This talk is a perfect sequel to Elder Christofferson’s talk about consecrated living that we just read last week. President Uctdorf reminds us what to focus on, and he communicates with testimony and example the same principles from King Benjamin that “it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.”
This was one of my favorite talks from conference. It made me realize that when I feel overwhelmed, I tend to react in a counter-productive way.
“If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.”
I’m learning that the joy comes from the basics: from choosing them, using them, and focusing on them.
Plus, this talk has one of the greatest laughs from conference, where President Uctdorf jokes about always speaking about airplanes.
Did you all receive your general conference edition of the Ensign in the mail by now? I love to curl up with mine by the fire. I felt full-blown famous when I realized they published my quote on p. 128 about you guys and what we do here. I can’t think of any issue I’d be more excited to be a part of than the general conference edition.
So, how about you? What are your favorite moments or quotes from this talk? Is there anything you learned here that you had not considered before? What stood out to you as you studied it? And, most importantly, what did it make you feel or want to do?
“To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.”
What stands out to you as you study this talk? Is there anything you learned here that you had not considered before? What did the talk make you feel or want to do?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If this is your first time to General Conference Book Club, click here to learn more about it, and then join us.
First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency
Today in church, I leaned over to Matt and said, “I miss teaching. I’m a much better learner as a teacher than I am as a learner.” I found it interesting to approach this talk simply in my role as a mother, since I don’t currently have the opportunity to teach a class. I liked his example about directing questions to the handbook, and doing the same in turning our children to the scriptures. I’d like to do more of that, and it’s obviously easier to do the more familiar I am with the scriptures myself.
The other point that stood out to me the most, because it’s a point I’ve been reminded of in many ways lately because I must need the reminder, was the challenge to ask the Lord’s help to know and meet the needs of my children.
“The promises of the Lord are certain. If you earnestly search the scriptures and treasure up in your minds the words of life, if you keep the commandments with all of your heart and pray for each student, you will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and you will receive revelation.”
What stands out to you as you study this talk? Is there anything you learned here that you had not considered before? What did the talk make you feel or want to do?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If this is your first time to General Conference Book Club, click here to learn more about it, and then join us.
I thought it would be appropriate to study both of their talks together this week and take an up-close look at the importance of placing our trust in the Lord by heeding the words of his servants. President Henry B. Eyring said the following specifically about listening to the messages we hear at General Conference:
“There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. … Those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety…
“In our own time, we have been warned with counsel of where to find safety from sin and from sorrow. One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated.
“One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention…” — Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 24
So, since this message was repeated so obviously in these two talks, and then also mentioned in several other talks during general conference, it certainly begs our careful attention.
“This world is full of so many self-help books, so many self-proclaimed experts, so many theorists, educators, and philosophers who have advice and counsel to give on any and all subjects. With technology today, information on a myriad of subjects is available with the click of a keystroke. It is easy to get caught in the trap of looking to the “arm of flesh” for advice on everything from how to raise children to how to find happiness. While some information has merit, as members of the Church we have access to the source of pure truth, even God Himself. We would do well to search out answers to our problems and questions by investigating what the Lord has revealed through His prophets.” — Elder Duncan
“We are privileged to have the words of our living prophets, seers, and revelators during this wonderful general conference. They will speak the will of the Lord for us, His people. They will transmit the word of God and His counsel to us. Pay attention and follow their instruction and suggestions, and I testify to you that your life will be completely blessed.” — Elder Costa
What rivets your attention in these talks? Is there anything you learned here that you had not considered before? What stood out to you as you studied them? What do you think is the warning associated with this repeated message? What did it make you feel or want to do?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If this is your first time to General Conference Book Club, click here to learn more about it, and then join us.
“Stay on the Path”
Sister Rosemary M. Wixom
Primary General President
Saturday Morning Session
Sister Wixom’s talk is a great reminder about the sacred responsibility that parents have to anchor themselves and their children on the path of righteousness. She uses several different phrases that highlight both the urgency and the purpose of spiritual parental guidance.
“If they understand the Plan, and who they are, they will not fear. … We begin to make the plan known to our children when we hold tight to the iron rod ourselves.”
“The world will teach our children if we do not.”
“When we are intentional about holding them and teaching them of Heavenly Father’s plan through prayer and scriptures, they will come to know where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going.”
I was struck by how important it is to be purposeful in our parenting, to take the seemingly meaningless experiences of the day and let them point children toward a better understanding of gospel truths and their own important role in God’s plan. Her message reminded me of several previous talks about intentional parenting that have inspired me as well. Perhaps you may want to read some of these this week to enhance your study of Sister Wixom’s talk:
How about you? What are your favorite moments or quotes from Sister Wixom’s talk? Is there anything you learned here that you had not considered before? What stood out to you as you studied it? And, most importantly, what did it make you feel or want to do?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Diapers and Divinity 