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April 2nd, 2007
Conference Highlights
As this past weekend drew near, I grew excited with anticipation for the opportunity to hear a Prophet’s voice. Sometimes I feel I take for granted how miraculous it is, and how fortunate I am, to live in such a time when Prophets and Apostles walk the earth (and live so close!).
This conference was definitely a good one. I felt the Spirit testify on numerous occasions of the truthfulness of the things being said, and laughed along with millions of other Saints when our leaders would crack a good joke (e.g. Pres. Hinckley saying “some of you may go [die] before I do!”).
I loved Elder Holland’s talk (as always) on “our words”. It is so applicable to all of us, and needed to be said. We need to cease to find fault, to argue, to berate, to criticize. We need to eliminate gossip and hearsay. We need to use our language to buoy up one another.
I enjoyed President Faust’s talk on forgiveness, especially using the example of the Amish tragedy of a few months ago. How poignant it was, and what a great example, to see a group of people being quick to forgive. We can learn much from them.
I was excited to hear Bishop McMullin’s talk in the Priesthood Session on preparedness. Being in the Presiding Bishopbric, it makes sense that it would be his topic and duty to report on the Church’s latest pamphlets and remind the Saints of our duty to “lay up in store”, while also being faithful and unencumbering our lives. I got a kick out of the (spot on) quote he shared from President Monson:
Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food and clothing and were debt free.
Many today have followed this counsel in reverse. They have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food free. (Thomas S. Monson, via Quoty)
I loved the closing hymn in the Priesthood Session, “I Love the Lord”, performed by the BYU Men’s Chorus. It was so powerful, and so moving! The same song, performed by the BYU Singers, can be purchased here (it’s the fifth track).
I was moved by Elder Perry’s bold testimony towards the end of his talk. After discussing the restoration, his voice grew louder as he testified “We declare…” numerous times, one time saying that “We invite all to listen to the message of the restoration—from us!” It is certainly wise counsel, as far too many trust questionable sources (anti-mormon websites, friends of friends, and disgruntled former members) for their knowledge on what we as Latter-day Saints truly believe. Elder Perry did a great job and delivering a bold, solemn proclamation of what we as Latter-day Saints declare to be true.
I look forward to getting my May Ensign and underlining it like crazy.
My favorite part of this weekend, however, was watching the programs played between sessions, both on BYUTV and KSL. There were numerous programs highlighting the humanitarian aid efforts and volunteer work performed by Latter-day Saints the world over. Coupled with these programs were the always enjoyable “World Report” programs that the Church puts together to keep us up to date. I cried numerous times as I witnessed the progress and impact of the kingdom that was cut out of stone without hands and rolls onward to fill the entire earth. This is Christ’s church, and it becomes ever more evident as you view the sacrifices of so many to spread the gospel, save lives, give to the poor, and bless all of God’s children.
The Church is true!
What was your favorite part of conference?
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10 Responses to “Conference Highlights”
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Good write-up, Connor. I likewise enjoyed Elder Holland and Elder Faust’s talks. I also like Elder Ballard’s talk on the importance of the Bible, Elder Bednar’s talk on the Parable of the Pickle, Elder Oaks’s talk on divorce (and marriage), and Elder Hales’s talk on “being there.”
Thanks for your take on conference. I also loved the weekend. I feel so blessed to be a member, to be led by a prophet. I love the feeling of unity amongst brethren when attending Priesthood session. Thanks a million for the tip on how to get a hold of that song–I was wondering how to find it.
Elder Holland’s talk hit me the hardest. Poweful!
The closing song by the choir during the Priesthood Session – wasn’t that the words from the psalm of Nephi sung to the music of “Be Still My Soul”?
The closing song by the choir during the Priesthood Session – wasn’t that the words from the psalm of Nephi sung to the music of “Be Still My Soul”?
Yup, it was a poetic adaption done by John Tanner of the Maxwell Institute at BYU. More information on its background, as well as its lyrics, can be found here. It’s my new favorite hymn! 🙂
Connor
I concur on all thoughts, and was particularly impressed with the sense of humor displayed by Elder Wirthlin. I do not recall him being so humorous previously. Perhaps I just failed to recognize it. Now we will be able to read the content of the talks to see what we may have missed earlier. I am certain I failed to grasp some of what was said.
We now know that the tabernacle is much more prepared to withstand the possibilities which may lie in the future, and I hope the members will likewise be better prepared.
There were many talks that I enjoyed this conference–most of which have been mentioned above, but Elder Holland’s talk based on James 3 just cut deep. Not only was his talk just spot on in my eyes, I, personally feel a little like I was prepared ahead of time to hear it. This past 6 months or so that same passage in James has been my ‘pet scripture’–I’ve been reading it aloud to anyone who will listen, just awed and amazed at the profound wisom and truthfulness of how mastering our words can master our whole selves. Hand in hand with Elder Holland’s talk, I too linked it to the Savior’s words about that which cometh from within. When Elder Holland took to it wives and mothers using kindly language, I was drawn to a sudden, biting awareness that I am not always soft spoken, that even without yelling or shouting words can be harsh, and I knew in that moment that it was something that I had to focus on personally. It was intense– to hear just what all I’d been working on/focusing on this last little while reflected, magnified, and refined in the voice of an Apostle of the Lord…
I thought something was quite profound with a comment from a friend about President Hinckley’s statement that some would go before him. Do we understand? He’s the last leaf on the tree, yet some will go before him, yet he is still the last leaf on the tree. There is greater significance to this than we know. I have yet to learn, ponder and pray over this, but some of the symbolic and parable type teaching taking place with that is more than I have fully grasped.
Dustin has extracted an mp3 recording of the Men’s Chorus’ performance of “I Love the Lord”. Give it a listen!
I’ve extracted the other song that the BYU Men’s Chorus sang in the priesthood session because it was equally amazing. It was “Rise Up, O Men of God,” and can be downloaded here.
I found and downloaded “I Love The Lord” at the above mentioned link shortly after April conference, but only just noticed the link for “Rise Up, O Men of God” today (this was actually the song my son was searching for in the first place). Unfortunately the link seems to be bad. Is there any source for a recording of the BYU Men’s Chorus performing Rise Up, O Men of God?