"Tested and Tempted--but Helped" by Elder Hugo Montoya

General Conference October 2015 study notes

Tested and Tempted--but Helped by Elder Hugo Montoya Saturday afternoon session


Four ways our burdens are lightened as we help each other:

1-"Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain"
For example, we are asked to attend the temple regularly....this sacrifice could be considered part of the first mile.

We begin walking the second mile when we...search for and prepare the names of our ancestors for temple ordinances, when we help in indexing, when we serve as temple workers, and when we look for ways to help others have meaningful temple experiences.

2. Smile.

3. Express compassion to others.

4. The cornerstone of God's plan is the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. At least once a week, we should meditate...on the "great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world. Inviting others to come to church and to worthily partake of the sacrament will allow more of Heavenly Father's children to reflect on the Atonement. And if we are not worthy, we can repent.

It does not matter what our personal struggles are--whether they are disease or prolonged loneliness or suffering the temptations and tests of the adversary--the Good Shepherd is there. He calls us by name and says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

 
 

"The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life" by Elder Richard J. Maynes

General Conference October 2015 study notes

The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life by Elder Richard J. Maynes Saturday  morning session


Although I thoroughly enjoyed Elder Maynes talk, I didn't find that I underlined much as I read it over, perhaps because he shares a few scripture stories in order to share his message. This is what I have to post:


Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness.

The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

 

"God is at the Helm" by Elder M. Russell Ballard

General Conference October 2015 study notes

"God is at the Helm" by Elder M. Russell Ballard Saturday morning session



Too many people think Church leaders and members should be perfect or nearly perfect. They forget that the Lord's grace is sufficient to accomplish His work through mortals. Our leaders have the best intentions, but sometimes we make mistakes.

Looking for human weakness in others is rather easy. However, we make a serious mistake by noticing only the human nature of one another and then failing to see God's hand working through those He has called. Focusing on how the Lord inspires His chosen leaders and how He moves the Saints to do remarkable and extraordinary things despite their humanity is one way that we hold on to the gospel of Jesus Christ and stay safely about the Old Ship Zion.

By understanding who our Heavenly Father is and our realtionship to Him and to His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we will accept Their commandments and make covenants with Them that will lead us back into Their eternal presence.

What will you become through the Atonement of Christ?

Another important doctrine that we should cling to is to observe the Sabbath day. This helps us remain unspotted from the world, provides us with physical rest, and gives each of us the spiritual refreshment of worshipping the Father and the Son every Sunday. When we delight in the Sabbath day, it is a sign of our love for Them.

Fast and testimony meetings--a place to briefly express gratitude, love, and appreciation for our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel and to bear personal witness of these things. It is a time to share brief inspirational thoughts and bear solemn testimony. It is not a time to give a speech.

Exaltation is the goal of this mortal journey, and no one gets there without the means of the gospel of Jesus Christ: His Atonement, the ordinances, and the guiding doctrine and principles that are found in the Church.