Sunday, October 6, 2013

and we hear the voice of the Lord

With all the wonderful conference talks this weekend I don’t feel there’s much I need to add, so I will keep this short.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch or listen to General Conference this weekend, make the time to do so. If one thing’s true it’s that God speaks to His prophets FOR US. We are the reason they give their lives to move the kingdom of God forth. If you feel God is not aware of you, listen to the prophets and you will know that God is VERY mindful of you. I feel so blessed to have the knowledge that I have. It’s not just this church that’s amazing, it’s because Jesus Christ is at the head of this church. How can you watch conference and not be amazed by how everything fits together perfectly? And it’s not just this conference it’s every conference. None of them are assigned topics, yet they all flow together perfectly. As Elder Oaks stated, while many other churches are seeing a decrease in new members, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints grows continuously. Why is that? Because of the great secret we try so desperately to share: that the Savior appeared to a young 14 year old boy almost 200 years ago and restored His church to the earth. That is why. As great as many of the other churches are, we have that one thing no other church has, and that is why we will not stop till everyone has a chance to know the good news. God loves us and He STILL speaks to us!

Words cannot express how much I love this church. It is the greatest thing in my life; it is why I live. It is because this is Jesus Christ’s church and it is to Him I owe all my happiness, and as I continue to exercise faith in Him he showers me with more reasons to sing out His infinite goodness.

Student teaching is exhausting, well student teaching plus studying French everyday for a few hours is exhausting, but I know God has a plan. I’ve been going back and forth wondering if I really want to do this, some days I just wonder if it’s really worth it. The students are my everything though. I really love them and want them to always know that someone believes in them and supports them. The words of President Thomas S. Monson resounded in my ears, “A fundamental question remains to be answered,… shall I falter, or shall I finish?” Like anything worth doing, it’s going to take sweat and tears to get there. I know if I press on that I will look back with pride that I persevered through my student teaching. Much like I look back on the tough spots on my mission. There were those days that I just thought I should go home and give up because it just didn’t seem worth it, but I didn’t and I praise God for carrying me through because I am so much better for it. He knew what I could become through standing strong in the wind and I know I’m even stronger now for even fiercer winds to come. I don’t believe just because you face one hard trial you are good for the rest of your life. Quite the contrary, we will be tried even more till our journey’s end and we are “purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48).

All of my questions were answered at conference, one of which being that I must always keep the first and greatest commandment: to love God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I know without a shadow of a doubt that if my love for Him triumphs over everything else, then I WILL ALWAYS be happy. I hope I can help the world to see the great joys that come from knowing the one being who loves them beyond comprehension and imagination.

As Elder Jeffrey R Holland said, “Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend.”

Here’s some of my favorite quotes from just today’s speakers.

"Our purpose ... [is] to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and shadow." President Thomas S. Monson

"Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well." Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“Heavenly Father has perfect foresight, knows each of us, and knows our future.” President Henry B. Eyring

"As you lose your life in ... service, ... Satan's temptations lose power in your life." Elder Richard G. Scott

Here’s where you can go to watch General Conference!


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