183rd Semi-Annual General Conference

I just wanted to post about some of my favorite parts of the most recent General Conference:

Elaine S. Dalton
Recently Released General Young Women President
"Of women and mothers, President Gordon B. Hinckley once said:

“We must never lose sight of the strength of the women. … It is mothers who most directly affect the lives of their children. … It is mothers who nurture them and bring them up in the ways of the Lord. Their influence is paramount. …

“… They are the creators of life. They are the nurturers of children. They are the teachers of young women. They are our indispensable companions. They are our co-workers in building the kingdom of God. How great is their role, how marvelous their contribution.”

In an extremely challenging world, that is what I see young women and women of this Church doing. They are an influence for good. They are virtuous and exemplary, intelligent and industrious. They are making a difference because they are different. They are acting well their part."
I loved this talk because it is just what I needed to be more motivated to "Act well my part," and "stand as a witness of God, at all times, in all things, and in all places." I have made goals to be a better example of Christ to those around me, such as not gossiping, not judging others, only watching and listening to uplifting things, and to look for opportunities to serve others and share the gospel. I also am proud to be a DAUGHTER of God. This talk reminds me that Heavenly Father loves His daughters and their divinity and virtue. We have a divine role here in Earth. I cannot wait to be a mother and fulfill this divine role.

Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy
"Brothers and sisters, we need not fear the future, nor falter in hope and good cheer, because God is with us. Among the first recorded words of counsel that Jesus gave to His newly called disciples in Galilee was the two-word admonition, “Fear not” (Luke 5:10). He repeated that counsel many times during His ministry. To His Saints in our day, the Savior has said, “Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you” (D&C 68:6)."

"Trials may come, and we may not understand everything that happens to us or around us. But if we humbly, quietly trust in the Lord, He will give us strength and guidance in every challenge we face. When our only desire is to please Him, we will be blessed with a deep inner peace."

President Thomas S. Monson, the Prophet of our church (I love this man so much!)
"We live at a time in the world’s history when there are many difficult challenges but also great opportunities and reasons for rejoicing. There are, of course, those times when we experience disappointments, heartaches, and even tragedies in our lives. However, if we will put our trust in the Lord, He will help us through our difficulties, whatever they may be."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Quorum of the Twelve Apostle
He is referring the scripture about the man who had an afflicted child, and asked Christ if He could do anything. Jesus replied that "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." And the man replied "Lord, I believe."

"I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. In the growth we all have to experience in mortality, the spiritual equivalent of this boy’s affliction or this parent’s desperation is going to come to all of us. When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. It was of this very incident, this specific miracle, that Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”6 The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know."

"Last observation: when doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. The scriptures phrase such earnest desire as being of “real intent,” pursued “with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God.”11 I testify that in response to that kind of importuning, God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief."

"I know this work is God’s very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

I know that if we have faith and do what He asks, Heavenly Father will bless us. We are still trying to figure out why I am having some stomach pain, and sometimes I am tired of having faith and being patient, but then I remember the Love of our Heavenly Father and all the countless times he has helped me in my time of need. I loved General Conference and the opportunity we have to hear the word of God, through the mouths of the prophets. It is so uplifting and comforting.