MY favorites from Conference Weekend

Let me start by saying that I LOVE Conference weekend.

In our home we try to make it a "party". A celebration of the opportunity the hear from out Prophet and other leaders of our church.

We buy special snacks that we only get during Conference weekend (our favorite: velveeta cheese and salsa).

We are patient and understanding with our kids (since they are only 6,5,& 2). We only require that they listen to 1 complete talk during each session, fold their arms for prayers, and listen to and sing at least one song during each session. This way we do not spend the entire time "fighting" to get them to listen. Instead we can show some "mercy" and take our own opportunity to listen.

My most favorite talk during all 4 sessions of conference was given by Neil Anderson in Saturday's afternoon session. He spoke regarding adoption. As most of you know, I have been "in the process" of committing to the decision to adopt. We recently committed ourselves to bring home a sweet boy in Eastern Europe. This was something I had never considered. I was happy to adopt as long as it was convenient for me. I wanted the ability to stay within my comfort zone. I HATE airplanes, I do not like traveling, and oceans (crossing over them) make me nervous. I have never been on a plane for more than 2 hours at a time, I have only been to Mexico 2 times and only in the English speaking areas. I am a home body. I KNEW this was the right thing to do (going to adopt our boy), but I had prayed to the Lord. I had asked him to help me to know that I am in fact doing his work. I feel like this talk was just for ME. I know that many others probably feel the same way, but it was exactly what I needed to hear to know that I was doing the right thing!!

(http://adoptutah.blogspot.com/ - You can follow our story here..... watch the Lord's work unfold)

I also love any opportunity to hear from our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. His spirit makes me want to listen to him no matter what he is saying. I almost believe that if he was simply saying the alphabet, that I would still be drawn in. His amazing sense of humor also makes me pay even close attention. We are truly lucky to have him as our Prophet in these latter days.

I LOVE this Afternoons session of conference. I love how one of the speakers (sorry I am bad about remembering names) spoke about how he wanted to help his daughter reach the top of the "mountain" they were climbing. He wanted to carry her, but his physical being would not allow him to do so. He finally decided to advise his daughter: Hold onto my back pockets.... each time I take a step forward, place your foot in my footprint that will be left behind. Basically, he told his daughter to follow in his footsteps and her path to the "top" would be easier. He likened this unto following in the footsteps of our Savior. If we follow in his footsteps, our journey to the "top" will be easier. This talk made me want to strive even harder to follow in his footsteps.

Also, I Loved the talk on Prayer and Forgiveness. I especially loved the line where he said... For a man to feel he is too sinful to pray is as sad as a man who believes he is too sick to go to the doctor. I love this because I know that there are many people out there who have felt like that. I hope this talk has helped those people to know that they are worthy enough to pray to Our Father in Heaven!

Another highlight was when another speaker was talking about a young missionary in Japan wearing a worn jacket.... He talks about how he assumed that another missionary had left it behind, and this young missionary had just picked it up and started using it. When he commented that he liked his jacket, the young missionary explained how his father had served in Japan also. His father had worn that jacket during his mission. He continued on the explain that his Grandfather had also served in Japan, and his grandfather had also worn that jacket on his mission. They then show a picture of the missionary and his dad.... Guess what?!?!

In that picture was MY VERY FIRST BISHOP. He was the bishop when I was baptized!!! I couldn't believe it!!! The young missionary was his son!!! How awesome!!

This weekend has been amazing! I love the opportunity to hear from our Prophet and all of the other Leaders of our church.

What was your favorite part?