April 6th - LDS General Conference

President Uctdorf praised President Monson for remembering the one. Spoke of the "Faith of our Fathers." Members of the Church come from all walks, faiths, political backgrounds, economic status, etc.

Elder Sheldon Child quoted:
Bring Ye all the tithes into the Storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour your out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. I Marta, testify personally that this promise of the Lord is still in effect. Just this week I was concerned about what I would do for the bead for roundtable next week. I had hoped that we could find acorns to share that day, but when my family went to SLC a week ago, they only come home with about 20 acorns. Then on Friday afternoon, I challenged my Sr. team to go the temple to do Baptisms for the dead to prepare themselves for Conference this weekend. As I walked around the temple brounds that afternoon with Jakob, I was surprized to find numts that had fallen from the trees surrounding the temple. They were not readily visiable, but as Jed and servched when they came out, we found my purse buldging with these pecans! These will be perfect beads. They are big enough to drill a hole through, but not too big. They will be perfect. My Heavenly Father knew my need, and he provided a way for me to find them.

Sister Tanner was released as the YW General president yesterday. She spoke about Delight! Delight in the things of the Lord! It will give us cause to delight! I delight in our Savior Jesus Christ! Like Nephi, I glory in my Jesus! He gives us comfort and hope, and provides us salvation in and through him! Some of my most Celestial Days have been with my children in the Temples! I love their worthy adhearance to the standards of the temple! I delight that I am a Daugher of Heavenly Father who loves me! I learned of my divine identity from my Mother when I was very young. I delight in my role as a nurturer! My deepest identity in nutruring - a mother's primary responsibility, and purpose. To nurture is to teach, to feed, to nourish, Who would not shout for joy at being given such a righteous role? Nuture is only used only twice in the scriptures. Regard children as gifts from God. Rear your children in Love and righteousness! The Lord delights in the chastity of women! I delight in the chastity of women and men! I delight modesty! I delight in loving relationships. I delight in the clarity of the Proclamation to the World on Families. I delight of the examples of heros in the scriptures. We don't know the results of our stories, just as Abraham didn't know that there would be a ram in the thicket. We don't know the result of our trials, however, we can trust that Jesus will come to our aid! He will come in the 4th watch - near dawn! Miracles do come, though sometimes not until the 4th dawn. Our Father allows us individual unique experiences for each of us! When we delight to serve Him, our Father Delights to bless us! I want to be worthy always of his delight! In Him my soul Delights!

President Boyd K. Packer -
Sared Meeting regarding the new President of the Church. There was not hesitancy! President Monson was given the authority to use those precious keys in directing this Church. The calling of an apostle goes back to the Lord Jesus Christ. We also sustained a number of 70's. The responsibility of the Quorum of the Twelve. When they need help, they are to call upon the Quorum of the 70. We now have more than 8 Quorums of Seventy. More than 300 of them scattered throughout the world. These are after the order of the original twelve called by Jesus Christ himself. Collectively the Twelve are a power! Most important of all their callings are Husband and Father. They all witness that Jesus lives! Wear out our live in the Service of God! It is not possible to describe the sacriface of the Wives of Church leaders all across the world! "This is no fun!" Only one single thing that can explain it - I had that witness, that I know that Jesus is the Christ! He was born, he Lives! He like his Father has a body of Flesh and Bone. Of Him I bear witness! Of Him I am a witness!


President Thomas S. Monson:
Anyone who has attending this session, will never forget it for the spirit you have felt! "Who Stands at this Pulpit let him be humble!" I feel very keenly my dependance on the Lord. Just two months ago we said farewell to our friend and leader, President Hinckley! We miss Him! More than 53 thousand journeyed to the hall of the Prophets in this building, to pay their respects. On Saturday funeral proceedings were held to honor President Hinckley. During the funeral, the following day all 14 apostles assembled in the upper room of the temple. During that meeting, we meet fasting. Members of the Church around the world convened in Solem Assembly.
I testify that He Lives! I know that the sweetest experience in this life, is to feel His promptings. I felt them as a Bishop, and again as a Mission President. I have felt them throughout my service in the Twelve, and now as a President of the Church. We can feel his inspiration! I am keenly aware of the 15 men who have proceeded me at Presidents of this Church. My earnest prayer is that I might be a worthy instrument to continue on this work. I thank the Lord for wonderful conselors. These are men of Great ability. I value their judgement. I believe they have been called of the Lord.
Never once has my wife complained. Sometimes I have been away for more than 5 weeks at a time. My family has been alone. I have not sat with her our own church services in many years. I have joyed in meeting with members the world over who serve with love and joy. Cast off the old person, and measure up the statute of true potential! Come back we reach out to you in the pure love of Christ! May we follow the example of the Savior - "He went about doing good!" What soever things are just, pure, lovely, good report, if there be any virtue, or praise, think on these things. Show kindness and respect for people everywhere. We can and should demonstrated kindness and love! Our homes should be santuaries, where God's spirit can dwell. Where love reigns and love dwells. Noone is exept from exposure to those things which drag us down. The adversary and His hosts work constantly to cause our downfall! This is a war we can and will win! Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need. Mortality is the time of testing to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Father! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Turn to our Heavenly Father with Faith! He will lift you and guide you! I lift up my voice as a special witness! I pledge my life, my strength in serving him, and in directing his church in accordance with His will and His direction.


Elder Holland:
Modern revelation - the heavens are not silent! If the Lord intended to have all of his words proclaimed, why then is the Old and New Testament full of prophets, one after another, testifing of Jesus Christ? The heavens are not silent now!

Elder Bednar:
Power of Prayer - this is an action! Joseph went to the grove with the intention of action - he did not sit by. He acted! We must act! He shared beautiful examples of action - a young man blessed by his father, who didn't seem to get better. His Mother prayed for his healing. He was then finally made well. A young family whose daughter was dying, realizing that she was not going to recover, plead for the opportunity to hold her once again awake - she immediately woke up, they held her, and she passed on.

Elder Zwick:
Take a stand! God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of strength, and of Love, and peace.

Elder Steuer:
Flashlight - dusty barn - my hand glowed in the dark. The light was within me. Observe the properties of light - discover the properties of heavenly light is even more inspiring! How do we obtain spiritual light? I suggest 3 ways:
1. learn true doctrine
2. gain pure testimony
3. Live couragously in accordance with the light that we have received.

The word of God is the doctrine of Jesus Christ taught by the servants of God.
The light of Christ proceeds forth from the
The law by which all things are governed. The light of Christ is also described as the spirit of Jesus Christ. It enlightens the artist to produce good for all mankind. Light as a Carrier, messenger.

God is our Father, Jesus is the Christ. The light and truth we see in all things, proceed the confirmation by the spirit! Seek with real intent! Spiritual knowledge is not avaiable mearly for the asking - it takes praying and seeking!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! To be at peace in these times, we must do all three of these! As we live in harmony with the light of Jesus Christ, we will see more clearly our eternal destiny!

Elder Neuenschwander:
Power had gone out of him - Jesus asked who had touched him! Apostles amazed that he would notice in the crowd. I picture the crowd itself must have been a large crowd. Where ever he went people crowded around, how could he notice one? She came to be healed - not to see this miracle worker - she had faith that he could heal her - she came to be healed! We should be courageous enough to go to be healed!

Let us quietly and resoultely pressfoward to the Savior - trusting that he has power to heal us! He will!

Elder Wickman -
Three weeks ago I steped back into time. We can not postpone our repentance! This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God! Therefore, I beseigh of you that you do not procrastinate our repentance. Our Savior's cleanzing frad

Elder Christensen:
Prophets speak as moved up by the Holy Ghost - shall be the will of the Lord, and the power of the Lord.
We invite all men and women everywhere to read the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost will confirm that the Book of Mormon is a book with a purpose. Written by the gift and power of God to convince us that Jesus Christ is the Savior and to persuade men to come to Him. Teaches the great plan of happiness, and the purpose of life.

Elder Ballard:
My wife recently had back surgery - I have done more Lifting, Twisting, and bending than any other time in my life. I remember the day that I was released as Bishop - I found myself alone on the row with my six young children on the row as my wife sang in the choir and sinckered as she watched me struggle. I know that there is no role in life, more esential and more eternal than that of motherhood! There is no one perfect way to be a mother - each has different, skills, challenges, and children. Many are able to be full time Moms and others are forced to work. Divide lives into home and family - what matters most is that a mother loves her children deeply, and she priortizes her love to them them most! Focus on what can only be done in a certain season of life. The most formative time of all is less than one 10th of a person's life - focus on the children - seek with the help of the Lord to teach them all that we can before they leave our home! I am grateful that Father's are more involved. I am grateful that a women's role will always be MAJOR in the lives of righeous women! I know something of a Mother's emotions of her committment to be at home with her young children. Inadequancy, monotany, frustration, and lack of appreciation, validation, support that you deserve.
If the simple thigns are being tended
what can you do as a young mother to enjoy your family more? REcognzie that the joy of motherhood comes in moments! Shining Moments! Focus on those! Don't rush past the fleating moments! Live in the Moment! Capture the moment!
Don't overschedule yourselves! Social events, exercise, scrapbooks, TV, etc. etc. Scouts, dance, art, taxi driver! Announce - something has to go! Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen, laugh and play together!
Sisters, find time for yourselfs, and take time for yourself. Water can not be drawn from an empty well - replenish the well! Avoid any kind of substance abuse! don't allow yourself to be caught up in the time wasting numbing of television! Pray, Study, and teach the Gospel! Pray deeply about your children - we are steward parents over your children, please help us Father!
Father's show appreciation, notice things, schedule evenings together, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child's needs, and how you can help. Give your wife a day away once and a while! This will enhance your appreciation for her!
Come home from work, and take an active role with your families!
What can Children do? Pick up your toys, do your chores without being asked, help with the dishes, say thank you for dinner, clean clothes, put your arms around your mother often, and tell her you love her!
What can the Church do? Bishopric and ward council be careful of time and requirements on young mothers! By small and simple things are great things brought to pass!
Never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord! We appreciate your value as you protect the family! The family is central to the eternal destiny of the Father's Children.

President Monson - Smorgesboard of things that are important! Elder Ballard - my wife went to the hospital recently. She left a note for the chidlren that said "Dear children do not let daddy touch the microwave, or the stove, or the dishwasher, or the dryer." I am embarrassed to add any more to that list. Today is the happiest day in our life, my sweetheart and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Then the bishop visited, and called him to serve a mission in Sweden - he left 14 days after being married to serve a to Sweden. He often wrote "My feet are wet." My father's brother taught the gospel to my wife's family. Her mother cried and kissed me on the cheek, her father kissed me on the other cheek - I looked for Francis. She said "I'll go get my coat." My sweet Francis lay in a coma for 27 days. She never moved a muscle. I sat by her side. We cried. Not a movement. Then one day, she opened her eyes. I set a speed record in getting to her side. You're back, I love you! I love you too - "We're in serious trouble! I forgot to mail in our 4th quarter income payment." Brethern, let's treat our wives with dignity and respect, they need a friendly smile, an encouraging word, a warm expression of true love! We have been uplifted by the talks and the music! We are abundately blessed! I expressed my love for all who have participated. I can not express my appreciation for the Gospel in my life. To you who are parents - I say - show love to your children! Make certain they know it! Call upon our father as you care for their needs each day! You need more than your own wisdom as you care for them each day! Go often to the temple - it will strengthen families and marriages. Let us be aware of each other's needs, and I will pray for you.
Please pray for me, and together we will reap the blessings our Heavenly Father has for each of us. This is my plea as I add my testimony.