I Love....

General Conference!

When I was a kid, even a teenager, I did not love General Conference. In fact, when I was younger I dreaded General Conference. It is hard to sit in the dark on a bench for two hours with your feet dangling while people talk about stuff that you really don't understand.

It is amazing how time and circumstances can change something you dread into something you look forward to with anticipation. I now love General Conference! I love that now we can watch it in our home, in a comfortable chair, and not in the dark. I love that my children don't dread General Conference. They love the break from the normal Sunday routine. They love that they get to play with legos during "church". And they love having a packet full of activities to keep them busy and attentive to what is being said during the Sunday morning session (the one session we require them to put down their toys for and listen to.)

I was a bit emotional as conference began Saturday morning. I was feeling very grateful for the gospel and its blessings in my life and for the wonderful opportunity of being able to watch conference. My children were in and out of the house doing what they do on Saturday, and in and out of the room as the passed through going from one activity to the next. After Pres. Monson gave his opening remarks, the choir sang "We thank thee Oh, God for a prophet." As soon as the choir started to sing, P stopped what she was doing, walked and stood right in front of the TV, and sang along. I started to cry. . . I love Conference! Then, I ran to grab my camera, but by the time I got it and positioned myself to take a picture, the choir was on the second verse so Phoebe was no longer singing, just standing there, taking it all in. I love Conference!

Here are some of the rest of my highlights from Conference:

Saturday morning:

President Monson spoke on missionary work and asked us if we are preparing to serve a senior mission one day. I smiled. Rone and I have been talking about it and looking forward to it since the day we got married. We can't wait to go.

Elder Uchtdorf spoke about adversity and slowing down during times of adversity to make sure that we focus on the essentials in our life. This was my favorite talk from all of conference. So many things he said were exactly what I needed to hear. Things like... (paraphrasing him) "Self worth does not depend on the length of our to-do list." "Over scheduling ourselves is a vice." "There is more to life than increasing its speed." "We must slow down and diligently do the things that matter most."

Saturday Afternoon:

Richard Edgely of the Presiding Bishopbric spoke of choosing to use faith when we don't know and understand all things.

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of 4 principles that have brought the greatest feelings of peace in his life. Faith, Repentance, Obedience, and Service.

Sunday Morning:
President Monson reminded us of his often repeated saying to "cultivate an attitude of gratitude." He counseled us to refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought. A prayerful life is the key to gratitude and happiness.

Sunday Afternoon:
Elder Lawrence of the 70s talk on being a courageous parent was wonderful and thought provoking. He gave wonderful and wise council. One thing in particular caused Rone and I to sit up and take notice. He cautioned against sleepovers, sharing from his experience as a bishop that many bad choices that children make are often made for the first time at a sleep over. Three years ago Rone and I were beginning to see the potential for danger in sleepovers and wondering what to do since we had been allowing B to participate in sleep overs and we worried about "taking that away." Thanks to some friends, who are courageous parents, who shared with us their family's decision, we were able to gain strength to make a decision to change our childrens' participation in sleep overs. Now, several years later, it was enlightening to hear supporting council given in general conference.

So many other wonderful talks were given. Lots of short little notes were written in my journal. Now I look forward to the November Ensign to go back and read the talks again and continue to be uplifted by General Conference. I love Conference!