…that came over Sunday to administer the Sacrament to me while I was home sick with what the doctor thinks is rheumatic fever…
THANK YOU!
I really appreciate everything my ward has done for me.
The 178th Annual General Conference: Elder Russell M. Nelson’s Talk
Here are some important points I took away from the talk given by Elder Russell M. Nelson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during the 178th Annual General Conference this weekend:
- Salvation is an individual matter.
- Exaltation is a family matter.
- Family is the support for Salvation.
- The home is a laboratory for learning the gospel.
- Men need women to be exalted and visa versa.
- We cannot be released in our calling as parents.
- The Church is to assist, not replace parents in their responsibility to teach children.
- Parents have a sacred responsibility to teach Children of God.
- We’re taught to shun filth.
- We’re taught to honor thy parents.
- You can teach only by persuasion, long suffering, reproving, and more love.
- We’re all responsible for our own salvation.
These key points from his talk should echo in our minds. In the bigger scheme of things, we are merely stewards of our children on Earth. Our children are children of God entrusted under our car to teach them, to protect them and to love.
I also like his point on how Church is to assist and not replace parents. I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reinforces and strengthens our families. It should reiterate what is learned in the home and not be something new when taught during our Sunday Schools.
I’m sure you’ve heard this many, many times before, but I think it makes sense to repeat these words of wisdom:
If you were to erase everything your children learn in Sunday School and Church and strictly rely on what is taught at home, would they still have the same level of knowledge of the Gospel as if they did attend Church and Sunday School?
I hope so.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Statistics as of December 31, 2007
During the 178th General Conference, the following statistics were given about the Church:
- Stakes: 2,790
- Missions: 348
- Districts: 618
- Wards and Branches: 27,827
- Members: 13,193,999
- Children added to record in 2007: 93,698
- Converts Baptized in 2007: 279,218 (Hey, I was one of those! :))
- Full Time Missionaries: 52,686
- Temples in operation: 124
These statistics seem to be more up to date than what is listed at the Official Church Website.
I look forward to helping and seeing these numbers increase for 2008!
The 178th Annual General Conference
This weekend was the 178th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I could remember it like it was only yesterday that it was General Conference in October and it was all new to me. This time around it felt like old hat. I actually woke up at 9am to watch the conferences. I enjoyed all the messages that were given and I have found a new appreciation for our first presidency. I really didn’t know anything about the first presidency a year ago and I didn’t know Gordon B. Hinckley.
I’m glad I got to know Hinckley during the last conference before he passed. I’ve come to appreciate all that he’s done for the Church.
It was the first time I’ve seen the calling and sustaining of a Prophet and his First Presidency. I felt the Spirit as Utchdorf read off the names of our new leaders. Even though I was at home, watching in my bedroom at 9am in the morning in my t-shirt and shorts, I was engaged enough to stand and sustained each and everyone of them by raising my right hand. It was a wonder to me knowing that members around the world must be standing as well raising their right hand to sustain as well.
I am so impressed with the new First Presidency! I never really knew Thomas S. Monson before this general conference. He had also surprised me with his humor and his stories. I remember Henry B. Eyring from before and loved hearing what he had to say. And Dieter F. Uchtdorf is so likable and has such a friendy and welcoming characteristic about himself.
I’ve felt my testimony strengthened watching this conference and seeing the leadership of this Church. These men are absolutely called of God. Their words are divinely inspired without a doubt. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is absolutely the church of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is his Church.
