General Conference Thoughts

Where do I begin?

Conference always has a way of helping me feel optimistic about the future. The messages and the Spirit felt inspire me to reset and redefine goals, to aim a little higher, and stand a little taller. I can always count on the Spirit of the Holy Ghost to testify to my heart the truthfulness of the talks being given and the testimonies born. I feel hope that I, little me, have a chance at returning to live with my Father-in-Heaven. I have renewed desires to be like the Savior, Jesus Christ. My testimony that He lives is stronger. The Spirit has born witness that He lived a perfect life. His teachings are true. I know He bore all of our burdens and sins in Gethsemane. He suffered the crucifiction on Calvary. And again, He lives. Three days, after His death, He was risen and lives today! I know that Joseph Smith really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees near his home when he was at the young age of 14. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through him. We have a living church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This "living" element separates us from any other church on the earth. We are living because we have a prophet on the earth, Thomas S. Monson. He receives revelation for the world over. We have modern day scripture--revelations given to the prophets (recorded in the Doctrine & Covenants, the Ensign, general conference, etc.). We are the only church who has the Priesthood of God. This Power gives righteous men the right to act in the name of God and to conduct/further His purposes. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It recounts the visit of Jesus Christ to the Americas, as the Resurrected Savior of the world. It also contains journals and revelations of ancient prophets. It is true and it is the most correct of any book on the earth. I testify that these things are true in His sacred name, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you haven't seen Conference, you can go to www.lds.org and the link is still available to view on your computer.

My favorite messages from conference:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." --common theme by many

"The Spirit of the Holy Ghost feels like sunshine." --Vicki Matsumori

"Lets be more dilligent and concerned at home . . . by . . . 1) expressing love and consistently showing it 2) bearing our testimonies and living them 3) being consistent" --David A. Bednar, Apostle

"The power of love and the force of law . . . love does not superceed commandments." --Robert D. Hales, Apostle

"Come unto me . . . His arms are extended toward us . . . arms of safety and love," the Savior's Atonement and the joy of repentance" --Neil L. Andersen, Apostle

"The Spirit can remedy any problem . . . keep a prayer in your heart . . . Thy will be done . . . Your mind is in charge and your body is the instrument of your mind." --Boyd K. Packer, Apostle

Communication between father and son--He understands men and women better than anyone I know. AMAZING talk. --M. Russell Ballard, Apostle

"Even if you don't always know why, submit and obey . . . be boys of the Lord" --Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"Remain steadfast in hope, work in faith, and trust in the Lord . . . I learned that adversity, when confronted with faith, courage, and tenacity, could be overcome . . . Work and learn." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle

"Preparation comes long before the crisis . . . no lights out method." -Henry B. Eyring, Apostle

"Parents set the example for the virtues" --Bishop H. David Burton

"What have you done for someone today? . . . service and kindness" --President Thomas S. Monson, prophet

POWERFUL testimony of the Book of Mormon --Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle

"Accountability for Agency and Stewardship . . . stewardship of ourselves and family and stewardship of poor and those in need." --Quentin L. Cook, Apostle

"Are we casual in our studies of spiritual matters?" --Elder Dale G. Renlund

""How do we have a mighty change of heart? . . . I will give away all my sins to know Thee . . . Small and simple things." --Elder Michael T. Ringwood

"Conform to teachings of Jesus Christ--the ultimate Disciple . . . discipline and discipleship . . . moral discipline." --Todd D. Christofferson

"Oh Divine Redeemer . . . living church." --President Thomas S. Monson, prophet