filled

I am feeling so filled by General Conference. This is why I so look forward to these two weekends out of the year. I am deeply gratified that my family gathers to watch every session, that the children don't complain (well, the boys don't, at least!), that we set aside the entire weekend for this spiritual feast. I hope my children remember the Solemn Assembly where they stood to sustain a new prophet.

I loved it all and can't wait to read the talks when the Ensign comes out. But for now, I think my favorite quote from this conference is:

"We should encourage our children to define themselves by the growth of their testimonies."
-- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

In a world where we are continually tempted to define ourselves by how we measure up to others, or to worldly standards, I find this to be such wise counsel.

Relief Society General Meeting

Saturday was a delightfully rainy day. It was even a little bit cold, which was hard to believe, since I had been using the A/C, at least in my car, in the days preceding. The mountains were almost completely lost in the clouds, you could only see the foothills.

My sister-in-law (also Michelle) had tickets to the Conference Center and invited me to come along. And this is what I saw when I got to her house!

Yes, that is snow! In September! She lives on the benches, so they're pretty high up and they do get more snow than we do, but still... I didn't see that coming.

Fortunately, we were able to park in Marc's parents' condo parking, which is just behind the Conference Center, because it was a complete madhouse all around.

check out all those umbrellas!

This was the scene a few minutes before the meeting began. It eventually filled up entirely.

Isn't it funny how people offer to take your photo when you are taking self-portraits?

This was my first time attending a meeting in the new Conference Center. It is SO much more comfortable than the old Tabernacle! I was amazed at the acoustics in this enormous room, and the choir was incredible -- it gave us both goosebumps. And there is just something so cool about being with thousands of women and all singing together.

When Jill heard I was going, she said, "Imagine the note-taking possibilities!" I was glad she mentioned that, because I am so un-used to being able to take notes, I might actually have forgotten.

Here were the highlights for me:

• We must do the essential things before we do the non-essential things. These are personal habits that no one can do for us.

• We should understand and defend the divine rights of women. We must uphold, nourish, nurture, and protect families. With the Lord's help, we can teach and rear righteous children.

• Focusing on relief will always bring sociality, but sociality will not always bring relief.

• "We must get on our knees and plead with the Lord, then we must get on our feet and move forward. " (Pres. Hinckley)

• Satan is delighted when we give in, even a little.

• Pray earnestly. Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but for abilities equal to your tasks.

This was the scene when we left. Good thing I was in good company! We had lots of time to talk. I always enjoy spending time with Michelle, but we both have busy lives (especially Michelle) and we live just far enough apart that we don't get together often enough. Time together with no kids is refreshing! We went to dinner together afterwards and talked some more. Good times.

Now I am really looking forward to General Conference!