Inspired at General Conference - Oct 2010

So much is said in two days during the LDS General Conference that is uplifting, inspiring and instructive. No two people would mention all the same things that touched them or that they felt to be noteworthy.

That being said, here are some things that touched me:

14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet by Ezra Taft Benson: quoted by two of the speakers separately, Elder Claudio R. M. Costa and Elder Kevin R. Duncan, these points are guideposts for anyone who believes in the latter-day restored gospel.

“First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.

“Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.

“Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.

“Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.

“Fifth: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.

“Sixth: The prophet does not have to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture.

“Seventh: The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

“Eighth: The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.

“Ninth: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.

“Tenth: The prophet may be involved in civic matters.

“Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.

“Twelfth: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

“Thirteenth: The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.

“Fourteenth: [Follow]...the living prophet and the First Presidency...and be blessed; reject them and suffer.”

Elder David M. McConkie:
"How to be Effective in Gospel Teaching"
1. Immerse yourself in the scriptures
2. Apply in your life the things that you learn
3. Seek Heaven's help
4. Act in accordance with spiritual promptings

President Uchtdorf: You gotta love this guy - he always speaks to me:
"Focus your life on things that matter most".
"Reduce your speed when experiencing turbulence"
"We would do well to slow down a little"
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Leonarda da Vinci

"4 Key Relationships:"
1. God - we need to have quality time alone with him
2. Family - family love is spelled T-I-M-E.
3. Fellowmen - serve others
4. Ourselves - get to know yourself better

Pres. Boyd K. Packer: Huh, funny, for some reason his talk wasn't at all explosive or insensitive to me. On the contrary, I was inspired by his forthrightness, and especially took comfort from his promise of how we will be assisted in our life struggles, all in the simple words of:

"Angels will guide you".

I noticed the plural tense. There are many angels, both earthly and heavenly, that are there to guide us. We need to notice them and rely on their assistance.

I have since found some very inspiring messages from those who understand and appreciate the full meaning of Pres. Packer's talk, interestingly, on a blog titled (Gay)Mormon Guy. You should check it out at gaymormonguy.blogspot.com, "President Packer's Talk...", October 7, 2010 entry.

I may not struggle in the same way this guy does, but I also support Pres. Packer.

Elder Richard C. Edgley: "Faith is a choice. It must be sought after and developed."

Elder Richard G. Scott: "When protected through self-control, righteous character will be protected through eternity."

"You get what you pay for in faith and obedience"

Pres. Henry B. Eyring: "Trust God" - so simple, so powerful.

Sis. Mary N. Cook: "Make sure you have both hands on the rod"

Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Re: Joseph Smith - "He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful."

Pres. Monson: "Sincerely giving thanks unlocks the doors of heaven."

"Notice that the Savior gave thanks (when feeding the multitude) and a miracle followed."

Elder David A. Bednar: "Keeping the commandments and performing the holy habits of praying and reading scriptures are pre-requisities tto receiving the Holy Ghost."

Joshua 1:9 - "Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid..."

Elder Per Malm: "Beware of the things that can destroy from the inside out." (example of the hollow tree)

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold told a story of a cow that broke through a fence into a wheat field and died from eating too much and bloating. After so many attempts to keep the cow out of the field, and finding the cow dead, the boy cried out "You stupid cow!" (How many times have I felt that way in trying to prevent my kids from choosing wrong, and yet sometimes to no avail, it seems. I guess we all are stupid cows sometimes...)

Elder Russell M. Ballard: "It begins with prayer. Sincere, fervent and constant communication with the Creator. Fervent prayer is key to finding strength."

Philippians 4:13 (Paul) -"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

As always a great conference. These are messages of strength and guidance from some wonderful, earthly angels. Listen and live.