Gems from General Conference
Before too much more time passes, I wanted to give us all an opportunity to share what struck us the most from General Conference. Was there a talk in particular that really caught your attention? Was there something that came as an answer to prayer? Was counsel given that motivated you in a specific way?
I’ll go first. 
I loved it all, but will say that I found the last session to be particularly powerful. For now, I will briefly mention two of the talks that stuck with me the most.
I was completely amazed by Elder Bednar’s bold and courageous talk. The doctrine he preached will long resound in my heart, and will surely haunt me at those times when I would much rather be offended than face exercising my agency in a way that will free me from that dangerously tempting trap.
Elder Holland’s words had me in tears. I have such a testimony of the blessing and necessity of prophetic guidance. To hear him declare his testimony–as one whom we sustain as a prophet, seer and revelator–was simply stunning. It was more than just a testimony of the general principle or prophetic leadership, too; he was testifying of the character and goodness of those who are leading the Church today.
Alas, it feels almost wrong to not talk about each and every talk. As President Hinckley said, “All who have spoken [did] so very well….” It wasn’t just the talks, either. “The prayers…likewise inspired us. The music [was] simply superb.” Nevertheless, I will resist the temptation to say anymore for now.
What precious gems did you receive at General Conference?
October 12th, 2006 05:45
I really like the talk by that discussed the snares of needless guilt, exaggerated imperfections, etc. I need to read the talk again when I get time. I’ll try to include the link
here
October 12th, 2006 12:18
It’s funny, but the ’snippet’ that jumped out the most for me came from the saturday morning session’s closing prayer. I didn’t catch who the brother was who gave it, but in it he said:
“that we might internalize and live the gospel principles taught this day”
That has been such a recurring theme in my own thoughts and conversations of late. There are aspects of the gospel that, if we could just really take them in, fully, into our hearts–if we could “internalize” them, they would quite literally rock our world. I’ve said it before on here, about the lines of the Relief Society Declaration, that if we could just really take that in and ‘get it,’ so many of the snares of mortal culture and the weaknesses of the ‘natural [wo]man’ would just melt away… What a thought! I was so grateful to see it prayed for so straightforwardly.
October 12th, 2006 12:31
I know so many that have been offended and have gone away from activity because of it. I have had family members, friends, and now a very close friend has told me she will not attend the ward anymore because she was offended by “someone in a leadership position.”
I have always found it sad that we draw away from the blessings of the priesthood because we have been offended by someone else. Who do we ultimately hurt in the long run? The person that gave the offense, or ourselves?
We all need to be more understanding, more forgiving, and less apt to take offense at the words of another. We need to sit back and reflect on our own words and actions, and repent of offense we may or may not have caused. I know I am not guiltless of offense.
October 12th, 2006 12:49
Pres. Hinckley said “In the on-working of this great cause increased faith is what we most need. Without it the work would stagnate. With it, no one can stop its progress.”
This was the greatest warning of conference to me. To me this says our Faith is not currently enough, and if we don’t get better, the church will “stagnate”. That’s pretty strong coming from a prophet of God.
October 12th, 2006 14:42
Elder Holland’s talk Sunday afternoon was so powerful, so from the heart, that it really stood out. The talk on patience/charity on Saturday really meant a lot. Elder Bednar’s talk was, I think, important because most of the time, people focus on “what did you do to drive someone away from church” instead of “what do you need to do/be/think to come back to church.”
October 12th, 2006 18:27
I took some notes at Conference and was just astounded at Elder Bednar’s talk. I couldn’t help but feel riveted to his talk and I knew he was talking to me about the “choosing” not to be offended. I do that so often just in my own family and its something I really need to work on.
October 12th, 2006 21:50
Thanks to everyone who has shared thoughts so far!
Naiah, I think there was another prayer that stuck out at me — the comment about our “walk and talk” (which was part of the inspiration for my piece last week). Isn’t it great that Pres. Hinckley mentioned the prayers as well? We can be taught from everything in Conference! Thank you for your thoughts, Naiah.
Tanya, I really think that talk will go down as one of the landmark talks of our time. Lots to think about.
mw* — Thank you for pointing that out. I have gotten the feeling from various talks that the status quo won’t be enough for us to make it through the storms ahead. Sobering stuff.
Mary — I agree about that talk on patience. Thanks for your thoughts.
Stephanie — he was talking to a lot of us. It seems that society’s way is to play the victim. It’s so easy to get in that trap and to feel justified in doing it. I love the concept of agency and how it truly can make us free if we choose the light.
October 16th, 2006 21:45
My favorite talk was Elder David S. Baxter, the Scotsman. It was in the Saturday morning session, titled Faith, Service, Constancy. Probably second was Elder Robert C. Oaks, directly following, titles The Power of Patience.
Truly, however, I found the whole thing very uplifting, moreso than in my memory.
October 16th, 2006 21:46
Sorry, must have missed something on the last link:
The Power of Faith
October 16th, 2006 22:22
Alison,
Thanks for sharing. You have made me want to go back and listen to those talks.