Helping Us Raise our Little Brood!

What a great weekend of conference. I am very grateful for such wise counsel from our leaders that left me with a feeling of hope and a desire to do much better in so many areas of my life. My marching orders for the next 6 months will surely include improving my efforts as a wife and mother and improving my efforts as a member missionary.

A few thoughts that really spoke to my heart......

Elder Ballard - I loved the interesting facts he pointed out about the church and how he spoke of being careful to discern whether people are interested in learning more about the gospel or just curious about the church.

Elder Wirthlin - First of all, I was absolutely amazed at his deliverance of this talk. What determination and what a powerful message about the quality that should best describe us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.....charity...'We are people who love the Lord with all of our hearts, might, mind and strength. We love our neighbors as ourselves....When we love the Lord, obedience is seen less as a burden and more as a delight......we seek less for the things which would benefit us and more for the things that would benefit others...." I want to work toward these qualities so that these are qualities that describe me. And what a poignant example of love when Elder Nelson stood up to support him.

President Eyring - I love hearing this man speak....just last week Joseph and I were talking about how when he bears witness and says that he knows....you know that he really knows.....I felt the same thing yesterday as he bore witness....I loved listening to him during the press conference as well as in his message. I was impressed with his diligence in keeping a journal. Wow! I am excited to ask myself daily, "Have I seen the hand of the Lord in my life or my families' life today?" and then go record it.

Elder Cook - I felt like his address was an answer to prayers for me. I have often worried about raising my children outside of Utah, not because Utah is a perfect place, I know it isn't. But I think it's because of not exaclty knowing how to do it... because both Joe and I were raised in Utah, I have often wondered if there is in fact a different formula for doing things depending on where in the world you live. I guess you could compare it to growing a garden in a different climate and learning what works and what doesn't in certain areas. I loved when he spoke of living in the San Fransisco area and worrying about raising their children there. When he said, "I believe we can raise righteous children anywhere in the world....if they are taught righeous principles in the home." I felt a sense of hope and peace overcome me. I love how he also gave the 4 guidelines outlined by President Harold B. Lee that would make this possible.... One, Follow the Prophet....Two, Create the true spirit of the gospel in our hearts and in our homes....Three, Be a light to those among whom we live....Four, Focus on the ordinances and principles taught in the temple.

When he spoke of missionary efforts among members it hit me straight to the core because the old excuses I've used in the past won't work any more. I often let my fear get in the way of sharing the gospel. I totally related to this statement, "Live by faith not fear in missionary efforts....many wonderful members are in camouflage (sp) to neighbors and co-workers, they do not let people know who they are and what they believe. We need much more member involvement in sharing the gospel." I often go about my day and associate with members of the church, and keep to myself when I am around those who I don't know or who are not of my faith. I let my fear of not knowing enough gospel knowledge keep me from sharing the most important things that I know are true. I need to do much better!

Elder Bednar - I have admired Elder Bednar and his wife for many years. I was the student representative on the Women's Awareness Commitee while I attended Ricks College. I met weekly with 6 other women including a few faculty members, professors, and Sister Bednar. I was amazed at her diligence and her testimony. She was always above reproach in every word, action, and deed......I love how Elder Bednar digs a little deeper into the heart of a principle....listening to him made me want to examine my motives behind everything that I do. it is not enough for me to resist temptation or to do those things I know are right to have clean hands, but I must change my heart so that I desire to do good continually for the right reasons and so that have no desire to do evil, only then will I have a pure heart.

Elder Costa - First of all two words....Nacho Libre! I loved his talk, but we couldn't stop smiling because of how much his accent reminded us of Nacho! My sister texted me after his talk, "Hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss. " Anyway, I am determined to improve my relationships with my immediate little family as well with my extended family. I don't want any regrets!

Elder Oaks - Made me want to make sure that I am spending my time in the best way possible. I better sign off my blog soon and tend to more important priorities...:o) Good, Better, Best! That thought will be going through my head alot! And where do you find a Sears Catalog like that these days...do they have those things on micro-fische?

And of course...I loved when President Hinckley spoke of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. What a privilege and a responsibility to be a part of such a great work. I am continually amazed at the sharpness of his mind and the quickness of his wit. I loved it when he said he plans to be here in 6 months to meet with us again. I sure hope so....

And...I guess I'll post just one more, last but not least.....Sister Julie B. Beck - I want to be a mother who knows! I want to do better at carefully planning for prayer, scripture study, and Family Home Evening instead of just haphazardly letting them happen. I want to focus on teaching my children to work along side me instead of trying to do it all myself while they watch tv or play with toys. I want to spend more time working, reading, laughing, and playing with them. I want to be more selective about my own activities so that I can use my energy to bless their lives. I could go on and on. Points from two of my favorite talks of all time, hang on the side of my fridge, one is "A Woman of Faith" from Sister Nadauld and the other is "A Mother Heart" by Sister Beck. I am excited to add to them "Mothers Who Know."

I am so grateful not only for the gospel of Jesus Christ, but for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and for the inspired elements it contains to strengthen families and to help us to become better people wherever we live.....how blessed we are to be able to watch and listen to those who bear such powerful witness of the Savior and who instruct us on those things which will bring us the greatest happiness now and forever. It all feels so good!