The following should in no way be considered doctrine, but is my own personal experience and notes from the meeting. What is in quotations is verbatim what the speaker(s) said.
This Sunday the stakes of Arizona have been blessed to have a regional conference with Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy, Sister Margaret Lifferth in the Primary General Presidency, Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This was a regional stake conference for all the stakes in Arizona. The theme was quite consistent with all three speakers: marriage (man and woman) and family is essential to God’s plan and that we should make necessary preparations in our life to defend against the influences of Satan since “we live in troubled times.”
Elder Hafen talked about the difference between being active an truly consecrated. I personally feel that if you are truly consecrated then you have a passion about what you believe and are willing to devote your time, talents, abilities, skills, and substance to furthering the work of the Lord. Elder Hafen also spoke about the three new temples that would be built in Arizona and that the Lord has great expectations for the people here. Instead of waiting for the temples to be dedicated, we should “re-dedicate our lives.”
Boyd K Packer’s speech was great. Of course he shared his experiences as a World War II Pilot in the Arizona desert in the area of what is now Scottsdale. He did speak out on the Proposition 102 and that we should support marriage between a man and woman since legalized homosexual marriage would “destroy the society we now know.” He briefly talked about President Hinckley’s prophecy in 1998 about Joseph in Egypt with the 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine, as well as mentioning that our society is not much different than the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Church does not get involved in political matters, but this is a moral issue with no specific political parties. He urged us to vote to protect the sanctity of marriage.
Elder Packer left a warning for members of the Church here: “Learn how to receive revelation.” He also said that “troubled times are ahead” and “things are going to change, and change drastically.” He did not go into much detail, but counseled us to pray, as our prayers will be different and less selfish.
Overall it was a wonderful conference that I very much enjoyed. If you live in Arizona, what are your thoughts of the conference?
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While I could not hear most of the conference, I was impressed by Pres. Packers talk. He is an inspired man. My kids were terrible and they would not turn up the volume because it tends to raise the volume of everything, including voices in the audience. However, that being said, my Dad and I were talking last night after the conf discussing the finer points of personal preparedness. We talked about if it would be difficult for or family to band together, pool resources and help each other out when rough times come. Actually, they are already here as all 6 of his kids are having extraordinary financial problems. President Packers talk was not deeply doctrinal on the surface, but it really got us to thinking about living a sort of United order within the bounds of our own locally extended family. Could we live together, do things together? Earn money together? Provide for the commonwealth, so to speak? We determined that it would be hard, but we would do what it necessary. My Dad said something that really impressed me. He said “It is expected that we are to help out your own family in times of hardship. In fact, we’ll do that before it gets too bad.” I am glad to hear that my Dad is on board with me. Earlier that evening, I was writing down all of the skills my family brings to the table. Thinking about what we could do to survive financially and literally while working together. I have lately felt inspired as our Prophets have talked about what is coming. We talked about how there are many who have a tendency to “water down” the words of the lord when they hear them. Prepared means prepared no matter if the Saints were preparing in 1844 or today.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Indeed, to get through tough times, it will be a collective effort. As the Lord says, “if you are not one ye are not mine.” (D&C 38:27).
I was left wondering what drastic changes means. I found it interesting that he said we are in the famine years. We had a family home evening this week about what he said and why we don’t have to be afraid. I found it interesting that he also said we need to learn to receive revelation. Any thoughts on what drastic changes could be?
Drastic changes could mean anything from changes in Church adminstration, to changes politically (as currently happening), to changes that affect people on a personal level (high unemployment, food shortages, et cetera).
The key is that President Packer said to pray and receive revelation. We will know what we need to do with our family to get through these troubled times without fear.
The most important part of his message to us in my opinion was the importance of personal revelation. We need to be seeking personal revelation for ourselves, our families and our callings so we best know how to prepare for what will directly involve us in the times ahead.
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