General Conference Notes

I enjoy taking notes during conference talks and anyone who has followed my blog for long knows that I tend to take LOTS!  This conference I strived to focus most on what impresses me.  My notes are not as detailed as they have been in the past.  I hope that you took the opportunity to listen to the talks and made your own notes, according to what impressed your mind.

Here are mine:

Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson
The work of the church is moving forward, unhindered.
5 new temples announced:
*Lisbon, Portugal
*Indianapolis, IN
*The Phillippines (I missed the specific location)
*Hartford, Conneticut
*Tijuana, Mexico
Every worthy, able YM should prepare to serve a mission.  Keep yourselves clean, pure, and worthy.  Maintain your health and strength.  Study the scriptures, attend seminary, become familiar with Preach My Gospel.
YW are also valued and welcome missionaries.
As are senior couples - we need many.
Be attuned to the spirit of the Lord as we listen to the talks this conference.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The apostles sustain and pray for us.
You are loved by God.
Thank heaven for all of the "helpers" in the kingdom.
The pure love of Christ never faileth.
Rosemary M. Wixom (General Primary President)
If children understand the plan and who they are, they will not fear.
We do not need to be perfect, just honest and sincere, as we teach them.
* "The world will teach our children if we do not."
Hold onto our children and follow the Savior's lead.
Claudio R. M. Costa  (of the Seventy)
Why is it important to have a living prophet?
The living prophet:

• Receives commandments, guidance from God. 
• Is more important than the standard works.
• Is more important than dead prophets.
• Will never lead the church astray.
• Tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

If we follow the prophet, we will be blessed.  If we reject the prophet, we will suffer.
David M. McConkie (1st Counselor in Sunday School Presidency)
How to learn...
What matters most is the attitude and spirit by which the teacher teaches.
Successful gospel teachers love the gospel.
A teacher's attitude is not taught, it is caught.
We cannot love what we do not know.
"That's a good question... let's turn to the handbook." (the scriptures)
Studying scriptures trains us to hear the word of the Lord.
Exercise agency and act on promptings of the spirit.
*Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Your eternal reward will be according to your choosing.
Our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices. 
True success comes from consecrating our lives to God's purposes.
This requires repentance, hard work, respect for our bodies, service, and integrity.
Integrity is not naivety.  Naivety is thinking that one will not need to answer to God for their thoughts and actions.
**Presidebt Dieter F. Uchtdorf  (I LOVE HIM!!!)
Rings of trees - scientists study and can tell weather/climate hundreds and even thousands of years ago, based on tree rings.  Have learned that when climate is ideal, the tree grows normally.  But during hardship, the tree grows slowly, reserving strength on maintaining the basics of staying alive.
What does this have to do with.... flying airplanes???  (LOL - I admit, that before he even began talking, I wondered, interested, what flying story he would share with us this time.  I just love Elder Uchtdorf! He is one of my very favorites!!!)  "Well... I'll tell you!"  lol
What do pilots do when they encounter turbulance?
THEY REDUCE THEIR SPEED  (a lot like when we encounter speed bumps on a road)
Slow down a little, pay attention, focus... Proceed at the optimum speed for your circumstances.
Do not unnecessarily complicate your life.  Do not overschedule your life.
Dallin H. Oaks taught - We have to forego some good things for others which are best.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo Da Vinci
When we turn our ways to His ways, it is the beginning of our wisdom.
Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior.
2 NE 25:26
Seek His wisdom about what matters most.
4 Key Relationships that we should consider most important:

• Our relationship with God.   He is our Father.  Our lives become more stable and sure, full of more peace and joy, as we strengthen our relationship with Him.  Learn of Him, commune with Him, follow Christ - for no man can come unto God, but by Christ.
• Our relationship with our families.  Family dinners, FHE, and just having fun together will strengthen family bonds.  Where family is concerned, love is spelled T-I-M-E.  Talk with, not about, one another.  Appreciate your differences.
• Our relationship with our fellow men.  Must be built one at a time.  Be sensitive to the needs of others, give of your time and talents.
• Our relationship with ourselves.  Some people can't get along with themselves!  They belittle and criticize themselves.  Take time to get to know yourself better - walk in nature, study the gospel.  Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you.

Strenth comes from being settled on a Firm Foundation; paying attention to divine things that matter most.
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder Robert D. Hales
Agency - it's the ability to act of ourselves and not to be acted upon.
If we choose to use our agency to follow the Savior, we can have Eternal life.
When we disobey, we are captive to our choices.
Repentance isn't easy, but it's worth it.
Obedience to the commandments protects our agency.
To obey is better than to sacrifice.
Do not be selectively obedient.
Harken with exactness to the voice of the Lord.
Elder Quentin L. Cook
It is by the light of Christ that all mankind may know the difference between good and evil.
Preserve light.  Protect your family and community.
Black out leathal bombs - evil, pornography, immorality, etc.
Be in the world, but not of the world.
Increase spiritual living in our home.
If we make our homes holy places, we will be protected.
Many other faiths share common moral foundations.  We can work together in our communities.
*Richard C. Edgley (1st Counselor in Presiding Bishopric)
When our beliefs are challenged, it is our opportunity to choose... Choose faith.
Faith is not free; it requires effort.  Come. Knock.
We are responsible for our own faith... we are also responsible for our lack of faith.
There is much I do not know.  While I do not know everything, I know the important things. 
Exercizsing faith, we can bridge the gap of what we do not know.
If you are unsure, choose to exercise even a particle of faith.
A witness comes after the trial of faith.
Choose to nurture your faith, no matter how strong it is now.  Faith is fragil and needs constant nourishment.
Elder Kevin R. Duncan (of the Seventy)
The only sure and secure road to protection in this life comes from obeying the counsel of the prophet of God.
The Lord blesses and prospers those who follow His prophet.
God is the source of pure truth.
Find answers to your problems by searching what He teaches in the scriptures and through His prophet.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong (of the Seventy)
We bless others when we join in fellowship.
Make your 1st Honeymoon last 50 years.  And then, when the 50 years is up, begin your 2nd honeymoon. ;)
In temple mirrors of eternity, there is no beginning and no end.
Learn and teach in eternal roles.
Sometimes things go wrong, even when we do our best.
The Savior weeps with and for us.
As we reach out to others, we bless generations.
*Elder Neil L. Andersen
The Lord has not left us alone in our quest to return to Him.
Life is no spiritual picnic.  The road of discipleship is not for the faint of heart.
As we follow the Savior, there will be challenges.
How do we remain true? How do we develop the faith and strength we need?
Become like a child: submissive, meek, humble, patient, willing to submit in all things.  This is what brings a "mighty change of heart".
"Offended" and "Ashamed" are danger signs.
We can be offended by any number of things.
If we are not watchful, our injured spirit retreats, leaving behind the light of Christ.
Strength of character - swallowing pride, choosing not to be offended.  "Heed them not."
Be not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.
Unto whom much is given, much is required.
As we choose not to be offended or ashamed, we will feel of the Savior's love.
V. 7 of How Firm a Foundation:

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

"Your testimony, when nourished, will keep you safe." -President Thomas S. Monson
Whatever challenges shall arise, we will never leave Him.
*Elder Richard G. Scott
True faith is centered on the Lord, Jesus Christ.
It is by faith that Jesus Christ fulfilled the commandments of his father.  It is by faith that he created the world.
"Faith is not developed in moments of challenge or temptation; that is when it is intended to be used."
Faith and character interact to strengthen one another.
"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become."
Satan, nor any other power, can destroy your character.  Only you can do that.
Every time you "try" your faith, you will receive a confirmation of the spirit.
Be thankful that sometimes God allows you to stuggle for a long time.  This allows your faith to grow.
Consisten exercise of faith builds strong character.
"When protected by self control, righteous character will endure for eternity."
Your character is a measure of what you are becoming.  It is an indicator of how you are living.
You get what you pay for.  When exercising faith, you gain stronger character.
Satan's increasing influence allows us to practice our faith more.
He has no power to take away character, quench faith, take away your testimony, etc.  These things can only be lost by our giving into his temptations.
You're doing better than you thought.
Your struggles are defining your character.
Sunday Morning Session
*President Henry B. Eyring
Our needs are unique and varied. 
God knows us individually.
God sends us messages and authorized messengers.
There is a lack of trust in God.
Trust the Lord and keep His commandments - no matter how difficult they appear.
Trust in God comes from knowing God.
God does not rule in nations, but He is mindful of them.  He places people who are honest in heart in positions to bless others and make a difference.
You show your trust when you listen with intent and then go and do.
If you trust enough to listen to (the conference talks), you will find what you need.  And if you go and do, then your trust will grow and you will find in time, that He trusts in you.
President Boyd K. Packer
There is confusion and danger in the world and young people don't know which way they should go.
The Lord is voting for me, the devil is voting against me - it is my vote that counts.
Our agency has more power than Satan's temptations.
How we use our agency will determine what we become.
We are free to ignore commandments but when God says,"Thou shalt not...", we had better pay attention!
Pornography is like unto a plague, trying to enter our home.  This plague is spiritually fatal.
Pornography repels the spirit of Christ.
The priesthood can protect against pornography and other addictions.
Wake up and understand what is going on!  Be alert and watchful!
Habits can be broken and addictions conquered.
Votes cannot change God's law. 
We cannot vote against the law of gravity - is cannot be changed.  It is the same with moral standards.
Stay on course, hold to the laws of the gospel.
We quickly loe our way when we do not obey the laws of God.
Repentance is possible for everyone.
The Atonement has cleansing power.
For those who truly desire, there is a way back.
Once you decide to remain clean, don't look back!
Jay E. Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy)
"The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man." - Wilford Woodruff
The Holy Ghost leads us to do good.
Sometimes there is no one to care for us in time of need, that is when we can depend on the Holy Ghost to provide comfort.
The Holy Ghost reveals truth.
The Book of Mormon is saturated with the spirit.
"Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion?  We have none." - Joseph Smith
Mary N. Cook (1st Counselor in the YW General Presidency)
Be an example of the believers.
We should never do what we wouldn't want our children to do.
Be examples of the believers in faith. - Actively strengthen your faith through studying the scriptures and prayer.
If we have one hand on the iron rod and the other in the world, we confuse our children and lose their confidence.
Be an example of the believers in purity.  This process begins with faith and repentance.
Make and keep covenants.
You never know who needs your example.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Heavenly Father gives us personal lines and priesthood lines for communication.
Personal lines of communication are prayer and promptings of the Holy Ghost.  It is an essential feature which allows each of us to receive personal revelation.
It is based on personal worthiness.  We must renew our covenants regularly to maintain.
Don't seek priesthood leaders to make personal decisions.
Personal and family decisions are made individually through personal revelation.
The priesthood line of communication is Jesus Christ, His church, and appointed leaders.
Don't underestimate the importance of the priesthood line.  We cannot rely on personal revelation alone.
We need both lines.
*President Thomas S. Monson
Jesus Christ taught us how to pray, how to live, how to serve, and how to show gratitude.
Do we remember to give thanks for blessings we receive?
Giving thanks unlocks heaven's door.
Jesus Christ gave thanks for the few loaves and fishes, and then fed the multitude.  The miracle was proceeded by expression of gratitude.
Wise men grieve not for what they lack, but rejoice for what they have.
We all have much to be grateful for.
We lift ourselves and others when we have an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude is not just the greatest of virtues, but the father of all others.
Love overpowers jealousy.  Light drives the darkness from our lives.
Pride destroys gratitude.
A prayerful life is the key to gratitude.
Don't take for granted the people who most deserve your gratitude.
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is much like wrapping a present and then not giving it.
"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder L. Tom Perry
The priesthood is the right to act as God's agent.
The Aaronic (lesser) Priesthood is an appendage of the Melchizedek (greater) Priesthood.
The Lord is bound by solemn covenant to bless priesthood actions and ordinances.
Parents are charged with the sacred responsibility to teach children about the priesthood.
"The priesthood you bear is a sacred gift, for the Lord is the giver of it."
Elder David A. Bednar
The Holy Ghost is a messenger for and a witness of Heavenly Father.
Baptism by immersion must be followed by baptism of the spirit in order to be complete.
"Receive the Holy Ghost" - not passive.  We must act.  We must receive.
We accept responsibility to deserve, seek, work, and live to receive the Holy Ghost.
Pray to have the Holy Ghost with us - invite him into our lives with gentleness and tenderness.
Be kind to others, attend the temple, seek after virtuous thoughts/deeds.
Faithfully obeying God's commandments is essential in receiving the Holy Ghost.
We go to the temple, read scriptures, attend church for many reasons, but ultimately and most of all, we do these things to seek the Holy Ghost.
The church is true because it is Christ's church.  It is living because of the Holy Ghost.
If we follow the spirit of the Lord, we will go right.
Larry R. Lawrence (of the Seventy)
Be strong and of good courage - be not afraid.
Parents are responsible for the safety (temporal and spiritual) of their children.
Parents who love their children cannot afford to be intimidated by them.
Couples need to be united as parents.  If a spouse doesn't feel right about something, the other should respect that.
Parents need to speak up and intervene before problems arise.
Always be prayerful when protecting your children.
Fortify the family - Family prayer, scripture study, FHE, dinner, and private interviews.
Counseling children requires courage.
Satan is trying to bring the youth down.  The Lord is counting on righteous parents to bring them up.
*Per G. Malm (of the Seventy)
We grow step by step in our capacity to be solid - from the inside, out.
Learn and follow the doctrine of Christ.  This faith gives us firm hope and becomes a solid anchor.
Be steadfast and immovable.
Without this faith in Christ, our lives become hollow and we might attempt to fill it with things that are not good.
Peace is a gift from God and only comes through the spirit of God.
Handle daily things in a positive way.
Beware of things that will destroy from the inside, out - whether big or small.
Instead, focus on things that strengthen and bring lasting joy.
Jairo Mazzagardi (of the Seventy)
Told story about the tree that grew near a fence post, eventually overcoming it and encompassing it.
Small choices can bring great consequences.
Be alert.  Do not let sin grow around us.
The decision of hwat standard to follow must be made in advance, not at the time of temptation.
Stay strong, make good choices, choose to partake of the Tree of life.
*Mervyn B. Arnold (of the Seventy)
How will our names be remembered? 
We have taken upon ourselves the name of Christ, what are we doing with His name?
Story of the cow that kept trying to eat the wheat.  "You stupid cow!"  We provided a beautiful pasture but she chose to break through the fence and eat the wheat.  It killed her. 
Commandments and rules are like the fence.  There to protect us.
The pasture is beautiful and safe, the fence helps us stay in the pasture.
The grass is never greener on the other side, and it never will be.
Wickedness never was happiness.
Before you act, think of the Savior by your side.  Would you think/say/do it if He were there? Surely, He is there!
We want to respond, "I have honored thy name."
Elder M. Russell Ballard
Lucifer knows our weaknesses and will tempt us with counterfeit lures.
His goal is to make us miserable.
Satan uses addictions to steal away our agency.
Stay away from any substance that can entrap you.
Any kind of addiction causes us to relinquish our agency.
Addiction is a disease of the brain - but also, once Satan has his grasp on you, it is a disease of the spirit.
There is hope for the addicted, through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Spoke about the Addiction Recovery Program.
Fervent prayer is key in gaining spiritual strength and overcoming addictive behaviors.
Our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ needs to be reflected in our daily choices and actions.
Have the spiritual insight to not fall prey or give in to the deceiving lures of Satan.
I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.

President Thomas S. Monson (Closing Remarks)
Read the conference talks when they are printed in the Ensign.  They are deserving of our careful study.
We have had unprecedented media coverage of conference.
The general authorities serve selflessly and effectively.
We are blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The gospel provides meaning, purpose, and hope in our lives.
We are here to learn and to overcome our challenges.  Endure to the end.
Heavenly Father will help and bless us as we call upon Him, study His words, and obey His commandments.
Therein is found safety and peace.
May we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.

Enlightening Dinner Conversation

At dinner, the subject of Justin Bieber came up, followed closely by Acadia's absolute disdain for him. I asked her, curious, what it was that made her dislike him so much? His hair? His music? She said she just didn't like him - she doesn't think he's cute and she doesn't like his music.

So, I asked, just to clarify, if she still liked Jacob Black. She gave me that look... you know the one... the "DUH, Mom!" look. Of course she still likes Jacob Black and she proceeded to describe a poster of him at the Book Fair. I suggested maybe it was his dark skin that she liked. She answered, "No, C and C are white and not dark at all."

It took me a second to realize what she had just revealed. See, I knew about C #1. I did not know about C #2. "Wait, wait," I said, "Who is C #2?"

She began to look sheepish then said, "Um... He's Mormon, too!" Then she gave me a thumbs up. lol

She told me that he is in her science class, is in our stake, plays in band, and that he looks and sounds a lot like C #1, actually, but with more reddish hair. I asked what instrument he played in band and she paused, then with a funny grin said, "He's the only boy flutist in our grade!" I asked if he felt bad about that but she said he thought it was cool.

Cadi's friend was over having dinner with us and I kept saying, "Huh, I didn't know about C #2." To which her friend added, "Yeah, I didn't either! I knew about C #1, but not C #2." "Yeah, me too." To which Cadi said, "Well, everyone knows about C #1!" I asked, "Everyone?!? Does C #1 know about C #1?" She said that she doesn't know if he knows... but that he could. "It might be obvious... I do like to smack him a lot!"

lol Great.

"You 'smack' him?"

"Yeah, I am always kicking him and smacking him - lightly!"

"Um, why?"

"Because it's fun!"

Yeah, okay, I think I can understand that. lol

Photo Catch Up

Before my camera died, I took lots of pictures of Rori participating in her various activities.  Unfortunately, I did not upload them before the camera died, so I had to wait until I had a new camera to retrieve them.  That's all taken care of now, so let me share with you some of the highlights:

Rori loves swimming lessons!  These are some of the pics taken on her first day...



She is also enjoying soccer.  These were taken during one of her practices...



Her favorite activity is gymnastics, but I didn't have very good pictures of that.  I'm looking forward to taking my camera today to see how it does taking pics there (the lighting is horrible for picture taking).   I'm also interested to see how well it does at the pool.  Parents watch the lessons from behind a glass window, so it will be interesting to see how the pictures turn out.

New Camera

I replaced my camera today.  It will be an adjustment.  But I think it will be okay.  I played around with it in my flower garden today...



So, I ended up with a Nikon Coolpix S6000.  It came with a case and a 4GB memory stick.  I have 90 days to experiment and play with it as much as I want and still be able to return it if I don't like it. 

I really miss my old camera; I really loved it!  I thought I was going to get another Canon, but this seemed to be the best option in my price range.  In a way, I'm glad that I ended up with Nikon this time because then I'll be more familiar with both brands when it comes time to get a digital slr down the road.  I'll be able to make a better choice then.

In addition to playing with the new camera, I was able to recover the pictures I had taken with the old camera, so they will be coming soon. :)

Aurora's Drawings

It's really too bad that I don't have a camera right now... Sadness.

Otherwise, I would show you what Rori has been drawing lately. And it's also too bad my scanner isn't working... for the same reason. Man, everything is breaking down around here. :S

The other day, I looked over at Rori who was very seriously bent over a paper drawing a picture. When she sat up, I commented how nice it looked and she proudly held it up for me to see. It was a person, with some sort of decoration drawn around the page. Above the person were the letters: "FHE".

I said, "Rori, you drew the letters 'f', 'h', and 'e'!"

She answered, "Yep! It's 'family'!"

I commented, "FHE is for Family Home Evening."

And she responded, "Yeah, Family. And you read scriptures." Then she showed me her other pictures, all of which had the letters "F", "H", and "E" written (in the correct order) across the top.

It seems that was what she intended! I was pretty shocked that she knew the FHE stood for our Family Home Evening time. She amazes me sometimes. :)

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Rori gave Cadi a fat lip last night as she attempted to jump into her lap but instead slammed her forehead into Cadi's mouth, whereupon Cadi's braces cut her lower lip. As a result, the following is a conversation Acadia had repeatedly at school today:

Random schoolmate (RS): Wow, what happened to your lip?

Acadia (A): I kind of bonked heads with my sister.

RS: Is your sister older than you?

A: No, I'm the oldest.

RS: How old is your little sister?

A: She's four.

RS: So you got taken down by a four year-old?!?!

A: *pause* Well, this story would have been a lot better if I had started by saying that I was sleeping and she was a ninja!

Gooooooooooooooooooal!!!!

I never intended for Rori to be involved in all that she is currently. But for now, she is. And she's really loving it!
A friend from church decided to organize a little soccer team for preschoolers, just for fun. We spread the word and ended up with two teams: Yellow Lions (us) and Red Rockets. Soccer is only one hour a week and it only cost each child $5 for a team shirt. There were two practices and then this week was the first game.
This is so informal, it just for fun - right up our alley! Our coach, my friend Sidnee, rotated the kids so that everyone got a chance to play. Each team had 4 players in the game at a time - one goalie and three others to run the ball. There were boundaries, and the players could not use their hands (except for the goalies, of course), but few other "rules". They just played!

And most of them had a lot of fun!

We won the first game this morning: 3-1... and Rori made one of the goals! She was LOVING it!!! She had a couple of great steals, too! I may be in trouble now, we might have to let her continue playing soccer now that she's gotten a taste of it. lol When it was her turn to sit out, she had fun sitting on the sidelines cheering. As far as I could tell, she was the only player cheering the team on: "Go Yellow!" "Go Lions!" ... It doesn't surprise me, she's used to cheering with us during football games. ;)

Rori's next soccer game is next Friday. There will be two more after that, and then the season will be over. There are already other groups who are asking to be involved next year, so there will be more teams to play. Rori will be in Kindergarten, so she won't be able to participate in it then, but for now it's sure a fun time!

(I did take video and if I get it uploaded anytime soon, I'll post it.)