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.