My Mustard Seed

After reading repeated stories in the media where major Christian denominations discuss whether Mormons are Christians and how they should be considered, I wondered where they received the authority to decide what or who is Christian and who or what is not. Elder Holland's talk, directly and to the point, helped delineate why we are Christians and why others should not doubt that we are.

The best lesson from conference might have been the act of kindness demonstrated by Elder Nelson during Elder Wirthlin's talk (Elder Wirthlin had started trembling terribly and so Elder Nelson stood slightly behind him to support and to steady him - Elder Wirthlin is 90). Elder Wirthlin said, "Love is the beginning, middle, and end of our discipleship." Was there a better example of that than Elder Nelson? How like the Savior was that act, standing by us, supporting us in the moments we tremble under our burdens. What a terrific discourse both in word and by example.

Elder Uchtdorf spoke on enduring to the end and this was probably my "favorite" talk of the session (we are allowed to have favorites aren't we?)

I thought his first definitions of enduring to the end were great!

"When I was a child, enduring to the end was trying to stay awake through my church meetings."

One of the most important points I heard was when he said that enduring the end is not just hanging in their through life's difficulties, it is filling our lives from sunrise to sunrise with things that are essential and worthwhile to our lives. Enduring to the end requires trusting the Lord. There will be days and nights when your hearts are heavy and your heads hang down, at that time, we should remember the Savior's injunction to "Come unto Me".

Sister Cook and Elder Condie gave talks that dove-tailed very well I believe. Elder Condie's mentioned faith and the 4 elements of action that Sis Cook reminded us of (from President Hinckley's talk at YW 2007 Meeting)

1. Pray
2. Study
3. Pay Tithing
4. Attend Meetings

The question I had to ask myself was if in these small things, is my faith being demonstrated to the Lord. Can I expect the Lord's blessings if I am not exercising my faith in even these basic ways?

My wife just asked me what my feelings were on the general themes from this session just far.

My response was Faith and Exercising it in our life. My wife's response was about the challenges of life and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ help us to move forward in spite of them and to have joy despite them.

Somewhat related, but wonderful nonetheless that each of us can receive different impressions perhaps most important for us to hear at this time.

Mosiah 18:8-9 - Bear one another's burdens - a commandment to all of us who are baptized.

Do we know our neighbors needs? Do we know the needs of members in our ward? Are we viewed as caring enough or friends enough for them to share their needs? How about our Home Teaching families?

Do we "Endure Together Forever"? The question I was left with was if I'm being too busy to "go about doing good" as Jesus did? or the question asked in the song "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?"

President Packer's story about his calling as a General Authority had a great impact on me. His teaching that the simple testimony of Joseph Smith and the truthfulness of the God is what is required for service was a powerful reminder of all the is truly required for service. We need not suppose that some unusual witness if required for us to server faithfully. He also reiterated something I had shared as a spiritual thought in a recent church meeting, that the most important service we can do is for our families.

Revelation appropriate to the office
President Packer also reminded us th

I decided I would try live blogging conference, to see if it was distracting or helpful for me to stay focused on the messages that are being given.

I was excited to hear of President Eyring's new calling and look forward to his service in this new capacity. Upon hearing of Elder Quentin Cook's call to the Quorum of the Twelve I must admit to feeling surprise, I don't know why but that is what I felt. I look forward to hearing from him and getting to know him better