A Few of my Favorite Highlights from General Conference last weekend

General Conference weekend of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is my favorite weekend of the year.  It happens twice each year, once in April and once in October.  God's living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities of the Church speak to the world via television broadcast, internet, and radio transmissions.  All who will listen are invited to tune in and listen to their messages.  You don't have to be a member of the Church to listen or adhere to the inspired messages.  I am grateful that God still speaks to a prophet in our day just as He did in the times of Adam, Noah, and Moses.  If we listen and obey the divine counsel given our lives will be blessed and enriched.

I would like to share a few of my favorite sermons given and highlight a few key takeaways from each.

Growing up my father always taught me to honor and respect girls and women.  He encouraged me to be a gentleman and always be polite when a woman enters the room.  I have had great examples of women in my life and appreciate my mother, sisters, grandmothers, and now wife, mother-in-law, and sister-in-laws who lead good lives of virtue and honor.  I love them for standing strong and being rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ amidst a world of confusion.  It has been a huge blessing in my life.

The following address was given at General Conference by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles:

The Moral Force of Women

"A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation. They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is one of my favorite to listen to.  He teaches clearly and instructs the will of the Lord concerning us very well.  Listen to the following snippet of his sermon.

No Other Gods

"Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” But man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority—to love and serve God—requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called “same-gender marriage” do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities—even those becoming popular in our particular time and place."

 

You Can Do It Now!

 
President Dieter F. Utchdorf is always so encouraging to keep the faith and moving forward despite challenges and trials that we face in this life.  I love his optimism and great analogies.

 "No matter how many times you have slipped or fallen, rise up! Your destiny is a glorious one! Stand tall and walk in the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! You are stronger than you realize. You are more capable than you can imagine. You can do it now!"

I am happy you took time to visit today and see a few highlights of what General Conference is all about.  I would like to add my testimony and witness that I know these men are called of God.  If we heed to their counsels we will be blessed.  I know that their messages are inspired and relevant for the times we are living in.  I invite and encourage you to hear more sermons from living apostles by CONTINUING HERE...

Have a blessed October and peaceful Sabbath.

~ C.J Poulsen