Conference Lessons Learned
Eagle Pass District members share their responses
A multicultural choir provided some of the worship music for Saturday’s General Conference.
Church authorities in General Conference didn’t save the best till last. From the opening session, “best” was on display all weekend. However, President Russell M. Nelson’s conference-concluding remarks were memorable, as Eagle Pass District member Oscar Munoz attests.
“President Nelson said he is commonly asked, ‘How did you live so long?’ He changes the question to, ‘What have I learned?’” says Brother Munoz, who is Del Rio 3rd Branch Sunday school president. Continues President Munoz: “The prophet spoke of how mortality is a master class that will determine where you will live for eternity, what kind of body you will have, and with whom you will live.”
President Nelson, who turned 99 in September, is recovering at home from an accident that injured his back. In pre-recorded conference remarks, he encouraged members to “think celestial” as they live day by day. “What we do in this life really matters… We should begin life with the end in mind and take the long (eternal) view.”
In the opening session on Saturday, the remarks of Amy Wright, 1st Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, caught the ear of Dottie Rowland, a Uvalde Branch member who is a temple and family history consultant. Sister Wright talked on the biblical Parable of the 10 Virgins, which is about being spiritually prepared.
“The five wise virgins were prepared,” says Sister Rowland. “I love Sister Wright’s quote: ‘We cannot share our oil but we can share our lamps.’ We share our lamps by giving love and compassionate service to those around us and by being better examples to the community we live in.”
Saturday afternoon’s session brought a different set of lessons that resonated with Stephen Moynihan, president of the Del Rio 1st Branch elders quorum. “I enjoyed the session. The talks added depth to foundational doctrine.”
Among other talks, he cites Elder Neil L. Anderson’s remarks on tithing, the counsel of Jan E. Newman, who is 2nd counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, to “find what works best and then do better” in our family scripture study, and Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s teaching that “though we have spiritual gifts, we still have to practice and exercise them. His counsel to be in a holy place or with a holy people, to testify often and to listen to the Spirit will be something I plan to try and apply in my life.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke Sunday morning on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It was a message that Jennifer Gonzalez, 1st counselor in the Cotulla Branch Relief Society, says she welcomed. “It hit home. To know that we are never too far gone or that when we return, Heavenly Father will welcome us with open arms, that is something I needed to hear. It's something we all need to hear. “
Elder Uchtdorf’s talk also comforted Sister Gonzalez as a mother. “I know that, as my sons grow older, they may stray from time to time. It brings great joy to my soul to know that if they do, when they decide to return, they will be welcomed with open arms.
“I needed to hear this message. The Lord knew it. We all rely on the atonement and sometimes we need a reminder of its central role.”
Elder Ulisses Soares offered the concluding Conference message on Saturday night.
Following are a few of many memorable quotes from the five sessions of October General Conference:
· “We all are created in the image of God. We all are equal… There is no place for prejudiced thoughts or actions in the community of Saints.”
Elder Ulisses Soares (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
· “In God’s eyes, kindness is synonymous with greatness.”
Elder Gary B. Sabin (General Authority 70)
· “Anything broken can be mended through Jesus Christ.”
Elder Carlos A. Godoy (Presidency of the 70)
· “Families are a God-given laboratory while we figure things out.”
Sister Tamara W. Runia (1st Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency)
· “When we love God with all of our heart, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others.”
Elder Ian S. Arden (General Authority 70)
President M. Russell Ballard, age 95, brought a senior perspective to the podium.
· “How abundantly blessed are we to know all that we know, because we had Joseph Smith to open this dispensation.”
President M. Russell Ballard (Acting President, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
· “All that is unfair about life can be made right through the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)