2009-10-04

Svithetacular 179.5



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SATURDAY MORNING

President Monson
    Five new temples. I was fighting the computer, so I only caught Brigham City, Chile and Sapporo. I'm sure I could check Twitter though.

    Lady Steed's Mac won't kill the hiccupping video feed so we've got two off feeds going at the same time. Still, it's better than my laptop. I was going to take notes there, but the keyboard doesn't work.

    His blessing for us as we listen.


Elder Richard Scott
    What can we do to enhance our capacity to be led to correct decisions in our lives?

    Father in Heaven knew we would be faced with decisions beyond our capacity to choose correctly. Ergo, Holy Ghost.

    Use the HG consistently --- that's what God wants.

    There's no consistent formula to be guided by the Spirit.

    Spirituality yields two fruits: inspiration to know what to do, the power to do it.

    Those come together.

    Cf 1N3:7.

    Beware those who choose to impress rather than become a conduit for inspiration.

    "Is there more I should know?"

    Best to write down inspiration as it comes.

    Big O holds the baby. The baby cries. Elder Scott should really either give us a minute or at least Speak Up a Little!

    No porn, folks

    We can learn the principles of being guided by the Spirit

    and thus live lives of great peace and happiness


Didn't catch who this lady is---40m later, via Twitter: Sister Matsumori
    The missionaries stop at one last house, a home teacher calls someone he had just visited, a YW decides to ditch the party

    How did they know to do that?????

    The Holy Ghost!

    She cops to not feeling different immediately upon being baptized or confirmed.

    It takes time to understand what and when the Spirit is.

    Trying to find a still small moment in our edays is not easy.

    a warm blanket


Thanks to Twitter, we know this is Elder William Clayton
    firewood in burlap, rope around forehead

    now for metaphysical burdens

    some no fault of our own
    ---natural
    ---other people

    whatever the burden, from heaven's perspective, last but a short while

    cursed is the ground for our sake
    work a continual burden for our sake

    if we are compelled to be humble, well, blessed are we


Twitter says.....Russell T. Osguthorpe?


    Missionaries like doctors.

    Sunday classes not about pouring in info.

    Are overintellectualized Sunday schools becoming a big problem or something?

    teaching that teaches about then shows how to take action

    He's a recovered giverupper.


Elder Bednar (twitter is awesome --- wish I'd thought of it earlier to fill my temple and speaker gaps)
    ExPRESS LOVE

    We know we should, but do we do?

    "such love is the desire of the soul"

    bear testimony in the home

    When did you last?

    we should look for and create opportunities to bear testimony

    testimony creates light out of the dark

    some lessons will fail, but CONSISTENCY is the greatest lesson

    Comparing what's getting tweeted with what I'm hearing, I'm about five minutes behind.


President Dieter F Uctdorf
    What do people think of Mormons?

    Geez. Mormons are weird.

    Baby screams, boy sings, I can't hear anything.

    love of good things the source of joy
    love of the notsogood the source of notjoy

    since God is love, the closer we approach him, the more profoundly we experience love

    an earnest desire to become more like Him because we love Him
    thus becoming born again, cleansed in the blood

    How can we hear the Father's voice?
    He will answer us.
    As you read the scriptures, or conference or are in the temple or at church, listen for his voice. In nature, listen. In daily interactions with others, in a hymn, in a child's laugh, listen for his voice.

    His voice will lead you on a course to the pure love of Christ.

    Love the path to consecration.

    What should be THE defining attribute of members of CJCLDS?
    Let us be known as a people that love our God and love our neighbors as does Jesus Christ.

    And as we do, we become aware of what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.


SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Elder DHOakes
    Sorry. Further computer issues. Trying to get caught up.

    Basically, true love doesn't take hostages and sometimes life sucks, but God still loves us no matter what you think. (Basically.)

    The general consensus on Twitter at the moment is that if Elder Oakes is talking about the connection between love and law, then, as he is particularly qualified to do so, we should listen.

    This is a different take on the God-is-like-unto-your-own-parents simile. It's an interesting exploration he's taking. I'll definitely need to reread this more closely in future weeks.

    plug for agency

    "courageous confrontation" --- love often requires that, rather than giving in to indulgent self-destruction of the beloved

    love of children does not require rejection of God's laws


Elder RBHales
    Belief in God --- why is it so important?

    Why did Jesus say that life eternal is to know God and the christ he sent?

    I think Elder Hales is missing a chance here. Atheism is becoming a more layered and positive philosophy. Rejection of God is not a clear connection to a lack or morality anymore. It would be good, I think, not to reject atheism as an error outright but, as we do with other faith systems, say bring what you have and let us see if we cannot add more.

    The reality and physicality of God.

    "we know the father and the son have feelings for us"

    The god-weeping verse needs more discussion. I recently learned that Joseph Smith may have intended to remove that from Moses.

    "according to the dictates of our own conscious"
    "and allow all...the same privelege"
    "worship how where and what they may"

    if we do not yield to the gentle influence of the HG we risk becoming like Korihor

    seek a testimony of God now

    these lessing to your family forever


Elder Zeballos
    If you keep my commandments and endure to the end, you shall have eternal life.

    This divine promise POSSIBLE to ACHIEVE

    isn't promise, you know, pretty awesome incentive?

    all ye that embark in the service of God, see that you serve him with all your heart might mind and strength
    (with all our being)
    that we may stand blameless before God at the last day

    the command to become perfect as He is *encourages* us to do our best, to uncover our talents, etc

    eternal life for all mankind

    not requisite to run faster than we have strength

    be diligent to win the prize

    God cannot expect more than our best nor accept less.

    our saviour to whom we owe everything

    by grace we are saved after all we can do

    faith dedication enthusiasm love --- use all to achieve what is impossible without divine assistance

    the most glorious of realities: to live forever with god and our families

    Like Paul, to fight the good right, finish the course, keep the faith

    Yes! It's possible to be happy now and forever!


Brother Callister
    I'm now holding the baby who seems like it might be coming down with a fever. May impact my notetaking.

    I'm glad to hear about angels.


Elder Anderson
    the joy of something (I was interrupted midtype)

    repentance a blessing to all of us

    "a period of riotous living" lol

    do we listen less upon praying?

    why does sadness sometimes live past repentance

    Why do they always insist that we will remember a story?


President Packer
    Another truly distinctive voice, even as it ages.

    cow, chicken, lots of children

    all beings with bodies have power over those who do not

    adding to the stage metaphor, P now intoduces a mental delete key


SATURDAY EVENING















SUNDAY MORNING

President Eyring
    Every Latter-day Saint an optimist

    My family agrees that "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" a homerun Primary song. Who wrote it...?

    Love of God leads us to keep his commandments
    Love of others is at the heart of our capacity to obey him

    Family given as an example of an ideal place

    SURPRISE!!!! This talk is about love too! (Anyone catching a theme, here?)

    Pray for the love that allows you to see the good in your companion, that makes the less than great things seem small, that makes you want to bear her/his burdens

    Hen/chickens

    Prodigal son

    Orson F Whitney: Promised that parents who stay true, tentacles of divine providence, pray for kids, etc

    How nice to be asked about one's family, ah, ah, whip out the pictures, ah.

    Gift through loving obedience, great shall be the peace of your children.

    THE WAY lies through Jesus Christ


Elder Perry
    He and the wife went to the Mormon Miracle Pageant this summer in Manti

    15000 in one night! Wow!

    Incidentally, in Manti, great little ice cream place. Only licorice ice cream I've ever had.

    There's something about facing the lessons of the past that prepares us to face the future.

    Embracing the gospel results in a complete change of life

    That turn of phrase was confusing. Did he mean they knew it would be barren or that they were used to green hills etc.?

    Having converted one desert, get out of here, go to a fresh desert, start over

    It is curious, the placement of the Manti Temple. If there wasn't one there, don't you think the best they could hope for today would be a small one? Probably in Ephraim instead?

    Use the lessons of the past to meet the future:
    shipbuilding leads to roofbuilding
    (waterproofing, etc)
    I'm pretty sure this wasn't a new innovation---they already knew this was how to build. They're Norwegian!


Bishop Burton
    We here at the Thteed house are thinking maybe Primary should be a little more intensive.

    "Virtue Traits" the outward manifestation of the inner man

    The Ity Virtues, ITY means.....ARE YOU LISTENING HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN???

    In our society, you never admit to wrongdoing unless it has already been proven beyond dispute already.

    Abandoning these Christcentered virtues will be DISASTROUS
    could even result in the rule of law being set aside

    This isn't a typical Burton talk at all. But I like it.

    Shame on the donut scamming little girl.
    Shame!

    Did he say that parents suffer more than the children they endeavor to teach? What does that mean?

    Integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscious.

    I am constantly astounded by how little integrity some of my students have. And saddened. You can't play on some kids' sense of honor because they haven't one.

    Dignity honesty and integrity are more important that revenge and rage. Another thing some kids just don't know.

    I didn't watch what all the lost and forgotten thing was about. Did I miss something or was that just a really weak bit of figurativeness?

    May we have humility responsibility opportunity etc. It actually worked pretty well. With a different reading, you might not even notice it.


Sister Dibbs Second Counselor of the YW and allegedly Pr Monson's daughter
    Nothing like a good disaster story to kick off a talk.

    Those damages had safety equipment but Chose Not to Use it. I can't imagine what the lesson here is going to be.

    PrMonson: Remember: You have access to HFather's guidance.

    Hold fast to the rod of iron.

    I hear on Twitter that Sis Dibbs never stops smiling and frequently speaks of disasters. I love it.

    Use the safety equipment!

    She confirms the daughter rumor.


Elder RM Nelson
    "Wireless telephones"?

    Prayer has no roaming fees! Awesome! Sign me up!

    Illegible midnight genius --- ah, we've all been there

    Don't steal, kill, bear false witness. (please)

    Some commandments for specific moments (eg, build an ark)

    Put off the natural man and become a Saint through Jesus and become as a child willing to submit to all things

    BOLDNESS

    Read the story about the son's father and Elder Nelson's prophecy to him

    DISCERNMENT

    callings not for aggrandizement

    line upon line, precept upon precept

    TSM the Living Prophet
    that we may heed his counsel is my prayer in the name of....


President Thomas S Monson (speak of the, ah, prophet?)
    renewal of the No Retirement theme, this time in medicine instead of church
    (but I'm sure they will merge)

    Those who lose their lives in service grow and flourish and in effect save their lives.

    at our best when losing our own lives for others

    How often has daytoday living interfered?

    Take a step back and take a good look at what we're doing.

    We spend too much time caring for things that do not matter.

    We are the Lord's hands upon the earth with a mandate to serve.

    The ideal gift to Pr Mons is to serve someone in need

    warm fuzzies in a jar

    it isn't easy for those who are young to understand when life changes from a time of prep and perf to a time of putting things away, standing on the sidelines watching the procession pass by
    you have to live a long time to learn how empty is a room filled with nothing but furniture

    When saw we thee hungry and fed thee?

    He speaks to you and to me, Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavyladen and I will give thee rest.
    For I am meek and lowly of heart and you shall find rest unto your souls.


SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Elder Holland
    I am very very sad that my, ah, emergency conflicted with the beginning of this talk. I love Elder Holland's talks.

    I have never heard this portion of the Martyrdom before. And he uses it to striking effect.

    "none of these frankly pathetic explanations for this book" (book of mormon)

    No wicked man COULD right it and no RIGHTEOUS man would (unless commanded to) -- JRH's grandpa

    You cannot leave this church without crawling over or under or through the Book of Mormon.

    It is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who wish not to believe in this work.
    (can't wait to read pathetic exmo reaction to that line)

    Holland is a masterful speaker, both in the writing and the presentation.

    His clear clear witness echoes Nephi's: hearken to these words and believe in Christ, or, if you don't believe these words, at least believe in Christ, and if you do believe in Christ, then you will believe in these words.
    He will show you that these are his words in the last day.


Elder Quentin Cook
    Hey! Love pleasure more than righteousness? Tch.

    Some serve because they believe it is the right thing to do.
    While good, a higher motive is when we serve our fellow man because God wants us to.
    Said someone, missed who, but that person said the LDSs seem to serve for that latter reason.

    We will be accountable for our own sins in our day of judgment.

    Two stewardships: ourselves; poor and needy. Those for discussion today.

    Keeping up the spring
    Restoring the spring

    God's standard of morality the same for all his children

    We are accountable to God. So how silly to rationalize. Like hiding our eyes and thinking mommy can't see.

    managing priorities, what putteth thou first?

    religious observance in the home as important as food clothing and shelter

    children unaware that they are accountable of the time talents etc at a disadvantage

    our stewardship for those in need inspire some of the strongest language in all scripture

    some members will always respond, no matter the sacrifices required

    No, of course you shouldn't run faster than you have strength, BUT BE DILIGENT


Lebrand N.Neilson?
    Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.

    The Finnish/Soviet border and one more prophecy fulfilled

    NO GREATER WORK no greater call THAN teaching the NATIONS of the EARTH

    so leave your fishnets straightway and follow Him, ladies


name
    heart transplant as metaphor --- avoiding organ rejection

    the ultimate operation is a, wait for it, CHANGE OF HEART
    (clever)

    It's swiftly become clear that there is not enough room in this bed for all of us.


Ringwood
    easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God

    another talk about soft hearts. curious.

    I will Go and Do.

    Funny turn of phrase. Sounded like God wanted Lamoni's dad's sins. Maybe to try something different for a while.

    live worthy of the HG


Elder Sitati
    The Tower of Babel

    we are currently in the middle of many many many familial distractions; these last three talks are a blur

    allegory of the olive tree
    all nations become members of Israel

    "ready heckoning"? LS suggests 'beckoning'

    I never realized how much 'married' sounds like 'murdered'. Let's keep but one in the temple, shall we?


Elder Christofferson
    I do not believe there is a double standard of morality (faust) (that is, OUR faust)

    disciple and discipline's rootword relation suggests that one leads to the other

    moral certainty the foundation of moral discipline

    today we need laws to stopgap genteel traditions

    unethical conduct led to much of our current financial problems

    we can never have enough good-enough rules (or enforcement thereof) to stop bad people from being bad --- so just a reduction or freedom for the good

    we would not accept the burden of Christ so we must accept the burden of Caesar

    moral discipline learned at home

    those who don't want to 'impose' the gospel on their children with the idea that this is a better honoring of agency --- but without knowledge of the gospel, how will they compare it to the devil's hardball proselyting?

    curious thing: admitting sins only allowed when the occurred in childhood or were of the most minor-indiscretion type of sin


President Thomas S. Monson
    Phew! Print edition forthcoming!

    winds and waves and floods that can destroy
    HE is evermindful of us and will bless us as we do what is right

    how grateful we are that the heavens have been opened and the gospel restored

    We are a blessed people.

    And here's one more....

    He loves us and prays for us and asks for the same in return.

    May God bless us and his promised peace be with us now and ever.

    Oh, divine Redeemer!




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