*** It is simply amazing what a weekend of soul nourishing guidance will do for a Monday morning. I mean seriously, wasn't that general conference A-MAZING?
I took 9 pages of notes all weekend long, because my forgetful heart needs to be constantly reminded. Here are the highlights that spoke to me:
** 5 new temples announced, so exciting. It brought back floods of memories from years ago when our temple was announced.
** Elder Richard G. Scott said "Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance to help resolve challenges in their life by following the examples of respected individuals who have resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. Personally, I rejoice in that reality, because it creates a condition where we have necessity, and are more dependent on the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore we are led to seek personal inspiration in life's important decisions." He also said "Personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the spirit."
** Elder David A. Bednar gave a talk that seemed to be written just for me [at least I felt that way.] He truly spoke to my heart. I needed to hear it, I needed to be reminded and amidst his words, I discovered what will become my word for 2010: Consistent. Thanks Elder Bednar, I can already get a jump start on my 2010 goals.
** President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has quickly become my favorite speaker. Perhaps because of his German accent, it forces me to really listen to each word and I find myself glued to his messages. He said something to the effect of "Love is the great commandment. It overcomes all things. It heals, it strengthens, it unites. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we feel lost and without compass, His love encompasses us completely." He spoke so beautifully and I will be downloading that talk to listen to over and over and over.
** Following President Uchtdorf was MoTab's beautiful rendition of "Come Come Ye Saints" and that song always gets me. Gets the tears flowing. Gets me in my heart. It's the lyrics...
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy Day! All is well!
We then are free from toil or sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy Day! All is well!
We then are free from toil or sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!
** President Monson's story about the father who asked his children each day "What did you do for someone today?" really spoke to my heart. I decided that we would start something like that in our home and incorporate the jar of warm fuzzies as well, so that they can see their good deeds fill up the jar. LOVED THAT IDEA!
** MoTab's exquisitely beautiful rendition of "O Divine Redeemer" in the last session blew. me. away. You can download that and all of the music from each session, here. I am downloading it immediately.
** Following that powerful musical performance, was perhaps the most powerful testimony I have ever personally heard, and I will never forget it. It was, for me, the highlight of the conference. I watched it over twice, both times, feeling so grateful to have this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, what a wonderful man he is.
[image via folk artist Eric Dowdle]
** MoTab's exquisitely beautiful rendition of "O Divine Redeemer" in the last session blew. me. away. You can download that and all of the music from each session, here. I am downloading it immediately.
** Following that powerful musical performance, was perhaps the most powerful testimony I have ever personally heard, and I will never forget it. It was, for me, the highlight of the conference. I watched it over twice, both times, feeling so grateful to have this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, what a wonderful man he is.
[image via folk artist Eric Dowdle]
