Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sunday thoughts

For my Sunday thoughts today, I'm going back to last Saturday's evening session of stake conference. Marc's parents attended it with us, because they came to hear us sing. It was one of those really great meetings where I didn't feel at all bad that they had to sit through the whole thing just because of one song, you know?

Sister Herrmann

  • Example is the best teacher – our children watch to see if our actions are consistent with our words.
  • Do our children know what we know?
  • Focus on the big picture: it helps us to put things into perspective and a tempering takes place within us.
  • We don't have to be the best, we just have to do our best.
  • Have hope and believe in good things to come.
  • The Lord wants our children to be happy and successful even more than we do.

Brother Lunt

  • Reminded us of an apostolic blessing given to us by Vaughn J. Featherstone many years ago: If we attend the temple regularly, we will have greater love and unity, we will prosper in our professions, our children will be safe, and angels will surround us.
  • There are people divinely positioned to help us in our trials.
  • Conversely, we can be those people prepared to help others in their trials. Are we preparing ourselves to be instruments in God's hands?
  • We must be humble enough to turn to the only sure source of comfort and peace.

Sister Smart

  • Ask yourself each day how you have seen the hands of the Lord in your life.
  • The Holy Ghost will help us to recognize our blessings.
  • An appropriate sense of humor can do much to get us through times of trial.
  • We can be happy in spite of the challenges we face because the Savior is watching over all.
  • We need miracles and we should be praying for miracles.

President Kennison

  • Don't we all want to get to the place where we have "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually?"
  • What if is just became part of our nature to feast upon the words of Christ, to speak with our Heavenly Father, to look for ways to serve others, to see God's hand in our lives?
  • Our hearts are changed when we offer them to Him.
  • There is no neutral ground in the universe.
  • We become disciples by doing what disciples do.

President Killpack

  • Remember, recognize, and record.
  • Good seeds planted in healthy soil with nurturing and periodic weeding yield a wonderful harvest.
  • "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness." (John)
  • "Arise, shine, and reflect the boundless light of the Almighty." (Isaiah)
  • It seems wise to ask every day who needs light that we could provide.
  • We can push darkness away when we receive His light.
  • If we have asked for heavenly light and have received it, we have the obligation to share it.
  • His light can inspire husband and wife, mother and father.
  • It is repulsed by that which is ugly or unworthy.
  • By choosing light and life, we are choosing hope in spite of pain.
  • Understanding the eternal nature of the temple will draw you to your family. Understanding the eternal nature of your family will draw you to the temple.

I wish I could present these things as beautifully as the speakers did, but instead I had to rely on my cryptic notes.

I was so uplifted and strengthened by our stake conference, and now General Conference is only 2 weeks away! I can hardly wait for one of my two favorite weekends of the whole year.

10 comments:

Marie said...

I liked the thought that we don't have to BE the best, but we need to TRY our best. Very good.

Also, I am loving your daughter's bookshelf in the last post.

Jill said...

As I sat in church frantically taking notes today, I once again wondered how anyone remembers anything that was said if they're not writing it down? I'm so glad we have this great habit!

I love that promise about the temple by Vaughn J. Featherstone!

I am going to start praying for miracles.

patsy said...

Such wonderful thoughts!
thank you for sharing :)

Amie said...

That is my favorite temple quote. I saw it on Melinda's fridge years ago and called her later to email it to me so I could print it to display at our house.

Your comment tidbit made me laugh.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

I'm so glad you take cryptic notes, Michelle. They are uplifting and encouraging to me. Thank you.

I get excited just thinking about conference coming soon. It just sets the world right again.

Susan said...

I have been missing Grandma so much of late. Your reference to "people divinely positioned to help us through our trials" gave way to a flood of tears and gratitude all at the same time.

Once again, thankyou.

I'm going to the Temple as soon as I can.

jenn said...

Great notes. It is a habit I want to start.

I'll be out of town for conference but look forward to watching it when I get back. It will be weird to not spend that weekend with my kids though.

Bugg's mama said...

I feel as if I went to the conference. What wonderful teachings and promises. Thank you so so much for sharing them. I am motivated to be more consistent with temple attendance. Thank you, friend!

Love, Bree

Rebekah said...

I wish I could get myself to the temple! It's the number one reason I wish I had a car.

Bond Girl 007 said...

These talks do resonate with everything that is going on. I am convinced that as we cycle life we recycle our trials sometimes, and even though sometimes they might not seem pertinent at one moment in time, at other times they are so much more...

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