TOP THREE - OCTOBER 2011

General Conference comes for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just twice a year. It is a time that our family savors. We look forward to each session, listening closely for words of encouragement and inspiration. Each message touches us a different way.

This year, we were able to participate at home, doing our usual tent, holiday food, and conference wall. In April, we might try a few things different, but it really works out well. We also enjoyed having the Reno family over for breakfast (french toast) before the first session of conference. Then, we watched and listened.

The overall themes that I took away from this weekend was the scriptures and keeping ourselves clean and pure from the world. I found many of the topics hit home - for there are many around us struggling - trials and tribulations, repentance, and revelation. And finally, I have been reminded to call myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not a Mormon.

I was excited to here of new temples being built around the world, especially one in South Africa (Will Bohney and Mrs. Page served missions in South Africa) and Star Valley, Wyoming.

So, after the many talks that were SO amazing, here are my top three.

President Dieter F. Utchdorf - Forget Me Not

He spoke at the General Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday, September 24th. His talk greatly touched my heart and soul. He talked about a little sweet flower, the forget-me-not. And then he corresponded each petal with something that we should not forget. Here is an excerpt from the end of his message:

My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.

Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you.

Ian S. Arden, Quorum of the Seventy

This talk, A Time to Prepare, spoke volumes to me. He talked about the use of our time. Some of the things that I noted in his talk ... The poor use of time is a close cousin to idleness; We should devote our time to the things that matter most; We misuse our time by disguised distractions, which we need to identify; We should review what we are doing to meet God. AND, we should be as quick to kneel as we are to text. One of my favorite quotes from The Walk is, "Procrastination is the thief of dreams." I hope I can remember to dedicate my time to what matters most.

Carl B. Cook, Quorum of the Seventy

It Is Better To Look Up, focused on believing that God can help us with anything that we face in this lifetime. He began by telling a story of his first week as a General Authority. He was overwhelmed and carried a very heavy briefcase. While in the elevator, he thought about how he could do everything he was asked. And then, President Monson got in the elevator and said, "It's better to look up!" Here is an excerpt:

Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.³ We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction.

Go ahead and share with me which talks you enjoyed the most!!!