General Conference Gems - April 2013

General Conference this time around was an interesting experience.  Right before conference I received some disappointing news.  Fighting frustration, I didn't feel like I was in the best state of mind to listen to spiritual messages.  I wish I could say I had an amazing spiritual experience as I listened to the different talks, but honestly I fought discouragement and frustration the whole weekend.  I was a bit up and down on a not-so-fun emotional roller coaster.  However, I found as I have gone over my notes since conference, a lot more has stuck out to me and I've just been more at peace. I'm very grateful for that.  I would say my favorite talks were by Elder Quentin L. Cook and Sister Elaine S. Dalton.  I also really liked Elder Ballard's talk on the priesthood, Elder Holland's talk and President Uchtdorf's talk both on faith and hope. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this past General Conference.

• "The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us.  Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly.  Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation."  -President Boyd K. Packer
• "She understood who she was and whose she was – a daughter of God."  -Sister Elaine S. Dalton (I will miss her as the General YW President.  She has done such a great job.)
• "What would the world be like if virtue–a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards, including chastity–were reinstated in our society as a most highly prized value?  If immorality, pornography, and abuse decreased, would there be fewer broken marriages, broken lives and broken hearts? Would media ennoble and enable rather than objectify and degrade God's precious daughters?"  -Sister Elaine S. Dalton  (Amen, Sister Dalton.  I pumped my fist in triumph/agreement when Sister Dalton said this.  I despise how the media portrays and objectifies women and I'm shocked how our society just accepts this as the norm.  It is not ok, people.)
• "Just as a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, so a man cannot fully exercise the power of the priesthood to establish an eternal family without a woman.  In other words, in the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife." -Elder M. Russell Ballard (Thank you Elder Ballard, I have not thought of it in that way.)
• "My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family.  But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best."  -President Henry B. Eyring (This is something I'm trying to remember right now.  Also, I love President Eyring so much.  Every time he gets choked up in his talks, I just want to give him a hug.)
• "When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God–power to do more than we can do by ourselves.  Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord." -Elder Richard G. Scott (This is a very cool promise.)
• "We need not worry if we can't simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things.  In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time." -Elder Richard G. Scott (I fall into the multitasking/feeling overwhelmed trap all the time. This was something that gave me such relief to be reminded of.)
• "We all long for peace.  Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are..."  -Elder Quentin L. Cook
• "Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes.  He knows that you will stumble–perhaps many times.  This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• "One of the greatest influences a person can have in this world is to influence a child." -Sister Rosemary Wixom (I miss teaching primary.)
• "Marriage is a gift from God to us; the quality of our marriages is a gift from us to Him." -Elder L. Whitney Clayton (Yeah, Danny!  Way to be a cool husband!  I really loved this talk. It had such great advice for how to keep your marriage strong.)
• "Indeed our heaven is little more than a projection of our homes into eternity." -Elder L. Tom Perry
• "There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety.  Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often–treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father." -President Thomas S. Monson (I know this is true and the man who said it is a prophet.)
• "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." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
• "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." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Elder Holland gives the best pep talks.  I always feel encouraged after hearing him speak.)