Heavenly Parents, Conference Edition

Remember when I looked at how often "Heavenly Parents" was mentioned in church materials? Well, this past weekend in Conference, it seemed like there was unprecedented mention of "Heavenly Parents" in talks.

Most fun was Elder Ballard's mention of "Heavenly Parents." His talk is here, and at 10:55, you can here him start saying "Heavenly F... Parents." He changed his mind mid-word!

Here are the quotes I found:

Elder Ballard, "And the primary purpose of this priesthood power is to bless, sanctify, and purify us so we can live together with our families in the presence of our heavenly parents, bound by priesthood sealings, participating in the marvelous work of God and Jesus Christ in forever expanding Their light and glory."

Elder Christoffel Golden Jr., "Seen in its true light, the doctrine of the Father and the Son is the doctrine of the eternal family. Every human being has existed previously as a spirit child with heavenly parents, with Christ being the Firstborn of the Father in this heavenly family.

Elder Bednar quoted the "Heavenly Parents" line in the proclamation.

Elder Oaks, "Under that plan we are all heirs of our heavenly parents."

That's all could find- it seems the Church has changed their "search" feature on their website and now it's more difficult to find what I'm looking for! Alas!

Interesting to note: when speakers refer to "Heavenly Father" the words are considered proper nouns and are capitalized. "Heavenly parents" is not considered a proper noun in these talks. I'm not sure I like that.

Behold the Great Redeemer Die

I thought about this song on Easter Sunday, but forgot to put it up. I changed "Father" to "Parents" as well as "man" to "all".

1. Behold the great Redeemer die,
A broken law to satisfy.
He dies a sacrifice for sin,
He dies a sacrifice for sin,
That all may live and glory win.

2. While guilty men his pains deride,
They pierce his hands and feet and side;
And with insulting scoffs and scorns,
And with insulting scoffs and scorns,
They crown his head with plaited thorns.

3. Although in agony he hung,
No murm'ring word escaped his tongue.
His high commission to fulfill,
His high commission to fulfill,
He magnified his Parents' will.

4. "Parents, from me remove this cup.
Yet, if thou wilt, I'll drink it up.
I've done the work thou gavest me,
I've done the work thou gavest me;
Receive my spirit unto thee."

5. He died, and at the awful sight
The sun in shame withdrew its light!
Earth trembled, and all nature sighed,
Earth trembled, and all nature sighed
In dread response, "A God has died!"

6. He lives--he lives. We humbly now
Around these sacred symbols bow
And seek, as Saints of latter days,
And seek, as Saints of latter days,
To do his will and live his praise.

Joseph Smith History 1:17

Earlier this year I thought, because we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants, it would be interesting to read the First Vision story including Heavenly Mother as the first personage. I discovered, I didn't need to change pronouns at all. More about it at the Exponent.

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!