The other day I was talking to my good friend Tom about how excited I was for General Conference! Tom told me something that really made me think, and helped me gain a greater appreciation for this semiannual event. He said a few conferences ago he was scheduled to work Saturday and Sunday. He just figured it would be ok to miss because he could watch or read it later. The Saturday afternoon of conference, a woman came in to the Pharmacy he worked at to pick up a prescription. Their conversation led her to ask Tom if he was LDS. He said he was and she continued to say,"You Mormons claim that God speaks to you through a prophet and yet you don't even bother to listen to His words." She obviously wasn't a member but she had observed that the majority of her friends were shopping or at kids soccer games for the day and not making any sacrifice to hear what we claim to be the word of God. Ouch!!! So sad but so true. Hearing this was a HUGE realization that I will never take the gift of hearing the word of the Lord for granted. God literally speaks to us through these men for an entire weekend. He counsels us, strengthens us, and constantly expresses his love for us.
HOW LUCKY WE ARE!!!
Some highlights of my conference weekend are:
The sweet prophet coming up to the microphone and excitedly exclaiming HELLO, when he quoted the Beatles, "All you need is love", the opening prayer of the Sunday morning session when the man said, "we pray that our Savior, Your son, will come and rescue us in our trying times,
President Eyrings sweet spirit and tender heart, the theme of following the promptings of the Holy ghost, the theme of missionary work, The angelic Mormon Tabernacle choir, the council I needed to hear, the many answers I have been seeking, Elder Hales coming and speaking even though he's not in good health,
being privileged to watch TWO sessions live in this incredible building. I was absolutely in awe as I looked around thinking of the growth of the Lords church from the early days when the church was first restored, the choirs that line the sidewalks outside after a session, the smiling faces, the incredible spirit I felt,
girls night out with Lynell and my sista's with the headband size onion rings, tasty shakes, and the grumpy gus who scowled at me for ten minutes after I did the funky chicken:)
The announcement of the new Provo temple!!! It was so sweet to me because I remember watching that tabernacle burn in December thinking how devastating it was. I couldn't have ever imagined a better outcome. I was so excited I was in tears! I'm also very happy to hear of the Paris temple. Gives me an excuse to one day get out there.
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| My name is Rachel Pitts and I am an ecstatic member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! |
