General Conference Review

General Conference Highlights, October 2011

I told myself I needed to write these down before reading anyone else's answers, and I did. However, I have already read Stephanie's post, and we have a lot of the same answers. I guess that just means we're kindred spirits!

1. Who were your three favorite speakers?
It's really hard to narrow it down, but I'd have to say my favorite was Sister Dalton, next was Elder Carl Cook and then Elder Alonso. (My husband and sons all had Elder Holland's talk near the top of their list, so I'm anxious to go listen to that one.)

2. Which talk spoke to you the most?
Elder Ardern's talk on prioritizing time (and making the time to ponder) was a talk I needed to hear.

3. What was your favorite Hymn and why did it move you?

I loved "Consider the Lilies" because it's just a very comforting and peaceful hymn that I don't hear very often. I also loved hearing "Arise, O God, and Shine" and it's enthusiastic message "that all the world [God's] truth may know." Isn't that the purpose of conference?

4. Which speaker was the best dressed? (Come on, we can have a little fun.)

A dark suit, crisp white shirt and nice tie make any man look more and, unfortunately, equally handsome, so I'd have to go with Sister Dalton's beautiful purple suit. (I liked that Sister Thompson chose purple as well; my sister would be so pleased!)

Remember I said I'd count the color of ties in honor of my cousin's Primary? My tally was 9 red ties, 1 red & blue, 8 blue ties, 5 black/gray ties and 2 gold ones.

5. Were there any topics that you felt were repeated often? Any conference “themes”?

Overall, I felt a sense of encouragement, and that we need to use our agency to strengthen our personal relationship with Heavenly Father and do our part to build the Kingdom of God on earth. (That encompasses covenants, temples, missions, gathering, testimony, obedience, following the Holy Ghost's promptings, reading the Book of Mormon, praying, etc. etc.) I also felt that our leaders were really trying to reach the youth and young adults and encourage them to stay faithful.

6. Share a few of your favorite quotes from any of the talks (paraphrasing is fine).

"It's better to look up." (Cook quoting Monson)

"Prayer is the passport to peace." (Cornish quoting Monson)

"Decisions determine destiny." (Bennett)

"God has a work for you to do." (Clayton)

"My testimony kept me." (Thompson)

"Scriptures are our friends. They are packets of light." (Scott)

"Do the right thing at the right time without delay." (Alonso)

7. Name something(s) that made you smile or laugh during conference.

President Monson's "Hello!"

President Eyring remembering what happened to Abinadi.

Elder Nelson reminding us we "get" to participate in the gathering of Israel!

8. Was there any evidence that your children paid attention?

Our kids are old enough that I knew they would all be paying attention; however, Sunday morning when we got out our things to work on family history before conference started, our teenage daughter said, "You can't do that! I'm supposed to!" She definitely heard Elder Bednar's message.

9. What doctrine did you learn as you listened to the choir(s) sing?

My Heavenly Father lives and loves me. Families can be together forever.

10. Did the music enhance your General Conference experience? How?

My testimony is always strengthened by listening to hymns, and that just makes the beautiful music of conference even better. The hymns serve as a reminder to keep my covenants, especially as the melodies and phrases are recalled during the day. "Redeemer of Israel" reminded me of Elder Bednar's "Tender Mercies" talk, and the little things that bring joy to my own life each day. "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" reminded me of my teenage sons desires to serve missions. And I really appreciated the phrase "give us strength to do thy will" in the last closing hymn.

11. What are some of your post-conference goals?

Pray daily for strength to do God's will.

Take the time to really ponder as I study the scriptures.

Be a finisher.

Remember to review all of these talks frequently and set more goals!

What would your answers to these questions be? Feel free to write them down, and then link up over at Diapers & Divinity. And don't forget to come participate in the next round of the General Conference Book Club!