“Generations Linked in Love” by Elder Russell M. Nelson
Because of the missed weeks, we’re doubling up a little in an attempt to catch up. These two talks (links above) kick off our return to GCBC. Thanks for being patient.
In the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference, Elder Nelson and Elder Scott spoke consecutively about our responsibility to our families; Elder Nelson referred to our ancestors, and Elder Scott spoke of our children. The two talks together provide a great context of the eternal nature of our families. They remind us of the blessings and duties that come from being part of an eternal unit in a great plan of salvation.
What stands out to you as you study these talks?
Go here to find the media versions of the talks (audio, video, mp3, etc.). If this is your first visit to the General Conference Book Club, click here to learn more about it.
Diapers and Divinity 
I enjoyed both of these talks, I loved the ideas that Elder Hales gave for the greatest things that we will ever do. Great talks!
We discussed “Generations Linked in Love” by Elder Russell M. Nelson last week in Relief Society. As we read Malachi 4:6 (“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers….”), my view of the scripture changed. I had always thought of us as the “children” doing genealogy and our ancestors as the “fathers” who help us from the other side (whether in that genealogy work or other areas of our life). But I realized that we are also the “fathers” in that we need to turn our hearts to our children, teaching them these saving ordinances, bringing them to the temple. As we do so, they will in turn teach their children, bringing them to the temple, and so forth.
I have always loved family history. However, I feel like I have had to put it on hold with young children around me. I have always thought that this isn’t “my season” for working on genealogy. I loved that Elder Nelson stated that we can make family history a part of our life no matter what our situation. I immediately thought of Sister Beck’s remarks from BYU Women’s Conference (2010) when she related the story of the afghan. This woman simply worked on a square at a time and she eventually had enough to piece together an entire afghan. I can use the same method when focusing on genealogy. I can work on it here and there and eventually I will find those who need their work done. It might take longer than if I could focus more time on it, but it will be worth it.
Elder Hales’s message took on a whole new light as my oldest daughter started kindergarten this past week. All of a sudden I realize what little time I have with her. I know that every minute counts. The question “are you in there” takes on a new meaning as I consider the amount of time I now have to talk, listen, teach, and play with her. I love that, at the end of his talk, Elder Hales links the greatest faith we will have with parenting. Faith is a principle of action; parenting is about consistent and deliberate actions.
I love your comments Jody, thanks.
From Elder Hales’ talk, I got two main points that I felt like I should pay more attention to:
1. I have to be habitually obedient as I live the gospel. Elder Hales kept using words like daily, consistent, and regular. I need to build and maintain righteous habits. AND
2. In addition to that regular living, we must “plan and take advantage of teaching moments.”
Our example must be coupled with teaching. One of these efforts without the other is not nearly as powerful as it is standing alone.
As for Elder Nelson’s talk, I love his encouragement to participate in Family History, and coupled together with Elder Hales’ declaration that “The greatest family history work that we will do will be within our own homes,” I feel like (for me) it’s okay to deal with things in stages. Right now, my husband and I are trying to do temple work for some of his ancestors and raise up our living family the best we can, and I have a strong testimony of how important this is in building a strong chain of generations.