General Conference

I love General Conference weekend.  I feel so inspired and re-motivated after listening to all the wonderful talks and music.  Some of my favorites talks this conference (not that I didn't enjoy all of them...these few stood out especially to me):

"Teaching our Children to Understand" by Cheryl A. Esplin

Teaching our children to understand is more than just imparting information. It’s helping our children get the doctrine into their hearts in a way that it becomes part of their very being and is reflected in their attitudes and behavior throughout their lives.

"Mountains to Climb" by Henry B. Eyring (I love Elder Eyring!)

It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.

"The Laborers in the Vineyard" by Jeffrey R. Holland (also love Elder Holland!)

Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

"The Merciful Obtain Mercy" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (another favorite!)

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

"Only upon the Principles of Righteousness" by Larry Y. Wilson

Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. They provide opportunities for growth as children acquire the spiritual maturity to exercise their agency properly. And yes, this means children will sometimes make mistakes and learn from them.

 "What Thinks Christ of Me?" by Neil L. Andersen 

Jesus’s call “Come, follow me”²¹ is not only for those prepared to compete in a spiritual Olympics. In fact, discipleship is not a competition at all but an invitation to all. Our journey of discipleship is not a dash around the track, nor is it fully comparable to a lengthy marathon. In truth, it is a lifelong migration toward a more celestial world.

I found a new way to encourage the kids to listen and take notes during Conference.  Put treats in bowls and label each bowl with a word commonly used in Conference talks.  Each time you hear a word used, you get to take a treat from the appropriate bowl.  We ran out of gummy bears (Jesus Christ) first!  

 Don't they look totally engrossed?