The Strength of the Brethren

Last weekend, I had the sweet opportunity and blessing of attending Stake Conference. We had many great speakers which included members of our Stake, our Temple President, our missionaries, and some of our General Authorities. It was a wonderful meeting full of the Spirit.
Elder Russell M. Nelson visited our Saturday and Sunday sessions. He provided some great insight and counsel. One thought I had as he spoke was that of amazement of the strenght of the Brethren. They are men, men of God, but they are men. It's amazing to watch as they lead and guide this church with such power and stamina. I thought about this and realized that they have to be lead by God. Most men their age struggle with health problems which can include clarity of mind. It's absolutely incredible to watch these men speak so clearly. My mom noted that Elder Nelson spoke both Saturday and Sunday for a combined time of over about 90 minutes and not once did he refer to notes. He truly is lead by the Spirit and heeds its promptings and direction without question.
Some notes that I took as he spoke are included below:

Saturday, February 1, 2014

• We need more help in the state of Utah. People come here for occupations and education, but it's to be brought to the gospel.
• All God wants is for His children to come home. 
• Immortality comes as an unconditional gift as a result of the Atonement.
• Eternal life is a conditional gift based on our decision. We can choose eternal life or eternal damnation.
• There is more to repentance than doing wrong. It's changing the way you think, changing your spirit, changing the way you breathe. Repentance is conversion. Conversion to the Lord from the ways of the world. 
• Only He could fulfill His mission (Jesus Christ).
• Never give up on your loved ones.
• Be grateful! Some of us have to die to get released (from callings). Count your many blessings. There will come an end.
• 3 Nephi 27:14-15 faith, repentance, baptism, endure to the end
• The ordinances of exaltation all pertain to the unit of the family.
• Use family history as a missionary tool.
• Their ancestors are praying that someone will find their descendants and bring them in to receive ordinances and then in turn provide those ordinances for their ancestors.
• That is a miracle. This work is left to imperfect people.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

• He invited the children to stand and sing "I Am a Child of God." That was pretty special.
• Teach the children:

          1) Teach them what it means when they sing "I Am a Child of God".

          2) Teach them that they can converse with their Heavenly Father. He will 

          communicate with us in His own way and in His own time.

          3) Teach them that Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son. Teach them why we 

           partake of two emblems for the sacrament.

         4) Teach them that the Lord Jesus Christ restored His church.

         5) Teach them that God teaches His children through His prophets and apostles. All 

         previous dispensations were limited in time and place. This dispensation will become 

         continuous to the Second Coming. It will fill the whole world.

• The dead don't like to be referred to as dead. Those on the other side of the veil are very much alive.
• Make your homes pronography proof.
• Teach children the importance of education. It's the difference between wanting to do something for someone and being able to do it.
• Teach them to be good citizens. Be joyful. Be helpful.
• Correct in private. Praise them in public.