LAST week of General Conference Book Club. Last. Can you believe it? This means two things:
- We did it.
- Only 6 more days until we get to hear the word of the Lord again from prophets and apostles.
This coming week will be a General Conference Extravaganza here on Diapers and Divinity as we get ready for another session to begin. Starting tomorrow, watch for preparation ideas, a meme that you can participate in on your own blog, some highlights, packets for children, etc. So, you know, stay tuned.
Do you want me to keep doing General Conference book club here on the blog? There’s always a huge turnout for week one, and then it kind of dwindles off little by little. I don’t mind continuing it for even a few people if they find it meaningful and helpful.
So whether you’re a regular or thinking of joining in, I’d like to know what you’re thinking.
Okay, for this week, our last talk is “The Sanctifying Work of Welfare” by Bishop H. David Burton.
“The purpose, promises, and principles that reinforce our work of caring for the poor and needy extend far beyond the bounds of mortality. This sacred work is not only to benefit and bless those who suffer or are in need. As sons and daughters of God, we cannot inherit the full measure of eternal life without being fully invested in caring for each other while we are here on earth. It is in the benevolent practice of sacrifice and giving of ourselves to others that we learn the celestial principles of sacrifice and consecration.”
I feel like this message makes a lovely companion to Sister Allred’s talk from the Relief Society Broadcast last night.
What does this talk make you think or feel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re visiting for the first time and you want to know more about what we do here for General Conference Book Club, click here.
Diapers and Divinity 
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCBC. Thank you for the opportunity. I hope it will continue.
~Shari
Well, seeing as how you inspired me to do a GCBC locally with ladies in our ward…YES, you must keep going! You are the bedrock! 🙂 Looking forward to your posts this week!
I have wanted to start a local GCBC in my area, and I was thinking Oct General Conference would be the best time to start. I’m excited for GCBC Oct 2011, whether or not I start a local chapter!
I don’t actively participate as much by posting, but I love that you do this and it’s a good reminder to keep reading, watching, etc. the words that touch our hearts during conference.
I love the sense of accomplishment that I feel when I actually finish something that I’ve started. Thank you so much for your help and motivation!
I appreciated reading Bishop Burton’s talk again. The principles of the welfare program are so true and guaranteed to bring peace and happiness to anyone who will follow them. Temporal salvation is inherently tied in with spiritual salvation, and we need to work on both concurrently. I also liked the reminder that we need to teach our children these principles. He said: “Each generation is required to learn anew the foundational principles of self-reliance: avoid debt, implement principles of thrift, prepare for times of distress, listen to and follow the words of the living oracles, develop the discipline to distinguish between needs and wants and then live accordingly.”
I also liked the story of his great-great-grandfather, and his dying counsel to “Be kind to the poor.” I hope I can always remember that advice. While giving money and resources to those in need is important, just being nice is even more important (whether you’re financially poor or not).
Enjoy preparing for a new general conference! We’re really looking forward to it here.
I too love the GCBC. I don’t comment very often but I do try to read each week and read other peoples comments. Thanks for the time you take to make it happen.
I was really impressed with the story of the priesthood leader in South America who found a way to provide for his ward. He probably could have asked the Church in Salt Lake for help, but instead he used what he had and worked to provide for the members of his ward. That, to me, is self-sufficiency. Not that there would have been anything wrong with him asking the Church to send food or supplies, but he looked around at what he had, and even though it was kind of makeshift, he was able to provide for his ward family. I think that we can learn a lot from that story.
The talk also reminded me of the Savior who was constantly healing people’s physical infirmities before really preaching the gospel to them. He took care of their whole person – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We need to do that same with the people in our sphere.
More thoughts over on my blog.
I love the Church’s welfare program–it’s open to all and based of self-reliance. I was impressed by the quote he used where they said the Church would stop all other programs if necessary, to make sure that people’s temporal needs were met.
You know you have my vote for the GCBC. I look forward to it every Monday and it’s a great way for me to get through all of the Conference talks. Thanks for keeping it going!
I don’t comment but I do enjoy reading. Please continue with this blog. I love being reminded to continually to read and ponder the words from our prophet and apostles from General Conference. I love to read others comments as well. Thanks for all your hard work in posting this blog. I love it!
I also don’t comment but I love the reminder each week to read and study. This is actually the first conference that I have made it all the way through, yeah!
I also slacked on the commenting part but loved being reminded of the talks and reading everyone’s comments. I hope you choose to continue hosting GCBC! Thank you!