We went to the bathroom and got locked out of our email location and needed to have other missionaries unlock it for us, we were waiting for like 2 hours. All our ipads, phones and keys were in there but we got it taken care of!
Anyway conference was great. There was some issues with the connection at the church and the building is under construction so we watched one session squished in a clerk's office. Then a session at a less active families home, they came to church a few weeks ago! Then the preisthood session at the church, they had a projector and laptop by this session. Then we watched the sunday morning at the Wilson's (1st councilor in the mission presidency and wife) house, then the last session at the church.
We were worried about President Monson in the Sunday morning session. I am doing really good, the work is a bit slow right now but we have faith and are waiting to see miracles.
During conference Saturday Afternoon Session Elder Holland Made me miss you, Mom. Don't get me wrong, I love it out here, but I miss you, too.
Conference was sweet!
I didn't get my cheesecake but I got something much much sweeter. All the questions I had come up with for conference were answered by the first session, then I thought up so new ones and BOOM! Answered, it was so great.
I was thinking a lot about what I want in life recently and I need a good job so I can watch conference with my kids on the weekends like you always did!
I'm going to start ponderizing too. This week is 1 timothy 4:12.
It was something else but I felt prompted to change it. I guess we will see why soon.
I love you all.
-Elder Ellsworth
I LOVE CONFERENCE, they're were so many highlights.here are my notes(they are formatted for an ipad so sorry)General conference October 2015
Topic: Do Your Part to Build the Kingdom
____________________________________________________________ ________________________ Saturday Morning Session(12pm)@church
Topic- Eternal Progression, covenants, and rewards
Opening Song- Guide Us Oh Thou Great Jehovah
Musical Number: I know My Savior Loves Me
Speaker: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Topic: how is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints working for you
Notes: As a patient, i am not very patient, we need to ask the right questions to know the truth, is my experience with the church working for me?(evaluate personal blessings from the church)
2 thoughts that prohibit getting the most from gospel (it isn't working for me)
-Are we making our discipleship to complicated? -Simplify
-Be satisfied for where we are, don't need to be more of anything to become who god wants us to become, all we need is a willing heart, desire to believe, humility. He will take us as we are and make us who he wants if we let him.
Exaltation is our goal, Discipleship is our journey.
Speaker: M. Russell Ballard
Topic: What to hold onto in the "old ship zion"(missionary lessons)
Notes: the lord directs his church through his servants always has- L1
-we cannot separate christ from his servants, without first apostles no eye witness account or scripture.
-church leaders are mortals who use christ's grace as well as us, we are mistaken to only see the natural man in leaders but not the hand of the lord in his church
-How to get answers to the great questions of the soul-l2
-Reaffirmed warning in the proclamation to the family
-keep the sabbath day- keep the sanctity of the sacrament and meeting, keep it holy at home and at church
-A ship is a vehicle, purpose of vehicle is to take us somewhere, this ship is going to exhalation in the celestial kingdom, you cant jump out and swim there, the ship is the only way. Covenants and ordinances are our Passport to exhalation,SAIL ON!
Speaker: Richard J Maynes
Topic: Live a Christ centered life
Notes: like the clay on the potters wheel we need to be perfectly centered, on Jesus Christ, We are the clay, he is the potter, he will make us what we need to be if we are perfectly centered for him
-treasure hidden in the field, we found it. Lamoni was willing to give up 1/2 his kingdom to save his life, but all of it to have the gospel
-you can see the difference in those that live faithfully and keep covenants, and those that do not, see the joy of living the "way of happiness"
Intermediate Hymn:We Thank Thee oh God For a Prophet
Speaker: Neill F. Marriott
Topic: Healing of heart begins when we submit to god (spiritual progression)
Notes: learn, pray, trust him, become personally converted to lord, Jesus Christ
-Hold onto the principle of Eternal Families
-if you do your best it will all work out, maybe not now but it will in the eternal perspective, Gods timing is perfect, even if we don't think so
-ask father, Is there More? sincerely, and he will tell you how to improve
-our hearts will break and crack, so that they can be rebuilt the way god wants
-Love Jesus Christ and his way more than our way and sin
Speaker: Larry R. Lawrence
Topic: "What lack I yet" How to follow the spirit in our progression
Notes: our purpose on earth is to learn and improve to become like god
-holy ghost is the best companion, but we need to ask the right questions IE- how can i improve, what am i missing, what more can i do, what is keeping me from progressing, what is keeping me from being the right man? what can I do.
***-We need to be humble enough to ask, and faithful enough to act!
-the holy ghost will speak to us personally as we ask "what lack i yet"
-lord will give us more just for us as we receive and act on the council he gives us
Speaker: Francisco J. Viñas
Topic:Repentance
Notes: Our adversity and afflictions will be but a short time, but if you endure it well, you will receive your exhalation
-suffering and sorrow of the world is a result of incomplete or insincere repentance
-suffering and pain is to sin as happiness and peace is to true repentance
-just like remission of sin, repentance is a process that takes time and faith
-vanities hinder our repentance and progression(coming ill-prepared, being distracted)
-having the companionship of the holy ghost will cleanse us and eliminate anger,strife, malice, anything bad.
Musical Number-Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer
***Speaker: Quentin L. Cook
Topic:Be consistent in righteousness and worthiness
Notes: satan tempts us to have happiness and pleasure now, instead of later in another life, that might not even exist
-we must be righteous, follow rules, and be prepared for challenging times
-be temple worthy in good times and bad, decide now
-happiness in this life and the next are linked through righteousness
-as disciples we are expected to plan and prepare, this life is the time to prepare to meet god
1-Self Control- like a muscle, if we use it it gets stronger
2-Honor the Sabbath-covenant that brings blessings to families and individuals, this is how we live in the world but not of it
3-Holy Ghost-divine protections when we are righteous,
-stay temple worthy and we will make it through our trials
-what to do to stay strong after mission*** look at this talk
Closing Hymn- Come,Come Ye Saints( occapella intro)
____________________________________________________________ _______________________ Saturday Afternoon Session (4pm)@Macejaks
Topic- Personal Conversion
primary choir
Opening Song-Beautiful Savior
Musical Number-Search,Ponder, and Pray
Speaker: Robert D Hales
Topic: Preparing for the Future
Notes: we need to tighten our grip on the iron rod to make it back
-never fly intentionally into a thunderstorm, fly around it, avoid it at all cost
-heavenly father will let us know what we need to do before it becomes a problem
-you are rich when you can live well within your means, pay your tithing and save, if you earn more, save more
-education is important, it will prepare you for much of life, but stay away from debt
-dating is pathway to marriage, you don't marry perfection, you marry potential. be the person you look for in a companion.
-exercise your faith everyday, be worthy, read, serve, personal council, where do i want to be, what decisions do i have to make to get there.
***-Seek council from parents, other respected leaders-if you want my council, be prepared to take it
-seek council from the right places, if we want to get more reach up, not across(leaders not piers)
Speaker: Jeffery R. Holland
Topic: Maternal love
Notes: bare, bore, carry, lift, labor,deliver- Jesus Christ lifts us when fallen, move us forward when we cant go any farther
-No love in mortality comes closer to the pure love of Jesus Christ then a mothers love from her child
-mothers bare us, then bare with us, premarital carrying us, carry us through life
-children can break they're mothers hearts, mothers bare us, even if it takes forever, they endure to the end
-we owe the most to Jesus Christ and our determined, loving,faithful mothers
-thank you for emulating the attribute of charity, mothers are saviors on Mt zion
Intermediate Hymn-Come Follow Me
Speaker: Bradley D. Foster
Topic: Importance of parents
Notes: Cannot let our children get lost, we must win the battle for them
-There's a difference in hearing and understanding,we need to make them understand
-Parents are miracle workers, it is never to late to lead guide and walk beside our childeren, because families are forever
-children learn when they are ready to learn, not just when we are ready to teach
-We have been were you are, here is a warning of what you might encounter, when you are struggling, come and talk to me and we will help you through it, and move forward from there
Speaker: Hugo Montoya
Topic: Overcoming trials
Notes: trials give us strength as we overcome them, we have the responsibility to help others overcome theres, and our will be lightened as well
-love god
-Smile
-Expression feeling of compassion to others
-Invite others to come to church
Speaker: Vern P Stanfill
Topic: Personal conversion through the light of christ
Notes: biking into dark tunnels, you may not be as prepared as you think
-no matter how dark the doubt is, we decide how long and uncomfortable we let it get
-we may need to temporarily rely on someone who genuinely loves us light, until we can make it on our own, the light of christ is to valuable to lose to pride
-ask god to help us rely on our own light, should be our plan to make it with own testimony, the light gets brighter as we press forward
-no dark is too dark for light to overcome
Speaker: James B. Martino
Topic: Personal revelation through daily spiritual habits
Notes: the lord answers on condition of sincerity and willingness to act
-life isn't easy for any of us, but if you will not harden your heart,
-can you feel so now? you can feel it again, be good and obedient, and you will get your answers in the lords timing
-have daily spiritual habits, church, pray, read, fasting, obedience
Nephi vs Lamen and Lemuel (one stayed faithful and spiritual through it all two did not)
-Need Faith WITH works to get answers
Speaker: Dallin H Oaks
Topic: Atonement
Notes: because the savior has suffered being tempted, he can succor us while we are being tempted
-savior know us perfectly, including our trials and temptations
-sometimes we are succored by being given the strength to suffer or endure
-Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivereth them all
-Everyone has access to the enabling power if the atonement
-his atonement is so we can call out to him for healing and strengthening
Closing Song- I Feel my Saviors Love
____________________________________________________________ _______________________General Priesthood Session (8pm)@church
Topic Faith is a Choice
Fathers and Sons Choir Ourum Utah
Opening Song-let zion in her beauty rise
Musical Number-Jesus the Very Thought of Thee
Speaker: Neil L. Anderson
Topic: Faith by choice
Notes: How does the savior see your faith?
-faith is substance, it emits a discernible light, it is either growing stronger or weaker
-future of your faith is not by chance, it is by choice, be relentless in protecting faith
-to Obey is better than to sacrifice, faith grows by choice to live righteously
- need to ask in faith to grow, not also needing an answer, just a reassuring you that you know enough, Faith is an Assuring
-Give Joseph a break! read the Book of Mormon again, it will grow your faith
-use the guidance of the first presidency and quorum of the 12 to grow your faith
-The future is as bright as your faith
-our trials make out faith burn bright and then it becomes unwavering
Speaker: Randell K. Bennett
Topic: take the next step to grow your faith
Notes: we are not alone, we will never be alone, with faith in the atonement
-Try and try again= progressing, we need to humbly take steps in faith
-follow the promptings we receive, act in faith and the lord will more then match our efforts if we continue to move forward in faith and keep trying, strength is given to those who do
-ordinances and covenants become our requirement to dwell in his presence
-put off the natural man and stop procrastinating
Intermediate Hymn-Praise to the Lord Almighty
Speaker: Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Topic: rise up and be an example
Notes:Daniel stayed true to his faith in word and deed even though his friends rack shaq and benny got "flamed" for it
-let our faith lift us up to what god wants us to be
-do we practice what preach, talk the talk or walk the walk, we have been trusted with the Priesthood to build up the kingdom on earth
-be the believer in a world of unbelievers, be not afraid only believe
-we can live of the world and be "popular" but the day will come when we will need our connection to god and wont have it(when the king demands interpretation of dream)
-wanting to believe is the first step, he wants to speak to us, but requires humbly seeking with real intent and be patient waiting on the lord to answer us
-Don't put the burden of truth on god, its our job to seek, dont use that as an excuse to be disobedient
Speaker: Henry B Eyring
Topic: magnify your Priesthood
Notes: confidence grows when we recognize the lord call us through his servants
-the lord will add his strength to ours as we do our part with our callings
-we are never alone in our Priesthood service, the lord is in the work with us
-we need to be ready for when the lord makes his move, we need to run his plays
-lord calls us because he knows we will do our part, we need to be confident that servants of the lord are inspired with the callings they give through revelation
-we can pray to know his will, humbly, ready to accept his will, and he will answer us
Musical Number-Lord I Will Follow Thee
Speaker: Thomas S. Monson
Topic: Keep the commandments
Notes:. he who created us knows what we need and when we need it
-when we keep the commandments our life will be happy, better, and less complicated
-the world has a lot of voices, turn those voices down and listen to the small simple quiet whisper of the spirit, that will lead us to safety
-the adversary is the founder of all the plagues of the world
-we cannot change the commandments, or the consequences of breaking them.
-cannot allow ourself any slip up or justification with the commandments
-when firmly planted our testimony will show in all things we do.
Closing song- We'll bring the world his truth
____________________________________________________________ _______________________Sunday Morning Session (12pm)@The Wilsons
Topic Building the Kingdom
Opening Song-?
Musical Number- If the Savior Stood Beside Me
Speaker: President Thomas S. Monson
Topic: Be an example to the world
Notes: Be thou an example of the believers, live the gospel in word, deed, conversation purity, faith, charity...
six things to be an example of
1.Word and 2.conversation- uplift and edify, or degrade and destroy. we need to speak with love, tolerance and kindness
3.Charity- it is our opportunity to help those in need
4.Spirit- kindness, gratitude, radiate the light of christ, let them say "what will we do about the light in there eyes"
5.Faith, faith and doubt cannot exist together, one will dispel the other
6.Purity-will bring us peace of mind and qualify us to be a light to the world
-We can relight others lamps with ours and they can re light ours
*Speaker: Ronald A Rasband- New Apostle
Topic: Testimony of Love
Notes: I stand all amazed
-multi generational families are a worthy goal for all
-Love one another as i has loved you.
-cant recall not believing, the belief turns into a knowing
**Speaker: Gary E. Stevenson-New Apostle
Topic: Testimony of Enabling Power
Notes: acting on the will of the lord, is how calls are made
-the lord qualifies who he calls, anchor is Jesus Christ
-the lord works through weak and simple inadequate
-we live in the
***Speaker: Dale G Renlund-New Apostle
Topic: Testimony of Mantle
Notes: lord hasn't called you for what you've done, its for what he needs you to do, so we need to do it his way, our callings are not about us its about the lords work
-to effectively serve we need to see people through they're parents eyes
-need to see through heavenly fathers eyes to have charity, pray for it daily
Intermediate Hymn- How Firm a Foundation
Speaker: Russell M. Nelson
Topic: The Role of Woman
Notes: Covenant keeping woman have an incredible influence
-Much of the major growth in the church in the last day will come from worthy woman that are separate in happy ways from the woman of the world.-president kimball prophecy from like 30 years ago
-Covenant keeping woman will draw other woman and there families to the gospel
-Are you done crying? then get dressed and get to work! if you quit others will have to struggle to learn what you already know, you just need to learn more.
-we need the sisters insight and intuition and capability, we brothers cannot duplicate your influence, we need your strength
-persecution of the church will get worse, we need great woman to raise sin resistant children
*Speaker: Gregory A. Schwitzer
Topic: Sound the Melody of the Gospel
Notes: Piano more than just a machine, it can be an extension of our voice
-the world needs disciples that can clearly and boldly declare Christ's message now more than ever,
-we don't change the doctrine to fit what the world wants
-true disciples defend the savior even when its inconvenient, they don't try to impress they inspire.
-the great and spacious building is getting bigger, some roam the halls and don't realize they are becoming part of that culture, we cannot let go of the iron rod
-People can recognize the message from the pre-mortal life
-*Its time to stand up and testify, time to let the melody of the gospel rise up over the distractions of the word
Speaker: Claudio M. Costa
Topic: Sabbath Day Observance
Notes: keeping the sabbath develops great habits for families
-the sacrament is essential and needs to be a spiritual experience
-remember all things the lord has sone from before, during and after this life
-the promises in the sacrament are real
Musical Number-There is Sunshine in My Soul Today
Speaker: Henry B Eyring
Topic:Increase Desire and Determination to Keep the Spirit
Notes: sacrament prayer- always have the spirit with us
-if we partake the sacrament in faith the holy ghost will protect us, it will keep us safe from temptation and danger
-falsehoods and lies can come at us anytime, so we need a constant connection with the spirit, if we have constant companionship if the holy ghost truth wont be withheld
-treat the moments of inspiration we receive like the seed of faith, plant them and let them grow to constant companionship, as we act on our promptings we will get more!
-God sends Spirit to help us to be obedient to what he's asked
-the only way to know truths that matter most is through the holy ghost which shows us things as god sees them
-need to know the scriptures and have a habit of pray and answers to get them whenever we need them
Closing Song- The Spirit of God
____________________________________________________________ _______________________Sunday Afternoon Session (4pm)@church
Topic: Press Forward in Rightousness
Opening Song- Praise the Lord With Heart and Voice
Musical Number-Our God is a God of Love
Speaker: D. Todd Christofferson
Topic: Why Does the Lord Use his Church
Notes: lord chooses to use a church to fulfill his purpose
-church today is the same as the ancient church
-our job is to bring people to christ, weather living or dead
-the church creates a community of saints that will support one another on the straight and narrow
-the church is a hands on experience moving forward in love
-blessing of being a part of the body of christ is being reproved in our sins
-converted to the lord, united in the church
-church does not replace the need for parents and being raised right
-Church can do more as a whole then we can as individual
-church makes ordinances available to all, living and dead
-the church is rolling forth to prepare the way for the lords second coming
Speaker: Devin G Durrant
Topic: Ponderise
Notes: ponderise- write 1 verse of scripture on your heart and mind each week
-Save money each week
-Ponderise one verse of scripture each week
-go from snorkeling to scuba diving
-ponderising gives a higher place for your thoughts to go, helps us put the scriptures into action, helps us get ready for the battle against evil
-ponderisisng is our spiritual super-vitimin in our spiritual diet
*-put verse somewhere you'll see it, background pic on device,
***Ponderise every week for ever!
Speaker: Von G. Keeth
Topic: Submit Ourselves to God, Trust Him (commandments for our benefit)
Notes: american surfer complaining about the barrier, local gave them binoculars, look again, see sharks feeding on the other side
-don't be to critical of the barrier, its the only thing keeping you from being devoured
-god knows where the dangers lie, he gives us the barriers to keep us safe
-we need to show our faith when we only see the big enticing waves above the surface, and not the sharp tooth predators lurking there
-the gospel is how we become what god wants us to become
-God has Charted the perfect course for us
Speaker: Carole M. Stevenson
Topic: Trust God and His Servants
Notes: Chloe didn't want to wear her seat-belt, she taught her why, Chloe said oh you want me to stay in my seat-belt because you love me.
-if you love me keep my commandments, he loves us so gave us commandments
1.Trust God- he has a plan for us
2.Trust Jesus- gave us atonement, keep commandments and ye shall abide in my love
3.Trust the whispers of the spirit-worthy members have constant companionship
4.Trust the council of living prophets-they are inspired
Intermediate Hymn- Rejoice The Lord Is King
***Speaker: Allen D Haynie
Topic: The Atonement Cleanses Us
Notes: Sometimes boys dig holes, got dirtier and muddier without even realizing it and couldn't come in
-do not lie to ourself with what it takes to get in the presence of god and stay there
-Jesus Christ did it all for us, HE ONLY asks that we confess and repent so we dont suffer, the ideal situation is that we don't sin, but when we do, the atonement is there
-The savior will never consider us a lost cause, never say oh no not you again, he will never abandon us as we humbly repent
-the saviors atonement leaves no trace, not tracks, it heals and stays healed
-atonement makes the commandment be ye perfect, perfectly possible
-Simply remember who we have trusted in the pre-existence
Speaker: Kim B. Clark
Topic: Gifts of Having the Spirit
Notes: the faith we have now is not enough for the coming times, we need eyes to see and ears to hear, we need the companionship of the holy ghost, we need to stay diligent, sacrament, scriptures, prayers, temple work, callings
-We need to do good in becoming better
-the Holy Ghost will help us attain the gifts of the spirit to serve better, we will have the mind of christ, our burdens will be swallowed up in the atonement of christ
-"Don't you know I Know he has asthma? i will take care of him and i will take care of you, get ready to serve..."
Speaker: Koichi Aoyagi
Topic: Overcoming Trials With Faith
Notes:Disasters are reeking Havoc on the world
-Why do we have to suffer that much pain?-stay faithful and press forward with faith, talked with respected church leader, they told him, isn't that why you are here? to suffer and do your best and let the lord make up the difference?
-Trials are experiences that can help others
-we pass the test if we remain faithful and remember him in our trials
-put god first regardless of our trials
Musical Number-Put Your Shoulder To the Wheel
Speaker: David A. Bednar
Topic: Our Leaders are Wise Men of God
Notes: older men of great experience and maturity are Great leaders! isn't it great!
"when you cannot so what you have always done, you only do what matters most"
-the lord does not use contemporary methods to run his church, we can expect that the lord will continue to call older more experienced and spiritually mature men to lead
-these men are not spared form affliction, they are strengthened to endure through it
-we are blessed to learn from the sum of these leaders lives and spiritual experience, the apostles and prophets are our days Nephi's and Jacob's
"come what may, and love it"-
"Family is the center of life, and eternal happiness"
Closing Song-Love One Another
____________________________________________________________ _______________________
-Elder Ellsworth
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