GC

A couple of weeks ago, it was General Conference time. And I was able to attend this time around. To TWO SESSIONS!

There's much to be said for being able to sit down and watch it in the comfort of your own home (or, in my case, at my parents' home), dressed comfy-cozylike with pen and notebook in hand, gleaning wisdom and being edified by latter-day prophets and apostles.

Ah, I love General Conference, and I'm so glad that it comes twice each year!

Anyway, my friend Keri had a handful of tickets, and she invited me to go. It was SO LOVELY to sit in that amazing Conference Center in Salt Lake City with 5 of my favorite gals, surrounded by thousands of others of my faith. (There's a special place in my heart for the Saturday afternoon session, because that's when we get to sustain our church officers and leaders. It was really awesome to be in the same room as my beloved leaders while I raised my hand to sustain them.)

Bethany, Gina, Brooke, Jill, Keri and Beth

 All of the talks were fantastic, of course, but I think my favorite talk from that session was one by Elder Carl. B. Cook (from the Quorum of the Seventy), entitled "It is Better to Look Up."

"President Monson’s encouragement to look up is a metaphor for remembering Christ. As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the means whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things."

Yes, Elder Cook! Life happens so fast, and it is SO EASY to focus on how my trials negatively impact my life; but focusing on the bad stuff doesn't help. In fact, it usually makes things worse, and turns into a vicious cycle. BUT! There is so much good in my life! I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins, and that He knows pain and heartache and suffering on a much grander scale than I can even fathom. By looking up to my Savior, by really taking advantage of the atonement, by sharing my load with Him...I can not only get on with my life, but I can live it well, and enjoy my time along the way!


Yes, General Conference is my favorite time of year (times two!).

-I also really enjoyed the talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen about Children, especially when he said, "The bearing of children is a sensitive subject that can be very painful for righteous women who do not have the opportunity to marry and have a family. To you noble women, our Heavenly Father knows your prayers and desires. How grateful we are for your remarkable influence, including reaching out with loving arms to children who need your faith and strength."


Thanks for the reminder that Heavenly Father is in charge, and that my prayers do not go unheard, Elder Andersen!

Anyway...after the session ended, we got a quick group picture with the Salt Lake temple in the background, then we headed a bit further south for dinner at The Mayan. And we totally met up with Lisa! (YAY! We love Lisa!)

Brooke, Bethany, Keri (with a Gina growing off the top of her head), Jill and Beth

A special thanks to the fella who took our picture for us...

Keri, Jill, Gina, Lisa, Brooke, Beth

The next day, I was able to go to the Sunday morning session with Mom, Dad and Brent.

Once again, it's difficult to pin down a favorite talk, but I really loved Sister Elaine S. Dalton's talk a lot. And, of course, President Monson's talk was FANTASTIC. (I love President Monson!)

I'm so excited for the Conference Report to come out next month, so I can read and re-read the fantastic talks over and over again, until General Conference rolls around again next April!

Thanks for the tickets, Keri and Dad!