Robert F. Smith Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 A couple of themes I noted were (other than the one you mentioned, which was matched by a couple of references to the blessings of multi-generational LDS): "Simplify," which i think was mentioned last time as well, and I thought I noted "fallibility" of the leadership emphasized a couple of times.Yes, and the fallibility theme came in two talks Saturday morning. Will be worth revisiting that in the November Ensign. 1
iWriteStuff Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 do you like the ponerize thought? Pre- haven? Love the thought, kinda hate the controversy about it. I'm trying to figure out ways to implement this in my life a bit more.... Maybe a sticky note on my desk that I update weekly with new verses or something... 1
iWriteStuff Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 It may be because people in former days read more and were thus more apt to have questions on doctrinal matters. Alas with a surfeit of information at our fingertips, we have become a society of casual or lazy readers today. Well then I guess I miss the old days of readers and ponderers. My name may as well have been iReadStuff instead of iWriteStuff. My favorite type of reading is non-fiction and I plow through as much as time allows. Perhaps those looking for doctrinal discussion are more likely to be satisfied by devotional talks or FARMS publications... 1
CV75 Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Where? Fallible in actions, teachings, or both? Thanks,JimThe sense I got was about pesonal behavior, age-related issues, human frailty an imperfection, etc. Through it all, the Lord is accomplishing His work through them and they are properly exercising the keys according to His will. 2
CV75 Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Yes, and the fallibility theme came in two talks Saturday morning. Will be worth revisiting that in the November Ensign.I'm sure it will come up as an OP here (surprised it hasn't alreday!) -- LOL 1
stemelbow Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I get excited and look forward to it. Then I get to the end and think, "that was kind of lame". But, I find some nuggets as I continue to read the talks after they come out on Thursday. I always look forward to the Thursday afterward. Reading them works better for me. I got a lot of, "you're a chosen type. Live the gospel so you can be exalted." I gathered from that that many people whom I love and adore have no business in the exalted business. Which makes me immeasurably sad. When I add to that the 99%+ of people on earth not even knowing of LDS, and the more than that percentage who have participated in some way, esoterically like LDS demand, I feel incredible dread. I don't ever want to feel that way, but it's what I call misery. Conference tends to bring it out. 1
jkwilliams Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I readily admit I've always enjoyed reading the conference talks more than watching or listening to them. I'm old enough to remember going to our stake center to listen to conference over "sideband radio," though the Sunday morning session was broadcast on the PBS station in Los Angeles. We never made a huge deal out of conference, but we would ask our kids to choose a talk that they would then discuss at Family Home Evening. We figured it was a good way to ensure they were paying attention to at least one talk. About a year into my crisis of faith, my home teacher invited us over to have a Sunday lunch at their house and watch conference with them. The day before, I had wrenched my back and was in a lot of pain, but we knew they were going to a lot of trouble for us, so we went. I sat pretty much immobilized on the couch during the Sunday morning session, and I was in enough pain that the best way to deal with it was to pay close attention to the speakers. At one point, I glanced around the room, and my home teacher, his wife, and my wife were all asleep. Still makes me laugh. I don't know why this thread reminded me of that. I probably listened to about half of conference this weekend while I was busy around the house. Other than the whole "ponderize" thing, the one thing that stood out to me was that it seemed like there was a real sense of defensiveness among some of the speakers, who seemed to emphasize that the church is under attack from liars and critics. I don't know, it was just my impression. 1
BTH&T Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Love the thought, kinda hate the controversy about it. I'm trying to figure out ways to implement this in my life a bit more.... Maybe a sticky note on my desk that I update weekly with new verses or something...I like the simplicity of it. I was also thinking that somrthing good was turned to controversy, There are those ready to pounce at the slightest chance. 2
Gray Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I look forward to General Conference for six months and then it finally arrives! I love it, I watch every session, making note of talks that are especially noteworthy to my life. But when the last session is over, I feel let down; it's over and I'll have to wait another six months. It's not as bad as it used to be now that I have the internet and can listen anytime, but the feeling of melancholy when it's over is still present. Does anyone else experience this? I've often said I wish we had General Conference every two months! Also, did anyone have any insights or did you recognize themes during this last conference? I found it interesting how many speakers mentioned that they were converts or were married to converts. I don't offer this as a criticism of conference or any speakers at conference, but I've never had a spiritual experience in listening to a conference talk, with the possible exception of one by Pres. Uchtdorf a few years back. The experience of watching or listening to conference has never been that uplifting to me personally, but I'm glad that there are others who get a lot out of it. All of my spiritual experiences tend to happen outside of group experiences, for whatever reason. 1
rewcox Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Love the thought, kinda hate the controversy about it. I'm trying to figure out ways to implement this in my life a bit more.... Maybe a sticky note on my desk that I update weekly with new verses or something...I want to read the talk. The concept is good, can use it with a topic approach also. I like talks that give practical suggestions. 2
Provence Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I look forward to General Conference for six months and then it finally arrives! I love it, I watch every session, making note of talks that are especially noteworthy to my life. But when the last session is over, I feel let down; it's over and I'll have to wait another six months. It's not as bad as it used to be now that I have the internet and can listen anytime, but the feeling of melancholy when it's over is still present. Does anyone else experience this?Yes! I feel the exact same way, AI - especially after the October conference, for some reason (maybe because we're headed into the dark, cold winter?). I've also felt a little sad that Pres. Monson hasn't gotten up at the very end to give us his blessing and say, "See you in 6 months!" for the last few conferences. Just seems like the ending is a little too abrupt without that heartfelt farewell. I understand, of course, that Pres. Monson has some struggles physically and it's not an easy thing for him to do that anymore. I love conference and always miss it when it's over - but I also always feel like my cup has been filled, and that's always a good thing. 2
stemelbow Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I probably listened to about half of conference this weekend while I was busy around the house. Other than the whole "ponderize" thing, the one thing that stood out to me was that it seemed like there was a real sense of defensiveness among some of the speakers, who seemed to emphasize that the church is under attack from liars and critics. I don't know, it was just my impression. I sensed that too. But the last few conferences seem to be hitting that type of tone. It bothers me, though, because I'm so at odds with the need to define sides, create labels and all that--which is probably just a tiresome theme that I raise too often. It all seems really unhelpful to me, though. I want a "we're all in this together" message and hear the opposite. It's frustrating. 1
iWriteStuff Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Funny, I noticed a big theme on keeping the Sabbath holy, but unless I missed it no one else here noticed it yet. I believe it was in at least 4 talks. Maybe we just notice more those things that more specifically apply to us.I haven't felt a let down really. Rather I'm excited for being able to read it. I'm more excited about getting a copy of it even though I don't have subscription to the Ensign. I believe this come from being to touch learner and then sight and hearing is way down the list. I have found though that reading while listening usually does even more for me. No, they definitely made a point of highlighting it over and over again. One talk even referenced how it is a point of emphasis now in talks, articles, etc that the leadership of the church is promoting to encourage a greater degree of obedience to that particular commandment. My wife and I ended up talking about that afterwards and committing ourselves to doing better about it. 1
Provence Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Funny, I noticed a big theme on keeping the Sabbath holy, but unless I missed it no one else here noticed it yet. I believe it was in at least 4 talks.I noticed an emphasis on keeping the Sabbath Day holy, as well; in a few different talks. I think it definitely needs to be mentioned, as at least in my area, even with active members, the Sabbath Day is just another day for sports, eating out, and school activities, sadly. If there was an over-riding 'theme' that I noticed though, it was several responses to critics, or those who think they can run the Church better than the Brethren. The disaffected and former members who constantly whine and complain about the Church doing (or not doing) this or that. But these things have been on my mind a lot lately, so maybe that's what I picked up on the most. Having said that, I really appreciated and agreed with the comments by various speakers who addressed these things. Two thumbs up! 1
Provence Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 No, they definitely made a point of highlighting it over and over again. One talk even referenced how it is a point of emphasis now in talks, articles, etc that the leadership of the church is promoting to encourage a greater degree of obedience to that particular commandment. My wife and I ended up talking about that afterwards and committing ourselves to doing better about it.Our family did the same. 2
Provence Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 As others have mentioned, I too enjoy reading the talks after conference is over, as I usually get "more" out of it by reading and being able to concentrate on the words. It's a real blessing to have access to the written talks so quickly now, as opposed to having to wait till the November Ensign comes out! I loves the interwebs. 2
iWriteStuff Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 As others have mentioned, I too enjoy reading the talks after conference is over, as I usually get "more" out of it by reading and being able to concentrate on the words. It's a real blessing to have access to the written talks so quickly now, as opposed to having to wait till the November Ensign comes out! I loves the interwebs. Haha! The irony is that for me, having to wait a whole week to get them seems like forever! There were several talks where I wanted to go back and re-read the words *right then* because the talk impacted me so much. Granted, I could have just gone back on the DVR to listen to a section again. But, alas, chasing my twin toddlers while listening to Conference makes for a difficult listening environment 1
alter idem Posted October 7, 2015 Author Posted October 7, 2015 They brought up doubt a lot over the weekend as the new form of porn basically. Doubting and skepticism from Internet church history and articles.They have been highlighting doubt a lot, but they haven't forgotten pornography--it was also addressed. And I'd agree, doubting and skepticism is on the rise. While the internet has been great for spreading knowledge about the gospel, it also gives a larger platform for the critics. I remember when the Utah Lighthouse ministry was about the only serious opposition to the church (that I was aware of) but now there are tons of websites out there. I think the church leaders MUST make an effort to combat the opposition...personally, I felt it should have been addressed earlier. I also feel that while some, like Elder Oaks, pointed out the threat of pornography years ago, many in the church were caught unawares and now we've got many good members struggling with this pernicious evil. 2
rockpond Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I look forward to General Conference for six months and then it finally arrives! I love it, I watch every session, making note of talks that are especially noteworthy to my life. But when the last session is over, I feel let down; it's over and I'll have to wait another six months. It's not as bad as it used to be now that I have the internet and can listen anytime, but the feeling of melancholy when it's over is still present. Does anyone else experience this? I've often said I wish we had General Conference every two months! Also, did anyone have any insights or did you recognize themes during this last conference? I found it interesting how many speakers mentioned that they were converts or were married to converts. With young kids at home, I'm not able to hear as much as I'd like of the live broadcast. So, I look forward to the weeks of study that will follow. I usually review several talks per week. I guess that helps me not feel the let down other may experience. 1
alter idem Posted October 7, 2015 Author Posted October 7, 2015 I've got nothing say about GC but had to post to say - AI LIVES!!!!!!!ttribe! You remembered me! Thanks (I have been gone awhile)
jkwilliams Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 ttribe! You remembered me! Thanks (I have been gone awhile) It is nice to see you around these parts.
alter idem Posted October 7, 2015 Author Posted October 7, 2015 Also, using the LDS Gospel app, I've started loading up old conference talks from as far back as it will let me and listening through those. Is it just me or did the older talks seem to hit more on doctrinal matters?I have a lot of old conference talks and BYU devotionals on my MP3 and my tablet and it is very interesting to listen to them. Have you noticed in the 60's and 70's the delivery is different? They have certain voice inflections and patterns they use. There are a couple of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's I like to listen to and it is pronounced in his delivery. I don't notice it with Elder Neal Maxwell's talks. His are some of my very favorites.
jkwilliams Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 I have a lot of old conference talks and BYU devotionals on my MP3 and my tablet and it is very interesting to listen to them. Have you noticed in the 60's and 70's the delivery is different? They have certain voice inflections and patterns they use. There are a couple of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's I like to listen to and it is pronounced in his delivery. I don't notice it with Elder Neal Maxwell's talks. His are some of my very favorites. I wonder if televising conference has caused changes to voice and speech patterns. Would be interesting to look at the evolution over the years.
alter idem Posted October 7, 2015 Author Posted October 7, 2015 It is nice to see you around these parts.Thanks, It's really nice to see so many of my favorite posters still here, including you.
alter idem Posted October 7, 2015 Author Posted October 7, 2015 I wonder if televising conference has caused changes to voice and speech patterns. Would be interesting to look at the evolution over the years. I hadn't thought of that, I bet you are right. They used to just get up there and speak and over time it has gotten pretty technical and more controlled. They practice their talks in a small recording room (with a duplicate podium) partly to make sure they are within their alloted time to speak, but also to help them with delivery, I'm sure, and they also are more concerned with lighting, colors and even use theatrical makeup to make them look better on camera. I suspect that they've also been coached some in how to speak and I know they are coached on how to use the teleprompter.
Recommended Posts