189th Semi-Annual General Conference -Saturday Session Highlights

Saturday Morning Session

Jeffrey R. Holland

• As the result of your persistence, you can be brought until Christ and healed. 
• Turn the Volume Up even if everyone else tells you to Turn the Volume Down.
• Have Spiritually Sensitive people around you. 
• In matters of Faith and Conviction it helps to direct your inquires to those who have those qualities as well. 
• We have morphed from Every Member a Missionary to Every Member a Photographer. 
• Those blessed with sight, will recognize that despite everything else, it will mean little or nothing unless we find Jesus at the Center of it All. 
• We must cut through the commotion -joyful as it is- to seek Christ. 
• We don't have to be in a Conference Center to find Christ. 
• We must point past the hustle and bustle and concentrate on the meaning of it all, of the beating heart of the gospel, the love of Eternal Parents, the atoning gift of a Divine Son, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. 
• If Christ can be at the center of our worship we will be reinforcing the great truth that the Redeemer is most important above all. 
• Commotion and Confusion and Crowds, Even Contention, there's plenty of that in our world. Skeptics and the Faithful still contend over the vision of Christ. 
• The most thrilling sight and sound in life is that of Jesus, not only passing by, but his coming to us, stopping beside us, and making his abode with us. 

Terence M. Vinson

• Consider your ways.
• What we need here is less Wifi and more Nephi.
• It is so easy for our framework to become the things of the world instead of the things of the gospel. 
• Be committed no matter how easy the way may appear. Work hard. 
• Give your all because you will have no regrets. 
• Giving your all doesn't mean you'll continually be enveloped in blessings or always have success but we will always have joy. 
• Joy is enduring and is founded on our efforts being accepted by the Lord. 
• It is not our successes but rather our sacrifices and efforts that matter most to the Lord.
• God is not known for showering praise on the lukewarm. 

Stephen W. Owen

• Modern technologies bless us in many ways, however they can also distract us from our most important connection. Our connection with heaven. 
• We don't often find spiritual nourishment trending on social media. 
• We must make a deliberate effort each day to disconnect from the world and to connect to heaven. 
• Are you going through the motions or are you truly converted?
• You face challenges, but so does every generation. This is our day and we need to be FaithFULL and not FaithLESS.
• Regardless of your circumstances you can make your home the center of gospel learning and gospel living. You must take responsibility for your own spiritual learning and growth. 
• Satan is the master of distraction and procrastination. 
• Parents. Children need MORE of your time. Not Less.
• Small changes can make Big Spiritual Impacts on you. 

D. Todd Christofferson

• We can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives.
• For Latter-Day Saints, Jesus Christ is Joy. 
• If our Faith is Strong, when bad things happen--which they will--we will be able to deal with them.
• Even if your faith never wavers, that doesn't mean you won't have depression.
• Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar. 
• I do not Joy in my own success alone, my joy is more full in the success of my brethren. 
• If we are focused on the joy of pleasing God and bringing light, relief, and happiness to others, we will find joy in ourselves.
• The Ultimate Joy of the Saints is that the Savior pleads for our Cause. 
• Joy is a gift for faithful saints who have endured the trials of the world. 

Michelle Craig

• Our souls long for a connection. We want to feel needed and useful.
• If something invites and entices to do good, it comes from Christ.
• One -Be Intentional in Creating Time and Space to Hear God's Voice. 
• Most often God reveals himself to individuals in private and generally without noise or tumult. 
• If God speaks in a still small voice, you and I need to draw close to hear him.
• Pick a time and place and listen to God's voice every day.
• Two -Act without Delay. 
• Three -Get your Errand From the Lord.
• When you are on the Lord's Errand you qualify for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 
• Christ can use your ordinary skills to accomplish his extraordinary work. 
• If the Work is that Important then I want to help you. 
• The Lord sends revelation to those seeking to help others.
• Four -Believe and Trust. 
• There are many ways to build the Kingdom of God.
• The Lord is mindful of those who obey and will prepare a way to accomplish the thing of which he commands. 
• Note The Lord prepares A way. Not The way. There's more than one Way to build the Kingdom of God. 
• No matter who you are or what you're dealing with you're invited to the Lord's table.

Dale G. Renlund

• Being converted to the Lord starts with an unwavering commitment to God followed by making that commitment part of who we are. It is a lifelong process with continual repentance. 
• We never forget a commitment that is etched in our hearts.
• The only way faith grows is for an individual to ACT in faith.
• We cannot grow someone else's faith or rely on others to bolster our own.
• Covenants anchor us to the Savior and propels us along the path that leads us to our Heavenly Home.
• A half-hearted commitment to our covenants will not guarantee us anything.
• Be dependable and steadfast. 

Dallin H. Oaks

• What do we really know about conditions in the spirit world?
• The work of salvation goes forward in the spirit world. 
• Personal spiritual experiences aren't to be taught as doctrine of the church. They're personal.
• A statement made by a leader on a single occasion is not to be considered binding to the entire church.
• Doctrine is taught by ALL and is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. 
• For all questions about the spirit world, first remember that God loves his children and will surely do what is best for each of us. Second, remember trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.
• We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world, and discuss these in other intimate settings. Let us not teach or use as official doctrine that which does not meet the standards of official doctrine. 
• There is so much that we do not know is that our only sure reliance is to trust in the Lord and in his love for his Children. 

Saturday Afternoon Session

David A. Bednar

• Beware of evil's beguiling disguises. 
• Spiritually dangerous ideas and actions can frequently appear desirable. We need to beware beguiling bad that pretends to be good. 
• Restored Gospel light can shine brightly in our lives and help reveal the deceptions threatening us.
• Stay Awake and Be Alert. 
• Spiritual complacency makes us vulnerable. 
• Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency. 
• The Spirit may caution us to look and listen when we may feel that there is no reason to look and listen. Look and listen anyways. 
• Understand the intent of the enemy.
• Satan is the enemy of righteousness. All day. Every day. His only intent is to make the sons and daughters of God miserable like unto himself. 
• Spiritual safety ultimately lies in never taking the first enticing step towards going to where you should not go and doing what you should not do. 
• If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. 
• Your home is the true center of gospel learning and loving. 

Ruben V. Alliaud

• It doesn't matter where, how, or how long we were lost, there is always great joy when we are found. 
• By the power of the Holy Ghost you will know the truth of all things.
• You can be found in a variety of ways. From books, friends, family, etc. 
• Support those in their decisions. 
• A man will get nearer to God by abiding by His precepts. 
• We talk of Christ, we Rejoice in Christ, we preach in Christ, we prophecy in Christ. so that we may know who to look for to receive a remission of our sins.

Russell M. Nelson

• Anyone holding a temple recommend may witness proxy baptisms. 
• Anyone endowed may witness sealing endowments.
• Changes in temple ordinances will hep enhance families and their ability to bond with temple experiences.
• A Bishops first and foremost responsibility is to care for the YM and YW of the ward. 

Quentin L. Cook

• Focus with the youth must be spiritually powerful and help to enhance their growth.
• Young Men Presidencies at the Ward Level will be discontinued to allow the Bishoprics to give more focus and emphasis with the young men and the priesthood and their duties.
• The Bishop needs to work in behalf of the entire family and not always with just an individual.
• Young Women's presidents will report directly to the Bishop in the ward.  
• The word 'Mutual' will be retired and the ward budget will be divided equally between the young men and young women in the ward. 

Mark L. Pace

• You can't have a magnificent temple without a solid and firm foundation. 
• We seek a sure and firm foundation in our lives. A spiritual foundation needed for our journey back to our Heavenly Home. 
• It is upon the Rock of our Redeemer, Christ the Son of God, that you must build your foundation.
• To survive spiritually we need counter strategies and proactive plans to fight against Satan and his attacks against us. 
• The Lord is wanting us to see things differently and the Lord is preparing us to do so.
• Before you had the lesson and the scriptures supplemented it, now the scriptures are the focus and the lesson supplements the reading.
• Learning the gospel is a consistent effort throughout the week.
• The goal isn't to make church one hour shorter, but to make church six days longer. 
• The Lord prepares his people against the attacks of the Adversary. Come Follow Me is the Lord's proactive plan to fight the adversary.
• We are each responsible for our individual growth.

L. Todd Budge

• Even in the midst of a major trial we can feel both peace and happiness. 
• Peace and Joy can come when we surrender ourselves to God and put our trust in him. 
• Trials prepare us to experience joy if we Trust in the Lord and in His plan for us. 
• New joy can find space to enter your heart once the dust has been swept from your heart that had gathered before. 
• Far better things will take place once joy takes place in your heart. 
• Trials can make space for greater joy.
• The Lord will go before you and light the way so that you may find and obtain Joy, Peace, and Happiness.
• You cannot cross the Great Deep save I prepare a way for you. 
• Ultimately you can only make it to the promise land with Lord at the head. 
• Trusting God may not always feel safe first, but Joy follows.
• You can only cross the Deep seas when you have the Lord with you.
• You may not feel safe in the moment, but when the Lord is with you, you will always be safe.
• WE live in a world where the monster waves of trials break constantly upon us, but if we trust in God and the Lord we can have continuous light whether we are above the water or below the water.
• If we are faithful in keeping our covenants we too one day will arrive safely home.
• Christ is the source of All Joy.

Jorge M. Alvarado

• Those who are faithful to the covenants they make will eventually receive the blessings promised them.
• No matter the obstacles we have in life, we can trust that Christ will provide a way so long as we walk in faith.
• Begin with the End in Mind. 
• Understanding the Why of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will help us in the Trials of our Faith.
• Our example can inspire others to make their own right choices.
• You can become a strong link of faith in your family.
• Advice will only carry power to others if we follow our own advice ourselves.
• The influence we have with our children is more powerful if they see us walking faithfully along the covenant path.
• As we desire to know the will of God, He will strengthen us.
• Our faith will show us the way back to our Heavenly Home. 
• Miracles come after the trials of our faith.

Ronald A. Rasband

• May we each hold in our hearts the witness born in our hearts about the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• How important is it to keep your word? To be trusted? To do what you say you will do? 
• Will others come unto Christ after seeing our own example?
• Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will Stand by you. 
• The Lord has guided us every step of the way.
• I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded. 
• To Go and Do means rising above the ways of the Lord. 
• Our daily actions both large and small reflect our commitment to the Lord.
• The loss of Spirituality and Sensitivity comes when we don't follow the Word of Wisdom.
• Always live the Word of Wisdom.
• If we abide with the Word of Wisdom we will receive strength, knowledge and protection of angels. 
• We increase the Savior's power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and KEEP THEM. 
• Every one of our Heavenly Father's children deserves to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• The Lord will Establish your Words and Sanction your Deeds as you strive to build up others and the church. He will be with you. 

General Women's Session

Reyna I. Aburto

• Black clouds may form in our lives that may blind us and cause us to question if the light exists anymore. 
• All human beings are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved child of Heavenly Parents and each has a Divine Nature and Destiny.
• It is Normal to feel sad or worried once in a while. They're natural human emotions. However if we're constantly sad and the pain blocks our ability to feel the love of our Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost, then we may be suffering from an emotional condition.
• Do not keep your sadness to yourself. Find those you can confide in. 
• Achieving perfection is a process that will take time. Take our entire life and beyond. 
• When we open up to our emotional challenges, admitting we are not perfect, we give others permission to share their own personal troubles. 
• Validating that a person's pain is real can be the first step to finding help.
• It can take years to work through your grief. 
• You don't have to fit some imaginary mold. You can be unique and still welcomed. 
• You can be healed, but you have to exercise faith in Christ and ACT to facilitate the healing. 
• Follow the Savior's path and increase our Compassion.
• If you are constantly surrounded by a mist of darkness, turn to Heavenly Father, nothing you have experienced can change the truth that you are His Child and he will Always Love you. 
• Your struggles do not define you, but they can refine you.
• Let us do the Small and Simple things that will give us Spiritual Strength.
• Through Cloud and Sunshine the Lord will abide with us.
• The Lord shall be our Everlasting Light.

Lisa L. Harkness

• We are all one in Christ Jesus.
• The Name we were Given at Birth reflects our individual identity and gives us belonging in our earthly families.
• Be intentional in Talking of Christ, Rejoicing in Christ, and Preaching of Christ. 
• With our eyes on the Savior we see ourselves for who we really are. A cherished child of God.
• Our covenant remembering quiets worldly worryings. 
• Your religion isn't just about showing up on Church on Sunday, but showing up as a true disciple throughout the week. There is no such thing as a 'part-time' disciple in Christ. 
• Through our thoughts, actions and interactions with others we should always remember Christ.
• Honor the names that you bare, because someday you will have the privilege and obligation of reporting to your Heavenly Father what you have done with those names.
• I glory in plainness, I glory in truth, I glory in MY Jesus, for he hath redeemed my Soul. 
• Blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name. 

Bonnie H. Cordon

• You are all remarkable. You are unique. Each with your own gifts and experiences, yet alike in a very important and eternal way. You are the spirit children of your Heavenly Parents and nothing can separate you from their love. 
• First -The Desire to help you gain an unshakable faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. 
• Revision to the Young Women Theme -I am a beloved daughter of Heavenly parents. With a Divine nature and eternal destiny. As a disciple of Jesus Christ I strive to become like him. I seek and act upon personal revelation, administer to others in his holy name. I will stand as a witness of god at all items and all things and in all places. As I strive to qualify for exhalation, i cherish the gift of repentance, and seek to improve each day. With faith I will strengthen home and family, keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple. 
• Knowing your identity and purpose will help you align your purpose with the sister.
• Second -Our classes must be sanctuaries from the storms. 
• Classes will be divided depending on each circumstances in individual wards. 
• All classes will be referred to by the unifying name of Young Women. The names of Beehive, MiaMaid and Laurel will be retired.
• Lead Side by Side with Class Presidencies, mentoring them and inspiring them to lead. 
• Start where they are and help them develop the skills and confidence to lead others. Support them. Don't take over for them.
• One of the ways we can receive revelation is through reoccurring thoughts.
• With callings, people can feel like Heavenly Father has a purpose and place for them. 
• Revelation is real. Revelation really works.
• You can serve with confidence because you do not serve alone.
• May we never lose sight of our purpose, to strength our resolve to follow Jesus Christ and encourage others to follow him. 

Henry B. Eyring

• My purpose is to encourage you in the great service for which you are called. You have received a call from the Lord Jesus Christ. 
• The service for which you are called to do will be suited perfectly to that person should you be faithful to the covenants you have made.
• The most important call is to serve others in the name of Christ.
• You cannot know when or for what length of time when your personal mission will be focused in personal calls such as mother, leader, or ministering sister. 
• The Lord, out of love, does not leave us the choice of the timing, the duration, or sequence of our assignments. 
• All of our assignments will come either in this life or in the next to every Daughter of God. 
• All assignments are preparation for eternal life with loving families. 
• The Lord gives no command save that he prepares a way.
• Men can learn from lessons, from revelation from God, and form observation, especially when they seek the Spirit to understand what they observe. 
• The Key appears to be: "She molds living clay to the shape of her hopes, in partnership with God."
• You will find joy in the journey to your Heavenly Father as you return to him as a covenant keeping daughter of God.

Dallin H. Oaks

• This Church was restored so families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally. 
• We don't always have to agree with each other in order to love each other. 
• We are commanded to Love Everyone.
• Our Zeal to keep this second commandment must to cause us to forget the first, to Love God with all our heart, soul and mind. We show this love by keeping his commandments.
• God's loves are motivated entirely by his infinite love for us and his desire for us to become all that we can become.
• We respect the laws of the Land. 
• Apostles do not have the authority to modify divine law. 
• We are ultimately concerned for preparing the children of God for the Celestial Kingdom. 
• Abiding by God's Laws will Keep you Safe and you Progress towards Eventual Exaltation. 
• All of us Are His Children. He has created us to have Joy.
• Treat all others with kindness and civility even if we disagree with them.
• Never persecute those who don't share our beliefs.  
• We must all be kinder and more civil to each other.
• We walk a fine line between love and law. 
• God promises hope and ultimate joy and blessings for all who keep his commandments.

Russell M. Nelson

• If you're looking for an extra Grandpa, give Pres. Nelson a call. He'll be your grandfather. 
• How I yearn for you to understand that the restoration of the priesthood is just as relevant to you as a woman as it is to any man.
• The Heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God's powers as they are to men who bear the priesthood. 
• You have the right to draw liberally on the Savior's power to help your family and those you love.
• The Holy Ghost will be your personal tutor as you seek to learn what Heavenly Father would have you learn, do, and become. 
• Sometimes we speak almost casually about walking away from the world, but truly doing so requires you to exam your life meticulously and regularly. 
• You will need to say "no" to some things even though they may seem harmless. 
• There are those who will undermine your ability to call upon the power of God. There are some who will have you doubt yourself and minimize your stellar capacities. Most certainly the adversary doesn't want you to succeed. 
• Every time you serve in the temple you leave with God's power and with his Angels having charge over you. 
• A Husband's most important priesthood responsibility is to care for his Wife. And to those men who respects his Wife's ability and treasures her as an Equal Partner in their marriage. 
• Your ability to discern truth from error, to be society's guardians of morality is crucial in these Latter Days. 
• If you are endowed and not married, please understand that the priesthood is still in your home even if a priesthood bearer is not present. 
• You teach and speak with power and authority through God.
• We need your voice teaching the doctrine of Christ.
• All our efforts to minister to each other all converge in the Holy Temple.
• As the Church Grows more Temples will be Built so more Families will have access to them.
• The temple is where you will receive your highest spiritual treasures. 
• Eight New Temples -Sierra Leon, Orem Utah, Papua New Guinea, Arkansas, Philippines, Texas, Guatemala. Taylorsville Utah

To watch, read, and/or listen to the talks in their entirety please visit: 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference?lang=eng

Until you next read these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi