general conference april 2015

Every few years General Conference and Easter Sunday fall on the same weekend and it is a lovely treat. This year it happened and I want to share with you my favorite parts from this year's General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Saturday Morning

I felt the Saturday sessions were overwhelmingly about the family and marriage and defending these two. 

"Two essential ingredients to a successful marriage are a cookie and a kiss." -Boyd K. Packer on his own marriage and how he met his wife. 

"Nowhere is the generosity and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance." -Boyd K. Packer

Linda K. Burton began her talk with numerous quotes from general authorities on their wives and marriages and they were so cute, you guys. 

"Because of the office I hold I have a solemn responsibility to tell the truth-- she's perfect." -Linda K. Burton quoting Boyd K. Packer on his wife. AWWWWW!!!!

"A husband is never more attractive to his wife than when he is serving in his god-given role as a worthy priesthood holder in the home." -Linda K. Burton. Preach sister, preach.

"When was the last time I chose to be happy instead of demanding to be right?" -Linda K. Burton. One of those moments when a part of a talk is aimed right at you :-O

Dallin H. Oaks gave one of my favorite talks of the weekend about the parable of the sower and how different members of the church are like different seeds and their hearts are like the different types of ground the seeds fell upon. Also he straight up called people out on being on their phones during the passing of the sacrament which was cool and alarming. He talked about members sometimes having a "keyhole view" of the gospel, where they focus on a certain aspect that bothers them, they disagree with or don't fully understand instead of looking at the entire beautiful picture of the gospel. He quoted Hugh Nibley on defending our faith and how living this gospel is supposed to be difficult and we are going to offend people and our lifestyle is going to be viewed impractical by the world, but that is the gospel and we should stand for truth until the end.

"Any one of us can develop stony hearts which is stony ground for spiritual seeds." -Dallin H. Oaks 

Saturday Afternoon

"Ultimately we will be left without excuse." -David A. Bednar getting real about the importance of godly fear and how it's not the kind of fear we are accustomed to and is actually good to have.

"Many things are good, many things are important, few are essential." -D. Todd Christofferson

Wilford W. Andersen used a beautiful and unique metaphor of dancing and music as ways we learn of the gospel, live it and the blessings we receive from it. Dance steps are the things we do in our lives and the music is the blessings we receive from doing these things. Sometimes we do things that people don't understand and it's like seeing someone singing and dancing in their car next to you in traffic. They look ridiculous, but it's cuz you can't hear the music. 

"A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying." -Dale G. Renlund on how the name of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) can sometimes make us uncomfortable because we are 100% aware that we are not saints and are always making mistakes. While we are free to make mistakes, repent and learn from them, it's also our responsibility to allow others to make mistakes and change. When we judge people for trying or don't give them the same chances we would want for ourselves, we become Latter-day Hypocrites. 

Easter morning! Sunday sessions were primarily testimonies of the life of Christ, the miracle of His resurrection and the wonder of his Atonement. It was amazing to listen to the words of prophets of God proclaim their knowledge and surety of Jesus' triumph over death and such a perfect way to celebrate the Easter holiday.

Sunday Morning

President Thomas S. Monson announced the building of temples in the Ivory Coast, Haiti and Thailand!!!

"Casual commandment keeping and apathy desensitize us from marveling at the miracles of the gospel." -paraphrased from Bishop Gerald Causse. He started his talk describing how sometimes, because we are so accustomed to seeing marvelous things, in his case it was his family living in Paris and always see the Eiffel Tower, that we get used to them, take them for granted and sometimes completely ignore them. Sometimes this can happen to us in the gospel and the way we live our lives causes us to forget about the miracles and wonders of the gospel and forget about how it blesses our lives.

"All of us are lost and need to be found." Brent H. Nielson gave an incredibly touching testimony of his sister leaving the church and many years later re-joining and how sometimes all we can do is wait, watch and love the people in our lives who leave the church. We need to remember that we are all lost sheep trying to be found and we must never stop loving the ones who take longer to be found.

Jeffrey R. Holland shook me to the core, in the most reverent and powerful way with his testimony of the Savior, his death and resurrection and the importance of the Fall of Adam.

"We cannot celebrate Christmas or Easter without acknowledging Adam and Eve and the Fall." -paraphrased from Elder Holland's talk, but one of those things you know you've learned, but then it hits you how true and pertinent it is. He even made the comparison of the Savior as another Adam who came to the earth to die for our sins as well as Adam's, so that we could be saved and live again. 

"Jesus stands triumphant over death, although He stands with wounded feet." -Jeffrey R. Holland

1) Grace unlocks the gates of heaven

2) Grace opens the windows of heaven

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder Holland and President Uchtdorf back to back was one of my favorite Easter treats. President Uchtdorf spoke on the grace of God and how even if we lived perfect lives, it still wouldn't be enough to enter heaven because we would still be unclean and need the grace of God to fully cleanse us.

"We must enter the gates of heaven with a change of heart so dramatic it is referred to as 'being born again.'" -Dieter F. Uchtdorf (paraphrased)

"Salvation cannot be purchased with the currency of obedience. It was bought by the blood of the Son of God." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Here's a conference throwback for you. I think this was in October 2011. This was also the same weekend I met Preston for the first time aww. 

Sunday Afternoon

"How we live our religion is far more important than what we say about our religion." -Robert D. Hales. Maybe my favorite quote from Conference? Elder Hales spoke about the freedoms we enjoy to live our religion and proclaim it, but ultimately, our example is what speaks the loudest to people.

Neil L. Andersen gave a beautiful talk about the revelation behind the decision of where to build temples and how their locations demonstrate the Lord's revelation to his prophet and the Saints in that area's faith and willingness to serve. My heart is always softened when I learn and hear about members of the church around the world make sacrifices to attend the closest temples to them, some saving up for months or years just to attend the temple. It makes me realize how lucky I have been my whole life to live relatively close to the temple and how I should more regularly attend.

"Because of what I've heard and felt during this conference, how will I change?" Russell M. Nelson, perfectly ending the final session of this April's General Conference.

Once again I am moved and humbled by the words of our prophet and his counselors. I am especially grateful for their testimonies of the Savior and add mine to theirs. He lived and died for us and triumphed over that death. It was the most miraculous and wonderful event in the history of the world and it was done because of pure love for you and me. 

Thank you for reading. Visit here to watch or listen to this April's Conference messages.

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 :]

man is nothing

Conference weekend could not have come at a more perfect time. This past week was terrible. I've been sick with a cold, had 3 exams and was feeling sorry for myself again, but although I still have the sniffles, I feel re-energized, calm and renewed.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the afternoon session with all of my best friends :) I really love this picture, even though we are all looking different directions. Don't I have the most beautiful friends? I love them with all my heart.

Saturday was also Kaile's 21st birthday. My very first memory of Kaile was at EFY in Buena Vista, VA. I remember seeing her and thinking she was one of the prettiest girls I've ever encountered. I still think this. I adore Kaile Knell. It sounds cheesy, but I feel like I've watched Kaile grow since I met her in high school to now, into this beautiful and kind woman that genuinely cares about everyone around her. Kaile is an amazing listener and does her best to offer advice and a positive perspective. Kaile is also hilarious and I laugh a lot when I'm with her. We are both tiny humans, revel in the fact that moms and the elderly are our biggest fans and share an affinity for Asian babies and babies in general. I can't wait until Kaile and I are both moms and can obsess over each other's children. Happy birthday Kaile! I love you.

Today, Jenny and I tried to watch the morning session, but didn't get tickets so we ended up watching it in the tabernacle. Somehow, we both managed to get tickets for the afternoon session. What a fiasco. But so worth it. I got to sit closer than I ever have and just bask in the wonder that is General Conference. By the way, the picture below was taken yesterday. And I look SUPER azn. I think I was giggling at something.

My favorite talk this General Conference was by Elder Uchtdorf and what I entitled this post. Elder Uchtdorf is an amazing storyteller and has a fantastic sense of humor. I always look forward to his remarks and I've grown to love him even more after his "Forget Me Not" talk at the Relief Society broadcast. I am paraphrasing from my notes, so some of these quotes might be a little off, but these were my favorite parts:

Compared to God man is nothing, yet to God we are everything: Wow. We are nothing. Man is nothing without God and we owe everything to him. And yet, despite our shortcomings, we mean the world to God. And not just a select group of us. Each and every single soul that is living, gone and yet to be born. I think about how much my parents love me and I don't think I even grasp that concept fully. The thought of God having that much love for every human being in the world is incomprehensible. I can't fathom any one being having the capacity to love that much, but He does.

The Lord doesn't care if you're working in marble halls or stable stalls: Great rhyming and beautiful concept. Our Lord is no respecter of persons.

The Lord uses a very different scale than the world to measure the worth of a soul: This might be my favorite quote after the first one I shared. It is so hard to be a young adult in the world we live in today. I don't think a day goes by where I don't compare myself to someone else. That's a very sad thing, but it's the truth and I don't think I'm the only one that does it. Can you imagine if the Lord measured our worth the way the world did? But he doesn't, because he is perfect and loves each and every one of us with a perfect love and measures our worth by the things that truly matter in this life.

I felt so good about myself after hearing this talk. I felt loved and important. I feel and know that I matter in this world and despite my inadequacy and all the times I've felt small or insignificant, the master of the universe and mankind knows me and loves me and wants what's best for me. And He feels the exact same way about you, and every living soul.

Sorry this was so long. I still have so many favorite moments/quotes/talks to share so I'm going to try and include one in every post or try and focus on a talk each time I post.

I love this gospel. It is perfect. It is true. I am thankful for the inspired leaders of the church and the wisdom of our prophet and his counselors. Prayers were answered this weekend. I am so happy and so blessed.

Listen/watch this October's conference HERE