A Conference of Generals... (...Which I then made specific.)

Its true.  Elder Holland himself told us how miraculous it is to speak words that are valuable to "those who know us very well and those who know us not at all.  Within the Church alone we must speak to the children, the youth and young adults, the middle-aged, and the elderly.  We must speak to families and parents and children at home as we speak to those who are no married, without children, and perhaps very far from home."

Because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a worldwide church, the Brethren must give messages that are broad--messages that can cross racial, national, and ethnic boundaries--messages that God wants to give to all His children.

Thus, it is sometimes easy to listen to a talk and say, "That's not for me.  I don't fit there yet."  In my New Testament class, however, Brother Griffin challenged us to turn General Conference into "Specific" Conference--or, in other words, listen to each message and find some way to apply it to our lives instead of excusing ourselves from following certain instructions.  Good challenge, very good indeed. :)

I was amazed at how many of the messages were aimed right at my heart.  Those men are the prophets of God, and the messages they give are exactly what He wants us to hear.

My favorites?  Well, the whole thing was, but here are some specific ones:

• "To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship."  -Elder Richard G. Scott
• "...you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father.  He loves you.  He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness."  -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• "God sees you as His child.  He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become.  He wants you to know that you matter to Him."  -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• Hearing that there is to be another temple in Provo!  (My thoughts: What to call it, though?  The Tempernacle?) :]
• "She spoke of the greatness of those two little girls.  It was as if she were presenting princesses to a royal court."  -Elder Henry B. Eyring
• "...so we grab you by the lapels and shot as forcefully as we know how:

'Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear;

Come join the ranks!  Come join the ranks!'

• "I love you; I pray for you.  I would ask once again that you would remember me and all the General Authorities in your prayers.  We are one with you in moving forward this marvelous work."  -President Thomas S. Monson

To whoever reads this: feel free to comment and tell me what you especially enjoyed about Conference.  

(I realize one quote was from Priesthood Session, but Elder Holland is my favorite apostle, and I felt a little gypped in not getting to hear him this year.  So I listened to it this morning.)

All the talks were absolutely wonderful, and I felt that they were tailor-made for me.  Go.  Read them.  Study them.  Remember them.  I even posted link, so it's super easy for you. ;)

It also helped that Liza and I went home for it.  I'll tell you what, when General Conference rolls around, I don't want to be with anyone but my family.  They're absolutely splendid, and there was loads of time to visit, cuddle, joke, and spoil my nephew to death. :)

I just wanna let you know that I know this church is true.  I know President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God on the earth today.  God loves you.  Christ loves you, and they know everything you experience.  They want to bless you, and they do--more than you will ever know.

"Forget not to be patient with yourself. 

 Forget not to be happy now.  

Forget not that the Lord loves you."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

(That one's from Women's Conference.  Read it.  It was splendid.)