I feel to write a few thoughts about the recent general conference, appropriately held near Zion National Park, east of St. George, UT. The gathering was as close to an actual Zion community as could be had in our current society. Hearts were glad and hopeful. Many were hugs and genuine expressions of love. Those we had only seen as two-dimensional patches on a screen came to breathing, moving life!

The talks were inspirational and informative with practical advice and counsel. Several focused on psychological corrections helping us move forward with our quest to grow and progress in our relationships with each other and with God. Some youth presented a skit that reminded of our old roadshows and gave us inspiring thoughts. I miss roadshows.

Sunday, after the talks, I took the opportunity to chat with Denver about something I told him in March of 2020 at the conference in Hurricane, UT. Since I have been asked about this conversation, I present a description here. First the backstory: I was tasked with livestreaming the Hurricane conference and had my gear spread out on a table supplied by the hotel facilities. When Denver and Stephanie arrived, Denver recognized me from past conference livestreaming, and came over to ask if he could stash some personal items back with my gear where they would be safe.

After Denver spoke and the session was over, he came to retrieve his goods. We chatted for a bit and he was graciously thankful for our efforts to broadcast the meeting. I asked him if he’d like to know the two things he had taught me over the years.

Without hesitation he said he would like to know what they were. I told him that I had first read “The Second Comforter” in early 2007, not long after it was published and had read everything he had written since. For me and my closest Remnant friends, a new Denver book was like a new Beatles album. We read, analyzed, and discussed every one, intimately.

Both of the things I told him were his direct quotes so I knew he’d remember. I told him that the first thing he had taught me was that “Denver Snuffer doesn’t matter.” When I said that, he looked up at me as if to wonder what in the world was coming next. Then I finished with, “The message matters.” With that came a big smile and a look as if to say, somebody gets it!

Then I told him the second thing he’d taught me, again, a direct quote, “I love my wife, and I don’t want another.” We both laughed at that one. With final thanks on both sides, he grabbed his items and departed.

After the conference this past weekend, I asked him if he remembered that conversation in Hurricane. He did. I told him that I wanted to correct something I had said then. He looked interested and curious. I said, “The first thing you taught me over the years, I had said, was that Denver Snuffer doesn’t matter.” He nodded in agreement. I corrected the thought with, “Denver Snuffer does matter.”

I continued, “Your voice and demeanor are perfectly suited for the tasks you have been assigned by the Lord. It’s something in your DNA, or character, or something…” He interrupted and said, “It’s from the Lord.” Always gracious with just a smidgen of self-deprecation. “I know…” I responded, “…your voice is calming, sure, and soothing, and you make it easy to believe.” Denver is the epitome of affable, the direct opposite, for instance, of a Dallin Oaks. And all the while pointing us to our Savior. Always returning to that one, focused, point.

I told him that my wife, sometimes, has trouble dropping off to sleep so she often listens to one of your talks or podcasts to calm down. Denver chuckled at that, as if to say, “Oh, great. I put people to sleep.” I continued to assure him that this gift is perfect for the purpose God intended. He appreciated that. Denver is a ruler. That is, a standard by which we may measure our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our behavior in response to it. No one living, of whom I am aware, has that gift like Denver, and I wanted him to know how the rank and file felt about him.

The last thing I told Denver was something about which I’ve written before. I said I once had a vision of the Savior in the Conference Center in Salt Lake at a general conference meeting. Jesus sat in the very back when, my words, “a bunch of yokels came walking onto the stage and everyone stood up.” Jesus sat with his face in his hands weeping. Denver added, “Priestcraft has that effect on Him.” I ended by saying, “Our Lord didn’t have that problem today, as he stood in the back.” Denver knowingly smiled.

In my occasionally humble opinion, Denver Snuffer is an honorable man. He is kind and seeks not the spotlight, fame, or fortune. He is also an intellectual giant. Uncharacteristically of such, he can think and analyze without his head growing into unnatural proportions and prideful puffiness. He is as Christlike a man as I know. There is no haughtiness in him. We parted as equals honoring God and I was a little ashamed that I was not keeping up my end of the bargain quite as was Denver. I look forward to our next conversation.

On Saturday evening, our Zoom fellowship, (a Brian Bowler joint), met at one of the beautiful and spacious cabins on the property. We partook of the sacrament in joy and hope, all experiencing the glory of the Spirit-filled occasion. Comments were made and discussed and I rose to present some thoughts I had written. I offer those thoughts below.

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There is, generally, something pleasantly rational and intelligent about Remnant people. This is not about hierarchy. Is he a prophet? Only in a hierarchical society is such a question relevant. In a community of authority, titles matter. In a community of peace, all can be prophets and none are above another.*

"And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29)

Relevant only are accomplishments. Don't tell me what you're going to do. Rather, show me what you've done. What does it say about a messenger who claims to be a prophet, or a prophet who claims only to be a messenger?

The chasm widens between Babylon and Zion. Soon, no amount of stretching will span the gap. Judge righteously with rationality and intelligence, and choose quickly. There will be no false traditions in Zion.
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This kind of gathering is, perhaps, the best we can do, for now. It was a “Momentary Zion.” I will cherish many moments in the memory of my heart. Gratitude doesn’t hardly say it, but it’s the best I can do for now.

*( https://www.celestialthoughts.com/index.cfm?RP=3&PstRef=51 )