Watching conference from home is a unique opportunity for me. Growing up I can remember driving into to town to go to the church and watch conference there in our church clothes. Now, I watch conference in my jammies. I can't help but think that this easyness makes me and my family loose the sacred importance of this bi-annual ritual. I wonder if my children really will understand the spiritual nature of conference in this modern era.
My thoughts after the General Priesthood Session were reflective on the legacy and example I am leaving for my family. As President Monson told the story about the boy in the crowd at a stake conference that copied every move Pres. Monson made until he wiggled his ears, I couldn't help think about he example and traditions I should be trying to teach my children. President Uchdorf gave a very powerful talk about the dangers of setting our course off by the smallest degree, talking about a sight seeing flight that turned into a crash into a mountain because the the course was mistakenly set by just 2 degrees off. I realize more now how at times in my life I have set my course off by minute degrees and the pain it causes in my life. Now, I understand even more that if how being off by small degrees affects my family. As the sole priesthood holder in the home it is my responsibility to rise up and call down blessings upon my family through righteous living and setting my course on the same course that the iron rod is set to.
Saturday session was an opportunity to see how organized and inspired the church government is. I am thankful for a church that is sure and true. Often I think about how wonderful it is to have modern day prophets that speak to us in such positive ways. They encourage us to do our best, without criticizing, but with emphasis on loosing ourselves in Christ's name by serving, loving, being present, open, awakened to our true spiritual selves. I was amazed at how many of the messages were powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ and his ability to sanctify our lives when we look to him. Helaman 8 makes the connection through the prophet Nephi of how when Moses raised the brazen serpant it was like Christ being risen on the cross. How easy it is to look to the raised Christ and live. Yet, we are covered in our ego, our natural man. More and more I want to understand how to be more like the prophets we have watched over the years. Pres. Kimball, Benson, Hunter, Hinkley and now Monson. I think of these men are individuals that truly love the Lord, forget themselves, and are completely awakened to their true mission and purpose in life. That is what I want to aspire to. Being who I really am, not what my past, or thoughts tell me I am. So, when the spirit witnesses or instructs - I act.
This was a Christmas Choir Program last year that the girls had. They did a wonderful job. I'll see if I can put a video of the program up pretty soon. Check back when you can.
This is picture of Susie and Marc at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. She was 8 yrs old, and she was there to see President Kimball. My family was also there. It was a special day for me and I remember very strongly the spiritual impressions I had of the day. I remember hearing President Kimballs raspy voice. I think it is just amazing that Susie and her family were there for that very special day just like I was.
