If you have read very much on this blog, then you know that I have a deep and abiding love for my Savior Jesus Christ and all that He has done, and continues to do for me. Every 6 months, the church that I belong to, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has a General Conference meeting. In this meeting we are taught and counseled by our leaders and those that we believe are called of God at this time and day to lead and guide us in the way that we should go. We believe that just as in times of old, we have a prophet on the Earth today, President Russell M. Nelson. We also believe that we have 12 apostles, just as in Christ’s day, that are called by Him to be His disciples. They are admonished to finish their days on the Earth teaching, preaching, and loving every man, as taught in the books of the New Testament. What a privilege it is then, to be able to hear, learn and ponder the messages they share with us each Spring and Fall. If you are interested in viewing any of these messages you can find them here.
The conference held this past weekend was no different than past conferences. At this time in my life, I try to spend the days and weeks preceding General Conference (I haven’t always been so diligent), preparing my heart and mind to be open to the messages that God has for me personally. I was especially mindful this time. I had some very specific questions that I needed answers to. I was not disappointed. Not only did all my questions get answered, but very rapidly as the conference began. (They never all get answered, haha). It was if a book had been laid in front of me to the exact page I needed. And I was privy to the knowledge and answers that my heart yearned for. And as you may know, those answers are not always the answers that we want to hear, but they are the answers that we NEED to hear.
I won’t say what the questions were or the answers that came, as they are deeply personal. But, I was assured once again of the deep and unfailing love that my Savior has for me and indeed for all of us.
I was struck by so many of the messages that the tears began to flow and did so mightily. I loved every message from our beloved prophet and all of the apostles for sure! But here are a few of the messages and links to hear them, that especially touched me this time.
One of the answers to my questions came with the very first speaker. Elder Ulysses Soares. He taught us of the importance of living and teaching the gospel to our friends and loved ones. And the importance of teaching, and raising our children in the light of the Gospel. To teach them that they have a Father in Heaven who loves them. That Jesus Christ, His son, is the Redeemer of the world. We need to be rooted in the rock of the Redeemer that we may know that as we learn of Him and come close to him we shall never hunger or thirst. Isaiah 49 :10
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED Sister Sharon L. Eubanks. She taught that we need to be “plugged in” to the source of light, even Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. That He is the one that heals us , picks us up and dusts us off and joins with us to pull our heavy burdens. She taught that in our afflictions He will keep His promises and He will always be with us as taught in the book of Mosiah from the Book of Mormon: Chapter 24
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
She taught how to access the light of the Savior. We need only knock and he is there waiting to help is in any way He possibly can.
Matthew Chapter 7
7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
She taught that we should use our light! We may only be one bulb on a tree but we still shine our small light!
And so many more good messages came from her talk, I hope that you will listen to and be edified.
One other one that really touched me was Kyle S. Mckay . He taught that the Lord’s timing does not equal our timing. Sometimes we go through things that seem never ending. But the Lord will not forsake us, nor forget us. Though we may not see immediate answers or relief in our situations, we can be sure that the Lord will still send us immediate blessings to help us while we are waiting on the greater blessing. We access this by praying with real intent and full purpose of heart. And then we recognize and praise God for those tender mercies that come. Quoted from the Book of Mormon in Mosiah chapter 5
Oh there were just so many good messages. I feel rejuvenated and edified and spiritually fed. I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life and the great strength it brings me. In times of plenty as in times of trial.
I hope that you will take some time to ponder and study the messages that were taught, as I know they come from God and are intended to lift, edify and help us through whatever we may be going through. You can find out more about my faith, General Conference and Jesus Christ by clicking here.
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