Tag Archives: General Conference 2012

Sketchnote: “Beware Concerning Yourselves”

It’s not a sketchnote in the truest sense of the method, but still a creative release while capturing meaning from Elder Anthony D. Perkin’s priesthood session address. I loved the imagery and what started as a sketch kind of took on a life of it’s own.

“Brethren, each of you has entered, or will soon enter, into the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood. In that covenant is embedded a glorious journey that begins with receiving both the lesser and higher priesthoods, progresses through magnifying our callings, and climbs ever upward to God’s grandest vistas, until we receive ‘all that [the] Father hath.’

The wise designer of that celestial road has erected caution signs for our journey. The oath and covenant of the priesthood contains this soul-searching warning: ‘I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves.'”

Read, listen or watch the address here.

Find Joy in the Journey

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.

“Doesn’t it seem foolish to spoil sweet and joyful experiences because we are constantly anticipating the moment when they will end?

“Do we listen to beautiful music waiting for the final note to fade before we allow ourselves to truly enjoy it? No. We listen and connect to the variations of melody, rhythm, and harmony throughout the composition.

“Do we say our prayers with only the “amen” or the end in mind? Of course not. We pray to be close to our Heavenly Father, to receive His Spirit and feel His love.

“We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,’ the Psalmist wrote. ‘Rejoice and be glad in it.'”

“Of Regrets and Resolutions”
October 2012 General Conference

Kindness Begins in the Home

Elder Quentin L. Cook taught us of the importance of the home and family and its impact on society. He said,

The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family. The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish. There is indeed “beauty all around when there’s love at home.”

“Can ye feel so now?”
October 2012 General Conference

Two Key Factors of Lessened Commitment

Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made this observation,

While anything that lessens commitment is of consequence, two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. These often precede and are at the root of the choice to be less committed.

2012 October General Conference, “Can Ye Feel So Now?”