General Conference - keep moving forward!

We soaked up all we could General Conference weekend! We listened to the first session in the car on the way to Utah, then the second session as we painted the condo. Saturday night, we listened as we were wrapping up at the park for Dave's birthday (Erin let me use one of her ear pods) and then watched the rest at the Ryerses. Sunday morning, we made cinnamon rolls and watched the a.m. session, then went over to the Stoddards for lunch and to celebrate Mark & Dave's birthdays. We got some wiggles out at the park and then went home to listen and play conference bingo with Cheerios. ;) 

One thing that I feel is amazing about General Conference is how many of the messages shared are intertwined and support one another but don't necessarily overlap. All of the talks "work together for [our] good".  For me, it was President Nelson and Elder Uchtdorf's talks that had me thinking a lot about those connections and how vital it is to keep moving forward positively and to give this life my all. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the prophet: “I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives.”  “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now.” We might not have control over what goes on in the world stage, but we have control over what goes on in our own lives. He asked us to do what we can to eliminate conflict and contention in our own lives. That's where it starts. If we want a changed world, we need changed hearts, homes and neighborhoods. Elder Uchtdorf talked about bicycle riding (and  wouldn't be a talk of his without throwing mention if aviation in there) and sacrifce and consecration. “Very few of us will ever be asked to sacrifice our lives for the Savior. But we are all invited to consecrate our lives to Him.” “This is how we offer our whole souls — by sacrificing anything that’s holding us back and consecrating the rest to the Lord and His purposes.”  Sacrifice and consecration require “letting some things go and letting other things grow.” 

I also really appreciated Elder Bednar's talk "Let us All Press On". Having a love of the hymns and their messages, this one and the application of it spoke to me. As he said, the hymns hell hs learn the doctrines of the Gospel, help us understand, lift and encourages us. He likened this particular hymn 243 to the vision of the tree of life. Elder Bednar encouraged us to hold tight to the rod. To create and keep covenants draws us closer to our Father and the Savior and Their power. As we do, they become a part of our every day lives. The covenant connection with God and the Son is assurance, peace and joy. Fear not/heed not the wicked, wordly influence and scorn. Hold fast to the word. "If we abide with Christ, He will abide and be with us." 

General Conference is the best and I'm excited to re-listen to and read the proceedings. Doing that and applying will help us increase our positive spiritual momentum and will help us consecrate and sacrifice more in our lives, which brings joy and peace!  Here are some of my other favorite thoughts - credits: SistersWhat and Bitsy Creations.