The recurring thought I had all weekend was, "How do these men (and women) come up with so many stories, so many examples, so many amazing talks?" Some general authorities are an absolute wellspring of insights, wisdom, and motivation. They are master teachers who shed light on topics I've heard and scriptures I've read thousands of times.
I am especially excited for the newer apostles, and some of the as-yet-to-me-unknown members of the seventy, for their "Fresh" takes on topics such as prayer and faith.
I had three moments this weekend where I was absolutely blown away:
1) When listening to Pres Uchtdorf's masterful sermon on hope. This man is an absolute tour de force. I found myself in awe at his charisma, his eloquence, and the sheer power of his determinism and faith.
2) When listening to Elder Wirthlin's talk on adversity. Elder Wirthlin will always have a special place in my heart and solid standing as a "gentle giant." I've always been captivated by Elder Wirthlin's written words, but this conference he really connected to me through his spoken words. And once again Elder Holland spoke the thoughts of my heart when he bore tribute to Elder Wirthlin "Within the ranks of the General Authorities, there is no man more beloved than Joseph Bitner Wirthlin. We praise him for living the sermons that he preaches."
3) Listening to the choir's magnificent "Faith in Every Footstep." I don't know what it was about that hymn...it was so powerful and poignant. As much as it was the words, it was also the music itself that really caught me.
For me the big theme of the conference was, "As a people we know trial and hardship. We have faced it before, we may very well face it again, but with preparation, faith, and hope we can endure and we will endure. This life is about endurance and challenges -- but we are not alone."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Great (Conference) Weekend
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