Favorite talk from the first session?

[gurn]

I confess I have not closely followed the LoC discussions, but who would argue against charitable giving, or the idea that the objective of the Law of Consecration is to eradicate poverty? I don't know anyone with a solid grasp of the scriptures who would suggest such a conclusion.

It was quite some time ago, but the argument went something like this: If you send food to an impoverished nation, the local farmer will not be able to compete with the free food and will stop growing food, leaving the nation in a perpetual state need. I'm sure I'm not doing the argument justice, but that's my recollection.

[LeSellers]

The rest is extraneous and political. Please don't get this thread shut down with politics. I'd like to be able to continue discussing the inspirational messages of today's sessions here.

I believe it was relevant (or I would not have written it), and it was no more political than the original comment. Since I cannot tell who gurn was talking about, and since many here have accused me (among others) of not being charitable because we object to coercive governmental "charity", this was simply self-defense, nothing more.

Sorry I was not more clear and that it led to your misunderstanding.

The Brethren have often told us that we should be charitable, and I agree, since that's a fundamental component of my baptismal covenant. The means to that end are, however, not mandated to be by means of taxation, while they are declared to be through voluntary, individual charity. Making the Brethren mean (or implying they do) something they do not say is hardly focusing on the spiritual aspects of Conference.

Lehi

[LeSellers]

It was quite some time ago, but the argument went something like this: If you send food to an impoverished nation, the local farmer will not be able to compete with the free food and will stop growing food, leaving the nation in a perpetual state need. I'm sure I'm not doing the argument justice, but that's my recollection.

In the short run, food may be necessary, but, in the longer run, Droopy was right: 'tis far better to send seeds and plows, and dig wells, else the individual people whom one wants to help, will be far worse off, and their ability to care for themselves will be crippled.

To truly eliminate poverty, one must not focus on the immediate need, but keep the goal in mind to give people enough to move them to self-sufficiency. More is counter productive. And that is what the Law of Consecration and the United Order were and are all about.

Lehi

[mercyngrace]

I believe it was relevant (or I would not have written it), and it was no more political than the original comment. Since I cannot tell who gurn was talking about, and since many here have accused me (among others) of not being charitable because we object to coercive governmental "charity", this was simply self-defense, nothing more.

Sorry I was not more clear and that it led to your misunderstanding.

The Brethren have often told us that we should be charitable, and I agree, since that's a fundamental component of my baptismal covenant. The means to that end are, however, not mandated to be by means of taxation, while they are declared to be through voluntary, individual charity. Making the Brethren mean (or implying they do) something they do not say is hardly focusing on the spiritual aspects of Conference.

Lehi

I understand why you felt it was self-defense but since Ted Rall didn't speak in conference or participate in any of the threads David referred to, his opinion is not pertinent. The only relevance it would have is if his opinion was shared by David or any other board members. To my recollection no one here suggested that private charity be done away in favor of complete government control. If you can prove otherwise (the threads are available in the archive section of the board), I invite you to do so. Until then, the suggestion that anyone on either side of the debate has suggested the government control all charity and individual or private charity be done away is a straw man

[mercyngrace]

How can anyone not just LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf? I love his ability to laugh at himself (no aviation reference - LOL!) and to convey the love he has for all men.

Okay... back to your regularly scheduled conference viewing...

[Sevenbak]

How can anyone not just LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf? I love his ability to laugh at himself (no aviation reference - LOL!) and to convey the love he has for all men.

Okay... back to your regularly scheduled conference viewing...

Haha.

?"He's been speaking for ten minutes and no aviation analogy."

I think he must have lost a bet with one of his family and now has to make a reference in every single talk. It's great!

[dirtius maximus]

I think all the priesthood session talks were very good. I liked President Ochtdurf the most

[mercyngrace]

Six keys words from this session:

"Will this buy me any bread?"

Wow! What a powerful story from Bishop Burton about President Grant.

[Garden Girl]

I've loved this conference so far... particularly Pres Uchtdorf...

May I share something? As I was waiting for conference to begin this morning, I was praying that my ears would be opened, and I would receive into my mind and heart the messages with clarity and understanding...

As the Choir began singing, I was struck by how I could hear and understand each word... something I've not been able to do most times unless I was familiar with the song. The "sound" of the Choir has always been awesome, but I've not always been able to distinguish some of the words and phrases... this morning, however, I was able to do so in such a way that to me was surprising. And, as the speakers have spoken, I've received their words deeply and with insight on several levels. It has been awesome, and to me, an answer to my prayer.

GG

[Sevenbak]

"Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God."

Elder Bednar, quoting Joseph F. Smith.

[mercyngrace]

I've loved this conference so far... particularly Pres Uchtdorf...

May I share something? As I was waiting for conference to begin this morning, I was praying that my ears would be opened, and I would receive into my mind and heart the messages with clarity and understanding...

As the Choir began singing, I was struck by how I could hear and understand each word... something I've not been able to do most times unless I was familiar with the song. The "sound" of the Choir has always been awesome, but I've not always been able to distinguish some of the words and phrases... this morning, however, I was able to do so in such a way that to me was surprising. And, as the speakers have spoken, I've received their words deeply and with insight on several levels. It has been awesome, and to me, an answer to my prayer.

GG

That's wonderful, GG! I'm glad you are having such a wonderful conference experience.

I should've prayed for boys to restrain from wrestling for a full two hours. Then again, perhaps there are some miracles that are too hard for the Lord... LOL!

[dirtius maximus]

"Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God."

Elder Bednar, quoting Joseph F. Smith.

excellent,

religion by faith rather than signs or tenuous archeology.