a desire to be better and to be holier.  There was not a feeling of panic or fear in the messages, but rather reassurance and a charge to be spiritually prepared for what lies ahead.  What a choice blessing General Conference is!

The Church is like a big hospital, and we are all sick in our own way.  

We come to church to be helped.  

We must not only be tolerant while others work on their individual illnesses; we must also be kind, patient, supportive, and understanding.  As God encourages us to keep on trying, He expects us to also allow others the space to do the same, at their own pace.

As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true Latter-day Saints. As we change, we will find that God indeed cares a lot more about who we are and about who we are  becoming than about who we once were.

(Elder Dale G. Renlund, April 2015 General Conference)

And so we come to General Conference today, all "sick in our own way" and needing to be helped.  I am thirsty for the words that I will hear and I am looking forward to the spirit of the conference and the direction that I will receive.

 

General Conference Quote
Sister Carole M. Stephens, October 2013

"Daughters of God, do we know who we are?  Do we know what we have?  Are we worthy to receive the power and blessings of the priesthood?  Do we receive the gifts given to us with gratitude, grace, and dignity?  Do we embrace our roles and responsibilities to strengthen homes as mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts?  Do we show respect for men, manhood, and fatherhood?"

One of my favorite things to read is the General Conference Talks.  I will include quotes from the most recent General Conference talks from time to time.  Elder Ulisses Soares said in the October 2013 General Conference:

"President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth prophet of our dispensation, taught, 'It is our duty to try to be perfect,...to improve each day, and look upon our course last week and do things better this week; do things better today than we did them yesterday.'  So the first step to becoming meek is to improve day by day.  Each day we need to try to be better than the previous as we move forward through this process."