Today was our stake conference. Elder Eyring was our visiting authority, and it was great. Eva had a pretty hard time of it, making it difficult to pay full attention, and of course I didn't get to take very many notes, but I wanted to make a record of what I remember before it leaves my mind!
First of all, Elder Osguthorpe gave a simple formula for achieving success in any area of our lives:
1. have a desire to achieve it
2. decide to make a change (pray for the Lord's help)
3. have a strong determination
It seems doable when you look at it like that! And I am actually feeling pretty motivated to put some change into action.
Elder Eyring said that he felt impressed to chastise us, and said that we need to pay better attention to our spiritual memories. Isn't that interesting? I feel like I have all kinds of memory problems, but I'm sure that focusing on memories would help to solidify them. (And, of course, recording these events is always a good idea -- especially if you have a faulty memory like mine.)
He asked: do you remember the day of your baptism? the way you felt when you received the Holy Ghost? when you received a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel? when you received your temple endowment? when you felt forgiven?
He urged us to remember the feeling of being clean. He related a story from his own baptism day: first of all, he remembers being baptized in Philadelphia, but the church records say it was in Brooklyn! (there was no font in all of NJ at the time) So he's not sure where it took place, but he remembers the feelings of the day. What he remembers most is feeling, "The free ride is over! I'd better get the atonement to work for me, through repentance." Pretty astute for an eight-year-old.
He urged us not to wait, not to think that we have plenty of time to do what's right. Every choice we make determines the course of our lives. He also counseled us not to delay teaching our children while they are young and most receptive to our teachings.
He reminded us that the Holy Ghost will direct us as to how we can best help our children. I know this intellectually, but so often I forget to ask for help in this department from the source of all knowledge.
A lot of great reminders today. I feel like I was well-taught, and I have a strong desire to make several improvements in my life. And I want to remember this feeling!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
Elder Eyring is a favorite of mine! So wise, and it sounds like that's a gift that's been with him his whole life. What an interesting chastisement -- definitely something I need to work on, too. I also have memory issues. Sometimes I wonder about myself.
How interesting that he felt impressed to chastise the Stake to pay better attention to your spiritual memories. It makes perfect sense though when you think about it terms of the Book of Mormon. Every time I read it I get so frustrated with Laman & Lemuel and how quickly they forget the miracles and blessings in their lives, but we must do the same thing when we don't record those thoughts and when we move on taking them for granted or forgetting them completely. Yikes. Thanks for triggering this epiphany!
That's so cool Elder Eyring got to come! I really like what he said about focusing on our spiritual memories, because it really is those memories that are most important. If we forget those moments of strong spiritual impressions or of the testifying Spirit, how can we ever progress? Thanks for sharing those thoughts--it really got me thinking!
I didn't write all of my notes from Stake Conference but it does sound like some of the teachings were the same. Elder Bednar reminded us that we don't need manuals or parenting classes we have the Holy Ghost.
I also felt the need to do better. I appreciate the recipe for change. I am going to post that on my desk to see all the time.
I put a paraphrased quote on my blog from Elder Scott about recording our spiritual experiences. I want to do better, I think I will never forget but the strong feelings become milder and some of the emotion is lost over time. I think the written memories would be a stronger testimony as time goes on.
Thanks for the notes.
I needed to be sitting in your conference because I need this exact chastisement. I love Elder Eyring and after he visited here in Jan, I feel like I connect with all he says. Great post Michelle. And good for you for sticking it out with Eva, stake conference with that age is close to impossible!
I love Elder Eyring! I think it is very interesting what he said about spiritual memories. I try to write mine down, so as not to forget, but I am sure it would be even more helpful to read back through them more often. Thanks for posting your notes!
Stupidy, I so often neglect tapping into the greatest source of help as far as child-rearing is concerned. This is a perfect reminder for me.
And here you go - creating a perfect path for your spiritual memories. You will always have this council at your fingertips, now.
Small world. You are in the same stake as my mother and father in law. They thought Elder Eyring was wonderful too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Paying attention to our spiritual memories - I need to think about how I can apply this. Maybe a special journal for the past experiences I have not yet recorded? I also need to make better use of my journal that I've copied from Jill for recording thoughts and so forth from Sacrament meeting talks.
again, as i am reading these backwards... elder eyring! oh just soak in sitting at an apostles feet. really - i forgot how lucky i was to go to conference at byu.
Post a Comment