The feast of General Conference this weekend was overwhelming to me and I wondered how to take it all in. I approached this conference differently than in the past by deciding to not take any notes of what the speakers were saying; rather I took notes of what the Spirit was saying to me. After all, Elder Bednar reminded us that it will all be online very shortly and we can read it and listen to it again.
Prior to the conference I wrote down five questions that had been on my mind, and during the conference I wrote down one more. As I listened to the music, prayers and talks I noted any impressions from the Spirit or subjects in the talks that pertained to those questions. Only one question wasn't addressed or answered in any way. The rest were answered, some multiple times and in many ways.
In the week leading up to conference I noticed a lot of "speculation" about changes that could be announced, most of which I thought were just silly, and some of it showing a distinct lack of understanding of the doctrines of the Savior. My own feeling was that there weren't going to be any changes made at this time. And I was right! Which is a nice feeling to have validated.
Thematically, I think every speaker referred to the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was as if they all wanted to show and tell the world that we really do ". . . talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, . . . that [all the world] may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26) I loved it!! The other theme I heard running through many of the talks was spiritual preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior.
Some highlights for me include: President Camille Johnson teaching us that we can be whole in Jesus, which is different from being perfect. Elder Steven Shumway saying, those we serve should remember Him more than us. The Spirit impressed on my heart that Jesus wouldn't seek to sit with the church leaders, He would seek to sit with the lowly. Elder Neil L. Anderson gave a profound and much needed talk about the sanctity of life. Brother Lund spoke of the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and I wondered if I had done enough to teach my sons the importance of their power. Elder Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk on unity and not giving up on the ideal. Elder Christofferson spoke of worship, and included a plea to welcome little ones to our families and teach them to love and worship the Savior. Elder McCune taught that joy comes from our covenants with Christ no matter what mortal trials we are going through.
As always the music was fantastic and I enjoyed hearing so many of the new hymns. I have listened to them on the Library app over and over! I love them all. I wish our branch would sing more of them.
For the first time in decades I was completely alone for all the sessions of conference. Solitude has advantages, but by the end I was really lonely with no one to rejoice with. I'm hoping that circumstances will be better for the next conference in six months.
(P.S. I'd really like to add photos again, but my laptop is so old that it won't update anymore and I can't add pictures to my blog. I'm saving up for a new computer. Sorry I can't make this more interesting.)
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