These are my notes taken from the Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Sunday afternoon April 6th, 2008. I am writing these for my own benefit but maybe it will help others as well. Note: Many of these notes may be what went through my head and might not have ever been said by the speaker.
Jeffrey R. Holland
- Some don't believe LDS faith is Christian because:
1. We believe that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate individuals.
2. We believe that God continues to communicate his doctrines to us through revelation.
He talked about #1 last conference. Now he will talk about #2.
- Revelations said don't add to or take from. It is talking about Revelations not the whole Bible. Bible didn't exist at that time.
- Every prophet in the Old Testament and the New Testament added to the revelation from the previous. Revelation must happen differently for each generation. Truth doesn't change though the messages might change.
- The Bible is very important scripture to us.
- Not all God's doctrine could even fit in the Bible alone.
- Many religions fight over the doctrines of the Bible. Though it was the only thing common with many religions. the Bible wasn't a common ground it was a battle ground.
- The Bible is not what makes an individual a Christian.
- The ultimate source of truth and knowledge comes directly from God through revelation.
- We believe that God will yet reveal important principles.
- All are invited to learn of the truths revealed to us since the bible.
- God is, not was. God speaks, not spoke.
- God lives, loves us, and speaks to us.
David A. Bednar
- Ask in Faith
- Emphasis "meaningful" when talking about meaningful prayer.
- Joseph Smith prayed a meaningful prayer. He focused not just on what he needed to know but also what needed to be done. Not just which church is right but which church should he join. He was determined to act.
- We must act upon the things we have asked of Heavenly Father.
- We pray for the safety of the missionaries and that they will find those prepared for the message. But it is ultimately our responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. They are full time teachers. We are full time searchers.
- Pray to act, not just to express.
- Pray to be able to help and also to overcome anxiety/fear in order to act.
- Prayer becomes meaningful when we ask and we act on the opportunities.
- Told story of boy who got sick while traveling. Father gave blessing. Mother offered prayer. Boy wasn't getting better. They needed to act. Mother prayed to increase faith so they would be able to act to do what needed to do. Shortly after prayer the son started getting better.
- We receive no witness until after a trial of our faith.
- Told another story of a man who went inactive. When daughter was 4 she ended up int he hospital. He finally started praying to help her. Then his prayers changed and were asking for him to have understanding of what was going on. Girl went into coma. Mother and Father prayed for one more opportunity to hug their daughter while awake. She woke up long enough for them to give her hugs and then she slipped away.
- Asking is not enough. We must be willing to trust God and act on what he decides for us. "Never the less, not my will but thine be done."
- Answers may not be what we expect or the way we anticipate.
- Meaningful prayer is a privilege.
W. Craig Zwick
- When Joseph told about his experience he was ridiculed.
- Joseph grew in all ways though many were against him and tried to stop him.
- Talked about a teenage boy who tries his best but there are many temptations everywhere. Anxiety and fear of rejection are common and overpowering. He asked his mother, "Do I have to lower my standards to keep my friends?" Mother answered, "NO."
- Are we lowering our standards to fit in? At work? At school? In the neighborhood?
- God loves you. Live up to your standards even when it is not easy.
- Look for friends with integrity and character. Pray for help and protection.
- Talked about Lehi's Dream. Those in the building were trying to get people off the path. It looked like they were having fun in the building. "But we heeded them not."
- We cannot yield! We must take an unyielding stand. Follow the prophets.
- Are we willing to not give in to the "popular" battle.
- God hath not given us fear but of power.
- Abinidi taught about this. He had an opportunity to deny and live but he said he would not recall his words "because they are true."
- We must build ourselves upon the rock and fortify ourselves spiritually.
Robert R. Steuer
- When put flash light up to your hand you can see light within you.
- How do we get the spiritual light within us.
1. Learn True Doctrine.
- The word of God is the Doctrine taught by God through his apostles.
- The light of Christ is also talked about as the spirit of Christ.
- Today scientists are talking about light being a carrier or a messenger.
2. Gain Testimony
- The light of truth causes us to want to gain a testimony
- Deeper testimony is grown when we seek the truth.
- Spiritual knowledge is available for everyone but it must be seeked.
- All things denote that there is a God.
3. We must live courageously according to the light that we have received.
- Those who receive light and use it correctly will grow in greater light.
- But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
- As we live in harmony with the truth of the doctrine we will see more clearly.
Dennis B. Neuenschwander
- When woman touched Christ in crowded road she was healed. Christ knew that someone had touched him because virtue had gone out of him. Disciples didn't understand him because there were so many people around him and touching him.
- The woman was desperate for help and she stayed determined to do what she set out to do, and she was healed.
- Alma was amongst a crowd of priests who lied to the people. They mocked Abinidi but Alma took to heart what he had taught. He stepped away from the crowd to follow what he knew was right.
- Lehi's dream. Crowd in large and spacious building were turning people away from the straight and narrow path.
- We are all among the crowds of the world. Many know it would just require a touch to be healed. Many know the truth and have to step away from everything to do what is right. Many know they are headed on the right path and will keep going though others are mocking them.
- Christ has gone through more than we can understand and did not give in to the crowd.
- We need to pass through all the crowds of this world and press forward towards Christ.
Lance B. Wickman
- Told story of him returning to a place where he had previously been to battle. He went to visit the battle grounds. Instead of battle ruined land he found good people. He half expected to find yesterday but he found today and a hope of tomorrow.
- "They can't kill a tough old bird like me."
- Mortality is so fragile. One heart beat is between us a the next life. It does not go on forever.
- This life is the time to prepare to meet God and to perform their labors.
- The person we are when we depart this life will be the person we are when we arrive at the next.
- This life is not a time for gathering but for a time of giving.
- We must seek and tender the forgiveness.
- Today is the day to forgive others of their trespasses.
- Repenting and forgiving are among the chief things God requires of us.
- God lowered below all things so we can rise above all things.
Craig C. Christensen
- We have the benefit of living scriptures, from the prophets.
- He told story of giving scriptures to a friend. They had his name put on them. Then they went through the beginning portions of the scriptures.
- The Book of Mormon is a book of promise. It should be read under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
- We must read it, ponder it, and then ask in faith whether it is true. The Holy Ghost will then explain that it is true.
- The Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus is the Christ.
M. Russell Ballard
- All women are beloved of God.
- He told story of his wife always being with their kids while he was up on the stand. 10 years of it he sat with the kids while she was singing on the stand. He was busy the whole time. She was watching him and was smiling.
- There is no more role more essential and more eternal than Motherhood.
- There is no one way to be a mother. Each situation is unique and requirements are different.
- What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and puts them and God first.
- It is important to teach our children everything we can before they leave home.
- The interaction of the mothers to the children is essential and heavily determines how the children grow.
- Mothers may feel they don't get the appreciation for what they do. But there is much gratitude and appreciation for what they do.
1. What can you do as a young mother to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?
- Remember that the happy times of motherhood come at short times.
- Don't over schedule yourself or your children. Scouts, art, choir, sports, crafts, tv, etc.
- Find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick 1 or 2 things in your life you want to focus on.
- Avoid any kind of substance abuse.
- Don't get caught up in mind numbing activities. TV, etc.
- Pray, study, teach the gospel,
2. What more can a husband do to support his wife and mother of his children
- Give more appreciation for things she does everyday. Schedule time together.
- Have regular time to talk about each childs needs and how to help.
- Give wife time away. Take over household for a while.
- Come home from work and take an active role in the family.
3. What can children, even young children do?
- Help pick up your toys, help with dishes, do other chores without being asked.
- Say Thank You more often.
- Put your arms around your mother and tell her you love her.
4. What can the church do?
- Consider the time and demands put on mothers with their callings.
- Remember their family needs to come first.
- All the leaders of the church hope mothers know they appreciate what they are doing and respect who they are and what they do.
- He has known President Monson since he was 21 and President Monson was 22. He testifies that he is the prophet.
President Thomas S. Monson
- Let's incorporate the things we have learned into our lives.
- His wife left a note for him not long ago when she went to the hospital: "Children, do not let your father operate the microwave, or the oven, or the washer or dryer"
- He told story of when he met his father-in-law and realized his grandfather had baptized her father.
- His wife ended up in the hospital in a coma. He sat by her side for more than 20 days. She didn't move. Finally she woke up and he ran to her side.
- Each of us have been molded and shaped as we have obeyed the gospel.
- Show love to your children but make sure they know it as well. Call upon Heavenly Father for help raising them each day.
- Go the the temple often. It will strengthen marriages and families.
- He will pray for us. Please pray for him. And together we will receive the blessings our Lord has in store for us.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
2008 April General Conference Notes - Sunday Morning
These are my notes taken from the Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Sunday morning April 6th, 2008. I am writing these for my own benefit but maybe it will help others as well. Note: Many of these notes may be what went through my head and might not have ever been said by the speaker.
SUNDAY MORNING
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- Do not seek or reject callings.
- Told story of President Monson visiting Germany. He wanted to visit a patriarch who lived on the 5th floor of a building without an elevator. The brother was sick and President Monson wanted to visit him. President Monson had recently had an operation on his foot. He didn't care how much it was going to hurt. He just wanted to visit the faithful member of the church who was a pioneer for the church in Germany.
- He claims and is thankful for the pioneer legacy as his own even though he is not related to any of them.
- We should embrace all who love God and seek to help others even though they may be of a different religion.
- The faith of our fathers. What does this mean to me? Even if people don't have immediate ancestors with the same faith they still have Abraham, Noah, Adam, etc. to look to.
- God desires that all children receive the gospel, no matter their circumstances.
D. Todd Christofferson
* New Member of the Quorum of the Twelve
- I thought it was interesting that he is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his name being Christ-Offer-Son. Three keywords that explain Christ and who he was and what he did.
- He will do everything he can to serve us.
- He went through law school.
- We must all be "born again."
- Even though we may be sanctified we have to be cautious and stay on the right path. Be worthy to take the sacrament every week.
- He pledges himself to Christ's will and his servants.
Sheldon F. Chield
- Told story of having cow that he raised. It came time to sell it. He said the payment had to be of Silver Dollars. His dad brought him home 20 Silver Dollars that night after selling the cow. He then took 2 of them and turned them in for tithing on Sunday. He felt that it was the right thing to do.
- God will open the windows of heaven to bless us for being obedient.
- Regardless in the situations we are in, if we put God first and then use wisdom in judgment things will work out.
- One of the greatest blessings of paying full tithing is the ability to go to the temple to receive the ordinances and blessings associated with it.
Susan W. Tanner
- To Nurture is to teach, foster development, and nourish.
- "How much more beautiful would society be if all parents viewed their children as blessings from Heavenly Father."
- We are blessed with miracles if we do what we are supposed to and stay virtuous. They may not come until the fourth watch but they will come.
- We need to acknowledge God in our lives.
- Our Father in Heaven delights in blessing us.
Boyd K. Packer
- President Monson is the only one who has the authority to use all the keys even though members of the Twelve Apostles have all the keys.
- There are 8 quorums of the 70.
- The 12 Jesus chose were from many areas of life. He gave them the keys necessary and sent them to heal the world.
- His wife had back surgery and never complained. She only said, "This is no fun."
- It is their responsibility to directly pass on the power of the priesthood.
- They are traveling counselors. He gave numbers of how many times he has been to countries. He has to travel a ton.
- He is a witness of Jesus Christ.
Thomas S. Monson
- Talked about missing President Hinckley
- Explained process of activities after his death and how 1st presidency dissolved into the 14 apostles. They then fasted and prayed to find out who should be the next prophet.
- He has felt the inspiration of the spirit through out his life and especially now that he is prophet.
- His prayer is to be an instrument in the hands of God.
- He has fully confidence of his counselors.
- He explained how all the 12 apostles and members of the Seventy are one in purpose. "If ye are not one ye are not mine."
- Told story of his great grandmother, Margaret, and her family. Many siblings and parents passed away. The 9 children were orphans and had to fend for themselves. They then traveled to the Salt Lake Valley using their four oxen.
- He has been married for 60 years. His wife has never complained about him leaving to serve his callings.
- 22 yrs - Became Bishop
- Has 44 years as General Authority
- "Let us lift you" he said unto the those who are sinning or needing help.
- "Take my yoke upon you"
- Show kindness and respect to others everywhere, especially for those with different beliefs then ours.
- The world is unraveling at an incredible speed. We all are being affected. The youth is having temptations that we may not understand.
- God has given us the tools to win. We have nothing to fear.
- If you find yourself heart broken or feeling alone turn to Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your hardships from you but he will help you and guide you.
- He invoked blessings upon us that together we can move forward to do His work.
- He said he will direct this work and do everything he can how the Lord wants it done.
SUNDAY MORNING
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- Do not seek or reject callings.
- Told story of President Monson visiting Germany. He wanted to visit a patriarch who lived on the 5th floor of a building without an elevator. The brother was sick and President Monson wanted to visit him. President Monson had recently had an operation on his foot. He didn't care how much it was going to hurt. He just wanted to visit the faithful member of the church who was a pioneer for the church in Germany.
- He claims and is thankful for the pioneer legacy as his own even though he is not related to any of them.
- We should embrace all who love God and seek to help others even though they may be of a different religion.
- The faith of our fathers. What does this mean to me? Even if people don't have immediate ancestors with the same faith they still have Abraham, Noah, Adam, etc. to look to.
- God desires that all children receive the gospel, no matter their circumstances.
D. Todd Christofferson
* New Member of the Quorum of the Twelve
- I thought it was interesting that he is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his name being Christ-Offer-Son. Three keywords that explain Christ and who he was and what he did.
- He will do everything he can to serve us.
- He went through law school.
- We must all be "born again."
- Even though we may be sanctified we have to be cautious and stay on the right path. Be worthy to take the sacrament every week.
- He pledges himself to Christ's will and his servants.
Sheldon F. Chield
- Told story of having cow that he raised. It came time to sell it. He said the payment had to be of Silver Dollars. His dad brought him home 20 Silver Dollars that night after selling the cow. He then took 2 of them and turned them in for tithing on Sunday. He felt that it was the right thing to do.
- God will open the windows of heaven to bless us for being obedient.
- Regardless in the situations we are in, if we put God first and then use wisdom in judgment things will work out.
- One of the greatest blessings of paying full tithing is the ability to go to the temple to receive the ordinances and blessings associated with it.
Susan W. Tanner
- To Nurture is to teach, foster development, and nourish.
- "How much more beautiful would society be if all parents viewed their children as blessings from Heavenly Father."
- We are blessed with miracles if we do what we are supposed to and stay virtuous. They may not come until the fourth watch but they will come.
- We need to acknowledge God in our lives.
- Our Father in Heaven delights in blessing us.
Boyd K. Packer
- President Monson is the only one who has the authority to use all the keys even though members of the Twelve Apostles have all the keys.
- There are 8 quorums of the 70.
- The 12 Jesus chose were from many areas of life. He gave them the keys necessary and sent them to heal the world.
- His wife had back surgery and never complained. She only said, "This is no fun."
- It is their responsibility to directly pass on the power of the priesthood.
- They are traveling counselors. He gave numbers of how many times he has been to countries. He has to travel a ton.
- He is a witness of Jesus Christ.
Thomas S. Monson
- Talked about missing President Hinckley
- Explained process of activities after his death and how 1st presidency dissolved into the 14 apostles. They then fasted and prayed to find out who should be the next prophet.
- He has felt the inspiration of the spirit through out his life and especially now that he is prophet.
- His prayer is to be an instrument in the hands of God.
- He has fully confidence of his counselors.
- He explained how all the 12 apostles and members of the Seventy are one in purpose. "If ye are not one ye are not mine."
- Told story of his great grandmother, Margaret, and her family. Many siblings and parents passed away. The 9 children were orphans and had to fend for themselves. They then traveled to the Salt Lake Valley using their four oxen.
- He has been married for 60 years. His wife has never complained about him leaving to serve his callings.
- 22 yrs - Became Bishop
- Has 44 years as General Authority
- "Let us lift you" he said unto the those who are sinning or needing help.
- "Take my yoke upon you"
- Show kindness and respect to others everywhere, especially for those with different beliefs then ours.
- The world is unraveling at an incredible speed. We all are being affected. The youth is having temptations that we may not understand.
- God has given us the tools to win. We have nothing to fear.
- If you find yourself heart broken or feeling alone turn to Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your hardships from you but he will help you and guide you.
- He invoked blessings upon us that together we can move forward to do His work.
- He said he will direct this work and do everything he can how the Lord wants it done.
Prophetic Ears
Last night at the April 2008 Priesthood Session the newly called Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints surprised attendees by moving his ears. Laughter erupted as the hilarious story reached it's climax.
Here is the story to the best of my memory:
Several years ago President Monson was sitting on the stand waiting for his turn to speak. During the meeting he noticed a young man situated near the front who was watching him. President Monson started paying attention to the young man and realized that if he crossed his leg the boy would cross his leg. If he put his leg down and crossed his other leg the boy followed. If he put his hands in his lap then the boy put his hands in his lap. Then President Monson decided he was not going to let the boy win. So what did he do? He did the ultimate action. He wiggled his ears! (At this point the audience was rolling with laughter as President Monson wiggled his ears) The boy looked at him in shock. He then tried to do it himself but could not. He turned to his dad, quickly whispered something to him, pointed to his ears, and then pointed to President Monson. The father looked at President Monson in anticipation for him to do it again. But President Monson just folded his arms and looked as if he didn't know what was going on. He had won!
You can listen to or view the talk by clicking here . It may not be available until Sunday afternoon or later.
Here is the story to the best of my memory:
Several years ago President Monson was sitting on the stand waiting for his turn to speak. During the meeting he noticed a young man situated near the front who was watching him. President Monson started paying attention to the young man and realized that if he crossed his leg the boy would cross his leg. If he put his leg down and crossed his other leg the boy followed. If he put his hands in his lap then the boy put his hands in his lap. Then President Monson decided he was not going to let the boy win. So what did he do? He did the ultimate action. He wiggled his ears! (At this point the audience was rolling with laughter as President Monson wiggled his ears) The boy looked at him in shock. He then tried to do it himself but could not. He turned to his dad, quickly whispered something to him, pointed to his ears, and then pointed to President Monson. The father looked at President Monson in anticipation for him to do it again. But President Monson just folded his arms and looked as if he didn't know what was going on. He had won!
You can listen to or view the talk by clicking here . It may not be available until Sunday afternoon or later.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
2009 Camaro - I want - Wanting Delayed
Wow. I just received a harsh reality check. I just called our local Chevrolet dealer and talked to a salesman. I wanted to see if there was an actual waiting list there yet. And Boy, did I get a big shock. The salesman told me they didn't have a waiting list because ....... here is the big kicker ........... they have now pushed the date back for the Camaro production. He said they would not be coming out until 2010! Ouch. I don't want to drive my current 1997 Honda Accord V6 for two more years. I would like a new car within the next year.
Worst part is that the car won't look like the car in the pictures! The salesman said it will be different but they are still confused on the details so I will have to keep in touch. This possibly could be inaccurate information but I am not finding much else to go on.
He did mention that the new Dodge Challenger is supposedly out but people are paying $15,000 over MSRP! Crazy. I wish I had money to throw around like that. It does look like a mean car but I will have to do some more research on it. The salesman said he thinks the price won't fully go down until next years model comes out.
Worst part is that the car won't look like the car in the pictures! The salesman said it will be different but they are still confused on the details so I will have to keep in touch. This possibly could be inaccurate information but I am not finding much else to go on.
He did mention that the new Dodge Challenger is supposedly out but people are paying $15,000 over MSRP! Crazy. I wish I had money to throw around like that. It does look like a mean car but I will have to do some more research on it. The salesman said he thinks the price won't fully go down until next years model comes out.
2009 Camaro - I want
Have you seen the new 2009 Camaro yet? I have many times, online. Talk about a thing of beauty. I consider myself a very money conscientious man and I try not too spend on material possessions but the new Camaro sure has me desiring. So how does a non-money spender obtain one of these babies without feeling guilty? The answer: Find another way to make the money (legally). For most of us it is not an easy thing to make $20,000 - $30,000 extra within 1 year. The rusty gears within my brain are cranking like no other trying to figure out how to do it. Next year we will see if I have succeeded.
Many dealerships have a long "waiting list" for the new 2009 Camaro so it helps knowing that I have more time to gather my money. Many dealerships have done auctions for the ability to purchase the first Camaro on the lot. You then had to pay at least the full MSRP price. Originally these auctions got up to $20,000 (not including the actual cost of the Camaro). Now it appears that most dealerships are just requiring a "refundable" down payment to be put on the list. Then you would have to put down a "non-refundable" payment before your order goes through.
I will just have to wait for the price to settle back down.
Many dealerships have a long "waiting list" for the new 2009 Camaro so it helps knowing that I have more time to gather my money. Many dealerships have done auctions for the ability to purchase the first Camaro on the lot. You then had to pay at least the full MSRP price. Originally these auctions got up to $20,000 (not including the actual cost of the Camaro). Now it appears that most dealerships are just requiring a "refundable" down payment to be put on the list. Then you would have to put down a "non-refundable" payment before your order goes through.
I will just have to wait for the price to settle back down.
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