Who doesn't enjoy General Conference?? One of my favorite things about General Conference is that millions of people are listening to the same thing, but get different messages that apply to their own life. I love talking to people about what they thought the "theme" was because odds are you're going to get a variety of answer. And I think that is a good thing!! As an education major, I firmly believe that a great teacher can reach out to different types of learners simultaneously. And as we all know, Jesus Christ is the master teacher. It just goes to show that the speakers chosen for Conference are in tune with what they need to teach and how to teach it.
So, you are now probably wondering what I got out of Conference, yes? ;) I loved each and every one of the speakers, but the ones I'll highlight brought out
my personal theme: being a converted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are just a few speakers and quotes that stuck out to me:
Quentin L. Cook's
talk
- "In one of the most profound verses in all of scripture, Alma proclaims, 'If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing
the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?' ... With all that we have received in this dispensation... Alma’s challenge has never been more important."
- "Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment... When our commitment is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined."
M. Russell Ballard's
talk
- "Great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands 'anxiously engaged in a good cause'” (D&C 58:27).
- "We are to love God and to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves.
Imagine what good we can do in the world if we all join together, united
as followers of Christ,
anxiously and busily responding to the needs of others and serving
those around us—our families, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow
citizens."
- "There
is one simple daily practice that can make a difference... In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly
Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve." Then stay focused.
Neil L. Andersen's
talk
- "Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened."
Jeffrey R. Holland's
talk
- There is so much I could put for his talk, but simply enough, "We have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord."
Russell T. Osguthorpe's
talk
- "Conversion is the goal of all gospel learning and teaching. Conversion
is not a onetime event. It is a lifelong quest to become more like the
Savior."
David A. Bednar's
talk
- "Typically, we treat the topics of testimony and conversion separately
and independently. However, we gain precious perspective and greater
spiritual conviction as we consider these two important subjects
together." (Side note: I always love his unique perspectives! It makes me think, 'Why haven't I thought of that before??')
- "Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the
undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God,
accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence."
- "Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the
latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony
is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual
strength and protection we need."
- "I now want to use one of many possible interpretations of the parable of
the ten virgins to highlight the relationship between testimony and
conversion. Ten virgins, five who were wise and five who were foolish,
took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Please think of the
lamps used by the virgins as the lamps of testimony. The foolish virgins
took their lamps of testimony but took no oil with them. Consider the
oil to be the oil of conversion." (LOVED THIS.)
I could go on and on, but alas you can read or listen to these and other talks for yourself! :) I hope you each found your personal message in this General Conference and use the concepts you have learned (or, like me, relearned) to better you life. Until spring 2013!!
