What Did Conference Say To You?

[DBMormon]

There was no one awesome talk I can point to, no phrase or quote that will stick with me for weeks, though due to work and other events there are a few talks I must catch up on.

That said, I felt something.  I will illustrate using Elder Uchtdorf's PH Talk "Lord Is it I"

 

While listening to the talk I was pierced with the same feeling I got all through Conference with the same thoughts through my mind.

 

I sit on top of a pivot trying so hard to stay centered balancing between doubting my doubts and feeding them.  I fully realize their are what I would absolutely call problematicc issues.  There are solid reasons to doubt.  I also see evidences, and those are suffcient enough as well.  3 years ago, I almost called it quits and left.  Luckily I realized that the biggest obstacle in the way was my own assumptions and expectations.  Don't get me wrong, even after those were largely corrected there were still difficult and problematic issues that weighed me down though I also partook in spiritual experiences which kept me connected. but it was a back and forth.  I don't want to be a gullible idiot who falls for a sham.  I also don't want to miss out if the Church is true but in the joy and in the opportunities to become like Christ.

 

This conference has shifted my off the fulcrum.  Below I share some of the things that have changed.

 

- I will say first and foremost, I will still try to deal with difficult issues.  Talk about them, explore them, and see where those discussions lead.  I will also conitnue to empathize with the one who doubts and struggles

 

-  That said I AM going to be more charitable to those who consider me the problem, both in my real world and in the internet world.

 

-  This conference really helped me divide between the gospel and the Church.  The gospel to me is true, no ifs ands or buts.  The Church I see as very flawed.... not in that it is faulty or damaged or in apostacy..... no nothing like that.  But rather we are all on various places on a spectrum and while many the speakers talk to me at the place where I am at, and others still are ahead of me begging me to move forward, I also realize some are simply in another place and their words, council, and "truth" simply is not my "truth" and doesn't meet my needs.  In the past this made me angry.  I would think "Don't they know what they are saying is hurting me"  This conference something clicked and I just understood that is where they are at... so be it.  

 

- I am determined to be better and now, for the first time, I feel I see the road to get there.

 

Scott, ERAY, Bob Crockett, and others - While I still strongly disagree with your approach and will continue to disagree, I am determined to disagree much more softly.  

=============================================================

WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM CONFERENCE????

 

 

 

 

[Duncan]

I liked Elder Scott's request for us to study the scriptures everyday and Elder Holland's idea of helping the poor. I was sick all weekend so I didn't catch everything 

[mfbukowski]

There was no one awesome talk I can point to, no phrase or quote that will stick with me for weeks, though due to work and other events there are a few talks I must catch up on.

That said, I felt something.  I will illustrate using Elder Uchtdorf's PH Talk "Lord Is it I"

 

While listening to the talk I was pierced with the same feeling I got all through Conference with the same thoughts through my mind.

 

I sit on top of a pivot trying so hard to stay centered balancing between doubting my doubts and feeding them.  I fully realize their are what I would absolutely call problematicc issues.  There are solid reasons to doubt.  I also see evidences, and those are suffcient enough as well.  3 years ago, I almost called it quits and left.  Luckily I realized that the biggest obstacle in the way was my own assumptions and expectations.  Don't get me wrong, even after those were largely corrected there were still difficult and problematic issues that weighed me down though I also partook in spiritual experiences which kept me connected. but it was a back and forth.  I don't want to be a gullible idiot who falls for a sham.  I also don't want to miss out if the Church is true but in the joy and in the opportunities to become like Christ.

 

This conference has shifted my off the fulcrum.  Below I share some of the things that have changed.

 

- I will say first and foremost, I will still try to deal with difficult issues.  Talk about them, explore them, and see where those discussions lead.  I will also conitnue to empathize with the one who doubts and struggles

 

-  That said I AM going to be more charitable to those who consider me the problem, both in my real world and in the internet world.

 

-  This conference really helped me divide between the gospel and the Church.  The gospel to me is true, no ifs ands or buts.  The Church I see as very flawed.... not in that it is faulty or damaged or in apostacy..... no nothing like that.  But rather we are all on various places on a spectrum and while many the speakers talk to me at the place where I am at, and others still are ahead of me begging me to move forward, I also realize some are simply in another place and their words, council, and "truth" simply is not my "truth" and doesn't meet my needs.  In the past this made me angry.  I would think "Don't they know what they are saying is hurting me"  This conference something clicked and I just understood that is where they are at... so be it.  

 

- I am determined to be better and now, for the first time, I feel I see the road to get there.

 

Scott, ERAY, Bob Crockett, and others - While I still strongly disagree with your approach and will continue to disagree, I am determined to disagree much more softly.  

=============================================================

WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM CONFERENCE????

Similar stuff.

 

The desire to buckle down and quit wasting my time here was one, as well as the knowledge that when I do decide to waste my time here, I need to be far more charitable

 

But here I still am, waiting for it to cool off so I can take a bike ride

[DJBrown]

There was no one awesome talk I can point to, no phrase or quote that will stick with me for weeks, though due to work and other events there are a few talks I must catch up on.

That said, I felt something.  I will illustrate using Elder Uchtdorf's PH Talk "Lord Is it I"

 

While listening to the talk I was pierced with the same feeling I got all through Conference with the same thoughts through my mind.

 

I sit on top of a pivot trying so hard to stay centered balancing between doubting my doubts and feeding them.  I fully realize their are what I would absolutely call problematicc issues.  There are solid reasons to doubt.  I also see evidences, and those are suffcient enough as well.  3 years ago, I almost called it quits and left.  Luckily I realized that the biggest obstacle in the way was my own assumptions and expectations.  Don't get me wrong, even after those were largely corrected there were still difficult and problematic issues that weighed me down though I also partook in spiritual experiences which kept me connected. but it was a back and forth.  I don't want to be a gullible idiot who falls for a sham.  I also don't want to miss out if the Church is true but in the joy and in the opportunities to become like Christ.

 

This conference has shifted my off the fulcrum.  Below I share some of the things that have changed.

 

- I will say first and foremost, I will still try to deal with difficult issues.  Talk about them, explore them, and see where those discussions lead.  I will also conitnue to empathize with the one who doubts and struggles

 

-  That said I AM going to be more charitable to those who consider me the problem, both in my real world and in the internet world.

 

-  This conference really helped me divide between the gospel and the Church.  The gospel to me is true, no ifs ands or buts.  The Church I see as very flawed.... not in that it is faulty or damaged or in apostacy..... no nothing like that.  But rather we are all on various places on a spectrum and while many the speakers talk to me at the place where I am at, and others still are ahead of me begging me to move forward, I also realize some are simply in another place and their words, council, and "truth" simply is not my "truth" and doesn't meet my needs.  In the past this made me angry.  I would think "Don't they know what they are saying is hurting me"  This conference something clicked and I just understood that is where they are at... so be it.  

 

- I am determined to be better and now, for the first time, I feel I see the road to get there.

 

Scott, ERAY, Bob Crockett, and others - While I still strongly disagree with your approach and will continue to disagree, I am determined to disagree much more softly.  

=============================================================

WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM CONFERENCE????

 

I perceived a profound difference in this conference.  I really sensed a focus on the basics in personal testimony and faith.  I think personal apostasy was the focus as well.  And from all this I got the sense that there are tough times coming and we all need to be ready in terms of testimony and conversion.

[changed]

There seemed to be an insinuation of possible health issues with president Monson, so sad, that guy really is great. 

It was a good conference, covered all the basics, with an emphasis on polite communication with one another, but not letting yourself be pushed around either.

[DJBrown]

There seemed to be an insinuation of possible health issues with president Monson, so sad, that guy really is great. 

It was a good conference, covered all the basics, with an emphasis on polite communication with one another, but not letting yourself be pushed around either.

 

Interesting.  I interpreted the increased focus on President Monson being the result of apostasy among the membership and difficult times now and in our near future.  

[DBMormon]

Interesting.  I interpreted the increased focus on President Monson being the result of apostasy among the membership and difficult times now and in our near future.  

There was a whole talk (elder Nelson I believe) that focused on how to sustain a prophet even in the midst of health issues.

[DJBrown]

There was a whole talk (elder Nelson I believe) that focused on how to sustain a prophet even in the midst of health issues.

 

Some folks argue that the prophet and the brethren are old and out of touch.  Some argue that their physical condition contributes to their not being entirely reliable as guides.  That is how I saw that talk.

[DBMormon]

Some folks argue that the prophet and the brethren are old and out of touch.  Some argue that their physical condition contributes to their not being entirely reliable as guides.  That is how I saw that talk.

I heard him very much defending that if a prophet is in bad health that there are protocalls in place and the work will go forward.  It seemed out of place unless we were being prepped with some soon to be issues.  That said I would prefer we not get ina  discussion of President Monson's health as I see that on too many negative boards and it is a negative to me.  I am simply speaking about the talk and what I took from it.

Edited October 6, 2014 by DBMormon

[Mystery Meat]

There were a lot of talks about sustaining the prophets and Church leaders. If there was an overarching theme it would be to sustain the prophet. If I reread it I could get more specific.

 

For me personally, it made me think a lot about the choices I make. Choices have consequences, and as I listened to what several speakers said, I heard a theme that really struck a chord. Sometimes I try and justify the consequences of my choices. But in reality the short term pain of admitting your failures and shortcomings is a lot better than the long term stagnation that comes from saying "All is well in Zion."

[The Nehor]

I heard him very much defending that if a prophet is in bad health that there are protocalls in place and the work will go forward.  It seemed out of place unless we were being prepped with some soon to be issues.  That said I would prefer we not get ina  discussion of President Monson's health as I see that on too many negative boards and it is a negative to me.  I am simply speaking about the talk and what I took from it.

 

Yeah, this sounded a lot like the talks President Hinckley gave when administering the church while President Benson was incapacitated, assuring people that the Church would carry on. I am not sure if health issues President Monson has are imminent but could be. It could also be reassurance. I have heard a little whinging online lately about how many of the current apostles are unable to be fully physically active.

[BookofMormonLuvr]

I heard him very much defending that if a prophet is in bad health that there are protocalls in place and the work will go forward.  It seemed out of place unless we were being prepped with some soon to be issues.  That said I would prefer we not get ina  discussion of President Monson's health as I see that on too many negative boards and it is a negative to me.  I am simply speaking about the talk and what I took from it.

That was my never-been-LDS wife's impression. Seemed to be quite a focus on sustaining the President in spite of health.

[BookofMormonLuvr]

Speaking of health... Elder Hales isn't looking or sounding too good.

[Widow's Son]

I definitely sensed a vibe from several talks and prayers preparing the membership for the possibility that President Monson's remaining time for active vibrant leadership is waning.

 

During a talk at a recent Temple dedication, he didn't seem himself and repeated the same story twice in the same talk.  At a later session where he was scheduled to talk, he asked his daughter who was traveling with him to talk instead.

 

Great man, they all are, but age takes a cruel toll on all of us.

 

I think the Church learned a lesson with President Benson that there is nothing to be gained by hiding incapacitation or implying that someone is still actively participating when they truly aren't.  I think they will be more forthcoming about such delicate situations in the future.

Edited October 6, 2014 by Widow's Son

[Boanerges]

I heard him very much defending that if a prophet is in bad health that there are protocalls in place and the work will go forward.  It seemed out of place unless we were being prepped with some soon to be issues.  That said I would prefer we not get ina  discussion of President Monson's health as I see that on too many negative boards and it is a negative to me.  I am simply speaking about the talk and what I took from it.

It has been some time since we've had a prophet incapacitated enough so that he wasn't able to carry out his duties and attend conference. Benson was the last one, and his time was relatively short compared to Kimball and McKay. Millions of people have joined since that time and don't remember the days of Hinckley being the third counselor and doing all of the leg work. I agree that they were prepping the membership for the possibility that such may again be the case. A reminder that the Twelve form a body equal to that of the First Presidency, and that they work in unison, is doctrinal and not out of order.

[bluebell]

The one talk about 'which way do you face' stuck out to me personally, as well as Elder Scott's talk on the things we need to do to stay close to the Spirit.  

 

I also liked the one about staying in the boat.  I had a personal experience with a talk by some apostle years ago that had similar undertones (it was about not getting off of the boat in the middle of the lake but to wait until it actually reaches the dock) so it reminded me of what i needed to hear at that time, again.

[VideoGameJunkie]

The conference always has the same impact on me. I need to do better to prepare to meet Heavenly Father.

[Rivers]

I noticed a few different themes this conference:

-Be kind and respectful to all people while still standing firm in our beliefs.

-Self improvement in both temporal and spiritual things

-Be mindful of the poor and needy.

This conference has really motivated me to be better all-around disciple of Christ.

Edited October 6, 2014 by Rivers

[Ham Clam]

 

 

 I don't want to be a gullible idiot who falls for a sham.  I also don't want to miss out if the Church is true but in the joy and in the opportunities to become like Christ.

 

 

Isn't that everyone?

[Duncan]

The one talk about 'which way do you face' stuck out to me personally, as well as Elder Scott's talk on the things we need to do to stay close to the Spirit.  

 

I also liked the one about staying in the boat.  I had a personal experience with a talk by some apostle years ago that had similar undertones (it was about not getting off of the boat in the middle of the lake but to wait until it actually reaches the dock) so it reminded me of what i needed to hear at that time, again.

 

 

I was thinking about that talk too, it was Elder Nelson and his daughter wanted to get out of the boat in the middle of a lake

 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/endure-and-be-lifted-up?lang=eng

Edited October 6, 2014 by Duncan

[EllenMaksoud]

There was no one awesome talk I can point to, no phrase or quote that will stick with me for weeks, though due to work and other events there are a few talks I must catch up on.

That said, I felt something.  I will illustrate using Elder Uchtdorf's PH Talk "Lord Is it I"

 

While listening to the talk I was pierced with the same feeling I got all through Conference with the same thoughts through my mind.

 

I sit on top of a pivot trying so hard to stay centered balancing between doubting my doubts and feeding them.  I fully realize their are what I would absolutely call problematicc issues.  There are solid reasons to doubt.  I also see evidences, and those are suffcient enough as well.  3 years ago, I almost called it quits and left.  Luckily I realized that the biggest obstacle in the way was my own assumptions and expectations.  Don't get me wrong, even after those were largely corrected there were still difficult and problematic issues that weighed me down though I also partook in spiritual experiences which kept me connected. but it was a back and forth.  I don't want to be a gullible idiot who falls for a sham.  I also don't want to miss out if the Church is true but in the joy and in the opportunities to become like Christ.

 

This conference has shifted my off the fulcrum.  Below I share some of the things that have changed.

 

- I will say first and foremost, I will still try to deal with difficult issues.  Talk about them, explore them, and see where those discussions lead.  I will also conitnue to empathize with the one who doubts and struggles

 

-  That said I AM going to be more charitable to those who consider me the problem, both in my real world and in the internet world.

 

-  This conference really helped me divide between the gospel and the Church.  The gospel to me is true, no ifs ands or buts.  The Church I see as very flawed.... not in that it is faulty or damaged or in apostacy..... no nothing like that.  But rather we are all on various places on a spectrum and while many the speakers talk to me at the place where I am at, and others still are ahead of me begging me to move forward, I also realize some are simply in another place and their words, council, and "truth" simply is not my "truth" and doesn't meet my needs.  In the past this made me angry.  I would think "Don't they know what they are saying is hurting me"  This conference something clicked and I just understood that is where they are at... so be it.  

 

- I am determined to be better and now, for the first time, I feel I see the road to get there.

 

Scott, ERAY, Bob Crockett, and others - While I still strongly disagree with your approach and will continue to disagree, I am determined to disagree much more softly.  

=============================================================

WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM CONFERENCE????

I'm feeling broken and contrite. My attitude about the church has been driven down by my own petulance.

 

I did not get to see Saturday because of Internet issues, So Sunday I went to the Stake Center. Because I could not get Utah, and Oregon time straight, I missed about 20 minutes of the morning session. As we finished up morning session I was feeling pretty sassy, thinking that "I am just like spit on a hot griddle" or "I am just like a feral cat". Nothing really wrong.

 

When the Afternoon Session started it was like being corrected by someone I love, and being caught out in my impertinence and snottiness.  After a lot of reflection, it is clear to me that there will be another General Conference for me as soon as I can get my band width issues worked out on Monday.

 

And, as far as my Temple Recommend? What was I thinking in saying that it was "MY" Temple Recommend? With the myriad problems that I present to the GA on the issue, I would not give me a Temple Recommend. Now I hope that they teach me and those like me how to be pleasing to Heavenly Father with out it?  Maybe there is no way?

[Hamba Tuhan]

Now I hope that they teach me and those like me how to be pleasing to Heavenly Father with out it?  Maybe there is no way?

 

There is always a way to be pleasing to Heavenly Father, each in his/her own way. No doubt, if you wish to find your way, you will. A willing heart, as I have found, compensates for ought else.

[HappyJackWagon]

This conference hurt. There seemed to be plenty of recognition that many are struggling but it felt like I was being blamed for having questions. Cook, Anderson and Ballards talks were particularly rough for me and the Sunday morning session almost entirely focused on the prophet seemed to miss the mark. Opening song- praise to the man, first 3 talks, follow the prophet, 4 talk testimony of prophets leading to Christ. At least it moved into the direction of following Christ instead of the prophets and then it got a bit better from there. The best talks were from the GA's I'd never heard of.

[Mystery Meat]

I noticed a few different themes this conference:

-Be kind and respectful to all people while still standing firm in our beliefs.

-Self improvement in both temporal and spiritual things

-Be mindful of the poor and needy.

This conference has really motivated me to be better all-around disciple of Christ.

 

I noticed each of these themes as well, but I think any list would be incomplete summation of conference if it didn't include the theme of 'follow the prophet and the other leaders of the Church.' It was emphasized even more than usual. 

[DJBrown]

This conference hurt. There seemed to be plenty of recognition that many are struggling but it felt like I was being blamed for having questions. Cook, Anderson and Ballards talks were particularly rough for me and the Sunday morning session almost entirely focused on the prophet seemed to miss the mark. Opening song- praise to the man, first 3 talks, follow the prophet, 4 talk testimony of prophets leading to Christ. At least it moved into the direction of following Christ instead of the prophets and then it got a bit better from there. The best talks were from the GA's I'd never heard of.

 

 

According to our doctrine and canon, when we follow a prophet, we ARE following Christ.  Although the prophet is a mortal and imperfect, you really cannot separate the two.