Sunday, April 03, 2016 -- Month #13 - Week #59 - Day #412 - El Dorado, La Entrada, Copan

Latter-day Prophet:  President Thomas S. Monson

We got to hear from President Thomas S. Monson! He gave a short but interesting commentary on the importance of the choices we make: "The doors of history swing on small hinges." And that if we choose Christ, we will always choose right. He also announced 4 new temples! There are currently 150 temples in operation right now. So many!

Salt Lake City Temple

I liked the talk Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson gave, asking us if we really believe what we know. I think that's very applicable as a missionary because we know all these things from our time in the Church, but then to have to leave that bubble where you know everyone you see also believes it, and go somewhere and talk to people that don't know or believe the same things you do, can be difficult. And you put yourself in check as you figure out your conversion so you can testify of these things. And that we shouldn't pay attention to the great and spacious building. We simply just don't have to.

Which also tied in nicely to Elder W. Christopher Waddell 's talk of how we need to continue partaking of the fruit, not just tasting it.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke about how the highest masculine roles are that of husband and father. I especially liked what he said about how a man needs to truly love his wife, and intelligently guide his children. And although he spoke to fathers, many points are shared for the role of mothers in the instruction of children.

Elder Quentin L. Cook talked to us about temples, a common theme this conference. He made the comment that the Lord has not neglected anything for the exaltation of man. Which is completely true.

And I loved the talk from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf about how if man can make such beauty from ashes, how much more capable is our Father in Heaven? And that the sheep is worthy of divine assistance simply because it is loved of the shepherd. And of course, the quote in the Celestial language of German. But he also explained about faith and how obedience is the lifeblood of faith, it's how we gather light, which reminded me of a talk by Elder Larry R. Lawrence in the March 2016 Liahona about us being light-gatherers.

And in the afternoon Elder Robert D. Hales talked to us about the Holy Ghost. He has sacred responsibilities as a member of the Godhead.

I also really liked the talk from Elder Gerrit W. Gong about remembering and forgetting. Lots of ways to ponder on that theme. And I liked when he said "To be worthy does not mean to be perfect." Sometimes we worry about our worthiness because we are imperfect. But we are imperfect people in an imperfect world trying to live a perfect plan. We just can't do it right now. But God sees our efforts and says that we can be counted worthy, despite our defects and failures. And in our part, we can always remember Him and as we do that, we can better ourselves and become more perfect, and even more worthy.

Elder Patrick K. Kearon spoke of the many refugees and encouraged us to live the example of Jesus.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained the importance of opposition and I thought it ironic that Satan and his followers wanted to destroy the very agency that God had given them and that allowed them to make their choice to rebel against Him. Satan may be clever, but that just doesn't make any sense. And God's purpose and plan can never be destroyed. The salvation of man has already been worked out.

Elder Kent F. Richards also spoke about temples and how needed they are to the people on both sides of the veil. It was also an interesting idea that someone could be a temple worker before a mission. Something to think about.

Elder Paul V. Johnson spoke of the marvelous gift of the Resurrection and how we can be healed and have a fullness of joy. And he also spoke of Handel's Messiah, which I love.

And Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a powerful talk to close the Conference. I have to say he is one of my favorite Apostles for the way he delivers talks and the beautiful content of them. I liked that he recognized the need for us to come down from a spiritual high and live normal life, but that we should hold on to these heavenly moments. And that we get credit for trying. For me, trying is exercising faith and hope. And we will never ultimately fail because of Christ. He will always help us. Because He loves us with all He is. And that tomorrow can always be magnificent. Even if it's actually a hard day, I think we can find some way for it to be magnificent. Because as the scripture in Joshua says for us to strengthen ourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among us.

Overall themes seemed to be the Atonement and Resurrection, temples, staying true and helping others, and what we as members of the Church should do.