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Friday, April 6, 2012

all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good

I am little late with the conference post, but better late than never. This past weekend was General Conference. I love how April conference is always right before finals because I always feel like I get a pep talk before the hellish week commences. Actually, I don't think finals this semester will be that bad. I'm trying this new thing where I've already been studying a little bit every day so that I don't have to swear off sleep during actual finals week.
I had the chance to attend the Saturday afternoon session. It was a perfect, sunny Saturday. Also, isn't Preston just a dream? :]

I titled this post after my favorite scripture in D&C 122:7-9. President Eyring quoted it in his talk, which was also one of my favorites. I've used it in a few talks before and probably for a seminary devotional once or twice, and I get emotional every time I read it. My favorite part: "All these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" I just think it's so incredibly humbling. 20somethings are probably the most selfish age group, maybe tied with angsty teens. But I think 20somethings are even more so because we're a little bit old enough to be kind of independent and definitely old enough to think that we know absolutely everything. I mean, we're like in COLLEGE and stuff and getting degrees and internships.We're used to getting things instantly and it takes a lot to hold our attention. When we're faced with difficulties and trials, we are DRAMATIC. I am dramatic. Maybe you're not dramatic, but I am sOoO mUcH dRaMa. Every time I read this scripture I am reminded that all of the difficulties I am facing have been planned for me and there's a reason for all of it. I am also reminded that the Savior has suffered my pains and sorrows a billion times over. Am I really greater than the most perfect being to ever walk the planet? I think not.
Above is not from conference, but from a picnic in front of the temple two days ago.

Another favorite was from Elder Holland about patience. One of my favorite quotes from this was, "Surely the the God most enjoys about being God is being merciful- especially to those who don't think they deserve it." He used the parable of the laborers in the vineyard and reminded us that others may be blessed before us and it may be unfair. Why should we be jealous that the Lord chose to be kind? He also taught that our good deeds and righteousness don't go unnoticed. "Don't hyperventilate over something that happened at 9 AM when the Lord is trying to reward you at 6 PM."

Finally, I really loved this quote from Elder Rasband: "'Let me know if I can help!' is really not help at all." Ah! I am so guilty of this. Instead of actually offering a specific service, I am always saying, "Let me know if you need anything!" Which is good. Really, it's great to let people know that you're around to help. But how often do you take them up when the offer is so broad? I know I am very hesitant to ask for help and even more so when I am told, "Let me know if I can help!" If we take the time to really see what our peers need from us and specifically offer to help with these specific things, I think we are doing a lot more good than simply putting it out there that we're around.

I am so thankful for our prophet and his counselors. I'm thankful for their wisdom, advice and guidance. I know that when we take the time to prayerfully ponder the words of our leaders and choose to apply them in our lives, we will be so blessed. I love this gospel and I know it is true. I love my Savior and know he is truly the Son of God. I hope everyone enjoys this Easter holiday. If you missed any of the talks or would just like to listen, they are available HERE to read, watch and listen to :]

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