It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Yep, this ranks right up there with Christmas for me: the semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Twice a year, the Church holds this two-day conference in Salt Lake City, which is broadcast all over the world in many languages. Where we live, we can watch it on TV at home. As a family, we look forward with great anticipation for this time when we can hear from our Prophet (President Thomas S. Monson,) the Apostles, and other Church leaders. The famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir provides much of the music for the Conference. It is a special weekend of instruction, edification, and encouragement to follow the Savior and live His gospel. Our faith is always strengthened, and we come away with a greater sense of who we are and our purpose in life, and a deeper love for Jesus Christ.

The Conference is broadcast here at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time both days (each session is different) if you want to watch.

So, this week has been full of excited preparations for the weekend. Jacob gave a Family Home Evening lesson about prophets on Monday, and we put up a poster of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in our dining room so the kids can review their names. There has also been much buzz (among the younger set.....okay, and the older set) concerning cinnamon rolls, orange julius, and Conference Bingo (with M&Ms, naturally.) Our kids can't wait. Isaac actually frowned at me this morning and said, "Awwww...I wish Conference was tomorrow!"



Last Saturday, we women kicked off the General Conference experience with the Relief Society broadcast (a special session for women, held every September.) As always, the music and talks were uplifting and inspiring. A few of my favorite insights from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create; you don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty."



"You might say, 'I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.' If that is how you feel, think again. And remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe."



"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation, not only by providing physical bodies for your children, but also by teaching and nurturing them."



"The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper, and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before – colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect! So what if the eggs are greasy and the toast is burnt? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you, whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."



"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit as you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness. You improve not only the world around you, but also the world within you."