Conference Notes (Sunday)

I typed up notes last night from yesterday's sessions but for some reason, my posts are showing out of order.  If you want to read them, scroll down until you get to "Conference Notes (Saturday)". 

Now, onto today's notes.  I really enjoyed all of the talks today but as I look back over the last two days, most of my "favorite" talks came from yesterday's sessions.  It reminds me of how important it is to participate in BOTH days of conference.  If I hadn't watched yesterday, I would have missed most of my favorite talks. 

Once again, there just seemed to be a strong message of being prepared for trials and hardships.  There was also a focus on overcoming that through unity and love for one another.  I don't know if there is something coming that we need to be prepared for, but I do think it is better safe than sorry and I think it would be wise to heed the warnings and counsel of our leaders.

Sunday Morning Session
*President Henry B. Eyring
There are many conflicts and differences around the world.  But there is a great day of unity coming.
Christ will come and His people will be united.
Prophets have always called for unity.  The need for it will grow greater.
We are doing better; we are moving toward becoming one.
Heavenly Father desires to grant us the joy of unity.
It cannot be given to individuals, we must seek it and qualify for it with others.
We need to have our hearts changed - so we can be of "one heart".
When testimony of the Savior is born, the Holy Ghost verifies it.  And hearts are knit together in love.
Principles to help have unity:
Revelation - will help us know what He would have us do.
Be humble - Pride is the great enemy of unity.  Be a peace make, search for what we agree on.  Help people see the truth that they share - it's more important than the differences.  Children of God have more in common than differences.  And even our differences can be blessings.  We each have different strengths and weaknesses.
Speak well of each other.  Most often, we need to judge not and speak well of others.  We see others in an imperfect light.  The Savior will judge us generously - we should be generous in our kindness/evaluations of others.
Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when we are unified.
Because their hearts were knit, they were magnified in power.
*Elder Robert D. Hales
We are Christian, so why do people attack us?  Why doesn't the church defend itself more actively?
When challenged, we may want to fight back, to "put up your dukes".
Step back, pray, follow Christ's example.
When we do, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him.
Silence, meekness, forgiveness, bearing our testimony - is not being passive or weak.
It takes faith, strength, and Christian courage.
Joseph Smith was a good example.  He did not retaliate or give into hate.
When we turn the other cheek, we stand with the Savior.
Love is the only power that can subdue the adversary.
Challenges of faith are not new and will not disappear.
Opposition can provide us opportunities to be strengthened.  Take advantage of those opportunities.
We can express our views: write letters to editors, post comments on blogs, give encouraging words, answering in love.
The Lord knows the hearts of our accusers and how to effectively respond.  Seek guidance of the spirit.
In every way, true disciples invite the spirit of the Lord.
Never become contentious.
More regrettable than accuastions are when church members act in unChristlike ways.
Meekness is not weakness; it is the badge of Christian courage.The devil laughs when we "debate".
Never confuse boldness with Satan's counterfeit: overbearance.
Instead of vindication, we should desire for people's welfare.
Defend the truth, but don't try to "score points" in a debate.
Be guileless - Be slow to anger, quick to forgive; look for your own fault first.  (reference: "Lord, is it I?")
Thomas S. Monson taught to "learn respect for others, none of us live alone" (in our homes, cities, countries)
Don't leave the high ground!  It is the safe ground!
We have a great work to do and it won't be accomplished if we give in to contentions.
Elder Keith B. McMullin
God created man and woman in His own image.
We have the capacity to bear children in our likeness.
And so, we are all created in God's image.
Hardships and heartache are a part of life's journey.  We need Heavenly Father's help.
Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Ways to receive help:
Church welfare plan and members' offerings provide relief.
The church welfare plan is God inspired.  It is heaven's help in practical ways.
Prayer.  Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
If you feel heartbroken and alone, turn to Heavenly Father in faith.  He will lift and guide, lead you through the storm.
Jesus Christ.  Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  Be careful of how we use His name.  Give Him reverence.  He is the God of Israel, He is the Living Christ.
Sister Elaine S. Dalton
In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.
The goal of the General YW presidency is to help prepare every YW to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple.
Temples are the reason why we do everything.
The saints are to be a light and a standard.
We need to return to virtue - it is a prerequisit to enter the temple.
It is our pattern of thought and behavior; it begins in our heart and mind.
It is an accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions.
It is quiet dignity; inner strength.
Make the decision to stand for the right, even if you stand alone.Stand clean and with confidence.
Don't be "poisoned by degrees".
We must return to virtue.  Requires strict training.
The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.Now is the time to set our course.
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly."  Stand in Holy places.
Awake and Arise!  Lay hold on every good gift.  Find joy in living a virtuous life.
Never underestimate the power of your righteous influence.
Elder M. Russell Ballard
No enemy has sufficient power to frustrate or stop the purposes of God.
The truth of God will go forward boldly, nobly, and independant... until the work is accomplished.
Faith of the saints is tested in every footstep.
Despite persecution, the work is going forward boldly and nobly.
President Kimball told us to lengthen our stride and increase our missionary efforts.  There was a miracle of conversion as a result; membership in the church doubled.
And sincet that time, membership has doubled again.
The works and designs and purposes of God cannot be frustrated or stopped!
His paths are straight and His course is one eternal round.
This is God's work.  There is still much to be done.  We cannot afford to be comfortable or content.  We are all needed.
Believe as the early saints believed; work as the early saints worked; serve as the early saints served; overcome as the early saints overcame.
Our challenges are not easier or harder than the early saints, they are only different.
He talked of the growth in South America, specifically mentioning the growth in Brazil.  Made me think of an elder serving from our ward down there. :)
This is a great time to live. 
It is up to us to carry on the rich traditions and hallmark of previous generations of latter-day saints.
We cannot be superficially righteous; our roots must run deep.
President Thomas S. Monson
He asks us for our faith and prayers.
Change.  Nothing is as constant as change.
We must all deal with change.  Time never stands still.
This is our one and only chance at mortal life.
Opportunities come and are gone.  Don't let the most important things pass you by.
Find joy in the journey - now!
Pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you collected a lot of empty yesterdays.
Make the most of today.  Do allw e can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
Stress comes regardless of circumstances.  Deal with them, but don't let them get in the way of what is most important - the people around us.
"They do not love, that do not show their love" - Shakespeare
"Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved." (President Monson)
One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows.
"The realization of what's important goes hand in hand with gratitude."
Whatever God blesses you with, take it and be grateful for it.
Attitude of thankfullness - Be happy all our life.
Give thanks to God; ingratitude is one of the most serious sins.
Gratitude is one of the noblest virtues.
Adapt to changes in life, realize what is most important, be grateful.
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Boyd K. Packer
In troubled times, the Lord will always prepare a safe way ahead.
He talked about many of the persecutions of the early saints.  Talked about the extermination order and how the saints petitioned the US government for help.  They were turned away. 
After fleeing to the Salt Lake Valley, the saints celebrated by erecting a US flag, celebrated patriotism by carrying the US constitution and Declaration of Independance. 
They knew the cruelties that they had suffered were due to corruption within the government but the foundation of our country was still true.  They remained loyal to that. 
They were not consumed with revenge, their course was set by teachings in the scriptures.  Followed Christ's example.
We teach and live principles of His gospel.
Lucifer is still at work, but we will stay on our course.  Anchor ourselves as families and as a church on the principles of the gospel.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Gratitude for the Plan of Happiness
Joy comes when we choose to live in harmony with God's Plan.
Wise shoppers study their choices before making their purchase. 
Bargain shoppers and splurgers make choices that often don't endure well.
Shoplifters steal what they want.
The parable of the Shopping Patterns - likened to marriage.
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.
Temple marriage is the highest, most enduring marriage God can offer.
Our noblest yearning is to endure and enjoy eternal marriage.
Celestial marriage brings greater possibility for happiness than any other relationship.
Marriage is not only an exalting principle, it is a commandment.
It is not only a relationship between a husband and wife, but also a relationship with God.
Having an eternal family is more than a hopeful wish.
Not taking advantage of temple marriage is rejecting a gift from Heavenly Father.
When we reject a gift, we reject the giver of the gift.
No blessings will e withheld from faithful saints.
Mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in marraige.  It doesn't help that we start out with a setback - marriage is with two imperfect people.
Harmony in marriage requires personal effort.
Minimize personal demands and maximize loving selflessness.
Seek for true happiness outside of ourselves.
God's plan allows us to choose.  There's celestial marriage and then there are other alternatives.
Beware of the adversary's options - they always breed misery.
If you've made one of those choices, you can "upgrade". ;)
Celestial marriage is preparation for eternal life.
Elder William D. Oswald
He and his wife were teaching their granddaughters to jump rope.  The girls were having trouble learning.  Then some older girls came and helped teach and show them how to do it.  The girls were then able to easily learn.
When we learn fundamental principles and are shown out to teach, it is easy to do.
Every position in the church requires effective teachers.
Principles of teaching and learning - we need to understand them adn see how they are used.
Basic principles are found in the scriptures and Teaching, No Greater Call.
Our model teacher - Jesus Christ.
He taught as one having authority - God was with Him.
He taught what His fahter had taught and He did what He had seen His father do.
Search the scriptures diligently.
Principles of teaching:
Show love to those you teach and call them by name.
Teach from the scriptures.
Encourage the pondering of gospel truths.
Pondering uses our heads as well as our hearts.
Teaching the gospel is a sacred calling.
Elder Eduardo Gavarret
Fellowship; help non members and less active members to "come home".
Christ asked, "Loveth thou me?  Feed my sheep."
President Monson pleas for those who are wandering to "come back".
Read the words to "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd"
Our care for our brethren is a profound expression of our love for God.
"When ye are in the service of your fellow being, ye are only in the service of your God."
Seek after those who are not here with us.
Elder Carlos A. Godoy
Sometimes we think we need a great, powerful experience to erase any doubt in order for us to gain a testimony.
But the Holy Ghost speaks with a still, small voice.
The Holy Ghost does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us.  He whispers and gently carresses.
If we don't heed the spirit, it will withdraw and will have to wait until we seek it and will listen to it.
The witness of the still, small voice can have a stronger impact than a visit from an angel.
*Elder Quentin L. Cook
Many of our trials and hardships are brief with no lasting consequences, but many are severe.
D&C 121:1-8
Harold B. Lee said, "Sometimes the things that are the best for us seem at the moment to be the most bitter."Good will overcome evil, those who repent will be sanctified and receive eternal life.
We will not suffer any more than what is for our good.
Trials are for our personal development.
Trials come to the just and unjust. 
Not every cloud brings rain.
Be prepared for the challenges which shall come.
Challenges may be sudden and unexpected. 
Keep the commandments.  Be grateful. 
Christ knows us personally and our trials. 
There is no grief or pain or sickness so great that the Atonement and love of Christ cannot heal.
When someone asked President Monson what he wanted for his birthday, he said "Find someone who is having a hard time and do something for them."
President Thomas S. Monson
This has been an inspiring conference.
May we long remember what we've heard at this conference.
Study and ponder the talks.
Be good citizens of our nations, be good neighbors in our communities.
Be people of honesty and integrity.
Alleviate suffering.  Be mindful of the needs around us and extend a helping hand and loving heart.
The church is founded on the rock of revelation.
Live together in peace, harmony, and love.
Follow the Savior's example.
Eternal life in the presence of God is our most precious goal.
He invoked the Lord's blessings on each of us.
Remember to whom we pray and in whose name we pray.
Listen for His voice.
Live that He will knock on our door; open the door so He can come in among us.