General Conference Weekend

This past Saturday and Sunday we had the opportunity to hear from the General Authorities of the church. As usual, it was very uplifting. I went to church for both morning sessions and stayed home to watch on tv for afternoon sessions because Lucy was still napping (and I hate to say it but it's far more comfortable watching from my couch than on the pew at the church). I think my favorite session was Sunday Afternoon. I especially liked Elder Bednar's talk on prayer and Elder Ballard's talk about young mothers. Elder Bednar made me realize I need to step up my prayers a few more notches, both in consistency and fervor. Lately I've kind of resorted to lazy prayers when I'm already in bed or when I have a quiet moment, but I need to do more of "on your knees" praying. I think it helps to concentrate more on making that connection when I'm actually on my knees. His examples of prayer in his talk, especially the one about the father who realizes his daughter is not going to make it, was heartwrenching, yet really makes you realize that prayer is a way to surrender your will to Him. For anyone who did not hear this talk go to lds.org and I think they already have the audio archives. The other favorite talk was Elder Ballard's talk about and to young mothers. Even though Kaleb teased me that I'm almost over the hill. Gotta love an ornery husband. Anyways, he pointed out that we as young mothers need to stop more often and savor the moments when our kids are young. He also said we need to enjoy the doing more than the getting done and used the bedtime routine as an example. I thought ouch!! Too many times I am just in a hurry to get them in bed and usually that is when the boys are most talkative. So I am setting a goal to listen more, and not be in such a rush. Childhood seems to go by too fast! This is becoming more and more apparent the older Abe gets. I can't believe he's going to be nine, halfway to eighteen, very shortly. It has gone so fast!!!
The other highlight of the weekend was hearing President Monson speak. He is such an amazing man! I really admired President Hinckley, but it was evident that the mantle had passed to President Monson. I have to admit I missed most of his talk on Sunday morning due to some wiggly children, but his brief message Sunday afternoon was very endearing. It made me respect and love him more. It is truly amazing to be able to listen to a living prophet on the earth today. I have a testimony that he is the prophet that leads and guides our church. I am so grateful for the opportunity to listen to general conference because it strengthens my testimony that this is Jesus Christ's church on the earth today.