Category Archives: General Conference Book Club

GCBC Week 26: “The Sanctifying Work of Welfare” by Bishop H. David Burton

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LAST week of General Conference Book Club.  Last.  Can you believe it?  This means two things:

  1. We did it.
  2. 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.

GCBC Week 25: “Establishing a Christ-Centered Home” and “What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?”

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Okay, we are doubling up this week since we’re running out of time (ONE more week of GCBC before a new conference!), and I love, LOVE, love both of these talks. It will be worth your time to study them both this week, I promise.

Establishing a Christ-Centered Home

by Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy

“Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it.”

and

What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?

by Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy

“A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more godlike yourself.”

I could put hundreds of quotes here that I loved from both talks.  How about you?  What were your favorite principles from these talks?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.  If you’re new to General Conference Book Club, get more info here.

GCBC Week 24: “The Atonement Covers All Pain” by Elder Kent F. Richards

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Guys, in THREE weeks time, we will be able to tune in to General Conference again.  Those of us who have participated in GCBC will have read ALL of the talks delivered from the pulpit during the four main sessions of April’s General Conference.  It’s awesome.  Living prophets are amazing.  God’s word is so great.  Thanks so much for your participation in this ride. You guys keep me on track.

Next up is:

“The Atonement Covers All Pain”

by Elder Kent F. Richards

of the Quorum of the Seventy

This quote about the Savior made me think deeply about what his saving role means, and how it’s really not as “done” as I’ve often thought of it.

“Perhaps His most significant work is in the ongoing labor with each of us individually to lift, to bless, to strengthen, to sustain, to guide, and to forgive us.”

What stood out to you as you studied this talk?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.  If you’re new to General Conference Book Club, check us out here.

GCBC week 23: “Become as a little child” by Sister Jean Stevens

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I am blogging from the wilderness, so I will just tell you to go find this talk and study it.  I’ll try to update with links later.

Okay, UPDATE:

Here is the link to read the talk:

Become as a Little Child

Jean A. Stevens

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Or you can watch it:

Tell me thoughts in the comments below.  Do you realize it is now SEPTEMBER and general conference is in OCTOBER?  …. I know! Crazy.

GCBC Week 22: “Testimony” by Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

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I’ve seen a recent surge lately of friends and acquaintances struggling a little bit in their testimony.  We all do sometimes, on some level, and our less-than-perfect obedience is evidence of that.  Sometimes failure to consistently keep a commandment is a good indicator that our testimony of that particular doctrine is a little unstable.  Anyway, I’ve seen people asking a lot of questions lately that bloom from doubt.  Questions are great things, because they give us an opportunity to learn if we address them in the right way.  I think some main ingredients in that right way are faith in God’s ability and willingness to answer our questions, and then putting forth the work it requires to seek those answers.  It’s a really important step in gaining confidence in our own understanding of God’s doctrine and His plans for us.

“Testimony” by Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

Elder Samuelson tackles some of the basic tactics and attitudes that are an important part of a God-sanctioned search for testimony.  This is one of my favorite parts:  “Everyone who is willing to pay the price—meaning keeping the commandments—may have a testimony. ”  I love this because it coincides so well with Alma’s admonition (in Alma 32) to “experiment upon the word” and also what the Savior himself said when people questioned his teachings, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine” (John 7:17).  Obedience with a heart willing to learn is one of the greatest testimony builders of all.  Anyway, he makes a lot of great points — 10 of them to be exact — that were a great review for me.

What stands out to you as you study this talk?  What could this talk help you to do or see differently?  Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’re new to GCBC, go here to learn more about it, then join us!