General Conference…in "general"

Pres. Uchtdorf is quoted as saying “we must embrace and welcome all God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently.” I love that directive.

Also, I liked Pres. Monson’s advice to “remain close to those who have strayed from the church.” This is a charge that is often talked about, but all too often not lived, IMO. So I applaud the re-emphasis.

Yes, I love these directives as well…this is pure religion and I am proud the messages were so clear.

I really enjoyed these messages. It was interesting because my wife and I were just talking about a situation in our ward where a friend left the church, smokes, drinks and other lifestyle stuff…and has been so shunned by people in the ward. At a time when you would think the individual needs some love and help from people more than ever, she is not getting that. I doubt she’ll ever return.

I hope we can see these words from General Conference actually being translated to actions in our wards, and continued direction from local leaders.

It’s never easy to associate with those that might even make fun of your beliefs…and especially here in Utah where the easy way is to just find another neighbor that IS like-minded and avoid the conflicts altogether. But I think the rewards for expanding one’s circle of friends to include those diverse folks that make you work a little, and challenge your thinking, ultimately cause us to be more loving and understanding.

I agree…and I think sometimes you have to be able to laugh at yourself and your religion along with others that make fun of some of the silly things mormons really do.

Thanks Rix. (Its good to have you around here again…I personally have missed your diagonal perspectives).

Dieter Uchtdorf’s talk was supurb. (Of course, he wouldn’t even have to open his mouth to impress me.)

Biggest surprise: Sister Beck’s talk. I kept expecting another “Mothers who know…” talk and was prepared to get up and go in the other room at the first hint of a guilt trip. I was very pleasantly surprised and liked her talk a lot.

I was waiting for someone to start this thread… 😳

I, too, felt Sis. Beck’s talk was a perfect counterbalance to the “What mother’s know..” talk. It was very practical and reasonable.

Also, big ups to Holland for actually calling internet porn addiction an addiction, and then referencing non-LDS “help” as an option. I felt that this was a HUGE step forward in the church’s ability to address this issue in a real way. And, in a way that may actually help people in the long term. This may be the catalyst that the church has needed for some time to deal with the issue in a way that can affect real change in people for the better. I was thoroughly impressed.

I thought it was a great conference. And the fact that so many of us here right now are articulating what we like shows me that much of it is a matter of perspective. If we listen closely to what they are saying we will recognize that they are not preaching what so many of us dislike in the church.

My favorite talks this time:

Elder Uchtdorf

Elder Holland

Elder Oaks

Pres. Monson

I thought they did a great job emphasizing Jesus, love, widening the tent, and otherwise preaching good sound religion.