Here are some things learned from the Oct. 2007 LDS general conference:

• New 2nd counselor in the 1st Presidency – Henry B. Eyring
• New apostle – Quentin L. Cook
• Church has a lay clergy to confound the learned and manifest the power of God.
• A strong, simple testimony and a willingness to serve is all that’s needed in any calling, whether it be a Sunday School instructor or a member of the First Presidency.
• General authorities not “holier than thou” either in their own eyes or especially in the eyes of the Lord.
• Ward members have the responsibility and the privilege to serve those in the ward in need, especially in emergencies. What happens to one happens to all.
• Young men and women also have a responsibility and privilege to increase the spiritual strength of their families, whether they be an ideal family or the most troubled one.
• If our parents were not good examples of spirituality, it is up to us to break the cycle. Our family, both present and future, depends on it!
• This is the only church with the power of the priesthood to bless families.
• The Lord fulfills his promises only according to the faith of the recipients. Have patience, too!
• The gospel will lift you up in the direst of circumstances, even in a war-torn WWII Germany.
• Enduring to the End is an active principle! It brings joy, in fact!
• Death is not a tragedy, but simply a “see you later,” thanks to Christ.
• Talk to those interested in the Church about facts, faith, families, and fruits of the restored gospel.
• Without charity, the gospel, the priesthood, and faith availeth us nothing.
• A broken heart and a contrite spirit allow the Lord to shape us
• Preach My Gospel ain’t just for missionaries!
• Serve everyone, even the scruffiest of them all. (Matt. 25:40)
• The Nicene Creed is not what we believe, but that doesn’t make us not Christians.
• The Bible and Book of Mormon are witnesses of each other, establishing the gospel.
• Raising the bar involves a degree of risk, but it’s the only way to improve
• On your mission, as in the high-jump, there is a minimum bar height to qualify. But don’t just qualify, but do well!
• Learn social skills for a mission. The worlds’s so filled with electronic communication, but that won’t help a missionary.
• Premies, get a job that involves contact with other people.
• Don’t procrastinate, especially in spiritual matters!
• You’re either growing or shrinking spiritually. If you’re not growing, you’re shrinking.
• Being compelled = receiving no reward
• Procrastination leads to loss of exaltation
• Easy Street is a dead end. (At least in Hawaii!)
• Pornography is like a fish-trap: easy to enter, tough to get out of. Don’t take the bait!
• Pornography ebbs away self-respect.
• If something in a movie isn’t “too bad,” it probably isn’t “too good” either.
• The Church and priesthood organizations were swift to respond to an earthquake in Peru.
• Priesthood leaders = leaders in service
• We must be prepared for life’s earthquakes before they shake us up
• Depart from all bad influences, even if the influence is your brother.
  • Note: My brother is not a bad influence! It was an example used in the talk!
• Others may seem more able or prepared to serve the Lord. But remember these things:

1. Remember that the Lord has previously helped you through tough times
2. Forget yourself and your inadequacies. Pray about those whom you serve.
3. Go to work! You have the powere to bless others, so go out and use it, galdernit!

• Your calling is not easy! It sure wasn’t for the Savior, and it’s not for his disciples either.
• Always seek the Spirit.
• Watch your eyes! No lingering!
• Watch what you say! Vulgarity is just as offensive to the Spirit as immodesty, and just as common too, if not more.
• If you can’t control other people’s bad influence in your life, pray about what to do. If He doesn’t take care of it, He will at least make it bearable.
• The marks of a true priesthood holder are:

1. The Mark of Vision
   • We are the product of our choices. Pay heed to past, present, and future.
2. The Mark of Effort
   • Don’t say you’ll make the effort, just make the effort.
   • Work! Work! It’s the way to do it!
3. The Mark of Faith and Virtue
   • Have faith in the Lord, and have faith in His faith in you. Or, in other words, have faith in the Lord’s faith in your faith in Him.
   • Sin is preceded by thought.
4. The Mark of Prayer
   • Pray always!

• Redheads are awesome!
• DON’T BE ANGRY! YEARRGH!
• School your feelings. Don’t act on instinct.
• Laughter can defuse anger
• Divorce almost always has roots in anger. Pres. & Sis. Hinckley never had a quarrel.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. No grudges! They suck!
• If you have a fight in your marriage, take a walk. (Tell your wife this’ll be your policy before you’re in the heat of the moment.)
• If you control yourself, wonderful peace is the result.
• Keep a journal and record the works of the Lord in your own life.
• Don’t forget God!
• Tell your family you love them.
• Mother are pretty cool.
• The goal of the gospel is not just redemption from sin, but to effect a change of heart to not desire to sin.
• The restoration happened! It’s real!
• Revelation is essential for the gospel to work
• Testimony is gained through personal revelation, which comes through prayer and study
• Revelation comes on the Lord’s timetable
• Don’t seek signs, but do seek the best gifts.
• How can truth be found in today’s media barrage?

1. Scientific method
   • Very valuable, but can’t be absolute. Also, not infallible.
2. Ask the source of all truth
   • Have faith, and keep the commandments to get an answer.

• Remember the properties of ten video
• Don’t give in to donuts!
• Exercise of faith builds character, which increases your capacity for greater faith
• Horses don’t like eating dirt!
• Elders don’t like hearing crap lessons!
• It is possible to feed without nourishing. Teach essential doctrines! Don’t teach about the physical whereabouts of Zarahemla!
• Preach by the Spirit.
• Use cute kids to get less-actives to church
• Remember Felipe & Isabel. The Plan of Salvation brings peace to those who’ve lost loved ones.
• Put off the natural man!
• Keep on keepin’ on. Pres. Hinckley’s still going strong at 96 or so; certainly you, as a twentysomething, can do pretty well.
• The only important witness in the gospel. . .is you.
• Truth is not dependent on the number of people who believe it.
• Know it’s true! Know you know it’s true!
  • This comes through prayer and fasting, and study.
  • Also comes through testimony building, especially to your kids.
  • Pray to not lose your faith and/or witness!
• Moms ‘r still cool.
• SERRRVE! When needed, not convenient!
• Don’t say, “Call me if you need anything,” but do things! Take out the trash, make gazpacho, whatever!
• Service is the rent we pay for mortality.
• Prioritize your good acts (Mary & Martha)
• Don’t choose good if you can choose better or best.
• Good books, entertainment, recreation, occupations, etc. can still take up too much time.
• Spend one-on-one time with your kids! Teach values in these times.
• Don’t over-schedule yourself or your kids. Eat dinner together.
• Simplify! KISS!
• Magnify your calling != complicate it
• Measure of success = individuals improving under your leadership. Not # of meetings or activities.
• Some young people are amusing themselves to (spiritual) death.
• Always aim to improve lives.
• Drive safely, everyone!
• When you have a family, help them take notes during Conference so they actually get something out of it.

I love you all!

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Now playing: Joy to the World – Kurt Bestor – An Airu Christmas II
via FoxyTunes