Me gusta...Conference even more!!!!

I loved conference. It was amazing. I learned soooo much, and I am excited that the texts of the talks are online now. I am excited for the conference issue of the Ensign to come out next month, so I can review the words and insights learned, as well as receive new insights.

I can testify that the prayers of the saints are truly answered during conference. Before conference, I had prayed to know more concerning what I can be doing to prepare for my future role as wife and mother, also what these responsibilities entail. I expected to hear something in maybe one or two talks, but I was definitely not expecting what would happen that weekend. The theme of the whole conference was about families, their importance, ways to help the rising generation, ways to pull through trials as a family. WOW!!!! I was extremely surprised that the whole conference was focused upon the things that I had prayed for. I learned that Heavenly Father loves me enough to tell me the things I desire, and He does it in the way He feels best. He knew that I needed the truths shared in conference as I look toward the future responsibilities I will share with my husband when I marry. My testimony of the sacredness of motherhood was strengthened. It is truly a noble calling, and I can only hope to measure up when the time is come for me to be a wife and mother. It made me realize how important the family is, and how I can be preparing now: by being a good example to my younger siblings, to share my testimony with them, to discuss gospel truths with them. Families are important. They teach us to love others, to be unselfish, to put God's will first, to be more Christlike. The home is the most important school, for both temporal and spiritual things.

I know that Heavenly Father answers the prayers of everyone, and provides comfort to those who seek it, through the conference addresses. Last night at Institute, one of the young men shared an experience: on Saturday, he felt impressed to visit an inactive friend and talk to them about conference. The friend did not answer the door, but the young man was able to reach him by phone and have a conversation. He felt inspired to say that the church leaders would have a message for the inactive friend. One of the talks at conference was about death and trials, and how Christ gives us hope through our trials. The inactive friend had just lost a very good friend, and the young man who shared this testified that the conference talks really are for those who need them, that Heavenly Father is mindful of His children's needs.

Another experience that I had: This morning, my mom was taking Denali and I to the bus so we could go into town. She got a newspaper, and she read in the obituary section about a woman who used to be in their family ward a few years before. Their family had moved with the Air Force, and had ended up in Singapore. The family is active members of the church. The woman died suddenly on Saturday; the article did not specify what time she died, but it was the Saturday of conference weekend. I remembered the talks about death and trials, and I thought about how Heavenly Father knew of their needs, and how Jesus Christ had suffered all manner of affliction. It made realize that the talks were for that family in the time of great tragedy. It confirmed again that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and knows our needs. His son, Jesus Christ suffered that He may know how we feel, and died that we might live again.

I know these things are true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and He has a plan for each of us. I know that Christ knows what we are going through, He is our rock, He is the greatest source of strength. I am truly grateful for this knowledge.

I love mi familia

Oh, the interesting things that go on in our home : )

http://denalicrazyalaskansnickerdoodle.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-much-attention-do-we-pay.html

Me gusta... Easter & General Conference!!!

How awesome is it that General Conference lies on Easter Sunday? I've felt the love of the Savior so much this weekend! This whole weekend has been major spiritual high, and it's only Saturday :D I cannot wait to hear what the church leaders have to say tomorrow. It will surely be powerful and exactly what I need to hear. Today I was only able to go to the afternoon session, but it was amazing! All of the talks, songs, even the prayers, related to me, and something that I had prayed about was answered! I loved all of the talks, but I especially learned so much from Elder Bednar's talk about the 3 safety signs in the home. I can practice those now with my younger siblings, but I am definitely going to implement them in my future family when I marry. I was also super-impressed with Elder Holland's talk. I love how he is so straightforward and tells it exactly how it is. I can also tell that he speaks the way he does because he loves all of the saints; he reflects the love of God. Listening his talk was like listening to a Book of Mormon prophet calling his fellowmen to repentance. I also loved how he stressed the importance of TRUE love... That's something I definitely want to show my future children: that my husband and I truly love each other. A celestial marriage is something I truly value, and I am striving to stay worthy so when the right man comes along, we can do it the right way. I am truly grateful for General Conference and modern revelation. I know that personal revelation can come to you if you truly desire it. I know that the words of the prophets are true. I know that our church leaders are inspired to share what the world needs to know at this time. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and knows their needs. He really does answer prayers!

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Me gusta... part II

I love how, without fail, what I learn from reading my scriptures or the institute lesson, or from church/institute class, totally relates to something I've been thinking about or learned in a school class. For example, I am an ECE (Early Childhood Education) major, and we've been talking about effective discipline in one of my classes. An adult needs to correct a child by showing that they really care for them and that is why they are offering this advice. We've also learned about not labeling or name-calling children when they exhibit less than desirable behaviors, such as "Stop being a biter!" or "You're a brat!"

Anywho, most of the lessons in our Thursday 6:00 class, Teachings of the Living Prophets, have all had advice about parenting for the past few weeks. Most of them have been in the Priesthood session talks, but the principles are still applicable to those of us who will be mothers. One is to REALLY listen to kiddos when they talk to you. In my school class, we call this reflective listening, where you repeat back what you've heard the other person say. This works well in any kind of relationship. Also, take the time to really get to know your children. Be interested in what they are doing with their lives.

Take the time to build a trusting relationship when they are young. In school, we talk about attachment, and how important it is for young children to have at least one secure attachment. Young children need to learn that there is someone they can trust. As they trust in their parents, they are more likely to listen to their advice in later years.

In the Book of Mormon class, we shared some of our favorite scriptures from the readings. My sister, Denali, shared hers : " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (3 Ne 13:19-21).

The lesson manual had an awesome quote by Dallin H. Oaks:" The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on Earth but should lay up treasures in Heaven. In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on Earth and in Heaven are our children and our posterity."

I love, love, love this! I can't wait for the day when I will be married and begin my own family. There is nothing more exciting than knowing that I will someday be a mother and commence in this great work! Sure, it may seem daunting, but it is such a great privilege as well. I am indeed grateful for this opportunity.

:D More awesomeness to follow :D