Mormon Mentality - Thoughts and Asides by Peculiar People » General Conference—Motivated? Inspired? Comforted? (and oh what the heck, a birth announcement)

By annegb

Oct. 1st, 2011 at 11:04 am

I read in the morning paper this morning how excited saints were to be taught during General Conference. And going along with the discussion about General Priesthood meeting, I thought that I haven’t learned anything new in General Conference in years, barring GA calls. (I’m SO aware that’s not close to being grammatically correct, but I have to leave in 15 minutes–after I fold clothes).

The truth is most of us know that Jesus is the Christ; we’ve heard the story of the crucifixion and sort of understand–if we don’t accept–the atonement. We know the Joseph Smith story, the Plan of Salvation. It’s not news to me that I shouldn’t cheat on my husband; nor is it news to him that he shouldn’t beat me or watch porn. We know we’re supposed to be good parents and good Christians.

I’ve come to the conclusion that General Conference is to inspire and motivate us. Remind us—not teach us (most of us). For instance, what Elder Uchtdorf said about being unkind to ourselves wasn’t news. It was news that he said it. Like he was giving us permission to be human. So many incidents of talks that sort of wake me up as opposed to teaching me—sometimes they wake me up because they bother me, like oh, crud what’s her name? Julie Beck. Like her talk, who didn’t know what we’re supposed to do? I wasn’t the least offended by her talk–I was actually a bit inspired. But some talks can be controversial because people just plain disagree. Loud and annoying people. Like bloggers.

I hope somebody on this blog puts up a conference thread–we’re kind of challenged that way. But I invite you to watch this conference with a mind to what you are motivated or inspired about. Or comforted. Not with who’s cute or who you don’t like or who’s half-senile (almost all of my friends my age are, actually) or in a mood to jump on every politically incorrect gaffe or grammatical error. But, is there one that you feel resonates with you and your life experience and makes you an incrementally better person (and that includes being a better friend to yourself).

That’s how I’ll be watching as I cuddle my gorgeous tiny 2 month old grandson. Here he is! Bradley Joseph, 6 lbs. 4 oz., 22 inches long. May 13, 2011; Love him, love, love, love him. We are having a mutual love affair. I always wear “Beautiful” perfume so my grandkids will smell that smell and think of me. I’m reeking of it as we speak. Oh, crud, now I have 5 minutes and I’ve jacked my own thread. Just go with it.

1. Jana H

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 @ 12:42pm

Precious! Congratulations to you!

2. annegb

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 @ 10:30pm

Thanks, Jana. I try this every conference and feel like the Maytag repairman. That baby is the new love of my life. He is the sweetest little heart. We had everyone over last Sunday and we all fought over him. He was very patient with being passed around.

3. annegb

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 @ 11:05am

Well, I missed parts of conference yesterday, but didn’t hear much that gave me that aha moment. But Bill took Max to priesthood and they came home invigorated spiritually. Honestly. No sarcasm. It’s been very difficult to watch the kids being raised in a home with low standards, even by the “world’s” estimation. We are also dealing with the prospect of retirement (having lost savings to the stock market), ill health and our lives. We take the kids to church when they’re with us, we talk to them about right living and choices (like graduate from high school and try not to be pregnant when you do), but their parents are their main influence. Rowan was baptized several weeks ago. Our son came drunk. He didn’t make a scene and he was relatively cleaned up, but he was clearly intoxicated. After, her mother, father and friends drank and smoked out on the patio while the missionaries had snacks with the kids in the house. I have to really put this in God’s hands. But Max was at church with us a few weeks ago when the speaker talked about his parents divorce and the problems at home and Max was entranced. Then he took his earriings out. (His mom had encouraged him to do that and took him to get them) So whatever the brethren said last night, I hope it was enough to last him for awhile.

4. living in zion

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 @ 12:01pm

Annegb,

I can say from my own life experience that having even one adult who cares and has high(er) standards than the parents can be enough to make a huge difference. I was blessed during my ridiculously troubled childhood that I ALWAYS had at least one adult who carried me through. Emphasis on the Always is important because I look back now and realize Heavenly Father placed key people in my path who helped me see a life beyond my crazy home.
Keep up the good example in your home and keep the doors to church open and ya just never know. One of your fabulous grandchildren might someday be talking to us in General Conference.

5. Sunday in Outer Blogness: Social Gatherings Edition! | Main Street Plaza

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 @ 3:24pm

[...] the highlight was teen-to-peri-menopause-heartthrob Dieter Uchtdorf (and feeling the Spirit). Many other reports and discussions popped up in the usual [...]

6. Proud Daughter of Eve

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 @ 7:18pm

Congratulations on your new grandson, and congratulations to the new mommy, too! There’s no better feeling. Lots of other ones that are equally great, but none better. :)

I’m sorry you feel like the Maytag repair man, Anne. I stay away from conference threads; I feel I spend too much time thinking of what to say and not enough time listening.

7. ESO

Mon, Oct 3, 2011 @ 8:25am

Yeah–pep talk is abut right.