General Conference!

When I was much younger, I remember General Conference to be highly boring. Two hour stretches of speakers and music. I hardly got anything out of it, except remembering that my Mom loved it and we watched it every year.

Now, I savor it. Funny how growing up, going through life experiences, trials, serving a mission, having kids, etc. changes you. It is seriously a spiritual feast to me. Yet, with little boys and a ever moving toddler, I rarely get to sit still, listen and record notes in a journal. Ha! No way. Someday, I hope. I do try to have popcorn for us to eat on the opening session, some quiet toys to play with, and I try to get everyone to not breathe and make noise for 20 seconds when the prophet comes on and announces new temples:) I don't expect the boys to listen for long, but the spirit soaks into the home from the conference coming from the TV, and hopefully will touch them.

If you don't know what General Conference is, no worries. Here's a summary:

Even if your not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you are more than welcome to tune in and watch it. There are messages for you, too:) Check out the many ways to see it HERE. 

Twice a year, leaders of the church speak to us on a variety of topics that they have been inspired to share with us. They spend months praying and listening to the spirit to know what topic to share with us. Humbling process. Many times, the talks have a similar theme, and are in total harmony with each other.

This is our wonderful prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Just as there were prophets in the Bible, there is a prophet today. There are many people today claiming to be a prophet. The difference here is that Thomas was called of God by revelation to be a prophet, not chosen by men. 

President Monson has two buddies, his counselors Henry B. Eyring (on the left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. They get to sit in these plushy chairs and smile at everyone. I remember my Mom recalling Uchtdorf as the handsome one. She was so funny.

More speakers. These are the twelve apostles, just like how the Jesus set up his church in the Bible. See their sweet smiles and how friendly looking they are? I love them. I have met Richard G. Scott, David A. Bednar, and L. Tom Perry. Never forgot how I felt around them; a strong, warm, peaceful feeling. Supreme kindness radiating from them.

This is the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Looks like a space ship to me. The first time I attended a session there, it was an incredible experience.  Growing up, I remember only hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform on the TV. The first time I heard them sing live here, I thought "Uh, they didn't sound like that on the TV.' Amazing sound. Acoustics. Perfect choir. So moving and powerful.

From this place, it is broadcast all over the world and translated into many languages. Members of the church span the globe, not just in the USA. The growth of the church is amazing.

The conference messages speak of Jesus Christ, how to strengthen our families, how to recognize the spirit in our lives, scripture study, Heavenly Father's love for us, and much more.

It's a beautiful weekend, and I always get a little sad when its the last session on Sunday. Please don't hesitate to tune in, listen to a talk, the beautiful music of the choir, and find peace.