October 2019 Conference Take-A-Ways

How will I 'liken' the conference messages in my life?

With all the chaos, commotion, fear, panic, anxiety and uncertainty that Coronavirus has brought the world, I find the only true source of peace and comfort are found in Heavenly Father, my Savior, Jesus Christ and in the modern-day prophets we have living on the earth today. I decided to go back and re-read the conference talks from October 2019 and see how each talk might have a message there to help me during this time; if perhaps each talk could be likened somehow with our day and time. What could I take away from each talk that could be applied in my life right now because of what is going on in the world?

* THE MESSAGE, THE MEANING, AND THE MULTITUDE, by Elder Jeffry R. Holland

     ".....we don't have to be in a conference center to find Him."

     - How inspiring to say such a thing when conference will now be viewed only virtually, not in the conference center, no audience, yet we will still hear the word of the Lord through our prophets and leaders.

* TRUE DISCIPLES OF THE SAVIOR, by Elder Vinson

     "What we need here is less Wi-Fi and more Nephi!"

     - I love this because with more isolation and being more drawn TO our electronics during this time we need to disconnect from the technology and tune more in to the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

* BE FAITHFUL, NOT FAITHLESS, by Stephen W. Owen

     "We must deliberately take time each day to disconnect from the world and connect with heaven."

     - We can become inundated with all the news media and reading/hearing everyone's opinion on anything. We need to take a break and read our scriptures and pray more to find peace and reassurance during these difficult times. Our peace will come from heaven, not the news.

* THE JOY OF THE SAINTS, by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

     "The fruits of our service to one another in the church are part of the joy 'set before us.' Even in times of discouragement or stress, we can minister patiently if we are focused on the joy of pleasing God and bringing light, relief, and happiness to His children, our brothers and sisters."

     - What a wonderful time to be true ministers to our brothers and sisters! We have such a unique opportunity to be even more creative in how we do this for each other, especially being at home more and not able to meet as often as we'd like. We have been asked by our local leaders to spend some time each day reaching out to others around us. Is it really that hard? We need to especially help those who might be feeling more distressed during this time. A call or message can make a difference.  

* SPIRITUAL CAPACITY, by Michelle Craig

     "Do we miss or dismiss personal errands from the Lord because He has prepared "a way" different from the one we expect?"

     - Talk about things now being done differently that we had wanted, what we were used to. Think of the thousands of missionaries being sent home before their mission was complete. Think of how this changed their whole world, things being done differently than they had expected. Yet, these marvelous brothers and sisters are rising to the call because the Lord has called them to perform a 'different' errand.

* UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST, by Dale G. Renlund

     "Our commitment to keep our covenants should not be conditional or vary with changing circumstances in our lives."

     -And what a changing circumstance we ALL find our lives in right now. Yet, even though things are different, we still (most of us) have made covenants that we are held to, promises we made. We are simply given a new opportunity to fulfill those covenants within different experience, giving us the growth our Heavenly Father knows we need to become more like Him.

* TRUST IN THE LORD, by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks

     "There is so much we do not know that our only sure reliance is to trust in the Lord and His love for His children."

     - This one was a bit of a challenge for me to find the message I could liken for myself, as this talk was primarily speaking about the Spirit World. But just the line above could be help in so many different subjects we find ourselves concerned about. For today's circumstance with what is going on in the world we have remind ourselves that our trust should first be placed in the Lord and that we don't have to know all things right now.


* WATCHFUL UNTO PRAYER CONTINUALLY, by David A. Bednar

     "Please remember always that your home is the true center of gospel learning and living."

     -And how important is that right now? We are spending more time in our homes with our families, or maybe not any family. Yet it is our home where we will have the greatest opportunity for gospel learning and living. We can fill our homes with so much goodness that can bring the Spirit and allow for gospel growth.

* FOUND THROUGH THE POWER OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, by Elder Alliaud

     "President Russell M. Nelson reflected: “When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.”

     -He was quoting our Prophet, and what a wonderful quote. During these difficult times we CAN find comfort in the Book of Mormon. There is so much taught there that can help us get through these difficult days, experiences we can liken to ourselves.

* WITNESSES, AARONIC PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS, AND YOUNG WOMEN CLASSES,
                                                                                                                      by, Pres. Nelson

     -I'm not going to quote from the talk directly, but wanted to put my two-cents worth as how I could liken this message of policy changes into my life, our lives for today. Some of the changes included allowing sisters and YW/YM become witnesses for baptisms and/or sealings. These adjustments, in my opinion, allowed many of us to attend the temple a little more frequently before the temples shut down all over the world. What a blessing for youth and adults alike to have several opportunities to attend the temple and have those precious memories to hold us through until we can go again. These adjustments made it easier to attend and not have to rely solely on having enough men be there. WHAT A BLESSING!!!

* ADJUSTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUTH, by Elder Quentin L. Cook

     ".....we express our sincere appreciation for the exceptional way members have responded to developments in the ongoing Restoration of the gospel. As President Nelson suggested last year, you have taken your vitamins!^"

     - And boy, was he right that we'd need to be taking our vitamins! I would say not just for the ongoing revelation, but for what we have now been thrown into with this world-wide virus. Now, more than ever we need to be strong, vigilant, alert, prepared!

* COME FOLLOW ME - THE LORD'S COUNTER-STRATEGY AND PROACTIVE PLAN,
                                                                                                             by, Mark L. Pace

     "As President Nelson taught, “The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families.” However, it does and will require our best efforts; we need to “[follow] through conscientiously and carefully to transform [our] home into a sanctuary of faith”

     -Again, Pres. Nelson is being quoted and the theme is familiar... home-centered, church-supported. And we find ourselves in the trenches even more deeply during this shelter-in place and church services suspended indefinitely. We need to put forth our best effort. It really is up to us; we're not alone, but we need to follow through.

* CONSISTENT AND RESILIENT TRUST, by Elder Budge

     ".....the happiness he described was not simply pleasure or an elevated mood but a peace and joy that come when we surrender ourselves to God and put our trust in Him in all things.¹ We too had had those times in our lives when God spoke peace to our souls and caused us to have hope in Christ even when life was hard and uncertain."
     "President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The joy the Savior offers [us] … is constant, assuring us that our ‘afflictions shall be but a small moment’ [Doctrine and Covenants 121:7] and be consecrated to our gain.”⁵ Our trials and afflictions can make space for greater joy.^"
   
     -If ever we needed to put our trust in the Lord, it is now. We are reassured that our trials will be but a small moment, even thought this current crisis feels like it might last for a very long time. And maybe it will, but Heavenly Father knows the end and we have to put our trust in Him. We need to have hope and trust when life is hard.

* AFTER THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH, by Elder Alvarado

     "No matter the obstacles we face in life, we can trust that Jesus Christ will prepare a way forward as we walk with faith."

     -I truly feel that is what we have to do now. We have to walk in faith during this very hard trial the world is facing, and walk with the Savior. We cannot do it alone. We may not see how it all ends, but we have trust that He knows and will help us through it all.

     "Our example of righteous living can make a great difference. President Nelson has said: “As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of ‘church’ as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings.”

     -Here it is again... home-centered church. We are doing it all completely now. Not just one hour, but more. Church isn't a building, it is our home.

* STANDING BY OUR PROMISES AND COVENANTS, by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

     "Ever mindful of our frailties in mortal life, the Lord promised, "Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you."

     -I truly feel that now. He does not want us to fear. He will stand with us. We CAN be of good cheer, even in this crisis, as we serve others and stay true to our covenants.

* THROUGH CLOUD AND SUNSHINE, LORD, ABIDE WITH ME! by, Reyna Aburto
   
     "If you are constantly surrounded by a “mist of darkness,” turn to Heavenly Father. Nothing that you have experienced can change the eternal truth that you are His child and that He loves you. Remember that Christ is your Savior and Redeemer, and God is your Father. They understand. Picture Them close by you, listening and offering support.“[They] will console you in your afflictions.” Do all you can, and trust in the Lord’s atoning grace."

     - A crisis like COVID-19 can bring anxiety for the most patient person. But for those who are already struggling with depression and/or anxiety, it only amplifies it. I take comfort in these words above that no matter what, my Savior loves me and will help me get through this. I hope that we all can picture Them close by us, offering support and consoling us in our afflictions.

* HONORING HIS NAME, by Lisa Harkness

     "Our promise to always remember the Savior gives us strength to stand for truth and righteousness—whether we are in a large crowd or in our solitary places, where no one knows our actions except for God. When we remember Him and His name we bear, we have no place for self-degrading comparisons or overbearing judgments. With our eyes on the Savior, we see ourselves for who we really are—a cherished child of God."
    
     - We find ourselves, this day, in isolation as we hunker down and keep our distance from others so we don't get sick. And even in our solitary confinement we can stand for truth and righteousness in all our actions. We need to keep our eyes on the Savior, especially now when we our lives have drastically changed and we need to adapt.

* BELOVED DAUGHTERS, by Bonnie Cordon

     "First, meet Bella. She stands strong as the only young woman in her branch in Iceland."

     -I chose this short, one line to liken to myself because many of us are the only person we know in our current state of being home, staying away from others. This young girl doesn't have the luxury that many of us have had in being blessed with companionship with people our age. She's all on her own. Some of us may feel we're all alone now that we can't go to church, or just mingle with others during this confinement. But we are never alone when we include the Savior in our life. He can be our greatest advocate, our best friend.

* COVENANT WOMEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD, by Pres. Henry B. Eyring

     "You will be wise to bend every effort to prepare now with the end in mind."

     -I love this sentence! We find ourselves now in a place where maybe we wish we had prepared better, or maybe we are now seeing other areas where we can be better prepared. When I think of the end in mind, I think of maybe when it's my time to depart this world, or maybe when the Second Coming will happen. Either way I need to prepare. Pres. Eyring was referring to ministering and how we can be effective ministers to those we serve. That can also be applied here and now as we minister to those who are in greater need than we are. We will need to be creative in how we can help, but should remember as he said, to have the end in mind. What is the result we wish to have when we serve and minister to others?

*TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS, by Pres. Dallin H Oaks

     "We must never persecute those who do not share our beliefs and commitments.... We must all strive to be kinder and more civil."

     -This talk he is referring to loving all, including those who live different lifestyles than we do. But if I liken it to our current situation, it applies so well! There are so many with differing beliefs on the effects of COVID-19, and also how dangerous it is. Regardless where we fall in that topic we need to be kind to one another. Social media has made it so easy to just say what we want, and a lot of the time it can become heated. But we also have a great opportunity to show our love and kindness and tolerance to all and treat each other as the Savior would.

* SPIRITUAL TREASURES, by Pres. Russell M Nelson

     "As you shift your focus away from worldly distractions, some things that seem important to you now will recede in priority. You will need to say no to some things, even though they may seem harmless. As you embark upon and continue this lifelong process of consecrating your life to the Lord, the changes in your perspective, feelings, and spiritual strength will amaze you!"

     -In this talk our prophet asked us to study more about the priesthood in our lives. I love this quote from him. I think what we are dealing with now, it has taught me what is important and what is not. My focus HAS shifted and I want more than ever to do what the Lord would have me do. Being home more and having my life change pretty drastically (for my entire family) has put the important things in life at the forefront, and for that I am grateful.

* COVENANT BELONGING, by Elder Gerrit W Gong

     "Heavenly Father does hear every child’s prayer. With infinite love, He beckons us to come believe and belong by covenant."

     -I know that throughout this ordeal we're experiencing many have wondered where God is in all of it. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that He does hear and answer our prayers. I know He is aware of us, of me, of you. I also know that our covenants we've made with Him help us get through these tough times. He is bound to bless us when we obey and are faithful.

* FINDING JOY IN SHARING THE GOSPEL, by Cristina Franco

     "In the scriptures we read that “members of the Church of Jesus Christ are sent forth ‘to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men’ (Doctrine and Covenants 138:56). This work of salvation includes member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel.”

     -How can we share the gospel in isolation at home? We have been given a wonderful opportunity through this to use social media to our benefit and share our beliefs. We can share how we are comforted. We can share where our strength comes from in such hard times. There is still so much we can do even in our homes.

* YOUR GREAT ADVENTURE,  by Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf

     "There must have been parts of the mortal adventure that worried and even terrified God’s children, since a large number of our spiritual brothers and sisters decided against it. By the gift and power of moral agency, we determined that the potential of what we could learn and eternally become was well worth the risk. And so, trusting the promises and power of God and His Beloved Son, we accepted the challenge."

     -I love what he has said. Sometimes I do wonder what in the world I signed up for by coming to earth and experiencing all that we are going through. But I did sign up for it, even this crisis with the virus. If Heavenly Father sees potential in me, then I should see it to.

* THE SAVIOR'S TOUCH, by Elder Gonzalez

     "Sometimes—in one way or another—we too can feel broken, whether due to our own actions or those of others, due to circumstances we can or cannot control. In such moments, we can place our will in His hands."

     -Right now we are all in a circumstance that we cannot control. What we can control is how we deal with it, how we react to it, how we let if affect us. And sometimes the only way to do that is turning it over to the Lord.

* DECEIVE ME NOT, by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

     "A clear channel for divine assistance was reaffirmed in this dispensation by the Lord Himself when He declared: “Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments.” Using simpler words, we might say that the Lord, who knows “the end from the beginning,” knows the unique difficulties of our day."

     -I take comfort that what we are going through isn't news to Heavenly Father. He sees the end from the beginning. I don't believe this is the end of the world, but I do believe we are experiencing things that have been foretold that lead up to the last days. How grateful I am that Heavenly Father is in charge and that all WILL be well, one day.

* THE SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT, by Pres. Russell M. Nelson

     "Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy. Especially, I might add, when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ."

     -I love here that he says 'especially... when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zones.' There is nothing about COVID-19 that is convenient, yet we still have an obligation and out of love should continue to minister. It just means finding more creative ways to do it. Even in the midst of hard trials Heavenly Father doesn't give us a pass to continue to serve others. Thankfully there are a multitude of ways we can care for others.

* HOLINESS AND THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS, by Pres. Henry B. Eyring

     "Here is the Lord’s message to His faithful and suffering prophet: “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" 

     -Again the trials of Joseph Smith are quoted, because he suffered so much, and even he wondered where God was in all this. Even through our current crisis we must remember that we are not greater than God, and that yes, this experience will somehow be for our good.

* KNOWING, LOVING, AND GROWING, by Elder Boom

     "We all know where we can do better. There is no need to repeatedly remind each other, but there is a need to love and minister to each other and, in doing so, provide a climate of willingness to change. In this same environment we are learning who we really are and what our role will be in this last chapter of the world’s history prior to the Second Coming of the Savior."

     -I liken this to how we can be more gentle and kind to each other; family and friends, in our effort to be teaching the gospel more at home. In our efforts with ministering. In our efforts with following the guidelines and instruction from world/church leaders. Our character is being tested through this crisis and how we treat each other will say more about us than it does about them.

* GIVING OUR SPIRITS CONTROL OVER OUR BODIES, by Pres. M. Russell Ballard

     "Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to slow down a bit and think about where you are now in subjugating your carnal nature and empowering your divine, spiritual nature so when the time comes, you may pass into the spirit world to a joyful reunion with your loved ones."

     -I think being sequestered to our home more is giving us a perfect opportunity to practice better habits. Our home is a place where we want the Spirit to dwell, more now than ever. Part of that being able to happen is how we treat our bodies, and what we allow to enter our homes.

* POWER TO OVERCOME THE ADVERSARY, by Elder Johnson

     "My dear friends, please do not let anyone steal your happiness. Do not compare yourself to others. Please remember the loving words of the Savior: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

     - I hope that we are not comparing our "home-centered church efforts" with that of anyone else or any other family. We are all at different phases and on different levels. I especially love the message of peace, and finding it only through the Lord and not the world.

* TAKE UP OUR CROSS, by Elder Ulisses Soares

     "We all face adverse circumstances in our lives that make us feel sad, helpless, hopeless, and sometimes even weakened. Some of these feelings may lead us to question the Lord: “Why am I experiencing these situations?” or “Why are my expectations not met? After all, I am doing everything in my power to carry my cross and follow the Savior!” My dear friends, we must remember that taking our cross upon ourselves includes being humble and trusting in God and in His infinite wisdom. We must acknowledge that He is aware of each of us and of our needs. It is also necessary to accept the fact that the Lord’s timing is different than ours. Sometimes we seek for a blessing and set a time limit for the Lord to fulfill it. We cannot condition our faithfulness to Him by imposing upon Him a deadline for the answers to our desires."

     -This quote speaks to me so much during this difficult time. We are truly facing an adverse circumstance. Some feel hopeless and weakened. But I trust in the Lord that he is aware of us, knows our needs and concerns and WILL provide for us.We must have faith. We must practice faith!

* FRUIT, by Elder Neil L. Anderson

     "Although we need not fear, we are to be on guard. At times, little things can upend our spiritual balance. Please don’t allow your questions, the insults of others, faithless friends, or unfortunate mistakes and disappointments to turn you away from the sweet, pure, and soul-satisfying blessings that come from the precious fruit of the tree. Keep your eyes and your hearts centered on the Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal joy that comes only through Him."

     -In my lifetime I feel there has never been a time more urgent for me to keep my eyes on the Savior, and to not fear. So much going on around us can cause us to fear and lose hope. But it is IN those times where we can find the most peace and hope and allow our fear to lessen because God is in control and knows the end from the beginning. We WILL get through this.

* CLOSING REMARKS, by Pres. Russell M. Nelson

     "We also know that each home can become a true sanctuary of faith, where peace, love, and the Spirit of the Lord may dwell. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference. In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel.

     "Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable. please be assured that revelation continues in the Church and will continue under the Lord’s direction until “the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

     -This talk has been mentioned over and over since the COVID-19 crisis began as we know in more ways than one that this conference will definitely be different than any other. I think it's so exciting to be alive at this time. It's hard. So much about life is hard. But we are guided and led by a prophet of God, and I know he is inspired. We have been prepared for THIS DAY! What are we doing about it? How are we preparing ourselves spiritually to be fed?