More Than A Few Good Things

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2007 conference.

So many memorable talks in this session. I'll share some of my highlights:

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of prayer - Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. . . . Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. . . . A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly asking what He wants for you. . . . Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. . . . What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. . . . When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.

Elder Jay E. Jensen spoke of Hymns - [And aren't the new ones just lovely!] Hymns "create a feeling of reverence." The words reverence and revelation are like twins who like each other's company. . . . Singing hymns and listening to appropriate music begin at home.

Elder John B. Dickson spoke of Commitment to the Lord - (He was our Stake President in Washington) Your commitment can begin from where you are presently, whether young or old, including repenting and forsaking sin where mistakes have already been made. . . . As you commit now to do the will of the Lord, He will help and strengthen you. Your faith, trust, and desire to follow Him will be your greatest key to success.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of Words - We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer." . . . Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. . . . no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse. . . . With such words [the encouraging ones], spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.

Elder David A. Bednar gave the famous Parable of the Pickle - [Even my children remember this one!] After we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior's gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enable us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity.

President Thomas S. Monson spoke of the resurrection - Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.