Deleted

[Tbone]

Looking forward to Conference...

Please let it be known the following:

1890: Manifesto released
1973: War begins between Israel and enemies
1987: President Benson gives his last talk on the Constitution.
1995: Family Proclamation released.
2014: Last Conference where the sustainings were unanimous in the Conference Center
2017: ???

What do these five things have in common?

A separation resulted shortly thereafter these conferences.

The righteous following Yahweh. The wicked following Azazael and leaving the camp only to die in the desert.

These events, all passed in October conference.

On Yom Kippur.

What do you mean by "a separation"?

[Tbone]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Only talks that focus more on programs and a few other topics which I don't want to mention.

Although I generally don't find it boring, I do find it so relaxing that I have a hard time staying awake, even when sitting on the hard pews in the Priesthood Session. Even though some may believe church sleep is the healthiest sleep, I feel like General Conference sleep is just a bit better. And by the sounds of some snoring old men I've sat next to, Endowment session sleep appears even healthier.

I do much prefer the relaxing, quiet dignity of our meetings than the raucous and overly emotional preaching styles of other christian denominations.

[LatterDayLizard]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

It can be. It has been for me in the past, especially if I'm up with the kids the night before. I find when I come prepared with sincere questions and prayers for help where I need it, I'm far more stoked about it. It's like drinking from a firehose. If I don't prepare, I definitely want to fall asleep, especially if someone from South Africa speaks (that accent is SO soothing).
My husband prepares, but he still occasionally nods off. That's because if he sits still long enough, his body just goes there. But he still has a much richer experience when he prepares, occasional nod offs notwithstanding.

[Ezra]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

[Col. Flagg]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni or Abinidi amongst the hierarchy in the church, just a lot of former Attorneys, Doctors and wealthy businessmen trying to run a $30 billion corporation while keeping the feds at bay by not crossing lines from the pulpit. Truth hurts. When was the last time 'thus saith the Lord' was uttered in GC? Anyone know?

Don't get me wrong, most of the talks are nice and full of good morals and ethics with counsel to be a spiritual giant, but they are also nothing more than glamorized sacrament meeting talks... we have to have a huge conference every six months for this? Special instruction and revelation from the Lord is to be expected during GC, but the messages are no different than a spiced up Sunday talk written by an intellectual or someone who is great with words. I hate to say that, but that's how it is.

[Ezra]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni or Abinidi amongst the hierarchy in the church, just a lot of former Attorneys, Doctors and wealthy businessmen trying to run a $30 billion corporation while keeping the feds at bay by not crossing lines from the pulpit.

Ya I'm sure the people of the church would gladly donate to pay what ever taxation would be required to not have a 501c3 and be strangled by those rules.

[Col. Flagg]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni or Abinidi amongst the hierarchy in the church, just a lot of former Attorneys, Doctors and wealthy businessmen trying to run a $30 billion corporation while keeping the feds at bay by not crossing lines from the pulpit.

Ya I'm sure the people of the church would gladly donate to pay what ever taxation would be required to not have a 501c3 and be strangled by those rules.

Maybe, maybe not? The fact that we are muzzled by 501c3 makes us a creature of the state and not a mouthpiece of God. We abrogated a sacred duty and responsibility to God and our Savior when we decided to become a slave to the IRS in exchange for tax-free status. And furthermore, man cannot serve both God and Mammon, yet, that is exactly what the church is trying to do right now.

[passionflower]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

I am not really bored by conference, but I often find the speakers just aren't talking to "me" anymore. Like the temple film, the church seems to be targetting another audience, and I am usually the odd man out most of the time. I haven't got anything out of the RS General Session for years, and I'm not the only one.

Maybe it's my age?

[BringerOfJoy]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes. And dang it, for 40 years, I tried everything I knew to squeeze the life out of it. I always had something to take notes on, and attended every session. And once in a while I was rewarded with some little tidbit, but I should have just read C.S. Lewis directly instead of getting him second hand. Back in the days of McConkie, and Romney, and Maxwell, it was a bit more rewarding, but shoot, just read the scriptures for 10 minutes, and you'll get more out of it. It has all been "dumbed" down so much, there is just no life left. Just sappy stories.

And if it's all those emotional stories you miss, just pick up an old copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

[Teancum]

"Have ye inquired of the Lord?" I have found that when I ask for things to apply specifically to me out of conference or wherever, I usually do receive that answer. The real challenge is in remembering the inspirations that come, and then applying them.

Since it is the Holy Ghost which teaches and conveys knowledge, testifies, etc. why not ask God for it to teach you what God wants you to know?

I bet you will get an answer.

[JK4Woods]

Interesting how my perception of "shallow talks" given over the pulpit at General Conference has changed since I have been using last April's conference talks as subject material for teaching High Priests Group on 4th Sundays.

Prepping my lessons has shown me the deeper levels of these talks.
I guess I am realizing the saying: "let them that have ears hear".
So much profound doctrine in last April's conference talks...!!

Still, when I listen to conference on TV at home... I generally only get the surface level.. only later do I do a deep dive and reap the harvest of satisfying spiritual nourishment.

[BringerOfJoy]

Just pick up the Book of Mormon. It's a virtual Urim and Thummim.

[Ezra]

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni or Abinidi amongst the hierarchy in the church, just a lot of former Attorneys, Doctors and wealthy businessmen trying to run a $30 billion corporation while keeping the feds at bay by not crossing lines from the pulpit.

Ya I'm sure the people of the church would gladly donate to pay what ever taxation would be required to not have a 501c3 and be strangled by those rules.

Maybe, maybe not? The fact that we are muzzled by 501c3 makes us a creature of the state and not a mouthpiece of God. We abrogated a sacred duty and responsibility to God and our Savior when we decided to become a slave to the IRS in exchange for tax-free status. And furthermore, man cannot serve both God and Mammon, yet, that is exactly what the church is trying to do right now.

I agree. But given a choice and Informed on what is happening I would bet the members wouldn't want it that way and would gladly do what was needed exit that government control.

[brlenox]

Until the church sheds its shackles with the fed gov and 501c3, I'm not counting on anything of substance - nothing ever changes - same old rhetoric every six months. I am curious though to see if they announce their $1 billion renovation project for the area around the Mesa temple?

It is clearly fascinating to me how some people hear nothing of significance and others of us find such powerful instruction. I still read Elder Nelson's talk from April 2016 on paying the price for Priesthood power regularly and by applying his counsel I have found my life completely advanced and excelled in ways that it is clear some have no grasp of. Including that conference and this one there will be approximately 80 talks provided and between these two ends there have been multiple talks of significance. President Nelson's has completely opened opportunities I never understood - just one talk out of a potential of many more has changed my life and others out of 80 talks of brilliance have been positive contributors and yet someone can say that they cannot find anything of worth from conference; a sad and bitter commentary that speaks far more to the ears that hear during conference and reflects nothing upon the mouths that speak the words of God.

[Michelle]

Until the church sheds its shackles with the fed gov and 501c3, I'm not counting on anything of substance - nothing ever changes - same old rhetoric every six months. I am curious though to see if they announce their $1 billion renovation project for the area around the Mesa temple?

It is clearly fascinating to me how some people hear nothing of significance and others of us find such powerful instruction. I still read Elder Nelson's talk from April 2016 on paying the price for Priesthood power regularly and by applying his counsel I have found my life completely advanced and excelled in ways that it is clear some have no grasp of. Including that conference and this one there will be approximately 80 talks provided and between these two ends there have been multiple talks of significance. President Nelson's has completely opened opportunities I never understood - just one talk out of a potential of many more has changed my life and others out of 80 talks of brilliance have been positive contributors and yet someone can say that they cannot find anything of worth from conference; a sad and bitter commentary that speaks far more to the ears that hear during conference and reflects nothing upon the mouths that speak the words of God.

Thank you for your comment, I agree.

President Nelson (and his wife's) last couple of Worldwide Devotional For Young Adult Talks have been life changing. Not to discount General Conference, there is plenty to feast on there as well. Just a observation that the brethren are revealing many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, when we listen.

2016 Becoming True Millennials-President Nelson

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ ... s?lang=eng

2016 Becoming the Person You Were Born to Be-Wendy Nelson

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ ... e?lang=eng

2017 Prophets, Leadership and Divine Law-President Nelson

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ ... w?lang=eng

2017 Love and Marriage-Wendy Nelson

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ ... e?lang=eng

[jbalm]

Until the church sheds its shackles with the fed gov and 501c3, I'm not counting on anything of substance - nothing ever changes - same old rhetoric every six months. I am curious though to see if they announce their $1 billion renovation project for the area around the Mesa temple?

It is clearly fascinating to me how some people hear nothing of significance and others of us find such powerful instruction. I still read Elder Nelson's talk from April 2016 on paying the price for Priesthood power regularly and by applying his counsel I have found my life completely advanced and excelled in ways that it is clear some have no grasp of. Including that conference and this one there will be approximately 80 talks provided and between these two ends there have been multiple talks of significance. President Nelson's has completely opened opportunities I never understood - just one talk out of a potential of many more has changed my life and others out of 80 talks of brilliance have been positive contributors and yet someone can say that they cannot find anything of worth from conference; a sad and bitter commentary that speaks far more to the ears that hear during conference and reflects nothing upon the mouths that speak the words of God.

So the Brethren can take the profound and make it boring?

Quite the talent.

[kittycat51]

I am surprised at some of the comments here. This is a time that we hear what the Lord wants us to hear from our leaders. I hope people believe that they are truly inspired. I DO with all my heart. I always get a sense of joy and a familiar feeling or sense of "home" when I hear those first notes ring out from the tabernacle choir signaling the start of General Conference. I find that you receive what you give or put into it. Yes I am guilty of struggling to stay awake sometimes. (I blame that on my health issues) But I have discovered that if I go into Conference with specific questions in mind, I then pray about finding those answers, AND I take notes, I will be rewarded. Now I am not and have never been a note taker. But I have discovered it helps me pay attention more. I have found that I always find the answers I was seeking. When GC is over, I get very emotional because it is over. Elder Holland's closing talk last year summed it up best...HELP! There is a T-rex chasing me!

[Mark]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

Yes.

That's why I want fire and damnation talks. A call to repentance. Talks that would slap the pride and hypocritical nature of the members out.

I would love to hear a thus sayeth the lord talks. The lord has told me to say ___________!!!!!!! You need to pray to god and inquire about this___________!!!!

I want some real meat. Some real direction. Some real calling out of the members for how they are astray. Some real reminders of how we should be doing things vs how we are currently. Like peddling off the education of our children to evil socialist public schools where they are being indoctrinated daily vs it being the sole responsibility of the parents to truly educate their children in the lords gospel. In how to be happy. In how to communicate. About politics and the need to stand righteously on the side of the lord on freedoms And what is expected of us to be righteously involved in that battle for our agency that still rages on today from the day when Satan rebelled in heaven.

Talks that people wouldn't be able to fall asleep to because of the amount and boldness of the truths that were being given to them.

Unfortunately, we don't have a Samuel the Lamanite, Moroni or Abinidi amongst the hierarchy in the church, just a lot of former Attorneys, Doctors and wealthy businessmen trying to run a $30 billion corporation while keeping the feds at bay by not crossing lines from the pulpit. Truth hurts. When was the last time 'thus saith the Lord' was uttered in GC? Anyone know?

Don't get me wrong, most of the talks are nice and full of good morals and ethics with counsel to be a spiritual giant, but they are also nothing more than glamorized sacrament meeting talks... we have to have a huge conference every six months for this? Special instruction and revelation from the Lord is to be expected during GC, but the messages are no different than a spiced up Sunday talk written by an intellectual or someone who is great with words. I hate to say that, but that's how it is.

You sound like a sign seeker brother. Do you know how the spirit of God operates in ones life? It is thru gentle persuasion and a still small voice with impressions coming to ones heart and mind. That is the method the Lord has prescribed to touch the hearts of his children of the covenant. Why do you feel disappointed that these Brethren and Sisters in leadership share those thoughts and testimonies that can be placed upon our minds and hearts by the power of this still small voice? Perhaps you need to evaluate your own heart to see if you are open to the Lords method of communication. I like this comment from Elder Ballard:

"Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. To have a real and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be “spiritually … born of God,” to “[receive] his image in your countenances,” and to experience a “mighty change in your hearts”.

[brlenox]

Until the church sheds its shackles with the fed gov and 501c3, I'm not counting on anything of substance - nothing ever changes - same old rhetoric every six months. I am curious though to see if they announce their $1 billion renovation project for the area around the Mesa temple?

It is clearly fascinating to me how some people hear nothing of significance and others of us find such powerful instruction. I still read Elder Nelson's talk from April 2016 on paying the price for Priesthood power regularly and by applying his counsel I have found my life completely advanced and excelled in ways that it is clear some have no grasp of. Including that conference and this one there will be approximately 80 talks provided and between these two ends there have been multiple talks of significance. President Nelson's has completely opened opportunities I never understood - just one talk out of a potential of many more has changed my life and others out of 80 talks of brilliance have been positive contributors and yet someone can say that they cannot find anything of worth from conference; a sad and bitter commentary that speaks far more to the ears that hear during conference and reflects nothing upon the mouths that speak the words of God.

So the Brethren can take the profound and make it boring?

Quite the talent.

jbalm makes distinction that the brethren are profound
we appreciate his observation considering it most sound
like the tabernacle choir, his thoughts, music to our ears
He is such a cheery fellow when he's had a couple beers

He alludes to another issue in his moderately coherent way
but we allow for his intoxication which confuses what he would say
Perhaps words are missing or alcohol sends his brain a soaring
but really what he's trying to say is that a third one makes HIM boring

So, knowing of his affliction while conference instructs our mind
We think of balmy's observations and will offer advice in kind
Dearest friend when you're feeling snookered don't try to wax poetic
because unlike me, sharp as a whip - you'll only sound pathetic



edit note:

President Holland in the morning session says we should think well of ourselves - I'm just putting his profound counsel into effect in my life.

[jbalm]

Personal attacks. The hallmark of a Mormon apologist.

Kudos. Maybe FAIR will hire you now.

[David13]

OK, honesty time here.
Does anyone else find it boring?

No.
Like anything else, it has a lot to do with what you make of it.
For one thing, I can tell you, you would not find it at all boring if you were to journey here to hear in person. But also, I think listening at the meeting house has more impact than sitting around the house.
I watched the afternoon session at a friend's house. He had a real reclining sofa which almost put me to sleep. I had to get a chair to sit upright in, so I could listen.
Also, when I began to listen, rather than just sit there, I began to hear a lot that applied to me directly. Like you 'may' have heard this afternoon. It was not coincidence.
dc

[brlenox]

Personal attacks. The hallmark of a Mormon apologist.

Kudos. Maybe FAIR will hire you now.

Jbalm, I'm shocked. Where is that sense of humor? Where is your usual joviality. Alas how tragic... has your unicorn died?

Ajax would have taken it in stride and alas there was a time when you would of as well.

[jbalm]

Maybe if there was some casual banter beforehand? Sorry if I misread you.

ETA: After reflecting on our exchanges in the past, I realize I was kind of a douchebag. Sorry again bro.

[brlenox]

Maybe if there was some casual banter beforehand? Sorry if I misread you.

ETA: After reflecting on our exchanges in the past, I realize I was kind of a douchebag. Sorry again bro.

Not a problem - hope all is well with you and yours...

[jbalm]

Samesies