General Conference!

I LOVE General Conference.  It is such a blessing to be able to listen to the words of living Prophets and Apostles broadcast from Salt Lake City every six months.  This year we went over to Ben's parents' house for 3 of the 4 sessions, and while I wasn't able to focus on every speaker (courtesy of Lydia), I was able to hear many inspiring talks by the leaders of our church and my heart is completely full.  I wish that everyone in the world would listen to these messages.  They truly speak of love and healing through the Atonement, which this world is in desperate need of.  There is far too little kindness and courtesy in our world today ...

I think my favorite talk (of those that I was actually able to focus on) came via Elder Christofferson.  He spoke about receiving "correction" from the Lord.  "For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth" as it were.  I've had friends who have said to me, "I'm a good person, why does all this junk happen to me?"  Personally I've experienced so much growth from opposition that it is hard for me to understand that kind of mentality, so I never really know what to say.  My favorite quote from Elder Christofferson's talk is: "Though it is often difficult to endure, truly, we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct."  WOW!  The Lord allows difficult times and then helps us through it (if we seek Him), because he think's we're worth the time and trouble.  I think I always knew that but I would not have been able to say it so beautifully.

There were other stories and moments that touched me, but I'll have wait until the text of the talks comes out so I can read them and remember those "aha!" moments.

I didn't get any pictures this weekend, which is really too bad considering Lydia had a BLAST playing with her grandparents.  She hasn't gotten to spend much quality time with them lately.

Here are some pictures from our visit to the park on Friday, in lieu of pictures with grandparents.