This last weekend was General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it was truly
wonderful. I
love conference. We enjoyed cinnamon rolls and soup and sitting by the fire (I LOVE FALL!). We were filled both physically and spiritually :)
We are so excited for the two new temples that were announced in Tucson, Arizona and Arequipa, Peru. Temples are such a blessing and I love to see more and more of them being built and the spreading of this wonderful blessing in the lives of so many. We were also shocked and THRILLED at the announcement for missionaries. I don't know if anything could have come as more of a surprise to me - but I think is will be
wonderful. Such a good opportunity for young men and young women to go and share their testimonies and the gospel to the world. What a blessing.
We spent the weekend being fed by the Spirit, listened to inspired words from our living Prophet, Apostles and other leaders of the Church. Here are some of my favorites - I tried to narrow it down, but there was so much
goodness!
"In my mind...I came upon an ideal statement I would proudly wear: 'I'm a Mormon, I know it. I live it. I love it.'"
"With so many distractions, do we have the strength, discipline, and commitment to remain focused on what matters most? Are we as well versed in gospel truths as we are in our studies, careers, hobbies, sports, or our texts and tweets? Do we actively seek to find answers to our questions by feasting on the scripture and the teachings of the prophets? Do we seek the confirmation of the Spirit?"
- Ann M. Dibb - Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency -
"Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories."
"Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence."
"We must do. Even more important, we must become what Heavenly Father wants us to be."
"Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self. Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."
"No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring graitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Second Counselor in the First Presidency -
"Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. It is goodly parents who are entrusted with the care and development of Heavenly Father's children."
"First, parents can pray in earnest, asking our Eternal Father to help them love, understand, and guide the children He has sent to them."
"Second, they can hold family prayer, scripture study, and family home evenings and eat together as often as possible, making dinner a time of communication and the teaching of values."
"Third, parents can fully avail themselves of the Church's support network, communicating with their children's Primary teachers, youth leaders, and class and quorum presidencies."
"Fourth, parents can share their testimonies often with their children, commit them to keep the commandments of God, and promise the blessings that our Heavenly Father promises His faithful children."
"Fifth, we can organize our families based on clear, simple family rules and expectations, wholesome family traditions and rituals, and 'family economics,' where children have household responsibilities and can earn allowances so that they can learn to budget, save, and pay tithing on the money they earn."
- Elder L. Tom Perry - Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -
"God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children."
"We can't insist on our timetable when the Lord has His own."
"His time should be soon enough for us since we know that He wants only what is best."
"The Lord's delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience. Although his time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises. As we serve Him, we become like Him, and we feel closer to Him as we approach that day when nothing will hide our view."
- President Henry B. Eyring - First Counselor in the First Presidency -
"To which Jesus responded: '...I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do.'"
"We have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can't quit and we can't go back."
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -
"I have found that, rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness."
"Take an inventory of your life and look specifically for the blessings, large and small, you have received."
"I testify that much of that joy comes as we recognize that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer and that those prayers will be heard and answered - perhaps not how and when we expected they would be answered, but they will be answered and by a Heavenly Father who knows and loves us perfectly and who desires our happiness."
"The Lord's purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands."
"Our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives."
"The Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us."
- President Thomas S. Monson -
"He made salvation available to every repentant soul. His Atonement conquered death, and He permits the worthy deceased to receive all ordinances of salvation vicariously."
"I have tasted enough of the fruits of this sublime work to know that the keys Elijah restored to Joseph Smith permit our hearts to be bound and each of us linked to those of our ancestors who are waiting for our help. Through our efforts in holy temples here on earth using the authority delegated by the Savior, our progenitors receive the saving ordinances that allow them to enjoy eternal happiness."
"Have you prayed about your own ancestors' work? Set aside those things in your life that don't really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can't help themselves."
"This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution."
- Elder Richard G. Scott - Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -
