Welcome to By Common Consent’s live coverage of the Saturday afternoon session of the 181st Semi-Annual General Conference! Don’t forget to check out our minute-by-minute coverage on Twitter in addition to coverage on the blog. We also encourage you to (if you’re not already doing so) watch Conference live, streaming from LDS.org.
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We ate (lousy) teriyaki for lunch. What about you?
The organ is playing I love to See the Temple. People in Provo are no doubt cheering.
Elder Uchtdorf conducting
Primary Choir singing. There will be no booger-eating on camera.
President Eyring is presenting the officers of the church for a sustaining vote. Elder Costa is released as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder Tad Callister has been sustained as a member.
Elder Samuelson is now an emeritus Seventy; what does this mean for BYU?
Elders Huntsman and Marriot have also been released as area authorities.
The voting is unanimous. Whew!
Elder Bednar speaking,
“My message focuses upon the ministry and Spirit of Elijah foretold by Moroni in his initial instructions to Joseph Smith.”
“The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have power to hold the key of the …fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood…;and to…obtain…all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of God.” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: JS, 311)
See the original sermon here
See Sam Brown’s paper on Elijah in early Mormon thought here
For the original account of Elijah’s appearance to JS in 1836, see here
Second JS quote is from the King Follett Sermon! Also January 21, 1844
“The Spirit of Elijah affects people inside and outside of the Church. however, as members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel.”
“I now invite the attention of the young women and men and children of the rising generation”
“Don’t wait until you reach an arbitrary age to [participate in Family History work]“
“FamilySearch is…easily accessible with personal computers and a variety of handheld devices”
“Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord”
“your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you.”
“Any young person can do what I am suggesting using the modules available at lds.org/familyhistoryyouth“
“the youth can offer much to older individuals who are uncomfortable with or intimidated by technology”
Troy, Jaren and Andrew represent!
I’m not sure that Elder Bednar realizes that he is promoting every parent’s nightmare. Promoting know-it-all-ness amongst teens.
“The commandment to “multiply and replenish the earth” has “not been forgotten or set aside in the LDS Church.”
“These are sacred decisions–decisions that should be made with sincere prayer and acted on with great faith.”
Summary message: You should have more babies, but only if you want to.
Random Christian Mother on the Interwebz: “Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps.”
To a righteous father, there are no words sufficient to express the gratitude and love he feels for his wife’s incalculable gift of bearing and caring for children.
President Monson, “If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challengeing times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions.”
The bearing of children is a sensitive subject that can be very painful for righteous women who do not have the opportunity to marry and have a family. To you noble women, our Heavenly Father knows your prayers and desires. How grateful we are for your remarkable influence, including reaching out with loving arms to children who need your faith and strength.
We cannot always explain the difficulties of our mortality. Sometimes life seems very unfair–especially when our greatest desire is to do exactly what the Lord has commanded.
Interesting story of couple judged for not having kids.
Brothers and sisters, we should not be judgmental with one another in this sacred and private responsibility.
Elder Ian Aldern
With all [Pres Monson] does as a prophet of God, he ensures that there is still sufficient time to visit the sick, to lift the poor in Spirit, and to be a servant of all
Giving our time in the service of others is pleasing to God and…such will draw us nearer to Him
Time is a commodity that cannot be bough at any store for any price, yet wisely used its value is immeasurable
What time we have we must use wisely
Place the Lord and our families at the top of the list [of your priorities]
We must be sure that being busy equates to being productive
I sense that some are trapped in a new time consuming addiction: one that enslaves us to be constantly checking and sending social messages
As good as [social media is] we cannot allow [it] to push to one side those things of greatest importance
Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text
Electronic games and cyber acquaintances are no lasting substitute for real friends who can give an encouraging hug, who can pray for us and seek after our best interest.
I know our greatest happiness comes as we tune into the Lord and to those things that bring a lasting reward.
Take those things which rob us of precious time and determine to be their master
To have the peace the Savior speaks of we must devote our time to the things that matter most. The things of God matter most.
Satan will tempt us to misuse our time through disguised distractions.
Hiram Page had to cancel his facebook account. See here.
There is an increase of happiness in life as we use our time to seek after those things which are virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy.
My daughter is, no doubt, singing along with this song. She learned it for Primary this year and loves it.
Elder Carl B. Cook
What are you looking at down there? – Pres Monson – It is better to look up
As I thought of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s power, my heart found the comfort I had sought in vain
[The prophet] redirected my focus to look up to God where I could be healed and strengthened…That is what prophets do for us. They lead us to God.
If we exercise our faith and look to God for help…we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life
We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance
President Monson’s encouragement to look up is a metaphor for remembering Christ.
Act of releasing balloons provide[s] a marvelous reminder of the idescribable joy that comes from looking up and thinking of Christ. [And so many sea animals will come to die]
Spiritually looking up is not a one-time experience
His leading [of the Israelites] was constant…the Lord can do the same for us
How will he lead us today? Through prophets, apostles, and priesthood leaders and through feelings that come to us
We must act on the direction we receive
As we look to [God], He will lead us.
The names of Christ give us insight into different aspects of the Lord’s atoning mission
Unlike the redemptions under the Law of Moses or in modern legal arrangements, this redemption [Christ’s] does not come by ‘corruptible things, as silver or gold.’
John Taylor quote from _Mediation and Atonement_, p. 171. For a cool analysis that looks at this book, see Matthew Bowman, “The Crisis of Mormon Christology: History, Progress, and Protestantism, 1880-1930,” Fides et Historia 40 (Summer/Fall 2008)
If we repent, we can be forgiven of our sins, the price having been paid by our Redeemer.
Elder Packer: “There is a Redeemer, a Mediator, who stands both willing and able to appease the demands of justice and extend mercy to those who are penitent…” “The Mediator,” April 1977 General Conference.
Although we can never repay the Redeemer what He paid on our behalf, the plan of redemption calls for our best efforts to fully repent and do the will of God
Begins by slamming Nehor and Korihor. Those guys get no love (except from libertarians ;) )
Offering a list of modern Korihors and Nehors.
Pretending there is no sin doesn’t lesson its burden and pain. Suffering for sin does not by itself change anything for the better.
Repentance is an option only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
5 aspects of Repentance:
1. The invitation to repent is an expression of love
2. Repentance means striving to change
3. Repentance means not only abandoning sin, but committing to obedience
quotes Noel B. Reynolds, “The True Points of My Doctrine,” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 5, no. 2 (Fall 1996), 35.
4. Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain.
Confessing and forsaking are powerful concepts.
Any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression
5. Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness
Elder Packer lengthy quote: “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, November 1995, 18
Elder L. Tom Perry
The church is receiving more attention across the world than it ever has before. Members of the media write or talk about the Church every day, reporting on its many activities. Many of the most prominent news outlets in the United States regularly discuss the Church or its members. This extends across the globe as well.
The Church also attracts attention of the internet, which as you know has dramatically changed the way people share information. At all times of day across the entire world, the Church and its teachings are being discussed on the internet, on blogs and social networks by people who have never written for a newspaper or magazine. They are making videos and sharing them online. These are ordinary people–both members of our faith and other faiths–who are talking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Changes in the way we communicate partly explain why we “Mormons” are more visible than ever. But the Church is also growing and moving forward.
It is wonderaful
It is true that there will always be those who distort the truth and deliberately misrepresent the teachings of the Church. But the majority of those with questions about the Church simply want to understand.
We can help to “disabuse the public mind,” and correct misinformation when we are portrayed as something we are not. More importantly, though, we can share who we are.
If we do it with the same spirit, and conduct ourselves in the same way we do when we host a temple open house, our friends and neighbors will come to understand us better.
We declare our belief in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Savior.
1 Tim 4:12: but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
When our personal and professional associates inquire about our religious beliefs, they are inviting us to share who we are and what we believe. They may or may not be interested in the Church, but they are interested in getting to know us at a deeper level.
Your associates are not inviting you to teach, preach, expound, and exhort. Engage them in a two-way conversation.
Always remember that it is better for them to ask than you to tell.
Elder Perry <3s Mormon.org.
Today’s “manner of conversation” seems to be involving the internet more and more. We encourage people, young and old, to use the internet and social media to reach out and share their religious beliefs.
When directed by the Spirit, don’t hesitate to add your voice to these conversations.
In speaking about the Church we do not try to make it sound better than it is. We do not need to spin our message. we need to communicate the message honestly and directly.
Summary:
1. Declare Christ
2. Speak up about the Church.
The church has obviously learned from the internet, because they are upping the cute-factor with these kids
October 1, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Tuna and cheese on homemade bread, with fresh peaches from UT. Yum!
October 1, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Started to bake something, but overturned a canister with five pounds of sugar — sugar down my neck, all through the stove burners, in the cat dishes, all over the floor … spent the time cleaning up instead of having lunch. No more baking now until I find a job.
October 1, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Funky almond yogurt… I’m looking forward to Pringles and Pepperjack Cheez-Its this session.
October 1, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Ardis! Oh Noes!
October 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Tomato soup with goldfish crackers, chocolate herb tea and a green smoothie. Still need something for the fetus but not sure what.
October 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Pork salad at Cafe Rio. Heck yeah!
October 1, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Frozen burrito. I’m not proud of myself.
October 1, 2011 at 1:02 pm
oooh, aren’t they cute!!
October 1, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I was supposed to eat lunch? Dang, I knew I was forgetting to do something!
October 1, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I had lunch during morning session (east coast).
October 1, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I love a good primary choir.
October 1, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Lunch for us consisted of samples at Costco.
October 1, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Man, now I’m hungry! Going to step into the other room and find something that is not salty cheese snack crackers.
October 1, 2011 at 1:10 pm
My wife tells me that she might reconsider her position on polygamy if President Uchtdorf were to be the designated spokesmen for its’ revival.
October 1, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Ardis–how much did you hate retrospective conversion? You could come do temp. work on updating nasty guardbooks for the Nat’l Library of Ireland…rotten commute though. Also, probably a waste of awesome ;-)
October 1, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Gents–
I won’t make this session after all (and I’m not invited to the Priesthood session, right? Or can I get a really quick baptism somewhere… and get the process started (wink, wink). But I’ll be there tomorrow (and I’m following you three here!)
October 1, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Kids built a model of temple square from playing cards and building blocks during a.m. session.
October 1, 2011 at 1:12 pm
I sincerely hope men don’t collect more fire for not marrying the poor helpless dames in the world this conference session.
October 1, 2011 at 1:13 pm
But, before the EA Guest begins, a wonderful hymn with music by Willy Reske–native of Koenigsberg, long-time resident of New York City, Brooklyn Branch/Ward and Queens Ward Organist!
Three cheers for Willy Reske!
October 1, 2011 at 1:14 pm
I think they just released my Area Seventy!
October 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm
It’s kind of hard to imagine the Seventy without Yoshihiku Kikuchi. He’s been a Seventy for as long as I was aware of the body.
October 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Its a little unique to raise your arm to the square with a dorrito in your hand!
October 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Huntsman Sr was released in case his son becomes president.
October 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Whew – made it back in time for Elder Bednar!
October 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm
He still seems so young…
October 1, 2011 at 1:17 pm
So, BYU pres no longer a GA. That’s interesting. And of course Seventies!
October 1, 2011 at 1:17 pm
We’ve lost Brooke to dreamland already. More Cheez-Its for me!
October 1, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Narrator, #23, this also makes it possible for Sr. to contribute to his son’s political campaign.
October 1, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Elder Kikuchi married us…
October 1, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I think Yoshihiku Kikuchi was the first seventy from an Asian country? He served a long time.
October 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Is it just me or was Elder Oaks missing from the stand?
October 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Ralph Hardy was my stake president in DC. Looks a lot like Christopher Walken, which was pretty spooky.
October 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm
My mother commented that Elder Bednar glows, mostly from the lighting, but probably from the Spirit, too.
October 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm
My wife made homemade teriyaki beef jerky for us to munch on.
October 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm
#32 but can he dance like Walken?
October 1, 2011 at 1:20 pm
#33 Bednar could use a littlw powder to counter the reflection on his forehead.
October 1, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Why doesn’t anyone in conference ever talk about Elijah mocking the priests of Ba’al before he called down fire from heaven?
October 1, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Scw,
Type in Christopher Walken and “Weapon of Choice” on YouTube sometime.
October 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm
#17 Impressive, but do they have enough blocks/cards leftover to build a City Creek mall.
October 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Would you consider this a doctrinal talk? It seems like it is, and it isn’t.
October 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Sonic Creamslush for conference? Don’t mind if I do…
October 1, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Is there statistical data backing up the claim that the Return of Elijah initiated a global interest in geneology?
October 1, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Interesting that Bednar started out with such strong allusions to the sequence of the events in the restoration. That’s the primary theme of Stephen R. Covey’s Six Events. It was like he was almost quoting it verbatim. Don’t get me wrong, I love Covey, and especially that book, it was just an interesting look at Bednar.
October 1, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Spirit of Elijah = Holy Ghost? Interesting.
October 1, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I’ve always felt it a part of my calling as a Mormon to defend the people of ages past from the self-righteous judgments and ignorant condemnations of those in modern times.
October 1, 2011 at 1:26 pm
The thing is that the Church’s genealogy programs are soooooo far behind what the technology is, it is frustrating.
October 1, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I’m training my fingers right now! Bloggernacle FTW
October 1, 2011 at 1:26 pm
So keep twittering and texting: you’re doing the Lord’s work.
October 1, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Maybe they’ll launch “Family Search Jr.” web site.
October 1, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Neal – Looks like they already have!
October 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Oops, looks like they already have!
October 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I never saw Elder Hardy dance, but I saw Walken in ” a behanding in Spokane” in which he dropped numerous F- bombs, very disconcerting seeing what looked like my stake pres up there on stage!
October 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm
If you’re texting, tweeting, and using the Internet for family history work and thinking about the temple, you probably won’t follow the paths of former Representative Anthony Wiener. Tweet for the Lord.
October 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Jinx!
October 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I wonder if the Spirit of Elijah includes the centuries old foundations of various religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, to honor their ancestors. Adherents have shrines to them, thanking them every day for the opportunity of life on this earth.
October 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm
(quietly closes Facebook tab)
October 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Dream on!!
October 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Agreed; the technology is still frustrating. And the older generation has so much more TIME available than us!
October 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Ah, there we go. Thank you E. Bednar!
October 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Fellowshipping with the saints via social media for the win!
October 1, 2011 at 1:31 pm
I reject the right of old people to rely on me. Get yourselves a compy, geezers!
October 1, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Are any GAs on Twitter??
October 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Narrator: Elijah appeared in 1836; from July 1837 civil registration of births, marriages and deaths became mandatory in England and Wales,(the first in the world, I believe) and in 1841 the first census recording names was taken in Great Britain.
October 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@62: I can picture it now…”Waiting in line at Panda Express. Not being moved to head of line. Note to self–convert cashier.”
October 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm
All of the youth in my ward (there aren’t many–less than a dozen) were recently called to work do records extraction and other family history work. It has been pretty cool seeing them start with their own family histories! I think other wards in our stake are also doing this. I wonder if Elder Bednar mentioned these thoughts to his son, who was recently called as a high councilor here…
October 1, 2011 at 1:32 pm
How many kids does Elder Anderson have? Just wondering.
October 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm
“The thing is that the Church’s genealogy programs are soooooo far behind what the technology is, it is frustrating.”
BIV- What do you mean? Isn’t the church’s genealogy program basically wrapped into the technology?
October 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm
President Costa was released form the Presidency, not “Acosta” Which is interesting given that his talk last conf. was all about Nemson’s controversial “14 fundamentals” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventy_(Latter_Day_Saints)#Presidency_of_the_Seventy
October 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm
I’m glad my grandma’s sister finished all the geneology in my family.
October 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm
lol, Matt — apparently you haven’t used familysearch very much.
October 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Hear that potential parents? act on making babies with great faith.
October 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Oh no. Not the marriage talk. Please don’t…
October 1, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I love the awkward family photo!
October 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Can anyone find a prophetic quote that says anything remotely to the effect that “It’s so nice that the standards of the world are so close to the standards of the church”? I’m pretty sure prophets have been saying the opposite since there have been prophets.
October 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm
oh, dear. This is a very difficult talk to listen to.
October 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm
October 2011: A mommy blog makes conference.
April 2012: FMH makes conference.
October 1, 2011 at 1:37 pm
BiV, you can view it as compensating for the very real anti-child, anti-parent culture in the United States.
October 1, 2011 at 1:38 pm
I’m sure I’m taking this the wrong way. But that quote on “that’s what God gave you time for” makes a woman feel like any time spent on anything besides her children is wasted and worthless. I wish men would understand that.
October 1, 2011 at 1:39 pm
wow… i am at a loss for words here… and not in a good way… :(
October 1, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I just hope that everyone listening remembers that the first thing Elder Anderson said was that child-bearing is a PRIVATE, sacred decision. It gets so frustrating when members of the church are asking my wife and I about a topic that is difficult and heart-rending.
October 1, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Great now everybody at church now have liscense to think that the reason my wife and I don’t have kids yet is because we don’t have faith. Sigh…
October 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I understand that this is one side of the coin, and it’s going to slap some people.
But I also don’t appreciate modern US culture that views children as primarily means of adult self-fulfillment (like getting a golden retriever), and mocks, and sneers at those who really do sacrifice themselves for their children and family.
October 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Thanks, David. It’s been fixed.
October 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Fecundity = faith. Sigh.
October 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm
exactly how i took it BiV, and being a man, i found it very disappointing.
October 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I hope the next talk is about living within your means and acting frugally, because, hey, contrast!
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Seth, that’s a tough rope to walk isn’t it? having children is so personal, and some people can’t, and meanwhile, our society belittles the decision to have children and as an abdication of personal freedom.
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Eld. Anderson: When and how many children you have is a private decision that we will make for you. Soon and Many.
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
October 2999: A gay blog makes conference
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
On one side of his mouth he says the amount of children is a personal decision between a couple and the Lord. And then on the other side, he urges people to have as many and as often and as early as they can, as a spokesman for the Lord.
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@alex. Unfortunately the probably won’t, although he lead with that caveat, it was obliterated by the Pres. Kimball story. :(
October 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm
This talk will strain the Medicaid budget as thousands of young students get pregnant and enroll.
October 1, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Scrimping and saving- totally fine, understood.
Starving? Bad idea.
October 1, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I caught that, too, @BIV. It’s between husband and wife and the Lord…. and your church leaders… didn’t I mention that??
October 1, 2011 at 1:44 pm
It is a tough line to walk Trevorm. And I think there is a real urge to overcompensate.
It is nice that he’s talking about the exceptions to the rule though.
October 1, 2011 at 1:44 pm
That was my reaction too, BiV. Its more subjugating women to motherhood and denying her humanity and her abilities to be a full person in this world. Every time I hear stuff like this I remember Equally Shared Parenting gives time for fathers to be fathers, and mothers to be people. What about the importance of the involved father?
October 1, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Dr B. : “see, we were supposed to have 16 children, and we only had 8.”
October 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm
justsaying,
The boom in children will help fund the Social Security payouts of all the adults who didn’t bother to have kids, so I imagine it will all balance out.
October 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Why would Richard Hinckley get released? He was 1st qurourm.
October 1, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Having MANY children is not the opposite of not having ANY children, in his medical school story. Ease off the apostle a bit.
October 1, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Will more Mormons now be anxious to jump on the Obamacare bandwagon? Maternity benefits?
October 1, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Now everyone will want an elder baby!
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Ben S., in that story, the med student just wanted to wait till he finished school!
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Sweet accent!
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
And our first nominee for the so-called “Boyd” award for the most polarizing talk is….
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
At first, I kind of disliked Elder Anderson’s talk. Essentially, the message seemed to be have lots of kids. I was waiting for a blast against birth control.
But, I’ve actually been impressed. Despite the story about the doctor/SWK/wife working, he pointed out the number and timing is up to the couple. He noted we shouldn’t judge choices made by couples. He talked about those who are infertile. He talked about singles.
I give him some credit for being nuanced and considerate. Impressive talk.
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Seth! I’ve been saying that forever. Our social [security] safety net needs more babies born to grow up, work and fund it.
October 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Yeah, only 6+ years after undergrad!
October 1, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Agreed @106 Steve. I think we’re just frustrated with now having to deal with people who miss that part of the talk.
October 1, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Number of children had by The Brethren (TM) http://conservativecakeliberalicing.blogspot.com/2010/10/interesting.html
October 1, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Uh-oh–bomb for social media users coming…
October 1, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Of note, he has 4 children — not 12. Sounds like 2 are adopted.
October 1, 2011 at 1:51 pm
“This is my friend Een.”
“Hello, Ian.”
“No… Eeen!”
October 1, 2011 at 1:51 pm
106, Yes, his qualifiers did rather alter the thrust of what seemed to be the initial message.
October 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm
O my gosh!! We are SLAVES!
October 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Facebook reference?
October 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm
It’s like he’s looking straight through my computer screen.
October 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm
And social network bomb dropped!
October 1, 2011 at 1:53 pm
I do not generally object to such messages as long as they emphasize the responsibility of fathers to participate actively in the childcare.
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I knew none of you were my real friends. :-(
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
J. Stapley, I can give you an E-hug if you want.
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
You blogging buddies are no substitutes for real friends. Losers.
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
My son thinks this guy sounds like a cartoon villain.
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Angry Birds FTL!
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Angry Birds has been dropped…
October 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Facebook = the new porn.
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
don’t know that I agree that cyber friends are no substitute for “real” friends. My cyber friends ARE real, I <3 their ((hugs)) and they are available at 3am when I am sad. <3<3 you all!
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Let’s not forget that he also slammed Farmville.
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Angry birds are only angry because they choose to be. Finding pigs offensive is a choice.
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Just FYI, he has a FB page. Look it up, yo.
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
October 2011: Angry Birds makes conference.
April 2012: Duke Nukem makes conference.
October 1, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@120 – Allan, I’ll be your real friend.
October 1, 2011 at 1:56 pm
BCC friends are sometimes better friends than real friends.
Just sayin.
October 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Now I’m going to have to smash my computer and iPhone to bits. Hold on while I find a sledge-hammer.
October 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm
It’s okay, you can always play Angry Birds offline, like my six year-old.
http://www.amazon.com/Angry-Birds-Knock-Wood-Game/dp/B004U52VPS/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1317502553&sr=1-1
October 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Nono, catapult it towards a concrete wall
October 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Did he almost say Legrand Richards!?
October 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I first heard about Angry Birds from an Ensign article a few years ago.
October 1, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Sound seems to be a bit off for this hymn…or is that just me?
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Gotta say it’s weird hearing general apostles say ‘tweets’
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
My mother says, “Guilt, guilt, guilt!”
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
My 5 year old daughter is looking for herself and asking if I can hear her voice. She’s a little confused about the primary program last week and this one…
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Well, aside from the fact that the slow pacing on “Praise to the Man” is making it sound like a funeral dirge…
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I’m reaching for the mute button…
October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm
#133 and others: eFriends are often the closest friends and sometimes become Real Spouses! Don’t tell me time on line is wasted.
October 1, 2011 at 2:01 pm
The sister doing the conducting of the Primary choir needs a shot of caffeine, bad.
October 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm
#145: And eternal companions sealed in the temple!
October 1, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Good idea: having a primary choir sing in General Conference.
Bad idea: having a geriatric ward sing in General Conference.
October 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
My wife pointed out to me that the song is probably slowed down so that the older primary children can read along with the on-screen lyrics.
October 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@ Ebenezer Robinson
Have there been any Bloggernacle marriages?
October 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Now quit looking at your feet all you naysaying Mormon bloggers!
October 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Worst idea: having a primary choir, conducted by a well-intentioned geriatric, sing in General Conference.
October 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Man I really missed out on this intermediate hymn experience. Like a fool, I went to wash some dishes from lunch.
October 1, 2011 at 2:07 pm
My daughter just became distraught that the children of Israel were bitten by poisonous serpents. “The kids were bitten!!”
October 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Isn’t it interesting that he often reads his talk the computer screen on the pulpit…looking down, if you will…
October 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Oh noes! They released balloons into the air??? All those dead birds!
October 1, 2011 at 2:09 pm
#150 @Romney/Huntsman 2012: My own temple marriage and two others I’m familiar with are from the email era predating the Bloggernacle, but they give me great confidence that there have been many from the Bloggernacle. How could it be otherwise?
October 1, 2011 at 2:09 pm
#143–Praise to the Man *is* a funeral dirge. The tune’s been changed from the original. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2M4comWWA4
October 1, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Q. How many people work in the Church Office Building.
A. About half.
October 1, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Oh you guys are mean. It’s not easy for kids to song that song. It is one of the Primary Sacrament mtg program songs this year, so it was timely to do it.
October 1, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Let me make sure I’m understanding his talk right. We can be healed by looking at golden idols?
October 1, 2011 at 2:10 pm
His hair is in reverse Bednar fashion
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Those 2 glass panels beside the podium display reflections from computer monitors in the floor that scroll through the text of their talk. They shouldn’t have to look down at all.
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@R/H– ha!
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
#157: Mormon-L and other LDS email discussion groups were the Bloggernacle of those times.
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Golden idols that are serpents . . . wait a minute . . .
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Oh my gosh! My mom just sent me this text: “I made out w the speaker who is speaking right now in conference…”
October 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I wonder if he’s going to note that all debts in Israel were forgiven every seven years under the Law of Moses.
October 1, 2011 at 2:13 pm
To clarify, Carl B. Cook.
October 1, 2011 at 2:13 pm
No way RAF, it’s nice. Less stuffy.
October 1, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@ Cynthia L:
I was told that joke was made by Elder Faust, and he was only sort of joking.
October 1, 2011 at 2:15 pm
So who was Jesus paying?
October 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm
#152, well-intentioned geriatric?? That’s Vanja Watkins, thankyou. Give it a break!
October 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Finally, some stories in this talk! I was having trouble paying attention.
October 1, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Heavy prevalence of “ah-men” versus “ay-men” today.
October 1, 2011 at 2:20 pm
D. Todd used to be my Stake Pres.
October 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm
So, the three boys that Elder Bednar mentioned? Troy, Jaren, and Andrew? They were in my former ward. Kinda cool.
October 1, 2011 at 2:22 pm
D. Todd is D.-man.
October 1, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Ok, I’m not a blogger here but….there’s no explanation as to how Mason and his wife managed to have 3 kids while in Med school. Medicaid? That would pay for the medical but not make up for his wife’s income. Help from parents? Welfare? Bigger loans? Mason’s too old for Food Stamps as they were not around until the 60′s?? As someone else mention above plenty of BYU students live off Food Stamps, Medicaid, loans WIC and loans.
He tries to be balanced and I appreciate that. I thought he started out well but what will stay in member’s minds are the SWK and Mason stories.
Maybe a little softer than the SWK and Benson talks of old—but barely.
BiV– yes, you dropped the ball after 8. And I agree with the “Woman’s mission’s is to be a mother” first and foremost is discouraging. Women can’t walk and chew gum, but men can.
October 1, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I think he’s got a cold…
October 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Cough*AynRand=Korihor*cough
October 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Has anyone met any of Christofferson’s hypothetical secularists?
October 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Are you sure Atlas Shrugged, or was he just itching?
October 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Martie: A friend of mine was in med school and is now just two years into his residency and has four kids. I’ve never asked how they afford it, because it really isn’t any of my business, but I do know that they are not relying on government support, so it definitely is possible to have kids and be in med school.
October 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Narrator- Yes, several.
October 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm
narrator -
Yes.
Go to any “new atheist” online forum.
October 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Another comment about the music director; as gillsyk mentions, that’s Vanja Watkins and she wrote a good percentage of the music in the children’s songbook including Families Can Be Together Forever and the music for the hymn Press Forward Saints. Didn’t she also lead the music in last General Conference?
October 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Martie, see http://www.mormonmentality.org/2007/06/05/married-mormon-graduate-students-on-welfare-is-it-right.htm
Yep, everyone here’s on WIC with their kids. I don’t get how they do it. But then again, I probably don’t have enough faith.
October 1, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I guess I just hang out with the wrong atheists.
October 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Some graduate students (and medical students) do have their independent means of financial their education: savings, parents, scholarships, fellowships, etc., as well as student loans.
October 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Neal – I can one-up you. D Todd was my home teacher.
October 1, 2011 at 2:32 pm
162 Neal. They all look down from the TelePrompter to read scripture quotes so it looks like they’re actually reading from a book of scripture.
October 1, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Ok, not all, but some.
October 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Liz – I used to have a PPI with D. Todd every month. OK, that may not top the home teacher thing…dang it!
October 1, 2011 at 2:36 pm
“Neal – I can one-up you. D Todd was my home teacher.”
Okay, let’s not get into a game of GA one-upsmanship. Not all of us grew up in Salt Lake City.
October 1, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Elder Christofferson’s talk was hope-filled, loving, and inspiring. I liked it very much.
October 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I have received an important revelation during this conference session: Pepperjack Cheez-its are better than Original! I was skeptical at first; I’ve never liked any of the alternate flavors much, but having “tried the spirit” I have obtained a personal witness. I invite each of you to do likewise and share in my joy.
October 1, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Romney/Huntsman – D. Todd was my Stake Pres. in Tennessee. I’ve never lived in Salt Lake.
And Sunny, I too thought it was an awesome talk. He ususally does not disappoint.
October 1, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Did Pres. U change his tie from this morn session?
October 1, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I’m feeling encouraged to comment.
October 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm
addressing the Mormon moment…
October 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm
“We the Marmons…” I relish the accent :)
October 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Yes, he did!
October 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm
“Did Pres. U change his tie from this morn session?”
Yes. I wonder why.
October 1, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Ben, it’s also good to know the “Mahrmons” are moving “fahrwahrd”
October 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Elder Perry reminds me more of a Southern Baptist preacher than any other GA.
October 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Love the passion!
October 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Maybe he spilled on his tie it at lunch.
October 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm
I changed my tie for every session of conference on my mission just because I could.
October 1, 2011 at 2:44 pm
This is a very quotable discourse.
October 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm
http://marman.org
October 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Elder Christofferson was my husband’s bishop in the Rockville, MD ward. So, you don’t have grow up in SLC to have GA history.
October 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Is this the big “Vote for Romney” talk?
October 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Alex 183. Yes, it’s possible, that’s why I mentioned parents and loans. But money doesn’t grow on trees, so it would be helpful if Anderson had listed options for young couples who tonight are going to have a big meeting and discuss how to “follow the prophet.” The fact is, many LDS couples finance children while in school with all kinds of government assistance and he wasnt going to say that. I realize many guys work and go to school at the same time, or take time off to work for a few months, save and return to school which is one reason Mormons generally take longer to get their degree. My husband did co-op work for 8 months and we saved 60% of his income after I got pregnant one month into our marriage. He never again worked while in school. He was on scholarship and I worked between the death of our first child and the birth of the next.
Med. School and work are not compatible though.
October 1, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I am rarely able to discuss my religious beliefs in my professional life. That’s what I get for entering the public education system. My colleagues and I often work through our lunch breaks.
October 1, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@ the narrator
Is Tim Marmon Mormon?
October 1, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Some very nice practical advise on sharing the gospel. I love the counsel to honestly engage in TWO-WAY conversations. Too often I think we forget the axiom to “seek first to understand, and then seek to be understood.”
October 1, 2011 at 2:49 pm
One of my bankruptcy clients last month asked me at the end of our signing meeting whether Mormons really believe God had sex with Mary.
Her husband kind of stood there awkwardly with the sort of look on his face “honey, don’t go after his religion – we NEED this guy.”
October 1, 2011 at 2:50 pm
I am trying to post a little more here and there on FB about church stuff. If any friends ask more, I will go into more detail. Also, I use those Mormon.org cards to pass out my name and address to a person I’ve met. It kinda works out ok
October 1, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@R/H
I dunno, but I guess we’re supposed to invite our friends to read his website.
October 1, 2011 at 2:53 pm
I often cringe when I hear some members try to bear testimony on random internet comment threads. Whatever your convictions, the ESPN board after a BYU game is not the place to change lives by proclaiming the reality of living prophets. So I’m cool with following Perry’s injunction to do so as directed by the spirit (on the presumption that the Spirit cringes too).
October 1, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@216, yes, I liked that too, even the “not spinning” it part. I wonder though what he would call Correlation?
October 1, 2011 at 2:55 pm
I loved Elder Perry’s framing of sharing the gospel. Also love the statement that.not all of the internet commentary is anti or mean spirited
October 1, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Are we supposed to use Twitter or not? 30 minutes ago it was a waste of time now it’s a missionary tool?
October 1, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Shortest (and therefore) Best. Closing Prayer. Ever.
October 1, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I get more people asking me about Mormonism when I talk about the “Book of Mormon” musical than I ever did about actual church beliefs.
October 1, 2011 at 2:58 pm
I vote ‘No’ for future Primary choirs in Conference…
October 1, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Ah, Neal, think what it does for the kids to remember what they got to do!
October 1, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Mary – Think of the psychological damage it does the rest of us!! :D
October 1, 2011 at 3:01 pm
R/H: Facebook and Twitter can be time-wasters, but they can also be useful tools. Pretty certain Elder Ardern said that, too.
October 1, 2011 at 3:02 pm
:D ok ok! That’s why they do it Sat afternoon when all those football games are going. Neal, you are pretty awesome just to be here now, no more Primary Choirs this weekend, I promise!
October 1, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Neal,
Thankfully, you don’t get a vote
October 1, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I only post ‘Sunday FaithBook:’ on FB on the sabbath. I share posts I have encountered during the week with some things from LDS.org. Not everything I post is LDS but everything is uplifting at least in my opinion.
October 1, 2011 at 4:31 pm
I missed most of this session live due to my son’s x-country meet. But Angry Birds is now banned in my house with the support of the brethren!!!
October 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm
I really enjoyed the children’s choir. My children joined in on Praise to the man along with the hand motions lovingly taught by their awesome primary president (who also enjoys singing Wassup wassup instead of Hello, hello).