One note about Elder Scott. He is not large in stature but he is a spiritual giant. I met him when I was serving as a missionary. He requested that the missionaries all shake his hand. When I shook his hand and looked him in the eyes, I felt my soul bared open to him. I’ve shaken the hands of a number of apostles in my life but that was the only time one was actively filled with and using the spirit of discernment. He based his talk on what he discerned we needed to hear as missionaries. He said some things I needed to hear and I know he said things others there needed to hear.
What follow are a series of quotes and paraphrased quotes from the apostles who spoke during the Saturday morning session of conference.
Richard G. Scott – Seeking inspiration in your life
Father in Heaven knew that you would be faced with decisions that would beyond your individual capacity. “Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help [the guidance of the Holy Spirit] by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Promptings can be special experiences, very personal, like Patriarchal blessings. Some you will keep sacred.
You need to respond to the first promptings that come to you. “Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger. However, the Lord will not force you to learn.”
Promptings can be masked by strong emotions: Anger, pride, fear.
[Elder Scott also spoke about the dangers of pornography. Much of this portion of his talk was almost word-for-word what he has said about pornography in conference in the past].
Elder David A. Bednar – Love and Hypocrisy
Hopefully children hear and see the regular expression of love between their parents in their daily lives.
Do our words [of love] match our deeds?
Within the walls of our own homes we can and should bear testimony of the divinity of God’s Son. When was the last time you shared your testimony with your spouse or children or parents?
What we know is not always reflected in what we do. We are not only striving to know more but also do more. We need to live and bear our testimonies.
We invite the Holy Ghost when we witness of truth.
Each scripture study, each family prayer, each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls.
Avoid hypocrisy by living at home and in private what you preach in public.
Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Love
Love is the great commandment; it ought to be at the center of everything we do – in our lives, family, and at church. Love is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love should be our walk and our talk.
At the heart of misery, you will find the love of evil things. At the heart of joy you will find the love of good things.
Why does Heavenly Father love us? God’s love is infinite. God does not look on the outward appearance. Though we are incomplete, God love us completely. God does not care whether we live in a cottage or a castle. Regardless of our current state, there is hope for us.
Don’t ever get discouraged if you stumble at times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. Choose to listen to the Father and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do. As we draw near to Heavenly Father, we become more holy. As we become more holy we overcome disbelief.
Why is love the great commandment. Love of God for His children is the core message of the Plan of Salvation. It is given power by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Love is the way of the disciple. God is mindful of you. He hears your prayers and knows the desires of your hearts.
Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart and who love our neighbor as ourselves.