GENERAL CONFERENCE April 3, 2011

GENERAL CONFERENCE April 3, 2011

Twice a year members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from around the world—whether by radio, internet, television, church meeting houses, or the conference center—gather to listen to—either live or by broadcast—our prophet and his councilors, and apostles speak to us. The words they say are of and from our Heavenly Father. They tell us the things we need to know to survive successfully in the world we currently live in.

The notes here are the things that I related to the most. It is always different for each listener.

It was an awesome session this April. Below are my notes—


UCHTDORF: Do not need a Damascus experience. Take baby steps of Faith and gain a strong testimony.

God loves us. He will not abandon us; there are times when he will carry us.

Follow the promptings of the spirit. Do not ignore it. Be one whom the Lord can rely on. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

We may not get an answer immediately. Study it out and then ask.

God does notice us and he watches over us, but after it is by another. Be ready, willing and sensitive to serve. Our answers may not come while we are on our knees, but when we are on our feet.

Become the answer to someone else’s prayer, and you may find the answer to your own.

Share the gospel! You don’t have to be preachy or overbearing.

Use your hands to blog, and text message about the Gospel :)

Have real intent, do not doubt; remember, blessed are those that have not seen, but have faith.

Move forward in hope, faith and charity.


JOHNSON: Trials are a part of life. Affliction is part of our mortal experience. This may include a trial of our faith. They’re not only a test; they will be consecrated for our own gain. No trial we experience is wasted. It builds our character, and purifies our hearts. This gives us the education we came here to gain.

You will not be the same, you will be better; you will be awesome. Being good is not enough we want to be like the Savior. Even the best need refining.

If our leaders were to face great trials why would I be excluded? Nephi, Joseph Smith…

Our afflictions are light and only a moment (Paul).

We do not need to seek trials. They will come naturally and at just the right amount.

Growth cannot come through the easy way. Exercise will make us stronger.

We can do all things though Christ who strengthens us.

He will send us comfort.

Whoever puts his trust in God will support us and help us.

We can be conquers through Christ.


BURTON: Church Welfare Program.

Relieve human suffering.

Take care of people no matter the cost. Self-Reliance: avoid debt, prepare for times of distress, listen and follow the words of the living oracles.

Succor the weak, lift up the hands which are in need.

Fly to the relief of the stranger. Do not suffer those in need to suffer.

“Be kind to the poor” –Grandpa Burton.

Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, administer to the sick, visit the captive.


ALLRED:

Love the Lord thy God.
Love thy neighbor.
Visit the needy.
Serve one another.

Relief society is for relief to the poor.
Encourage priesthood to also serve.
Do your visiting and home teaching.
Self-Reliance gives us the opportunity and ability to serve.

Luke 21:3-4

Bring relief to the weary.

Following promptings gives us the ability to serve those that need us now.

You will be recognized as one of Christ’s disciples by loving one another.


BEDNAR: No man can receive the Holy Ghost without revelation.

The Holy Ghost should be given to all of those who are at the age of accountability.

Ask in faith, with an honest heart, with a believing that the prayer will be answered.

The spirit is a still small voice that speaks quietly and delicately that the noises of sin and the world make hard to hear.

Treasures are revealed in the time of the Lord when circumstances are right. By the whisperings of the spirit will the truth of God be revealed? No amount of marvelous spiritual manifestations can accomplish this.

It is normal to have questions; to not understand and to even doubt.

It is by humility and faith we will receive revelation.

We may receive revelation without realizing it.

Seek for and apply for the spirit of revelation. It may come grandly and immediately, quiet and subtle, or without our realizing it at all. No matter its way it is present in our lives.


MONSON: The mission of the Bishop is to take care of members of their ward and non-members within the ward boundaries. The church has been inspired by the Lord.

Fight to get to the temple. Be worthy, make the sacrifice! Do whatever it takes to be worthy to go to the temple and receive the ordinances the lord would bless us with.

The temple brings joy nothing else can compare to.

Temples are filled with faith and fasting and built on testimonies.

There are never too many obstacles to prevent us from entering the temple, and receiving the blessings granted from on high.

There is no more important goal than to be worthy to receive a recommend to enter the temple. Whatever your struggle—overcome it, and qualify to enter the temple of the Lord.

Always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing to prevent your ability to enter. Put a picture of the temple in every room so it becomes a part of your life. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Live to gain exaltation in Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.


SCOTT: Satan is working to destroy the family, the very thing the temple tries to strengthen.

Story about wife: SO CUTE! YES! Do it future husband!

Righteous love is the primary foundation for a successful marriage.

Be worthy to make the covenants that will keep the family together forever.

Be worthy so that you can receive the blessings the Lord is preparing to give you.


CHRISTOPHERSON: The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan to help us to become what we were meant to become.

God considers us worth the time to chasten—to redirect our course to what God knows is a better path.

Be zealous and repent.

He that will not be chastened by the Lord is not ready/worthy to enter the kingdom.

He that puts his faith in the Lord shall be strengthened and enjoy a special bond with the Lord. All of us can meet God’s high expectations. When you love him with all your might, mind and strength, His grace is sufficient for you.


PRATT: The Lord remembers those that pay tithing and keep His commandments.

Pay tithing. We are all indebted to the Lord. Having integrity in this will help in dealings with men.

Obey the law.

Tithing isn’t a matter of money; but a matter of faith.
Pay it first and honestly.
Teach children to do it; take them to tithing settlement.
Develop submissive and humble heart obedient and ready to serve.

Tithing payers are closer to God.


ROBBINS: You must have faith and be.

Create a TO BE list; this will never be done like a “to do” list. It must become a part of your nature.

Christ-like to-be’s.

Teach doctrine by the spirit.
Our children are God’s children.
Help them to overcome mistakes.
Do not cause identity confusion.

IDENTITY = Child of God.

Compliment, but more importantly compliment their character, and who they are.
Praise diligence rather than the good grade.
Parenting Manuel = scriptures


HOVOS: The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – was a name chosen by God and revealed to our prophet Joseph Smith.

Engage in family history; go to the temple.
Create an eternal family.
Encourage those that have alienated the church.
Be a missionary.
Become a saint.
Have the pure love of Christ.
Move forward with patience.
Come unto the Lord.

The way for man is narrow, but strait, and the keeper of the Gate is Christ.


GROW: Be faithful—never give up.

Atonement allows us to repent and put the mistakes of the past behind us.

If a man has repented he will have confessed and forsaken his sin.

Repent. God suffered for all so that they may not need to suffer if they repent.


HALLANDO: Reflect on the unique phenomenon General Conference is. We testify that God lives and that he speaks.

The direction we receive is of God.
We can’t always have it our way.

Life is not a fast food. It must be done His way. One way or another, God will have his voice heard.


MONSON: Never forget what the savior has done for you. He could have turned back, but he did not. He secured our salvation.


I love this gospel. I adore the prophet and all the men that serve us so diligently. I am grateful for the Lord’s spirit and his guidance. I know this church to be true. I have been challenged many times before. Too many experiences and a devoted heart keep my feet firm and my spirit steadfast. This church is true, the words and guidance above is true, and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ—Amen.


You can find these talks at lds.org or click here to go directly to the conference page where the talks are kept.