October Conference report

Last Saturday and Sunday we had the opportunity to listen to the 184th Semi Annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Like always, it was wonderful. I always notice themes and ideas from the speakers even though they aren't assigned specific topics. What I got out of numerous talks was the increased secularism in society and how to stay grounded in faith. 

Saturday morning there were two talks that were just what I'd needed to hear. The first was by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf titled, "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth." While listening to this talk it reminded me of an exchange I had just read on Facebook. One friend was getting after another person for posting something on her timeline my friend didn't agree with. This friend thought the other person was wrong and in need of correction. She posted #Cognitive Dissonance  accusing the person of holding onto their "incorrect" idea regardless of the facts presented.  I found it interested that the"cognitive dissonance" remark pertained as much to her as the person she was correcting. So many people feel that they're the only ones in society justified in voicing their opinions because they're the only ones that are right. Their views are deemed superior, by themselves, so all others are wrong. Like those they mock, their views won't change, but only because they think they're right.

I love how Elder Uchtdorf approached this in his talk. Here's an excerpt:
"Suppose you were able to travel back in time and have a conversation with people who lived a thousand or even a hundred years ago. Imagine trying to describe to them some of the modern technologies that you and I take for granted today. For example, what might these people think of us if we told them stories of jumbo jets, microwave ovens, handheld devices that contain vast digital libraries, and videos of our grandchildren that we instantly share with millions of people around the world?
Some might believe us. Most would ridicule, oppose, or perhaps even seek to silence or harm us. Some might attempt to apply logic, reason, and facts as they know them to show that we are misguided, foolish, or even dangerous. They might condemn us for attempting to mislead others.

But of course, these people would be completely mistaken. They might be well-meaning and sincere. They might feel absolutely positive of their opinion. But they simply would not be able to see clearly because they had not yet received the more complete light of truth.
It seems to be a trait of humanity to assume that we are right even when we are wrong. And if that is the case, what hope is there for any of us? Are we destined to drift aimlessly on an ocean of conflicting information, stranded on a raft we have poorly pieced together from our own biases?
Is it possible to find truth?
The purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself—the Lord of Hosts who knows all truth—has given His children the promise that they can know truth for themselves."

So many people today deny gospel truths as false just because they believe differently. They're welcome to believe as they wish, but that doesn't change truth. 

The next talk was, "Loving Others and Living with Differences" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. During his professional career one of his positions was a Justice for the Utah Supreme court. I love hearing him talk because he is always very straight forward with what he has to say. He isn't offensive in his speach, but he doesn't shy away from "telling it how it is." He emphasised the importance of loving others and being in the world yet not of the world. It's okay disagree without being disagreeable. Just because we take a stand for particular values or teachings doesn't mean we should be contentious in doing so. Love should be the basis for all we do. Here's a part I really like: 

"Even as we seek to be meek and to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand. We must not surrender our positions or our values. The gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made inevitably cast us as combatants in the eternal contest between truth and error. There is no middle ground in that contest.

The Savior showed the way when His adversaries confronted Him with the woman who had been “taken in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:4). When shamed with their own hypocrisy, the accusers withdrew and left Jesus alone with the woman. He treated her with kindness by declining to condemn her at that time. But He also firmly directed her to “sin no more” (John 8:11). Loving-kindness is required, but a follower of Christ—just like the Master—will be firm in the truth."

Sunday evening Steven decided he wanted to start writing in his journal. His first entry was priceless. 

Here's the translations from him:
The Lord blesses me. I am filled with happiness and joy. Chapter 45 Nephi I shall do what the Lord commandeth me who is loving our neighbors. Chapter 29 verse 5. President Monson was a good little boy but one day a bully came to his door. It was Frank the town bully. He bullied President Monson until he died. Frank died. By a gun shot. 

It started out quite poetic but ended with a little Steven flair. :)

I love conference! I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles. I am thankful for continual revelation from heaven to guide us today in a world that desperately needs it. God lives and Jesus is His son.