178th Annual General Conference - Saturday

Today was the 178th Annual General Conference for the Church of Latter-Day Saints. It is a semi-annual opportunity for all of us Saints around the world to gather at the knees of the Prophet and other inspired members of our church to hear the words of our Heavenly Father.

The first Saturday session which was from 10 - 12 had many wonderful talks filled with the spirit but looking back, right now, the three things that stand out the most for me are; First, the apostle who gave the opening prayer specifically asked that mothers would be able to help their children more. As a mother in these turbulent times, I felt inspired and uplifted to renew my efforts to raise children strong in their beliefs while working on my own skills of patience and unconditional love. It just seemed to speak to me that if he was inspired to ask for blessings in our behalf I have a very important role given to me by a loving Heavenly Father and during those hard days being a Mom I need to remember what I am really doing and why.

Second, I was moved to get to raise my hand, even though it was just in my kitchen and in front my husband and son, to sustain President Thomas S. Monson as the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of our church. I have a testimony and know he is the man who should be leading God's church at this time and feel privileged to live in a time with a living Prophet that so lovingly leads us.

And third, in the second hour, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang hymn #270, "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go". As always they sang beautifully but the words seemed to stand out and be especially poignant to me today. I pray I will keep the words of that song in my heart and always remember: Not my will, O Lord, but Thine.

In the second Saturday session between 2 - 4, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk on the definition of blind obedience and the difference between that and obedience. He also quoted D&C 46:13 and 14; 13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. 14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

This really got me thinking, which am I? I have a testimony of the Savior and his sacrifice on my behalf yet Fast and Testimony is my favorite Sunday and when the Ensign comes the very first thing I read is the section called 'Latter-day Saint Voices'. I will think more on this but right now, I think I am more '...given to believe on their words...'.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a very loving talk on the delicate subject of healing from abuse, specifically sexual abuse. And one of my new favorite quotes came from Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, it is "Enduring to the end is not a do-it-yourself project." :)

Kent attended the Priesthood session with his father and brothers. He hadn't felt well all day but still desired to go to the meeting. I am always so proud of him when he goes. I think it is an opportunity for him to strengthen his bond with his father and brothers and well as feel rallied to continue to be worthy of the great gift of the priesthood he holds.

After the Priesthood session ended at 8:00 we were invited to Mom and Dad H.'s for dinner. Kent's cousins from California Jennifer and Heidi are staying with Mom and Dad this weekend while they attend the two morning sessions of Conference (Heidi is attending college here so she just had to get a ride down here). Jennifer's boyfriend Bill came up from California with her so it was fun to visit with all three of them while we ate. Mom had this very tasty apple dessert thing...so tasty in fact that I ate two! :)

Today was a wonderful and uplifting day. I look forward to hearing more inspirational talks tomorrow.