For me, those reasons, that I will elaborate on are: being recently called into the Primary presidency in our ward (my first calling like this EVER), having extra temper, depression and patience problems being 6 weeks post pardom and homeschooling with many energetic, young boys, and deciding in the last week or two that I'm ready to plan my first musical fireside for friends--so that I can feel more prepared for OTHER firesides. There also has been such a huge "hastening the work" push in our stake that has been so unique. There was recently an unprecedented Priesthood training for all of our men and a super inspiring stake conference focusing on this hastening, and doing our part to gather the elect. Because of all of these factors I was hearing things in a unique way as compared with previous conferences.
So here are a few things that I want to hold on to.
Look at everyone as a son or daughter of God. I have been trying hard to remember this everywhere, all the time since conference. It most definitely makes it easier and more desirous to talk to random people when you're out and about. Missionary work, and opening your mouth with the spirit in whatever way the Lord wants you to, is much easier if you're TALKING to people. That eternal perspective nonstop would of course help with any being quick to judge, or road rage, etc.
Remember that "the most important part of my service is my personal spiritual preparation." I've placed a renewed emphasis on my personal scriptures and prayers. Of course we always know these things are important, but there really is no time to waste. The Lord needs us to get our priorities straight NOW and do His work efficiently in our homes and wards....and the way to be efficient is to do it with the spirit. I want to make sure that I am available for the Lord, and that I hear him, whenever there is something He wants me to do. I also want to do my part in my church calling, and be the best wifey and Mom that I can be.
I'm also planning that musical fireside and I want to be SURE that I am planning the right topics of discussion, with the right spirit for this. My own consistent, personal preparation is the way I have to do it.
I strongly encourage 10 minute prayer minimums for night and morning prayers. I've started to do this again since conference and hope that I never stop. I've gotta HOLD ON! It's already, of course, been a huge blessing....that maybe I'll go on more about some other time.
The other things that has been very helpful to me from conference are that Heavenly Father looks at weaknesses different than He looks at rebellion, and that no one is as Christlike as they wish they were. Sometimes it's discouraging dealing with my yelling problems day after day, and not feeling a huge improvement ever. I pray and pray and try and try and I just still yell....especially with the added stress since the latest baby came along. Anyway, it's comforting that the Lord knows I'm trying, and that it's a weakness that I have. I HAVE actually felt tremendous amounts of help with this, the few days we've had since conference. It's been pretty good. It was also super encouraging to be reminded that I'm not the only one who wishes I could be better than I am in one way or another. I've had so many angelic people helping me in the past month and a half and it's easy to look at myself and think....wow, I never help people as much as these people are helping me. I wish I could be more Christlike, like them. There again, it's comforting to think, THEY are not as Christlike as they wish they were either. We all need Christ to lift us up.
There ya have it....the things that have been rolling around in my head since conference. I really, really want to keep the momentum up and growing. Now is the time.
4 comments:
LOVED this. Wonderful summing up of things that really stuck with you from Conference. I've always loved how much you ponder these things and try your best to implement prophetic statements into your life! I totally LOVED Conference too. It seemed 'especially' poignant this time for me.....you and I must be on similar wave lengths! Talk about hitting the nail on the head over and over again in almost every talk!! It was wonderful and so helpful to me too! "DON'T NEGLECT TO LOOK UP." Another one I loved!
Love your guts.
xoxo
P.S. p a r t u m
just tryin' to help. :)
Thanks Mom :) Yes, lots of talks I would love to re-listen to. I like reading them too....but I like the life listening puts into them.
AM!! I love this and hope you know that many people {including me} LOOK UP TO YOU {even if you are not as Christ like as you want to be}! You are Christ like in so many ways to me. You always set your priorities where they should be and strive to be a great missionary for as long as I can remember. I think it's hard because sometimes we compare weaknesses subconsciously...or rather we compare our greatest weakness that WE ARE AWARE of to others strengths {since we aren't aware of their weaknesses necessarily}. That, of course is a set up for disaster! [I feel like women are extra good at this] We all have weaknesses, some are more disguised than others....some weaknesses are obvious to see like smoking or gossiping, others are not like judging or being critical of yourself and others....so just know [as you already do] that we ALL have weaknesses and in a twisted way they help us cling to Heavenly Father so he can strengthen us. LOVE YOU....I, unlike you, was mostly distracted during conference with kiddos this time so am JUST barely listening to talks and catching up. :)
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