13 October 2008
Reflections on General Conference
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Guest Blogger .
Guest Blog by Sharon Anderson
One of the best things about Conference, is that each person will be impressed by those things that have particular relevance for his own life at the time. Although I was reminded and taught many wonderful things, I have recently been focused on the importance of preparing temporally and spiritually for those things which are to come. Below are some of the things that I noted on these topics. It is obvious that our leaders are very aware of what is happening in the world. They know that many are struggling with challenges and that there will be trials in the future, yet they focused on the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and gave messages of inspiration, hope, and help. (You can read or listen to the entire talks at LDS.org )
Elder L. Tom Perry described the benefits of a simplified life style.. What we really need is food, clothing, shelter, fuel. (He seemed to be saying that we don’t really need all the luxuries to which we may be accustomed).
Elder Neil L. Anderson said we will all experience days of doubt and difficulty, and while we may not know everything, we can know that the Lord loves us. He suggested that we let spiritual home storage settle into our hearts and choose faith in difficult times.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks declared that we live in perilous times prophesied by Paul and focused on what we can do to have the spirit of the Lord.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf recalled times of fear and hunger when his father was drafted in WWII and his mother fled Czechoslovakia with the children. He spoke to any of us who might feel discouraged, worried, or lonely. “The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light.”
“I well remember the days in my childhood encompassed by the horrors and despair of a world war, the lack of educational opportunities, life-threatening health issues during youth, and the challenging and discouraging economic experiences as a refugee. The example of our mother, even in the worst of times, to move forward and put faith and hope into action, not just worrying or wishful thinking, sustained our family and me and gave confidence that present circumstances would give way to future blessings.”
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin suggested four things that can help us get through our trials: 1) laugh 2) have an eternal perspective 3) understand the principle of compensation 4) put trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
Elder Jeffery R. Holland “In the course of life all of us spend time in “dark and dreary” places, wildernesses, circumstances of sorrow or fear or discouragement. Our present day is filled with global distress over financial crises, energy problems, terrorist attacks, and natural calamities. These translate into individual and family concerns not only about homes in which to live and food available to eat but also about the ultimate safety and well-being of our children and the latter-day prophecies about our planet. More serious than these—and sometimes related to them—are matters of ethical, moral, and spiritual decay seen in populations large and small, at home and abroad. But I testify that angels are still sent to help us, even as they were sent to help Adam and Eve, to help the prophets, and indeed to help the Savior of the world Himself.”
“God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. . .On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.”
President Henry B. Eyring observed that we see increased conflict in the world around us that could affect us and then spoke on the importance of unity.
Elder Keith B. McMullin observed that harships are part of life’s journey and that help is available from God, Jesus Christ, and each other. Heavenly Father answers sincere prayers and will comfort and lead us through the storms.
Elder M. Russell Ballard reviewed some persecutions and progress from the history of the Church and reminded us that we cannot afford to be superficially righteous.
President Thomas S. Monson encouraged us to adapt to changes in our lives and find joy in the journey.
Elder Boyd K. Packer gave an account of the mobbings and murders the early Saints suffered and how, although they were American citizens,
15,000 men, women and children were driven in winter by force of arms from their homes. In spite of the the abuses they suffered, they still honored the flag as the banner of liberty and knew that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were inspired. In 1849 Phinias Richards declared, “. . . As we have inherited the spirit of liberty and the fire of patriotism from our fathers, so let them descend [unchanged] to our posterity.”
In these strangely perilous times we teach and live the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elder Quentin L. Cook urged us to be prepared for unexpected events. “…many of the trials and hardships we encounter in life are severe and appear to have lasting consequences. Each of us will experience some of these during the vicissitudes of life. Many listening to this conference are experiencing situations of a most serious nature at this very moment.”
“The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past. The recent economic crisis has caused significant concern throughout the world. Employment and financial problems are not unusual.”
“The scriptures and modern prophets have made it clear that there will be lean years and plentiful years. . . .The Lord expects us to be prepared for many of the challenges that come. He proclaims, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”
Mail this post
Comments are closed at this time. Thank you for reading our posts!
