Good morning! A beautiful crisp morning as Lloyd Newell works his magic. We will continue with our live coverage of today’s conference. Photos and other commentary to come. Sneak peek: two members of the First Presidency will speak this morning. Just a reminder, as Lloyd Newell wraps things up, that you can also join us simultaneously on Twitter.
Eliza R. Snow looks on as the choir sings in the Conference Center.
Thank heavens “Sweet Hour of Prayer” only has two verses–otherwise, it could be like 24, and take a whole hour.
So happy to hear the acknowledgment of Palm Sunday!! Maybe we’ll even sing “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”!
One thing President Uchtdorf does really nicely is to keep a metaphor running through his talks–lots of sports ones today.
“Brothers and sisters, we have to stay with it. We don’t acquire eternal life in a sprint–this is a race of endurance.”
“Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours.
It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are his disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, ’spectator discipleship’ is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping.”
He’s awfully good at powerful conclusions, too!
“Let us remember on this Palm Sunday, during this Easter season, and always, that the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord. …I bear my solemn witness that Jesus the Christ lives. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He is the promised Messiah. He lived a perfect life and atoned for our sins. He will ever be at our side. He will fight our battles. He is our hope; He is our salvation; He is the way.”
I wish the folks outside holding signs could come inside to hear this.
photo: the Assembly Hall.
Up next: Elder Andersen (see, I finally remembered he’s not Swedish, and spelled his name right 
)
It’s nice to hear the real sacrifices of families for church service honestly acknowledged.
I also like the way that he has spoken of Elder Wirthlin both yesterday and today, of his self-effacing diligence–I don’t remember hearing a new apostle explicitly talk about his predecessor quite that way before.
“The keeping of covenants in this day of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout all the eternities.” Nice.
“We are not alone…” There has been a really nice thread of ecumenism running through the talks this conference.
I love this story of Robert Gardner–it’’s everything that baffles and delights me about Latter-day Saints, makes me feel happy to be part of this tribe and completely unworthy and alien from it, all at the same time.
“Just a few years later…one [friend] remarked, ‘I am glad to see you so well recovered from being broke. You are nearly as well off as you were before you lost your property and went on your mission. Robert’s history records:
My reply was: “Yes, I was well off once and it all went off, and I am almost afraid of another [mission] call.” Sure enough, a few hours later some of my neighbors, who had been to a meeting in Salt Lake City called in and told me that my name was amongst a number of names who were called today to go south on a mission to make a new settlement and raise cotton. We were to start right away. I looked and spit, took off my hat and scratched [my head] and thought and said; “All right.”
All right.
(I hope my kids didn’t catch the spitting part).
photo: the crowds mill about the plaza outside the Conference Center.
Sister Thompson: “Each of us is in a different family situation.” Such a simple sentence, so much damage control!
“We must be ‘fixed in our purpose’ as we seek to increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen our families and homes, and serve the Lord and His children.” What a good, solid talk.
Incidentally, “The Time is Far Spent” is an ERS text. It would be good to say so.
The Congregation sings as a skeptic looks on.
I’ve always loved Elder Holland’s talks–he just gets better and better, I think.
“…one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey bought us great company for our little version of that path–the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, and friends. All of these and more have been given us as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone or unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you.]“
“My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial, abandonment, and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. May I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without aid and assistance, that never again will He find unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along his via dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week–Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb–may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times, but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear.”
Hard to type through the tears on this one.
UPDATE: Steve wants me to note that I’m the weepy one. —Kristine
OK–I’m not supposed to post spoilers, but seriously, if you have children, you may want to fast forward to the closing hymn. The stories of dying babies are too much for me.
The congregation sings.
April 5, 2009 at 8:49 am
Thanks for these live coverages, Steve.
April 5, 2009 at 8:50 am
I was just looking at the archives page and only the MP3 files are posted at this time for the Saturday sessions. It seems to me that normally, the Video files are posted almost immediately as well.
I also discovered a few years ago that although the never posted regular video of the priesthood session, they always posted an ASL feed, which included the audio with it as well.
April 5, 2009 at 8:56 am
Your blog feels like home to me, it is like meeting an old friend with whom you share a sacred testimony.
Thanks for all the update on conference, right now it is just what I need.
April 5, 2009 at 8:57 am
This arrangement of How Firm a Foundation (in Music and the Spoken Word) is one of my favorite hymn arrangements.
April 5, 2009 at 8:59 am
Rob, the videos are available too, on the bottom of the LDS.org – Media page which also gives the live feed. I just finished watching some of the Saturday session. I’m in a weird time zone right now, and conference starts at midnight. I made it through about 2 speakers last night before falling asleep! We’ll see how I do tonight!!
April 5, 2009 at 9:00 am
BCC rocks (and I need to comment so I can get the rest of the comments sent to the email on my phone).
April 5, 2009 at 9:01 am
I’m totally with Ariel. That was a wonderful arrangement of How Firm a Foundation. I was just thinking I need to find that on a CD or online so I can add it to my iPod!
April 5, 2009 at 9:02 am
Chris H., you’ll also need to keep refreshing the post itself, which is where we’ll include quotes and commentary. Alternatively follow the Twitter feed.
April 5, 2009 at 9:03 am
Praise to the Lord! I love that hymn!
April 5, 2009 at 9:08 am
ARGH! I hate the sunshine songs. The torture! The torment! The agony!
April 5, 2009 at 9:10 am
Tanya, they’re singing it slow enough to make it sad, at least.
Next up they will sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
Tanya, I just wait for the song that speaks to my heart. There’s always at least one.
April 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
I’m already fighting to stay awake, so all this sweet singing is excruciating.
April 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
thanks Steve, I am trying to partake while not getting in too much trouble.
uchtdorf and andersen, a good start
April 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
A palm sunday reference!! Yay!!
April 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
This song always makes me think of “It’s a small world” from Disney world
April 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
Ariel, LOL! Nice toss back
April 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
Fortunately I can see sunshine out my window, so I don’t need it in my heart.
April 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
Thanks! I’m glad I didn’t offend.
April 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
Anyone else think that (so far, at least) this is one of Uchtdorf’s best talks?
April 5, 2009 at 9:19 am
“The peaceable way of the follower of Jesus Christ… is not a quick fix or an overnight cure.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:19 am
WOW! This is the first time in General Conference that I’ve heard any reference to or acknowledgment of Palm Sunday! This might even be the first reference/acknowledgment I’ve ever heard in any LDS Church meeting (that I didn’t make)!
April 5, 2009 at 9:21 am
“We don’t acquire eternal life in a sprint — this is a race of endurance.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:21 am
Yes, Steve, we know you see and hear the words before they are spoken, but stop flaunting it, will you?
April 5, 2009 at 9:22 am
Steve Muad’dib!
April 5, 2009 at 9:22 am
I love that he is talking openly about a friend who is struggling to retain a testimony. That’s awesome.
April 5, 2009 at 9:23 am
Getting caught up in new theories isn’t just limited to truth in religion. It’s an issue in counseling as well, while according to massive amounts of research, the technique or theory only accounts for 15% of change in therapy.
April 5, 2009 at 9:24 am
Sitting on the couch giving advice… hmm…
April 5, 2009 at 9:24 am
LDS in KC: I thought that, about reference to Palm Sunday in Conference. Nice to hear. I’ve heard it mentioned here in talks on Palm Sundays before, though.
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
He is sounding very Aristotelian. My wife just banned me from blogging during conference. You all enjoy.
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
Aaron, you must have some wicked time delay. I’m already watching this afternoon’s session.
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk deserves to become a classic. It’s wonderful.
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
Discipleship is not a spectator sport
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 am
His examples are really good. Most times speakers have jokes that are forced humor, with a pause so people can laugh (and people feel obliged to laugh). But his examples are real-life situations that I laugh at because they’re true. He’s a wonderful speaker
April 5, 2009 at 9:26 am
Steve,How do you get the text before it is aired
April 5, 2009 at 9:26 am
A search of lds.org shows references to Palm Sunday in conference by Howard W. Hunter in April 1993 and Lance B. Wickman a year ago.
April 5, 2009 at 9:26 am
I hope this is one of the talks I’ll get to teach in Relief Society.
April 5, 2009 at 9:27 am
Possibly the most important part of Elder Uchtdorf’s talk: “It is never too late.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:27 am
Pres. Uchdorf FTW!
April 5, 2009 at 9:27 am
Our Heavenly father sees us in terms of forever.
Wow.
April 5, 2009 at 9:29 am
Steve, are you blogging from temple square or something?
April 5, 2009 at 9:30 am
I love this man. Every talk he gives is powerful. This one, especially, is awesome.
April 5, 2009 at 9:31 am
Hi, it’s me, Kristine, and yes, Steve and I are blogging from the Conference Center.
April 5, 2009 at 9:31 am
I absolutely love hearing this man speak. And he says we can start from where we are. What an address (for Palm Sunday or any other day)!
April 5, 2009 at 9:32 am
Pres. Uctdorf seems to give amazing talks on Sunday. Not that I don’t agree, but why do you think his talks have such an impact?
April 5, 2009 at 9:32 am
Ya know, why would the prophet extend the call to be an apostle, and not the SAvior himself?
April 5, 2009 at 9:32 am
Well, if he knows through the holy ghost, that debunks my seminary teacher’s idea that all apostles are “special witnesses” because Jesus is physically there when they are called.
Darn.
April 5, 2009 at 9:33 am
Well, Rob, it would be kinda odd if Jesus served as his own apostle!
April 5, 2009 at 9:33 am
“if you ever forget it [that you are nothing], the Lord will remind you instantly, and it will not be pleasant.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:34 am
@ariel
Jesus was probably there, I just bet nobody saw him… They all had their eyes closed during the prayer.
April 5, 2009 at 9:34 am
Rob,
Probably to give His children fun and important things to do.
April 5, 2009 at 9:36 am
I really like that he asked forgiveness before he starts his new calling – not that I imagine he needs to ask it, but I admire the wish to begin his calling in the best manner. He’s quite humble. We’ll keep him in our prayers.
April 5, 2009 at 9:37 am
Second tribute to Elder Wirthlin. That’s neat.
April 5, 2009 at 9:37 am
Jesus as Apostle- “apostle” means “sent one”- See
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
John 20:21- as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (the Twelve).
April 5, 2009 at 9:39 am
I think I like this guy.
He is definitely nervous.
April 5, 2009 at 9:40 am
Wow, glad to hear someone acknowledging that prayers offered by those of other faiths are answered.
April 5, 2009 at 9:40 am
“We are not alone in (every good thing we do).” “There is much we can learn from good people all around us.” I LOVE this part of his talk.
April 5, 2009 at 9:43 am
Elder Anderson – PREACH!
April 5, 2009 at 9:44 am
Elder Snow’s topic is beginning the next stages, next challenges of our lives. Dealing with change.
April 5, 2009 at 9:44 am
Do you have press passes?
April 5, 2009 at 9:45 am
Re #57,
I really liked those statements as well. Although I have to admit that it would occasionally be nice to hear that “there is much we can learn from good people all around us” without it being followed by an immediate “yet” or “but.”
I’m not saying that the “but” isn’t important; I just think that it would be great to hear the “we can learn from others” line on its own, without it be swallowed in a larger point about how we are more special.
April 5, 2009 at 9:45 am
#45 – Thinking about your question, one of the reasons that I believe they speak to me is that his language is much more devoid of cliches than some other talks that we hear. When he makes compelling references to contemporary culture, such as to spectator sports, he connects with me. He also changes the tempo of his talks – repeating calls in a way that injects energy into the room. His energy makes me want to listen more.
April 5, 2009 at 9:47 am
“without it be swallowed in a larger point about how we are more special.”
SteveM, fwiw, that was nowhere in his talk. He talked of the additional things of the Restored Gospel that is ours, but he never said we are more special. In fact, the point of his talk seemed to be that “we” are NOT more special.
April 5, 2009 at 9:49 am
#62 con’t.: His examples and stories also speak to me more than stories about widows, the Depression, etc., because they seem more applicable to my life. As much as I admire the Brethern’s stories and believe that they have learned wisdom from the past, I find it useful to adapt that wisdom to our current moment, which I think he does very well.
April 5, 2009 at 9:50 am
Did anyone else catch Elder Uchtdorff’s references to “The Secret” (popularized by Oprah)? It stood out to me when he talked about the “quick fixes” and theories of the world and said “The Gospel is not a secret.”
April 5, 2009 at 9:50 am
I agree with Ray (63) here. I think we are SO used to hearing the “we are more special” stuff that we just expect it. At the same time, we do have some differences, such as the BoM and etc. which imo are okay to be cherished.
April 5, 2009 at 9:52 am
Natalie –
I think you’re right. Leaving out the cliche’s and the “Mormon” stories, and giving real life example of all parts of the Mormon spectrum are refreshing and enlightening.
For example, when Elder Anderson talked about pioneers not just coming from the plains, it caught my ear a bit more because I have no relation at all to pioneers from the plains (with my parents being converts).
Perhaps its the new worldwide nature of the church? Crafting messages that aren’t just for Utah and SE-Idaho based members, but for those across the world?
April 5, 2009 at 9:52 am
I don’t need to be told I’m special, because when I compare myself to others, it becomes so evident how special I am that I don’t need validation in my true and correct beliefs about myself from my church leaders.
April 5, 2009 at 9:53 am
Ray,
Elder Andersen said that we can learn from others, “yet” we must not forget the things that we alone have (e.g., the Book of Mormon). The overall focus seemed to be on emphasizing the unique aspects of Mormonism. Don’t get me wrong–that’s great. But my point was that it would be great to hear “we can learn from other faiths–period” more often.
But please don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed and appreciated Elder Andersen’s talk.
April 5, 2009 at 9:53 am
brandt, Don’t you think his impact is enhanced by his commonly understood metaphors, the exceptional and yet broadly accepted wisdom of his messages and his delivery, never sing-song, never artificially paused or inflected. He speaks to us as we would speak to him so it instantly resonates.
April 5, 2009 at 9:55 am
Chelsea (65), I caught that, too. I have a deep and abiding dislike for that book.
April 5, 2009 at 9:55 am
Steve M (69) – is that kind of like hearing the “by grace we are saved” once in a while without the “after all we can do” right after?
April 5, 2009 at 9:56 am
Me too Ariel (71). According to my dad it has become quite popular in Utah.
April 5, 2009 at 9:57 am
#70 – I think you are definitely right. The message seems so much more genuine – and I don’t feel the urge to tune out – when the voice is one that seems “normal” and energized.
April 5, 2009 at 9:58 am
AdamF–Exactly!
April 5, 2009 at 9:58 am
It’s even more popular in SE Idaho, having replaced the scriptures as the primary source of revealed truth in a few small circles…
April 5, 2009 at 9:58 am
It’s interesting to me how many times I hear people say that we have a gerontocracy that is out of touch, but when you listen to their talks there are SO many direct and subtle references to small details of currency in our society.
April 5, 2009 at 10:00 am
Anybody else hear the choir sing “Softly and Tenderly” during M&theSW this morning?
Terrific! Our choir is starting rehearsals next week!
April 5, 2009 at 10:01 am
Great recognition of different types of families.
April 5, 2009 at 10:02 am
There is a really great song about Archibald Gardner called the “the escape of Archibald Gardner” Written by Sam Payne.
It is on a CD called the Ghosts of Gardner Village. It is a well-written song and a cool story. Music as good as this is a rarity in Mormon circles.
http://sampayne.com/audio/SAM_PAYNE-The_Escape_of-3.mp3
April 5, 2009 at 10:02 am
“Each of us is in a different family situation” and a description of different kinds of families!! I’m happy to hear someone mention something different than the man-woman-and-six-children ideal.
April 5, 2009 at 10:02 am
Today’s word of the session is YOUTH. We’ve had 2 opportunities to partake of little packets of Fruit Gummies.
April 5, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’m watching on byu.tv, and I like that they, karaoke-like, are flashing the words of Redeemer of Israel so we at home can easily sing along if we like.
April 5, 2009 at 10:03 am
Ariel–We’re not ideal either. We’ve got the man-woman-8 children.
April 5, 2009 at 10:04 am
This Sister is a single LCSW, I think….anyone know for sure?
April 5, 2009 at 10:05 am
“All of us are poor in some way and will need the hep of others.” That’s a great way to say it.
April 5, 2009 at 10:06 am
Here’s Sister Thompson’s bio: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/background-information/leader-biographies/barbara-thompson
April 5, 2009 at 10:06 am
Loved Andersen’s talk…
April 5, 2009 at 10:06 am
Or here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Thompson_(Mormon)
April 5, 2009 at 10:07 am
The female speakers have both spoken with force to the entire church membership.
April 5, 2009 at 10:07 am
I really love Sister Thompson.
April 5, 2009 at 10:08 am
I can tell this is gonna be a doozy of a talk.
April 5, 2009 at 10:08 am
This is going to be a heavy talk.
April 5, 2009 at 10:09 am
I like Sister Thompson!
April 5, 2009 at 10:09 am
ANOTHER palm sunday reference!!
April 5, 2009 at 10:10 am
Ray, Adam, SteveM, a hearty amen to your observations! While we eagerly embrace the unique aspects of Mormonism, it does not enhance one’s journey for humility when we are taught the posture of having what there is of value, and no one else (no other religious tradition) has anything of value to offer. (We found it very humbling to be in a Muslim society and hear the call to prayer 5 times a day). The role of grace is one example. Another is the implication that God loves us IF we obey–in truth, He loved us profoundly way before there was any opportunity for disobedience.
April 5, 2009 at 10:10 am
Sister Thompson is great.
I love all these Easter references!
April 5, 2009 at 10:10 am
If you want mp3s of choir performances, they are available from the General Conference Audio (MP3) Podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
April 5, 2009 at 10:10 am
I met Jeff Holland last month! He gave our congregation an apostolic blessing. He is AWESOME.
April 5, 2009 at 10:12 am
#87, #88 Thank You, Tanya!
April 5, 2009 at 10:14 am
#85: what’s an LCSW? thanks!
April 5, 2009 at 10:15 am
To Rob #46 – The Savior delegates His authority to call apostles to the President of the Church, in much the same fashion as the President of the Church delegates his authority to call Sunday School teachers to the local bishop.
Delegation of authority is an eternal and divine principle.
April 5, 2009 at 10:15 am
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
April 5, 2009 at 10:15 am
# 100 Licensed Clinical Social Worker
April 5, 2009 at 10:15 am
Suggesting the possibility that Jesus Told his apostles to deny him…. A new idea to me.
April 5, 2009 at 10:15 am
I’ve never understood the significance of the Bar-Abbas/Jesus “son of the father” duality. What are we saying here? God set this up so we would choke on the irony all these years later?
April 5, 2009 at 10:16 am
I love how Elder Holland has said more than once, “We don’t know . . .”
April 5, 2009 at 10:16 am
thanks NCM Tom…I was thinking L? C? Single Woman
(in true Church mode!)
April 5, 2009 at 10:17 am
What a powerful talk from Elder Holland.
April 5, 2009 at 10:17 am
#104 It is popular in Protestant Doctrine, as a way to get Judas ‘off the hook’ for his deeds – if Jesus told him to do it, it would make it okay – and that would mean Peter was told to deny him, so he could stay alive to establish the Church.
April 5, 2009 at 10:18 am
I like the disclaimer, “It is MY PERSONAL BELIEF….”
April 5, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thank you, Elder Holland, for not unduly fixating on Gethsemane but instead giving Jesus’ death its due. Thank you, thank you.
And I liked how Elder Holland took the liberty to express his “personal belief.” I love it.
April 5, 2009 at 10:18 am
“Why hast THOU forsaken me?” That is a fascinating emphasis, the way he explained it in context of Jesus’ prior statement that the Father does not leave him alone.
This is powerful.
April 5, 2009 at 10:18 am
#97, Norbert, thank you for the link. I don’t know why I never thought of downloading the mp3s of conference and then cropping the music with Audacity.
April 5, 2009 at 10:19 am
I loved that emphasis too Ray. Powerful indeed.
April 5, 2009 at 10:22 am
“trumpeted from the summit of Calvary”
I know my widowed mother is loving this talk.
April 5, 2009 at 10:22 am
It’s an idea promulgated by President Kimball- that it was a commandment, not a prophecy.
http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/GenlAuthorities/PeterMyBrother.pdf
I personally don’t subscribe to that idea. I think it cheapens Peter a bit, makes him too one-dimensional.
April 5, 2009 at 10:23 am
and i thought the pair of Christofferson/Eyring talks yesterday would be the highlight of the conference. this talk by holland is completely off the charts
April 5, 2009 at 10:23 am
Yes, the emphasis on “thou” and the way Elder Holland expresses it, it makes it very human – very real and powerful.
April 5, 2009 at 10:24 am
I remember many years ago reading an article in the Ensign, I think it was, where the author suggested the possibility that Peter was instructed to deny Christ so he would be preserved to lead the church. I have searched for the reference and haven’t been able to find it. It seems that following the instructions of Jesus to deny Him would cause Peter to weep bitterly. But I’ve always remembered that and been resistant to join in when some question the weakness of Peter.
April 5, 2009 at 10:24 am
Elder Holland’s reference to remembering the events of Holy Week:
I think I may faint from joy.
April 5, 2009 at 10:24 am
I love this man.
April 5, 2009 at 10:25 am
A plea not to crucify the Savior anew through our sins. It’s like reading Paul again. Hard-hitting.
April 5, 2009 at 10:25 am
Elder Holland’s talk is just what I needed. Awesome. Love it. Can’t wait to read it.
April 5, 2009 at 10:25 am
May he never walk alone again, because we are active disciples. What a great way to frame that.
April 5, 2009 at 10:26 am
“I think I may faint from joy”
Exactly. That entire talk was phenomenal. Especially with this song right afterward…
April 5, 2009 at 10:27 am
Ok, #116, thanks — maybe that’s the reference I’ve been looking for. It doesn’t cheapen Peter in my mind. But I also think it’s okay to realize that he may have had a moment of weakness and fear.
April 5, 2009 at 10:27 am
Next up: Pres. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer.”
April 5, 2009 at 10:27 am
#116 I have my issues with this, as well. I just have so many friends who subscribe to the ‘everything is part of the plan/everything was destiny idea, and this gives those Apostles an ‘out’ for their blunders, and part in Christs pain and suffering.
I also like a fallible Peter. It makes him accessable to me for all the boneheaded thigs I do…
April 5, 2009 at 10:27 am
#116 I have my issues with this, as well. I just have so many friends who subscribe to the ‘everything is part of the plan/everything was destiny idea, and this gives those Apostles an ‘out’ for their blunders, and part in Christs pain and suffering.
I also like a fallible Peter. It makes him accessable to me for all the boneheaded things I do…
April 5, 2009 at 10:27 am
Elder Holland’s talk has given me goosebumps all over. Amazingly powerful.
April 5, 2009 at 10:28 am
This is a great talk (still going) and I’m way behind all of you — I don’t understand why there is such a difference in internet delay.
April 5, 2009 at 10:28 am
Elder Holland knocked it out of the park. First Via Dolarosa reference?
April 5, 2009 at 10:28 am
“In my heart, I hear God tell me: This is my beloved son. Hear Him!”
April 5, 2009 at 10:28 am
Re: Peter, I like that Elder Holland said, “We don’t know . . . might have said . . .” I think he was saying we shouldn’t judge too harshly based on just assumptions.
April 5, 2009 at 10:29 am
This rendition is giving me a new appreciation for the song, “this is my beloved Son” especially coming right after Elder Holland’s talk.
April 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
Hmm, perhaps you should have chosen “economy” for the candy game.
April 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
Pres. Monson will share three examples of people that remain determined and cheerful in the face of adversity. Timely.
April 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
Elder Holland;s address–what can one say? Of all the sermons I’ve ever witnessed as a Baptist (and there were many), of all the Billy Graham Crusades I attended–and LDS talks, this is the most insightful and profound treatment of these events that I have ever heard. And he included all Christians in this in many ways. The is stunningly moving.
April 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
Part of the rationale is who can doubt Peter’s resolve to stand up and be counted when he wacked off the ear of the guy arresting Jesus? One can understand his bitter weeping at having to stand and just watch what was happening. But then again, he fell asleep in the garden. I like that the greek is ambiguous.
April 5, 2009 at 10:31 am
MoTab could sing the phone book!
April 5, 2009 at 10:31 am
Prop 8 shout-out.
April 5, 2009 at 10:31 am
#133, I agree. Tis is one of those talks I want to print out, tuck in my Scriptures, and highlight.
Profound and so moving. I love when he had to take his hanky out because he was crying so hard. This must have been hard to write, as well…
April 5, 2009 at 10:31 am
Great talk. Good comments here, but I quit refreshing the page to read them, and just listened to Elder Holland.
April 5, 2009 at 10:32 am
That was a shout out song to the primary, who learned that song last year as one of the required primary program numbers.
April 5, 2009 at 10:32 am
That talk by President Kimball is included as an appendix in the NT Institute manual.
April 5, 2009 at 10:32 am
Either Steve has a peepstone or is a witch.
April 5, 2009 at 10:33 am
@ben
With that idea, Peter remains a bonehead for refusing to obey Jesus’ advice to deny him. In this context Peter is Haughty enough to say, “I can handle it I won’t leave you, even if you tell me to.” Then Peter proves doubly foolish when, although obeying a supposed commandment to deny, he Does so under duress.
April 5, 2009 at 10:34 am
BURN HIM!
April 5, 2009 at 10:34 am
“If we allow ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong”
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear…”
I hope Brother Beck is listening…
April 5, 2009 at 10:34 am
No witchcraft here. Remember what Louis CK said on Conan: give it a second, it’s going to space!
April 5, 2009 at 10:35 am
#105:
Bar abbas literally means “son of the father.” This is yet another great example that all things point to Christ…beautifully!
April 5, 2009 at 10:35 am
Get your hankies folks, Pres. Monson’s stories are INCREDIBLY sad.
April 5, 2009 at 10:35 am
Elder Holland definitely wins this session. Wow. Still stunned.
April 5, 2009 at 10:35 am
Huh…a talk about Jesus at Easter-time. What a concept!
The thing about Peter is actually a common Mormon midrash. I think Elder Holland handled it well, by raising it as a possibility without committing to it.
Yeah, I noted via dolorosa, too.
This talk makes up for that Easter Sunday several years ago when the theme of sacrament meeting was *tithing*.
April 5, 2009 at 10:37 am
Steve turned me into a newt.
April 5, 2009 at 10:37 am
Re: 147
“We shall use my largest scales”
April 5, 2009 at 10:38 am
Tithing at Easter-time….ouch.
And, yes #148, let’s hope Brother Beck is playing the candy game using the word “FEAR”.
April 5, 2009 at 10:39 am
It struck me during Pres. Holland’s talk how Barabbas could be seen as representing humanity, or us as individuals, who are set free while Christ goes to the cross.
April 5, 2009 at 10:40 am
*Elder Holland.
April 5, 2009 at 10:43 am
Steve,
Poor show w/ the lame previews. Let the speakers have their say and then provide commentary. Getting yourself out in front of them is self-serving.
April 5, 2009 at 10:44 am
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
April 5, 2009 at 10:44 am
Over 70 years of General Conferences, and I can’t remember a talk which touched me so much as Elder Holland’s. Just amazing. Like #142, I quit refreshing to give the talk my whole attention.
April 5, 2009 at 10:44 am
Make it stop!!
April 5, 2009 at 10:44 am
#159 I don’t agree – it gives me things to watch for.
April 5, 2009 at 10:46 am
“She used the only implement she had-a tablespoon-to dig a grave in the frozen ground for her tiny, precious child.”
April 5, 2009 at 10:48 am
This is the most depressing conference talk ever.
April 5, 2009 at 10:49 am
Steve, seriously, we’ll burn you if the precognitive posts don’t stop.
April 5, 2009 at 10:49 am
A prelude to things shortly to come to pass for us?
April 5, 2009 at 10:49 am
I can’t remember hearing a sadder story from Conference… whew. What faith in God to not rail against the heavens but instead rely ever more on God!
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
I think it’s rather obvious that Steve and Kristine were issued media credentials and that as part of that they a) receive the text of the talks at some point before each session and b) are allowed to take photos inside the conference center.
Both of those would be standard media relations practices for this kind of event.
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
Tanya… yep. I’m trying to figure out why Monson felt it necessary to make us all really sad.
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
It is precisely Steve’s show that keeps me coming back.
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
Don’t read the precognitive posts then.
I, for one, welcome our prescient peep-stone wielding overlords.
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
Amazing love for the Savior in the midst of tremendous sorrow. How can we be worthy to live in the company of these? I don’t know that I wouldn’t have ended things.
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
Please… no more small children dying. Please?
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
Didn’t he say he wanted us to focus on things to be cheerful about?
April 5, 2009 at 10:50 am
You think maybe we need to stop complaining about some things?
April 5, 2009 at 10:52 am
Nope #169, I’m sticking with the witch theory.
April 5, 2009 at 10:52 am
Ariel’s seminary teacher (#47) needs to listen to Elder Holland’s testimony to learn what “special witness” really means.
April 5, 2009 at 10:54 am
*weeping*
This is called “Be of Good Cheer”?????
April 5, 2009 at 10:55 am
Why am I not feeling ‘of good cheer’?
April 5, 2009 at 10:56 am
Despite that final talk, this session has lifted me and filled me with the Spirit. I love the gospel and the Church!
April 5, 2009 at 10:56 am
Great pictorial essay during the closing song.
Speaking of pictorials, Steve, I’m still looking forward to the pics of the protesters you’ve promised.
April 5, 2009 at 10:56 am
Can the MoTab get any better?
April 5, 2009 at 10:57 am
I don’t really like the photo-montage to close conference. Not gonna lie. “We thank The O God For a Prophet” isn’t even about having a prophet on earth.
April 5, 2009 at 10:57 am
Anyone notice that Pres. Monson looks a lot like current Pope Benedict?
April 5, 2009 at 10:57 am
I kinda wish they wouldn’t show pictures of Pres. Monson during the last verse of that song, especially with the choir repeating “thy command … thy command … thy command.” Makes it too easy for people who don’t really listen to the words to assume that pledging to obey the command of the prophet rather than “O, God” to whom the song is addressed.
April 5, 2009 at 10:57 am
184, what is the Hymn about to you?
April 5, 2009 at 10:58 am
Photoessay of the protesters to come soon.
April 5, 2009 at 10:58 am
187, try reading the words. It’s about the various blessings God has given us, and only the first line mentions prophets.
April 5, 2009 at 10:59 am
183, Yes. But only if they stop using key changes to substitute for increased intensity.
April 5, 2009 at 11:00 am
8.5% unemployment no longer seems like such a terrible fate, does it?
April 5, 2009 at 11:00 am
Lol, Ardis has my back.
April 5, 2009 at 11:01 am
Maybe it’s just me, but I explode a little inside with excitement at good key changes. I don’t mind that at all.
April 5, 2009 at 11:01 am
Be of good cheer. If those who have gone through far worse than we have found faith and cheer in their deprivation, we should thank God for our own lives and find peace and cheer in them, as well.
That’s my take-away, at least.
April 5, 2009 at 11:01 am
Ardis, I agree.
Leah: Read the lyrics to the hymn. The prophet plays prominently in the first line, the rest is pretty much about God.
April 5, 2009 at 11:02 am
I don’t know what 184 will say, but it’s a hymn addressed to God and thanking him for blessings in our lives. The first verse thanks God for the blessing of a living prophet. But otherwise the hymn is NOT about prophets — it isn’t the prophet’s “goodness and mercy” that we sing about, and it isn’t the prophet whom we “praise day and night.” The hymn is NOT about prophets.
April 5, 2009 at 11:02 am
I think Pres. Monson is saying these people had it far worse than we in general have seen. We know events will worsen before the Savior returns and we need to have the faith necessary so that we may not be decieved. “The future is as bright as your faith.”
April 5, 2009 at 11:04 am
189 Thank you for Schooling this Convert! I have always likened this hymns lists of blessings to gifts that having a living Prophet gives us as a Church, but you are correct – this is a list of blessings, one of which is the Prophet. Thank You!
April 5, 2009 at 11:04 am
I didn’t think it was at all a downer of a talk at all. Cathartic tears are good (I love a good cry!). Holding on to faith, *triumphing* in faith, is what came through to me.
April 5, 2009 at 11:05 am
I seem to be repeating myself repetitiously and redundantly through my repeated comments with phrases that I say twice. Sorry.
April 5, 2009 at 11:05 am
Pope Benedict has better hair.
April 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s noticed that the prophet is not the subject of “We Thank Thee, Oh God for a Prophet.”
My wife says the problem with my singing is that I change keys during the song. I don’t even know what that means, but if the Tabs can do it, why not me?
April 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
Ardis, we love you anyway.
April 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
I just discovered that that arrangement of ‘We thank Thee O God For A Prophet’ makes a great ‘row row row your boat’ song when dealing with 7 month old babies.
April 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
My little two year old son walked into our living room while we were watching Pres. Monson with an empty cereal bowl on his head and a nerf sword in the other hand.
Without thinking, I remarked to my wife – “look dear – our little soldier boy.”
Then I stopped and thought about that remark and felt terribly sad.
April 5, 2009 at 11:07 am
Seth, you just made me cry. (Ok, Holland made me cry, and Monson didn’t help at all, but you got me started again.)
April 5, 2009 at 11:15 am
I’m with Ardis. I absolutely love the gospel and I love President Monson, but the photo montage with that music creeped me out. It gave the impression that we obey the command of President Monson and serve him, when of course we do not. We all serve the Lord and follow His commandments. I’m kind of amazed that with the extraordinary care the church puts into its public image they thought this was a good idea.
April 5, 2009 at 11:21 am
I started to weep when he talked about the German sister feeling the cold frame of her three year old. My three year old was the first to climb on me to give me a hug of comfort. Her warmth made the tears flow more freely. My seven year old then joined in the hugs, right before hearing the fate of her 7 year old. I have heard the story before, but it means something different to me now.
April 5, 2009 at 11:24 am
The photo montage follows what I had always assumed about the song -
April 5, 2009 at 11:24 am
I didn’t have a huge issue with the montage, but my question was “why”? Other than the fact that the solemn assembly was a year ago, was there any specific reason?
April 5, 2009 at 11:32 am
I liked the photo montage but it did cross my mind that it could appear kind of creepy to someone who was just channel surfing and happened upon it.
April 5, 2009 at 11:33 am
Kevin Barney – unless you or your husband is part of that 8.5%. Trials that affect our image of ourself are harder to endure than external trials. (Not that the trials in Pres Monsen’s talk were easy, I don’t mean that).
April 5, 2009 at 11:36 am
BYU tv is showing some skateboarding video now. crazy…
April 5, 2009 at 11:40 am
President Monson’s talk made me cry and as I was crying my nieces and nephew finally calmed down and stopped running wild during conference. Well, at least the older two did, the baby found an open bag of M &Ms and kept quiet that way. That is the saddest talk I have ever heard in conference. I hope the afternoon session is more cheerful.
April 5, 2009 at 11:52 am
skateboarding = the wrong path
NOOOO!!!!
April 5, 2009 at 11:56 am
I’m hoping to draw out a Greek scholar here, as I am not one. . .
Re: Peter denying Jesus, the Greek version of “you will deny me three times” is NOT imperative, if I recall correctly, which for me kind of gums up President Kimball’s version of the story. It also goes against the whole thrust of the gospels’ narrative of the disciples as frail and human and incomplete. Comments from any true hellenists out there?
April 5, 2009 at 11:57 am
I thought the photo montage made us look like a cult. Could you imagine changing the channel on your TV, and coming upon this out of context? And we would why people think we are weird
April 5, 2009 at 11:58 am
Alpha–We had a 2 year old fall and split his head open during the choir song between Holland and Monson. While I was properly applying pressure to stop the bleeding, my wife was getting everything ready for a run to the emergency room. It all turned out OK, with no trip to the ER.
April 5, 2009 at 12:08 pm
#200
you can say that again!
April 5, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I’ll say it again, then. Twice. While I repeat it over again another time.
April 5, 2009 at 12:29 pm
#65
Yes!! Talking about self-help fads, etc., Elder Uchtdorf said, “The gospel is not a secret.” Sam and I looked at each other, “The gospel is not THE Secret.” Just had to chuckle.
April 5, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I’m waiting for someone to start commenting the fact that Pres. Monson universalized Utah Pioneer narratives by using one drawn from post-war Europe that is, in its basic details, indistinguishable from the old standbys that have cemented generations of the faithful in the Mormon Corridor. I think this is another evidence of the increasingly international church, and I love that we are beginning to see hagiography (used here by me in the general sense of sacralized human stories) applied to people near us in time, without significant church callings, and from disparate geographical settings.
He did remind me some of that idea from Nietzsche that we love tragic tales because they allow us to rehearse and imagine our responses to tragedy in our own lives.
And I personally find the image of a teaspoon on frozen earth brilliant, wrenching, and absolutely gorgeous. I don’t normally enjoy the sentimentalized story tradition from which this is drawn, but I find this an almost perfect image of our feeble attempts to scratch meaning in stone, to record our own passings, to insinuate ourselves into the cosmic memory. God bless President Monson for sharing this image with us, thereby fulfilling the unspoken aspiration of this stricken sister.
April 5, 2009 at 12:46 pm
But nr 212, I think your parenthetical suggests that you actually agree with me, does it not?
Given a choice between becoming unemployed in the U.S. in 2009 and possibly eventually losing the house and many material possessions, but no one in my family starving to death or dying (given family and church and government support structures), and walking a 1,000-mile death march with absolutely nothing and no support structure to turn to and a child dying in my arms, I know that I would take the former scenario. I think that was the point President Monson meant to convey with his series of disheartening stories.
Of course I acknowledge that being unemployed is a terrible trial, and I’m very sorry that it is one so many people today are having to endure. I apologize if my comment seemed to minimize the reality of such trials.
April 5, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Let me get this straight: Oprah wrote a book about some secret, that is regarded as scripture in Utah and Idaho, which has now been condemned by Elder Uchtdorf?
I guess somehow the book, Elder Uchtdorf’s allusion, and the condemnation have all gone right past me. I’ve never heard of any of this before, and haven’t got the foggiest idea what it’s all about. Anyone care to fill me in?
April 5, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Fyi, giant f word in the “possibly related posts” for this thread?
April 5, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Matt w., those are auto-generated. Those viewing BCC on the web don’t get those extra links, which come from wordpress.com.
April 5, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Yes, Kevin, I guess I do agree with you. Just feeling some sympathy for friends with economy-related issues right now.
April 5, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I’m with ya, nr.
April 5, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Monson’s talk had me and my wife in tears. It’s funny to see everybody here criticize the depressing nature of the talk…I have a friend who recently lost her four month old baby and I found the whole thing very moving. I felt like President Monson delivered that talk especially for us.
April 5, 2009 at 3:22 pm
This session of General Conference was great. I was extremely impressed with Barbara Thompson’s talk. Overall, these sessions have been very inspirational.
April 5, 2009 at 5:40 pm
#224 Oprah wrote a book about some secret, that is regarded as scripture in Utah and Idaho, which has now been condemned by Elder Uchtdorf?
Rhonda Byrne wrote a book called The Secret–which is anything but a secret–and was, apparently, promoted by Orpah. (I can’t speak to that, since I haven’t watched her in the late 80’s.) It’s a book about the “law of attraction”–which is anything but “law”–and is based loosely on the rantings of a woman named Esther Hicks who tells everyone she’s channeling an alien she calls “Abraham.” It has tens of thousands of “followers,” mostly among those with either severely limited analytical ability or with a financial stake in its success.
I have known a few LDS proponents of it. Not as a replacement for scripture but by those who can’t seem to tell the difference. I did once witness a woman bear testimony, saying that she had heard all about the book and finally read it, only to find that, “It’s just the gospel without the God part.”
By and large, however, I haven’t heard much about it here in Utah. But I have seen huge groups in business circles outside the area who have found their new, secular religion.
We read/reviewed it on my site a couple of years ago.
April 5, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Re: “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” song. If the photo montage could have matched the words a better, then fine. Stop with the Monson pictures after the first two lines. Move to pictures of Jesus, sunsets, etc.
April 5, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Anyone know if Anderson is of the bloodline?
April 5, 2009 at 7:30 pm
So is it plausible that Bro. Uchtdorf really is alluding to this book, and is speaking in code to those who know about it? Or could he be as oblivious to it as I was, and just happened to use the word “secret” in his talk? If you haven’t heard much about it in Utah, perhaps he hasn’t either.
April 5, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Left Field, I’m 95% certain it was an allusion to the book.
April 5, 2009 at 8:14 pm
#234 – The apostles are FAR more aware of cultural things than most people realize.
April 5, 2009 at 8:40 pm
OK, thanks. It wasn’t so much that I thought the apostles were unaware of cultural things. It was that I’m unaware of cultural things, so I didn’t know if this Secret thing was something relatively obscure or if it was widely known by nearly everybody but me. Apparently it’s widely known enough to make it quite plausible that the reference was a deliberate allusion to the book.
April 5, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Who care’s about some Oprah book. Is Anderson from the bloodline or not?
April 5, 2009 at 9:19 pm
What bloodline, DKL?
April 5, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I’m with Ariel, Left Field. If you have heard the stuff, it’s was pretty much smack-you-in-the-face what-I’m-talking-about phrasing. Too funny.
I want to know what “the bloodline” is, too. I think it’s changed over the years. Where is it now?
April 6, 2009 at 3:45 am
#208 – Chris H;
When I read your comment (about 15 hours or so after Pres. Monson’s talk) I totally lost it, the poignancy of that sister’s experience and what. Pres. Monson was conveying finally hit me in the gut! and in the Heart! as well.
April 6, 2009 at 3:49 am
Also, I wonder if President Benson’s experience with personally meeting that sister, and hearing and seeing firsthand the results of her forced march at the hands of the Soviet and Polish communists, had something to do with Pres. Benson’s strident and vocal anti-communisim in the 60’s and 70’s.
April 6, 2009 at 4:43 am
I assume DKL is asking if Andersen is related to all the other apostles. A fifth half-cousin twice removed through L. Tom Perry’s great-great-great grandfather’s seventh wife, or perhaps Sister Andersen’s dentist’s home teacher is a second cousin once removed of Sister Monson. That sort of thing. ‘Cause nothing says nepotism like picking another apostle from among the 100,000 people related within ten degrees of consanguinity.
April 6, 2009 at 5:07 am
137 – re: Elder Holland’s talk:
Amen and amen. If I get to live to be 120, I will never, ever forget this talk. And I intend to share it with my many non-LDS friends who question our perception of and devotion to Christ.
So deeply profound and worshipful . . .
April 6, 2009 at 5:12 am
216 – re: Christ’s statement to Peter that he would deny Jesus 3 times — I read it like you, a sad prophecy that was about to be fulfilled, as opposed to a strategy to ensure continuity of leadership/authority. One should note that (a) Elder Holland spoke of this interpretation speculatively, i.e., did not affirmatively state this this was the Church’s official interpretation of Peter’s denial; and (b) at least one other authority (I think it was President Hinckley) referred in a General Conference address to Peter’s denial in the more traditional sense, i.e., as a moment of a weakness in the otherwise remarkable life of Simon Peter.
Either way, this does not in any way detract from Elder Holland’s masterful talk, which is as moving an account of the sacrifice of Jesus as I have ever heard.
April 6, 2009 at 5:29 am
Too often, I am like the character Aylmer in the Nathaniel Hawthorne short story “The Birthmark”. Aylmer is married to the perfect Georgiana – perfect, that is, but for one small birthmark on her cheek. Instead of focusing on his wife’s beauty, Aylmer becomes obsessed with her one “imperfection”, and strives to concoct a potion that rids his wife of her birthmark. He succeeds, only to find that with the fading of his wife’s birthmark, her life fades from her, as well. “At all the seasons which should
have been their happiest, he invariably and without intending it…reverted to this one disastrous
topic…it [the mark] became the central point of all…a symbol of imperfection.”
General Conference, with all of its wisdom and faith and beauty and spirit, reminds me that the Church is so much more than its birthmarks. The Church and its leaders — from Joseph Smith through Thomas S. Monson — all come to the table with real imperfections. Similarly, our collective history is not seamless, and there are more than a few events that rightfully trouble the sincere investigator. But when one is willing to accept the inevitability of human error, and look past those errors, one finds a beauty to and in the Church which offers such great happiness and peace and joy. One also finds opportunity for service that wind through Christ’s path, his via dolorosa.
We are blessed, indeed, to be a part of it all.
“At all the seasons which should
have been their happiest, he invariably and without intending it…reverted to this one disastrous
topic…it [the mark] became the central point of all…a symbol of imperfection.”
and behold the beauty that we have been given by way of the Churchwhen the spiritually hungry come looking for nourishment, the Church offers light and truth that, if embraced, will provide comfort, joy and inspiration, and a path of service that leads to the Savior’s via delorosa.
April 6, 2009 at 5:31 am
(Darn sloppy editing, and not noticing the stray comments at the end of a post . . . ) Here it is, as intended:
Too often, I am like the character Aylmer in the Nathaniel Hawthorne short story “The Birthmark”. Aylmer is married to the perfect Georgiana – perfect, that is, but for one small birthmark on her cheek. Instead of focusing on his wife’s beauty, Aylmer becomes obsessed with her one “imperfection”, and strives to concoct a potion that rids his wife of her birthmark. He succeeds, only to find that with the fading of his wife’s birthmark, her life fades from her, as well. “At all the seasons which should
have been their happiest, he invariably and without intending it…reverted to this one disastrous
topic…it [the mark] became the central point of all…a symbol of imperfection.”
General Conference, with all of its wisdom and faith and beauty and spirit, reminds me that the Church is so much more than its birthmarks. The Church and its leaders — from Joseph Smith through Thomas S. Monson — all come to the table with real imperfections. Similarly, our collective history is not seamless, and there are more than a few events that rightfully trouble the sincere investigator. But when one is willing to accept the inevitability of human error, and look past those errors, one finds a beauty to and in the Church which offers such great happiness and peace and joy. One also finds opportunity for service that wind through Christ’s path, his via dolorosa.
We are blessed, indeed, to be a part of it all.
April 6, 2009 at 6:40 am
Left Field: ‘Cause nothing says nepotism like picking another apostle from among the 100,000 people related within ten degrees of consanguinity.
ROTFLMAO
April 6, 2009 at 10:56 am
I think Anderson admitted in his talk that he was married to Elder Packer’s daughter.
Don’t know about bloodlines.
April 6, 2009 at 10:58 am
Maybe not. It seems her maiden name is Williams.
He did audiovisual work on “The Testaments” movie. Just one more confirmation that Church leadership is imperfect.