General Conference

Last Saturday and Sunday was General Conference. I took a lot of notes, but now that its been a couple of days I'm not sure how accurate they are, but I thought I'd share some of the things that touched me anyway.

Julie Beck- General Relief Society President

"A good woman knows she can't do everything her heart desires." - I don't think Sister beck meant that women should lower their expectations of themselves, but I think she mean to not be disappointed in what we can't or haven't done. Instead we should find joy in the service we have done and continue to do.

"Don't seek appreciation from things you do" - If this is the main reason why you do service, it isn't service anymore. Also, if you seek appreciation from others than Heavenly Father, nothing will ever be satisfying.

"When we are finished, we may STILL feel disappointment, but we will NOT be disappointed in ourselves"

I can't remember exactly what she said, but I thought she was talking directly to me when she said that women shouldn't expect a life that isn't busy or difficult. There have been so many times when I have felt sorry for myself and how busy life seems to be at times. It seems that having more time would be nice, but being busy promotes personal growth, and we should all be excited to gain experience and strength! Right?

Elder M. Russell Ballard - of the Twelve Apostles

"Popular culture often makes women look silly and objectivies them. Don't look to these women as role models, but to your mother."

Elder David Bednar- of the Twelve Apostles

Spiritual Warning System:

1- Reading and Talking about the Book of Mormon
    Regular reading of the Book of Mormon helps to resist temptation and form bonds of love.
    Young children may not understand every word, but they recognize the familiar spirit.

2- Bearing Testimony Spontaneously
    Spontaneous testimonies are remembered most by children.
    A testimony doesn't need to start with "I bear my testimony to you"

3- Inviting Children to Act
    We are to act, not to acted upon
    Parents should help children to act and seek spirituality themselves.
         "Giving a man a fish, gives him a meal. Teaching him to fish, gives him meals for a lifetime."

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a worrier by nature. The next big step in life for me is to become a parent. I'm not sure when this will happen, but I've always wondered how I will help my kids grow up to be strong not only physically, but mentally, and spritiually. Each speaker in general conference gave me some more courage about parenthood and assured me that I don't have to do it alone.

I'm glad that I had the opportunity to watch and learn. Right now, life is unsure and that makes me nervous, but I recieved great comfort from each talk that was given.