General Conference Countdown: Days 27-21

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21 Days Left!

President Henry B. Eyring gave a talk titled “To My Grandchildren.” President Eyring’s grandchildren are beginning to get married.  His advice, then, focuses on how to build the strongest marriages. As a result, his words apply to everyone looking to build strong and enduring marriages. After his warning that “the miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven,” President Eyring ends with these encouraging words, “It takes time.”

22 Days Left!

As Conference came to a close President Thomas S. Monson remembered his late wife. The very next day would have been their 65th wedding anniversary.  He recalled in moving terms her loss since the last conference. The prophet uttered an assurance that has blessed millions before him “Of utmost comfort to me during this tender time of parting have been my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have that my dear Frances lives still.” Perhaps the most memorable tribute is the one printed above, “She was the love of my life, my trusted confidante, my closest friend.”

23 Days Left!

 

Christopher-Righteousness is more powerful than wickedness-Boyd K. Packer

President Boyd K. Packer discussed the difficult times we live in. He spoke from the perspective of parents wondering how to keep themselves and their children safe. He says that “there is a safe place. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” President Packer concluded with the powerful charge that “righteousness is more powerful than wickedness.” We have nothing to fear from the wickedness around us, because righteousness is a stronger force. These words can comfort anyone worried about the world we live in.

24 Days Left!

Elder Quentin L. Cook told a powerful story of working as the only member of The Church in his lawfirm. He observes “How we preserve time for family is one of the most significant issues we face in most cultures.” One of the lawyers at his firm complained about how difficult finding time for her husband and children was. Elder Cook led the effort within the firm to readjust their priorities. He was successful in making small changes to be more family friendly. He concluded with this challenge to all Latter-day Saints. “Let us be at the forefront in protecting time for family.”

25 Days Left!

Elder Russel M. Nelson begin his remarks by dropping the powerful line, “Each day is a day of decision.” He went on in his talk to discuss how decisions shape our destiny. He looked specifically at decisions regarding the Human Body and the Human Spirit. Elder Nelson concluded with the idea that the best decision is to live as Jesus Christ lived, “The Savior’s way of life is good. . . . The Lord’s way is the only way for us to experience enduring happiness. His way brings sustained comfort to our souls and perennial peace to our homes. And best of all, His way leads us home to Him and our Heavenly Father.”

26 Days Left!

Windows

Elder David A. Bednar gave a powerful talk revealing the many blessings of paying tithing. He takes a detour to look at the metaphor Malachi uses to discuss tithing. He says “The imagery of the ‘windows’ of heaven used by Malachi is most instructive. Windows allow natural light to enter into a building. In like manner, spiritual illumination and perspective are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives.” One of the blessings Elder Bednar sees coming through the window is gratitude, and in turn contentment. It’s amazing the many gifts that come from giving.

 27 Days Left!

One of my favorite parts of General Conference is the beautiful music. So in addition to remembering the wise words and inspiring stories, let’s remember some of the powerful music sung during the last conference. This song, “How Wondrous and Great” opened the first session of conference. The most powerful moment is when the camera breaks into the Conference Center and the choir sings the beautiful, aspirational, missionary words, “Till earth’s ev’ry people confess thee their God,” expressing both the great unity and diversity of the gospel.

Read the rest of the countdown Here

 

Christopher D. Cunningham is the managing editor for Public Square Magazine and contributor to Third Hour. He loves emphatically celebrating the normal healthy development of his sons Albus and Whitman, writing about the Church of Jesus Christ, finding the middle ground on most controversies, and using Western Family generic brand lip balm. Christopher is a proud graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho, and a resident of San Antonio, Texas.