Because of the passing of Elder Wirthlin, there exists a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. After much fasting and prayer, we have called Elder Neil Linden Anderson to fill this vacancy. We present this name to you this morning for your sustaining vote. All those of you who feel you can sustain him in this sacred calling will please signify by the uplifted hand. Any who may be opposed may signify by the same sign.
The calling of a new apostle is not a common occurrence. President Uchtdorf will later say that Elder Anderson is the 97th apostle in this dispensation. So it was a nice reminder to have President Monson comment on the process and remind us what goes in to calling a new apostle.
There is something about a temple dedication which prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance and a sincere desire to do even better.
With temples being dedicated every year we have increased opportunities to 'reevaluate' our performance. I think the same can be true of temple open houses. Our visit to the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house reminded me of the importance of temples and increased my desire to attend the Portland temple more frequently.
We now have approximately 53,000 missionaries serving in 348 missions throughout the world. We are deeply grateful for the labors of our missionaries and for the sacrifices which they and their families make in order for them to serve.
He was talking about Danielle and our family! I am very proud that during the last year (between general conferences) that Danielle was one of the 53,000 missionaries and that Texas McAllen was one of the 348 missions in the world (and that we got to visit it!) I felt humbled that the prophet thanked us for our sacrifice (although it wasn't anything compared to the blessings we received.)
My brothers and sisters, we are anxious to listen to the messages which will be presented to us during the next two days, that we might be taught and inspired and have a renewed determination to live the gospel and to serve the Lord. Those who will address us have sought heaven's help and direction as they have prepared their messages. They have been impressed concerning that which they will share with us.
This is also a nice reminder of the preparation that goes into general conference and especially the talks that will be given. It makes me want to pay special attention to each one.
This was a warm welcoming. I especially like how the President Monson said "The work of the Lord continues uninterupted." I like it when the apostles tell us little tid bits about how the church is doing. Even though that wasn't very specific, it still let us know the state of the church.
ReplyDeleteI also liked when he talked about how our service to one another in the church, whether it is callings or something, helps the Lord's work the be accomplished on the earth. That just makes the little things I do to help others seem more important. Like babysitting for free for parents going to the temple, or helping someone with their kids during Sacrament meeting.
I really enjoyed this welcoming message.
I liked how kind and welcoming President Monson is when he introduces us to conference. I didn't realized that there were so many people that attended the temple open houses, and it was a wonderful experience to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple open house. When he talked about the 53000 missionaries, I thought of Danielle, and how she was on her mission at that time. I also liked how he said: "I thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel. I thank you... I thank you..." It is so humbling to have a prophet that thanks us. It was a really nice introduction.
ReplyDelete"There is something about a temple dedication which prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance and a sincere desire to do even better." Going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple openhouse as a family was a wonderful experience. We could feel the Spirit together & the desire to be there together as a family as the kids take out their endowments, make sealing covenants. What a blessing to share this wonderful experience together.
ReplyDeleteJeff and Theresia = Mom
ReplyDeleteI really liked when President Monson said, "I thank you for your prayers in my behalf. I have felt those prayers and am most grateful for them." Around the time of the October 2008 General Conference, I started praying for the prophet, that he would receive strength to lead the Church and comfort during hard times, specifically during the wave of persecution directed at the Church and him after Prop 8 passed. It strengthed my testimony of the power of praying for someone by name when he said "I have felt those prayers."
ReplyDeleteI also liked what he said about General Conference: "We are anxious to listen to the messages which will be presented to us during the next two days, that we might be taught and inspired and have a renewed determination to live the gospel and to serve the Lord." That's the point of General Conference--renewing our determination to serve the Lord and be our best selves.
"Our Heavenly Father loves each of us and is mindful of our needs." I truly have felt this recently. We have many blessings- a new baby, a house, a job, and Rob getting into grad school at BYU. We are truly blessed.
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