We enjoyed the sumptuous feast of General Conference this past weekend. Among the many things I love about conference are the dignity and solemnity with which the brethren conduct the meetings; there's no joking about, stumbling around or forgetting important things; the program is prepared and complete. I love the beautiful music, which always seems to fit the subjects of the talks; which means they are truly inspired in their selections. I especially enjoy that the speakers jump right into their subjects without a silly recitation of who called them to speak and how they felt and how they struggled to write their talk, and how nervous they are, and how they wished it were someone else up here, and here's an unrelated joke to show you how nervous I am; and, well, you get the picture. (It's one of my pet peeves in Sacrament Meeting speakers.) I love how the General Conference speakers take a personal experience and relate it to a gospel doctrine or principle, helping us to understand more deeply the application in our own lives.
During this conference I was thrilled to hear four of the speakers give their addresses in their native languages, Cantonese, Portuguese, and Spanish. To me this is proof of the universality of the gospel and the omniscience of God. He understands His children no matter what language we speak; and the gospel message can penetrate the hearts of all God's children on earth.
It boggles my mind to hear persons say that the General Authorities are old and out of touch with society. Listening to them it should be clear that they are more "in touch" than anyone else on earth. They are experienced, well-traveled, well-connected to the leaders of nations, churches, universities, businesses, etc., as well as well-read and knowledgeable about more subjects than I can count. They are wise and insightful on their own, but have the greater wisdom that comes directly from God to teach and lead us.
The best part of conference is that each person listening will hear and glean what is important for himself/herself (the English language is lacking in pronouns!) at the time. When my girlfriend and I compare notes I am amazed at what she heard 'cause I didn't hear those same things. What a marvel of personal revelation.
We enjoyed being together as a family, minus two (Noble and Lt. Lehi). Our tradition of gathering to hear the prophets, apostles and other general authorities and officers was upheld and continued. To me that is an important accomplishment.
I encourage you to take time to listen to the counsel given, and then as was asked in the closing prayer "Help us live what we have learned."
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