General conference weekend was satisfying to me in every sense.  The apostles of the Lord spoke to me directly, or so it seemed.  I absolutely love general conference time for our church (LDS). It is a welcomed time to be edified, lifted and inspired, that I surely WAS!

General conferences is a time twice a year where we get to go to church on the Sabbath in home.  For our family that day is traditionally filled with a big breakfast, lots of goodies to eat all day, foot rubs, note taking and plenty of snuggling, it is our favorite.   At its conclusion, I was so grateful to have a living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson to lead and guide me in these last days along with all the other called leaders of this church. Providing council for “today” as it pertain to present day issues and trials in addition to some counsel on what to look for in the future. Never before since the beginning of time have we had the issues that are relevant today and what peace and comfort that brings to have help as we work our own way through this life.

The other day I was visiting with a dear friend of another faith. We were discussing our differences in spiritual beliefs, which might I add are much more alike than they are different. Our conversations are always thoughtful, revealing and rather vulnerable especially when we begin talking about religion. She is very interested in my faith and beliefs but also has deep roots in her own. After our good talk we parted ways and though I love her deeply and respect her and her beliefs genuinely,  I felt an increased appreciation for my beliefs as a Latter Day Saint. I am so grateful to have modern revelation to guide and direct us through these perilous times. There are so many voices beckoning my attention and allegiance. If it were not for the counsel of MODERN day prophets, I might be wandering and confused. “There is much distraction and not enough peace and joy” said Sister Julie Beck (General Relief Society President) in the Saturday morning session of this past conference.  Thankfully after she voiced those cautious words, then came 10 minutes of calm and confident inspiration and guidance on standing strong in this life amongst overwhelming opposition, how to qualify for/understand and act on personal revelation and how to overcome distraction and FIND peace and joy, as women.

I am indeed enthused after this past weekend, to do better and be better.  That is one marvelous attribute of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it always encourages us to be (and become) all that we can and by doing so insures increased happiness, despite circumstances that may be unceasingly challenging. The testimonies of those that spoke strummed the strings of my heart. The spirit of what they said  spoke words to me and affirmations of truth that are inarticulate and indescribable.  I am overwhelmed with love to my Heavenly Father for offering a means by which I can feel the safety of his love through the counsel and testimony of others.

President Uchtdorf said “As we share our testimony with others, I hope that we will have the same convincing power and enthusiasm the members had who brought the message to Brigham Young. He said: ‘The brethren who came to preach the Gospel to me, I could easily out-talk them . . .; but their testimony was like fire in my bones; I understood the spirit of their preaching; I received that spirit; it was light, intelligence, power, and truth, and it bore witness to my spirit, and that was enough for m” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Truth Restored,”

When others bear committed and earnest testimony of our savior Jesus Christ, I do feel fire in my bones. It is infections and contagious, in the most beautiful and joyous way. I am grateful increasingly for the blessing of MY testimony, that is abounding. I am undeniably grateful for the affection I feel towards my Savior Jesus Christ and his restored gospel. I may not know all doctrine or understand all things, but I know enough. The spiritual ballads that were echoing in my heart this past weekend is yet one more cherished burning confirmation of the truthfulness of what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  Glorious!

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then, burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Albert Schweitzer