WELCOME TO GENERAL CONFERENCE

                                                    A REVELATORY EXPERIENCE

 

A few years ago, 3 or 4? 

I attended a sacrament meeting at our former Taylorsville 25th ward.

Our oldest son, Craig was the bishop at the time.  I always love the opportunity to listen to my children speak or teach in church or elsewhere.   It was the week before conference and Craig spoke, inviting all to participate in General Conference.  He acknowledged that, of course we can (and should) all read the talks next month in the Ensign or sooner online; and/or we can download the talks to our mobile devices and listen when it's convenient.  However, he encouraged his congregation to the extent possible, to "attend" conference.  He said the reason for this is that General Conference is a "revelatory experience" and it is best in "real time."  His suggestion intrigued me because I have always been frustrated with my attempts to watch TV and/or listen to the radio at home or where ever we may find ourselves that weekend. It's pretty impossible for me to do this uninterrupted and I find I am often unfocused and distracted, and un-inspired.

Six months later, I asked my husband, Craig if we might actually go to the April Conference downtown.  Only one of many awesome advantages of living in Salt Lake City area.  He thought it was a great idea and we reserved 2 nights at Little America.  We had no tickets to any of the sessions.  We decided to get to the conference center early before each session and seeif we could either find a ticket from someone with extra tickets, or line-up for "stand by" seats.  

We were so fortunate to attend every session except the Sunday afternoon so we could prepare to have our family over for dinner.   We were able to secure good seat tickets and once, right down on the floor in front.  Randy joined for the Priesthood Session while I hung out at the hotel.   I will never forget this marvelous opportunity.   It felt wonderful to sit at the feet of all the prophets and apostles, and to be taught.   It was a little dark for note taking but we did manage to record some feelings.     We both enjoyed a very relaxing, peaceful and spiritual 2 days with very little of the usual weekend activities, cooking, cleaning,  etc.

We have been unable to repeat this experience but I always think about it during a conference week and hope to be able to arrange it again in the future.

PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON    OCTOBER 4-5 

 This last October conference was again a memorable opportunity.  While serving here in Sao Paulo, we were blessed to be invited to attend at the CTM with the missionaries.
The sessions were each 4 hours later than in Salt Lake, which made it seem strange.
So we ultimately chose to watch on Saturday at our apartment on BYU-TV
 and then went to the CTM for all day Sunday.  Everyone met in the auditorium.
The sessions were broadcast in English with headsets provided for Spanish or Portuguese.
We had breaks and food before, in between and after
and it was actually, very comfortable and pleasant.
I'm pretty sure it was the first time ever that Craig, Robyn and Randy sat and watched every session.  Even Randy took notes which is rare indeed. (his idea)
I did let him use my laptop which made it much easier for him.

Some highlights for us were:

1. Elder Tad Callister - "Parents: the Prime Gospel Teachers of Their Children"
He said some things that I wish we had
paid more attention to when we were raising our children.

I have loved this man's writings ever since I read his excellent book - The Infinite Atonement

2. Elder Russell Ballard - "Stay in the Boat and Hold On!"
 (numbers 2 and 3 are Randy's notes)

River Rafting Rules

a. stay in the boat

b. wear a lifejacket

c. hold on to the boat with both hands

3. Elder Richard Scott - "Making the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority"

a. Adam and Eve - Forbidden Fruit

b. Monday Family Home Evening - 

should be with family, not for football  (Randy wrote that?)

(btw, did you know that Monday FHE and Monday Night Football were both introduced in September 1970?  This is the kind of interesting things women learn in Relief Society  :) )

c.  Family history/temple work

4.  Elder Carlos Godoy - "The Lord has a Plan for Us!"

The missionaries at the CTM went CRAZY when he started speaking Portuguese!

We all loved his message.

5.  Elder Larry Kacher - "Trifle Not With Sacred Things"

Reminded me of the powerful forces in our lives.  

I could go on but I will conclude.  Truly a revelatory experience.

And I am truly grateful for having "attended".