Conference

I had the opportunity to go the Sunday afternoon session. It was amazing. All of you at home probably think the same thing but no, you don't understand, it was AMAZING. The music was spectacular, the spirit was incredible, and the closed captioning saved my life!

For the past few years, as I have gotten older, my trials have gotten harder. For some reason they always happen in the few months before conference. I have come to know that I will always have a trial for every season and that my soul will receive peace by the talks that are given. It is truly a blessing to know that whatever is ailing my heart will be filled with joy at the end.

All of the talks were great. Here are some of my favorites from both sessions on Sunday:

*Sister Susan W. Tanner. She truly inspired me with her "Delights" of being a woman. She showed such great compassion and love in her talk.

*Elder David A. Bednar. I have always loved this man ever since I was a student at Ricks College. We would pass each other everyday in the quad at the same time. He knew me by name and was always so friendly. Anyways, lately I have been thinking to myself that I need to improve my prayers. His talk was the answer! It is so true that our prayers should merely not be a "wish list" but more meaningful.

*Elder W. Craig Zwick. He mainly talked to the youth but I still feel that his message was important for all of us of any age. He mentioned that all teenagers experience anxiety and the fear of rejection. I am still experiencing those things. I try everyday to live by my standards. I love how he said, "As we do the right things little by little everyday, the Lord will recognize it and strengthen us and bless us."

*Elder M. Russell Ballard. I may not be a mother but I know that I will be someday. This talk gave me great hope and also taught me that when my time does come, I need to slow down and enjoy my children. I also believe that we all need to show our mothers appreciation even if we no longer live at home...

*President Thomas S. Monson. He is so full of vitality and love! I love seeing his eyes sparkle and his smile broaden. It is truly amazing to see the transformation of him going from Apostle to Prophet. I have such great admiration and respect for him. It cannot be easy to have the mantle fall on your shoulders. I loved his stories about his wife. I loved how he urged men to honor their wives and the wives to honor their husbands. I loved how he made the comment that he prays for us and pleaded for us to pray for him and that we all may get through this together.

After it was over, I dreaded walking back out into the "real world". I had the peace to know that I needed to take what I had just learned and felt into my heart and press forward. Upon entering outside, all I could hear or see were the protesters. My heart quickly sank. Once I crossed the street and heard the singing of hymns, my eyes started to well up. I smiled as I looked into the faces of many beautiful young single adults holding their hymn books. My heart was full. I admire them for lending their voices to keep the spirit that we felt in our hearts.

I am already excited for conference in six months. Until then, God be with You til We Meet Again.