I could drag my children out of bed so we could listen to a session live at 2 AM and then film the cheer that fills the house the next day with children who didn’t get enough sleep.

Rafting and canyoning. One has to make hay while the sun shines.

For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

I’ve certainly missed my share of conference weekends in the past, but that above scripture has taken on new meaning to me in the last few years. I find it interesting that on one hand we’d seek further light and knowledge, and progression both in our individual lives and in the church organization, and seek to know the mind and will of the Father in these things… and yet we often (self included) cut ourselves off at the very beginning of seeking to come unto the Father because we do not receive the Lord by receiving his servants (as fully as we can and should).

I’m really not making judgements on anyone’s faith, etc. because it’s clear to me that a person scrubbing the floor on Conference day could very well be a more dedicated disciple of Christ in 100 other situations compared to a sanctimonious person who just desires to check-off deeds from their spiritual to-do list. But I’ll just suggest we could very well be receiving much more than we have now, and specifically be receiving those things we hope for if we strive to fully live up to that scripture I cited above. And again, please don’t let this seem like my assessment of anyone individually. It’s as much to myself as anyone and up to you with the guidance of the spirit to determine how it applies to you.

Way to kill the buzz, chris! :(

Chris–there is significant research that indicates that having something mindless for your hands to do actually makes you a better listener. Medical students, for example, who knitted while attending lectures scored higher on their exams.

If that makes you feel any better.

#10 – I’ll add knitting to my list.
Just to clarify – I got my training in productive GC weekends early. When I was 11ish I was given a Merry Maids cloth banner that I was supposed to embroider on. I don’t remember anything about the banner other than I spent one whole conference weekend learning how to embroider over the preprinted lettering on it. My Primary teacher told us it was an excellent activity to work on while watching conference on TV. I told my parents Jesus said it was OK to do that during conference.
Its a slippery slope, folks.

I’m really glad I didn’t quote verse 41 (not that I think it applies) to you in that case annegb! ;)

#15: OR you could have just stated “I’ll be sitting on the couch at watching GC at home. No extra activities as I find them distracting for myself.”

I’ve developed a habit of skipping the entire debacle and going straight to the Ensign. No mishearing things, no frustration over technology, and no being asked to speak the very next Sunday over your favorite talk. :D

Now I’ll have to look it up, Chris. Good on you for keeping your cool under pressure.

Yet Another John, you cracked me up. We’re such a stuck-on-ourselves bunch. But then—I did listen to the tape of Elder Uchdorf’s talk because somebody blogged about it. And, you could comment your personal perspective as well. Who knows, you could tell me what to think. I’m sort of easy that way.

Well, it was a wonderful talk about being kind to yourself.