October is my favorite month of the whole year. I love the way the air is crisp and clean and the color of the trees. It is also a time of reflection as we have the opportunity to hear a prophet of the Lord speak to us during General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We can actually tune in at home, in our jammies, eating breakfast. A wonderful way to relax and soak in what our leaders have to say. I thought I would share a few things I learned this weekend - things that stood out to me:
1. What is said is not as important as what we hear: I understood from this that we should pray in advance of getting spiritual instruction so that our hearts and minds can hear what we need to. The same talk from church leaders can be given and heard differently by many. Figure out what it is that YOU need to learn.
2. As women we don't need to be ordained with the priesthood to enjoy priesthood power. This was made very clear to me in this conference. I don't need the priesthood to be made whole. I am whole as a woman who stands next to my husband, a priesthood holder. We share that power. Blessings of the priesthood are much greater than those that bestow the gift.
3. Being a mother is the greatest, hardest, most wonderful gift a woman could have. I am grateful to be called mother, and grateful for my own mother.
4. Realize that the blessings we receive from paying our tithing are not always loud and large. They are most often significant, but subtle. Realize that the blessings are there - and we cannot live without them.
5. Pray for stamina to do what we need to to live within our means. To use what we have with wisdom. Having MORE is not always the answer.
6. The church has two standards in regards to fiscal matters: Live within its means and having a savings account. Sound advice for all of us.
7. Church leaders can make mistakes. We may not know why now, and we may not until the next life. Eventually all will be made clear and everything will make sense.
8. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.
9. All that is unfair now will be made fair in the atonement.
10. Mental illness or emotional disorders are NOT a character flaw. The Lord EXPECTS us to use all of our resources to help ourselves. He will help us do all we can to get better. Just because you can't see someone's pain, doesn't mean it isn't there. Don't judge what you don't know.
11. God's love is there for us whether we deserve it or not.
12. Fear will be replaced with confidence if we depend on the Lord for guidance, comfort, and leadership.
13. We can find happiness in our families by loving God and loving each other.
14. We cannot be forced to choose righteousness.
15. True conversion to the gospel means we actively live it. We can't be stagnant or stand still.
16. Work with the Lord to overcome our specific bondage - addiction, debt, complacency, etc.
17. A teacher of the gospel is also a student. Stand as a witness to what is being taught.
18. Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin. Pray for guidance in all matters.
19. The Savior wants us to love Him enough to align our will with His.
There were many more quotes I could put in here, but this is long enough. It was a great weekend - I really enjoyed watching conference and refilling my spiritual vessel.
Happy October everyone!
