The Weekend of Inspiration

General Conference was broadcasted yesterday and today. I didn't get to listen to most of yesterday's session because I took the puppies to the church building while Chris and Cyrus shampooed our carpet. We walked around the pavilion behind the church for a few hours. I was upset that I wasn't able to listen to Conference when I wanted to, though. If you really know me, you will know that I am (and always have been) a freak about General Conference. Maybe it's because I don't want to miss out on what our Church leaders have to teach us. Buddy and Bella played together for most of the afternoon (which is not a surprise at all).

When I was younger, I would usually go to Ashton, Idaho (that's where my mom's from) and watch Conference with Gran and the rest of the family. We would have a lot of food, play around with my cousins, and listen to what everyone thought of the talks. When I was a little girl, I remember writing in my journal during one weekend of General Conference and I was so confused why my mom and the aunts took notes. I could never understand it. As I got older, I started to take notes as well because I had to for my seminary classes. My teacher had the class and me pick one "power phrase" from the talks given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. I really enjoyed doing that. I wanted to remember what our church leaders taught me, personally. And from then on, I became a quote nerd (who are we kidding? I am still a quote nerd!). I have two Composition books filled with quotes from Church leaders, television actors and actresses, and even some family members and close friends. If someone says something I think is profound and I want to remember it, I will write it down. Eventually, I would like to get my quote book published and give it to my children when they have children of their own. I hope it gets passed down to many, many generations. I hope they treasure the inspirations I've collected over the years.

It's hard to choose just one Conference talk that I could say was my favorite, but I'll give it a try. ;) I had two favorite talks that I loved from Saturday's sessions. One was given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He stated, "Loving kindness is required, but a follower of Christ, just like the Master, will be firm in the truth." I also really enjoyed the talk given by Elder Jorg Klebingat. He stated, "Keep your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow." It was also cool because some of the Church leaders gave their talks in their ow native language. I thought that was awesome.

Today's sessions were pretty awesome too. My favorite talks were given by President Henry B. Eyring and Elder Russell M. Nelson. President Eyring talked about revelation. We need revelation from God to receive answers. He stated, "The revelation of the parent has lasting effect in the personal revelation of the child." I thought that was wonderful. As parents, we should set a good example and be open to receiving the revelation Heavenly Father wants to give to us. Elder Nelson spoke about what sustaining the prophet really means. He stated that no prophet has ever been elected. He has always been chosen by Heavenly Father. He stated, "We sustain 15 men as prophets of God (the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles). They are committed to see that the Lord's will WILL be done!" I thought that was so profound. These men love each and every one of us and want us to help others come unto Christ.

I'm so grateful for the prophets and apostles of the Church. I'm grateful for their counsel and love for every member around the world. I can feel their love whenever I watch General Conference or talk about them in lessons on Sundays. I'm thankful for their inspiration and preparation to speak what they feel is in their hearts.