General Conference Highlights

Here are a few of my favorite thoughts from General Conference: (with the disclaimer that I really stink at writing things down word for word so there are no quotes, just the gist of things.)

Jeffery R. Holland: I needed the reminder that I am loved of God and am not insignificant.

There was a definite theme of "Follow the Prophet" during this conference. Claudio R.M. Costa and Kevin R. Duncan both pulled from Ezra Taft Benson's talk entitled "14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet." I loved hearing all 14, twice! I'm guessing that we haven't gotten that principle down perfectly if we need to hear it twice in one conference. It's too long to put all 14 in this post.

David M. McConkie's talk about teaching was helpful. Here are the bits of wisdom I gleaned from it: What matters most in learning is attitude- the attitude of the teacher. Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. The Lord will magnify us in our callings.

D. Todd Christofferson:
Signs of a consecrated life are 1. Purity 2. Work 3. Respect for One's Physical Body 4. Service 5. Integrity.
All honest work is the work of God.

Robert D. Hales asked a very good question: Are we practicing selective obedience?

Neil L. Andersen:
Life is no spiritual picnic. The road of discipleship is not for the faint of heart.
"Offended" has a corrosive companion called "ashamed."

Richard G. Scott:
Faith and character are intimately related. They interact to strengthen each other. The bedrock of character is integrity. Your character is a measure of what you're becoming.

Henry B. Eyring:
Lack of trust in God brings sadness. God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them.

Thomas S. Monson:
We often only see what is lacking. We need to pause and contemplate our blessings. Refuse to remain in the realm of negative thoughts.
Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in it's place. Gratitude requires conscious effort.

M. Russell Ballard:
Lucifer is a clever and cunning adversary. He knows our hunger or weaknesses. He tries to hook us with artificial lures, he is the counterfeit "fisher of men."

Obviously this is not a comprehensive list of each speaker and all of my notes, just the highlights and tidbits that touched me the most. What a blessing to be able to hear such great counsel twice a year!