Korea - An Important Part of Who I Am

It was 16 years ago this week that I began one of the greatest adventures of my life - serving as a full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Busan, Korean.  This experience has continued to bless my life, as it did this week very directly when we got together for a very special mission reunion.  Every missionary that ever served in any mission in Korea....for the past 60 years was invited and it was WONDERFUL!  I enjoyed seeing old friends and companions, but was particularly grateful for the chance to be reminded of who I was 14-16 years ago.

I was reminded of the courage and quiet confidence I had as a missionary.  I was full of purpose and meaning and confidence....in the Lord and His plan....and great love for a particular group of people.  Being around those people and the language and the memories helped me to remember who I truly am.  I had a strong testimony before I left on mission and I really wanted to share it, but having the chance to share it in Korea helped me to keep it simple and focused on the most important things and words that I knew.  ;)  There was no fear....just faith and love!

There are many things I wish I knew before I went.  I was kind of immature, but I also had an almost childlike faith and confidence.  Being with missionaries and Koreans again helped me feel and remember those experiences and the person I was then.  I'm proud of that person and time in my life.  I feel like these people knew the real me, the person I want to be.  I have grown in many ways since then, but have maybe lost some of the faith and confidence in myself.  I was grateful for the reminder of who these people know me as.  I immediately felt the same special happiness and confidence when surrounded by those memories.  I remember the greatest compliment I ever received as a missionary was from an investigator who told me that I had a heart like a Korean.  ;)

Koreans aren't shy, bu they are humble and teachable, they love and give and care about each other, they're united as family.  Being together as missionaries from several generations with the shared love for this wonderful group of people was uplifting.  There is a unique sense of belonging and unity among Koreans and those who served there - pride, joy, unity, gratitude.  I remember Elder Eyring coming to speak to us at a mission conference in 2001.  He talked about Helaman chapter 3 (see Helaman 3:24-27) and how thousands of people would join the Church in Korea because of the continual faith and prayers of the returned missionaries who loved these people and continued to pray for them.  I thought of this promise and have increased my faith and prayers for these people that I love!  :)

Here is a video of the program from that night.  Obviously it doesn't include the one-on-one time visits which were the highlight, but it does capture some of the culture, and history, and miracles, and blessings of being a part of this group.  One particular blessing I found was at 1:07:20 in the video.  It's a picture of some servicemen in Korea - some of the first "missionaries" - and right near the top middle of the picture is my Grandpa Morgan who was there at that time.  That is something very special that we share - a love for Korea and the sweet people of that land.  I'm grateful to remember who I am....and who I can be because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At Conference Time

"At conference time, at conference time, the Brethren [teach us] what to do, so [we] can live in happiness at conference time and all year through."

I love General Conference!  I'm grateful for the guidance and direction, the answers, the peace, the hope, the happiness, the clarity!  Some of the themes I saw - choose faith, keep the commandments, follow the prophets, seek and follow the Holy Ghost, this is the Lord's Church, apply the Atonement!

Many of my personal thoughts about conference (aside from the personal direction I received for me) had to do with thinking about humility, pride, gratitude, and being accepted of the Lord.

A few of my favorite specific quotes / ideas / thoughts include:

President Uchtdorf: Simplify; Start where you are; God will take us as we are - we just need a willing heart, desire to believe, trust in the Lord; He sees us for what we can become!; Take responsibility for your relationship with the Lord

Elder Ballard: The Lord's grace is sufficient; what will you become through the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

Elder Maynes: Center our lives perfectly in Christ; let Him mold us

Sister Marriott: Become yielded and still; wait on Him; He takes us as we are and makes us more!

Elder Lawrence: What lack I yet? The Holy Ghost gives customized counsel; What is keeping me from progressing?; Allow the Holy Ghost to lead us home

Elder Foster: I know what comes next, I'll help you through it

Elder Montoya: Smile

Elder Oaks: The Atonement provides strength to overcome

Elder Andersen: Faith is not by chance, but by choice

President Eyring: The Lord is with us in His work; when we do our part He adds His power and magnifies and multiplies; claim the promised gift of the Holy Ghost

President Monson: Let your light so shine!; Be an example of the believers

Elder Renlund: A calling is not about you...it's about the Lord and His work; we must see others through Father's eyes and be filled with the pure love of Christ

President Nelson: I loved his sweet tribute to Elders Packer, Perry, Scott and Sisters Perry and Packer; I loved how he so powerfully and directly said that TODAY was the day President Kimball's prophecy was being fulfilled - women need to stand up and make a difference for good; I loved the story of Sister Nelson asking him if he was done crying and telling him to go to work; "whatever your circumstances, we need you to speak up"; I loved everything about his talk and I need to do something about it!! :)

Elder Schwitzer: The world needs disciples of Christ who can communicate the gospel clearly to the world; desire to inspire, not impress

Elder Christofferson: We're all on the same journey; we need the Church; we need to help each other (as family) come to know the Lord and build the kingdom of God on the earth

Sister Stephens: If ye love me keep my commandments; His laws are love; His commandments are a manifestation of His love; obedience to His laws helps us show our love to Him

Elder Bednar: Again, such a sweet tribute and clear declaration of the Lord's pattern in calling prophets!

I'm grateful for a living prophet and apostles and for their guidance.  I know they speak for our Heavenly Father and we will be blessed as we follow....even magnified and multiplied and strengthened.  ;)

Truths Worth Knowing

I am grateful for the life and example of President Boyd K. Packer.  He truly was a Watchman on the Tower.  There are many things I learned from him, his example, and his teachings.  He was clear, bold, true, and steady.  I'm grateful for his words and witness of Jesus Christ.  A few of his talks that I love include:

• Truths Most Worth Knowing - November 2011
• The Twelve - April 2008
• The Touch of the Master's Hand - April 2001
• Reverence Invites Revelation - April 1991
• The Library of the Lord - April 1990
• The Mediator - April 1977
• Spiritual Crocodiles - April 1976

As President Monson said, President Packer was a diligent, devoted disciple of Christ.  I will miss the steadiness and goodness he brought to the world, but I will always remember his love for the Lord, his family, and for doing what's right.  I loved this article about his sacred grove and will always remember his family walking in and out of his funeral.  What a beautiful legacy and reminder of what's most important!  They truly are a testament to him and his life!  What an inspiration!

Truth

What was the theme of General Conference?  :)

For me, one of the themes was TRUTH - seek truth, find truth, defend truth, and just as importantly be true, be real.  As Sister Esplin said at the beginning of the General Women's Session, "The answers to our prayers may not come dramatically, but we must find quiet moments to seek greater light and truth. And when we receive it, it is our responsibility to live it, to share it, and to defend it."

Here are a few quotes I loved along this theme...

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson:  "I would like to issue a challenge for all of us as women of the Church to be defenders of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' Just as Marie Madeline Cardon courageously defended the missionaries and her newly found beliefs, we need to boldly defend the Lord’s revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places—even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, or no longer relevant. Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation. If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan!" 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks quoting Archbishop Charles J. Chaput:  “I want to stress again the importance of really living what we claim to believe. That needs to be a priority—not just in our personal and family lives but in our churches, our political choices, our business dealings, our treatment of the poor; in other words, in everything we do.”

Elder Wilford W. Andersen:  "If our children learn the dance steps without learning to hear and to feel the beautiful music of the gospel, they will over time become uncomfortable with the dance and will either quit dancing or, almost as bad, keep dancing only because of the pressure they feel from others who are dancing around them."

Elder Quentin L. Cook:  "It is important for members to understand the gospel in the language of their heart so they can pray and act in accordance with gospel principles."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:  "If Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse and family, and how we lighten their daily load.  And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father....I am here because I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ....Become humble, genuine disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Bishop Gerald Causse:  "On this special day, I bear witness that the wonders and marvels of the gospel are anchored in the greatest of all of God’s gifts—the Savior’s Atonement. This is the perfect gift of love that the Father and the Son, united in purpose, have offered to each one of us. With you, 'I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. … Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!'  That we may always have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that perceive the wonders of this marvelous gospel is my prayer."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:  "Are we like Simon? Are we confident and comfortable in our good deeds, trusting in our own righteousness? Are we perhaps a little impatient with those who are not living up to our standards? Are we on autopilot, going through the motions, attending our meetings, yawning through Gospel Doctrine class, and perhaps checking our cell phones during sacrament service?  Or are we like this woman, who thought she was completely and hopelessly lost because of sin?  Do we love much?  Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God?  When we kneel to pray, is it to replay the greatest hits of our own righteousness, or is it to confess our faults, plead for God’s mercy, and shed tears of gratitude for the amazing plan of redemption?  Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God.  Thinking that we can trade our good works for salvation is like buying a plane ticket and then supposing we own the airline. Or thinking that after paying rent for our home, we now hold title to the entire planet earth."

Elder Robert D. Hales quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith: “I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination [as for a Mormon]; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves." 

Elder Kevin W. Pearson:  "To 'hang in there' is not a principle of the gospel. Enduring to the end means constantly coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him."


The other theme that I loved and heard loud and clear was the importance of family - The Family is of God!  :)

Hopefully with all of this truth and family.....it's all filled with LOVE!  :)  (That's what else I heard.)  :)

I'm grateful for a living Prophet, for Apostles and leaders who teach us how to follow Jesus Christ, who teach us to follow the promptings of the Spirit and to turn to the Lord!  I know He lives, He loves us, He wants us to be happy....and we will be as we follow Him!  :)

On My Mind

I really loved our Relief Society lesson today - teachings of President Joseph Fielding Smith about Individual Responsibility.  It was full of lots of important principles and many things I've been thinking about lately.

I love the story the lesson starts out with:

"Brother D. Arthur Haycock was walking toward the Church Administration Building one day when he saw that President Joseph Fielding Smith was unlocking the side door. Needing to enter the building, where he worked as the secretary to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brother Haycock“hurried up the stairs, two or three at a time, to get his foot in the door before it closed. He barely made it. As he got inside the building he hurried again to catch up with President Smith to walk to the elevator with him. He commented to him, ‘I hope I can be that lucky to squeeze into heaven through the door you open.’” At first President Smith did not reply, and Brother Haycock worried that in his attempt to be humorous,he had said something wrong. But “as they reached the elevator President Smith said, with a twinkle in his eye, ‘Now, brother, don’t ever count on that!’”

"Through sermons and actions, President Smith repeatedly taught the principle he shared with Brother Haycock: He emphasized that although Latter-day Saints should diligently help others receive the blessings of the gospel, salvation is an individual responsibility. He also encouraged the Saints to be self-reliant and to work industriously in temporal pursuits. “That is what life is all about,” he said, “to develop our potential, and especially to gain self-mastery.”"

What a blessing to know that is the purpose of our lives - to learn and grow through our own work and effort.  Of course we need the Lord's help, but "the object of our being here is to do the will of the Father as it is done in heaven, to work righteousness in the earth, to subdue wickedness and put it under our feet, to conquer sin and the adversary of our souls, to rise about the imperfections and weaknesses of poor fallen humanity, but the inspiration of the Lord and his power made manifest, and thus become the saints and servants of the Lord in the earth."

"He who sent his Only Begotten Son into the world, to accomplish the mission that he did, also sent every soul within the sound of my voice, and indeed every man and woman in the world, to accomplish a mission, and that mission cannot be accomplished by neglect, nor by indifference, nor can it be accomplished by ignorance."

These quotes from President Smith reminded me of this little video highlighting part of Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk from the most recent General Conference, Free Forever, to Act for Themselves, and a talk from the recent First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

I'm grateful for the reminder that we are here to do our Father's will and to be about his work.

Proclaim the Everlasting Gospel

Today I feel like I need to do better at sharing who I really am and boldly declaring the truths I hold most dear.  I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Some people call us Mormons because in addition to the Bible we believe in the Book of Mormon:  Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  I love the Book of Mormon because it teaches me about Jesus Christ, His doctrine and commandments that will help us return to live with our Heavenly Father.  They have a plan for us.  They love us!

We believe in the same church that Jesus established on the earth when he was here.  It has been restored to the earth by Him in its fulness today!  We have living prophets on the earth today who have been given priesthood keys and authority and receive revelation from Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church.  Through faith and repentance and the ordinances of His gospel we are blessed and draw closer to God.  This is why we are here on the earth - to learn, to progress, to become like Him.  He loves us!  He loves you!  He has a plan for you!

I invite you to watch this short video.  It is a recent talk given by Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  You can listen to or read his full talk here - Come and See



Here's a little bit more about what I believe (it's somewhat out of date, but all the important parts haven't changed).  I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and His church.  I know that He lives and loves us and wants us to be happy.  Through Him and because of His Atonement and His gospel we can be, eternally, if we will choose to learn and follow and change and love!

A Worldwide Gathering #ldsconf

I love General Conference!  It is uplifting and encouraging and wonderful to hear the words of prophets and other Church leaders.  They teach of Jesus Christ and how we can find happiness and peace.  This conference I was inspired again by the chance to gather worldwide as brothers and sisters to learn.  Some of the main messages and themes that I heard, for me, were:

·         Take responsibility, make good decisions, keep the commandments.

·         Gain, strengthen, and keep your testimony and increase faith.

·         Love the Lord.

·         Sustain the prophet.

·         Strengthen families.

·         Be kind and love others.

·         Give to others, particularly the poor.

·         Find out what your mission is and do it!

·         Believe in the power of prayer!

I am always inspired by the music!  Here were some of my favorite songs:

·         High on the Mountain Top – here we shall be taught the law that will go forth!

·         Beautiful Zion, city of our God!

·         Loyal, strong and true!

·         Guide Us O, Thou Great Jehovah…hold us in thy powerful hand!

·         If I listen with my heart – I hear the Savior’s voice.

·         Arise and shine – fill the world with righteousness!

·         I Know that My Redeemer Lives – He lives to calm my troubled heart; all blessings to impart.

·         Lord, I Would Follow Thee.

·         Praise to the Man who communed with Jehovah!

·         Come, Ye Children of the Lord!

·         Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling – calling the sinner, Come Home.  Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading?  Why should we linger?  Come home.  Find the love He has promised!

·         I Am a Child of God...His promises are sure!

These scriptures stood out to me as important:

·         2 Nephi 25:26: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

·         2 Nephi 31:20: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”

·         2 Nephi 32:5: “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”

·         Helaman 5:12: “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

Here are a few of my favorite words:

·         May our hearts be touched and our faith increased.

·         Be loyal disciples of Christ – each individual is important in the war against the adversary!

·         We need to be involved!

·         Christ lives.  He is no stranger to his servants!

·         Which way do you face?  Do not fear man!

·         Remember the order of the first two commandments – Love God!

·         Courage is the root of every virtue.

·         Perfect love casteth out fear.

·         Don’t lower your standards – boldly defend them.

·         Always face the Father.  Do His will!

·         Remember whose disciples we are!

·         Prepare ahead of time so the sacrament can heal us.

·         Our wounded souls can be healed and renewed through Christ.

·         Always have His spirit to be with us.

·         Our combined faith will bless others.

·         God is a God of miracles!

·         We need to know and understand truth for ourselves!

·         God will neither compel nor abandon us!  The greatest manifestation of His love is His commandments.

·         Choose who you will become – develop a Christ-like character.

·         There is fixed truth!

·         Cultivate yours talents.  It’s God’s will that we be free to rise to our potential.

·         Exert ourselves, choose God, take responsibility, and go to work!

·         We can know the truth for ourselves.

·         He speaks to those who approach Him with real intent.

·         God cares about you and He will answer.

·         Learn to listen to His voice!

·         Personal testimony is the most important thing you can gain in this life.

·         That which is of God is light.  Continue in God and receive more light.

·         Indicate your readiness to receive now.

·         Love is the essence of the gospel and Jesus is our exemplar!

·         Love Him, keep His commandments, but don’t stir up contention.  Be humble, meek.

·         Don’t compromise or dilute the truth.

·         Our covenants cast us as a combatant in the battle between truth and error.

·         Teach the truth plainly at home.

·         In public discourse be sure to love your neighbor – be civil, listen, care.

·         Follow the Savior’s teachings more closely!

·         Be friends with non-members.

·         Be firm in the truth!

·         Be kind, live peacefully with others.

·         The internet has no truth filter. 

·         Never doubt the testimony of God’s prophets!

·         We need to be prepared and have our own testimony so that we can help others.

·         Find and share scriptures from the Book of Mormon that show that Joseph was an instrument in God’s hands.  Know Brother Joseph again!

·         Successful people read!

·         Teach children the power of prayer!

·         Spend your best time with that which is most important.

·         Honor your responsibility as parents!

·         Take responsibility for your spiritual well-being.

·         Embrace obedience.

·         Repent thoroughly and quickly.

·         Forgive and forget quickly.

·         Know His voice (the Good Shepherd) and follow Him.  Walk with Him!

·         The Savior had nowhere to lay his head – He was homeless.

·         Join Him in lifting burdens.  Look to the poor and needy and administer to their relief.

·         Christianity is not a statistical endeavor – there is joy in one soul that repenteth!

·         We’re all beggars and cry out for help and forgiveness.

·         We obtain a remission of our sins by pleading for forgiveness and we retain a remission of our sins by responding to the poor.

·         I don’t know how you should fulfill your obligation – He knows and will guide you in compassionate discipleship.

·         By living the law of the fast at least monthly we will find spiritual and temporal blessings.

·         God will be generous to you.

·         Preserve and protect the family as the basic unit of society.

·         Your most important calling is as parents.

·         Lord, is it I?

·         Continuing revelation comes to lift us above our capacities.

·         God reveals things beyond earthly education.

·         Heavenly Father loves you and knows your name!

·         The Lord’s ways are not man’s ways.

·         The Living Lord leads His living Church!

·         Sacrifice what you have to to sustain the prophet!

·         Following the prophet may be unpopular, but it is always right!

·         The Lord will feed those who trust Him!

·         Nothing but wisdom of God from the prophet’s lips will save us.

·         Choose to stand with the prophets!

·         Our Heavenly Father wants us to seek this knowledge now!

·         The wind may blow, but we will not fall if we’re founded on Christ.

·         No unclean thing can enter the kingdom of God.

·         Atonement is the most important event in time and eternity.

·         In mortality He will prove us now herewith to see if we’ll do all that the Lord commands.

·         He didn’t send us here without direction and guidance.

·         Walking as he walked is more important than physically walking where he walked.

·         Each of us can walked where He walked by letting His teachings guide our lives.

·         Strive to put Christ at the center of our lives!  Study His words.  Become His disciples.  Do His work!

·         Ponder the path of thy feet – walk the path Jesus did. 

·         Stay in the boat.  Always wear your life jacket. Always hold on with both hands.

·         God is at the helm – The Lord is here and directs.

·         Study, live, love the doctrine of Christ!

·         Don’t be distracted from the simple, clear message of the gospel.

·         We are here to be tested, tried, and stretched.

·         Take time to actively exercise faith – the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.

·         Converse with the Father often; share your thoughts, feelings; tell him everything.

·         Study the scriptures and words of living prophets to know His voice.

·         Go to the temple; seek Him there!

·         If you continue to live as you are, will the blessings in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled?

·         How then can we ensure we are making the best decision?

·         Understand who you are and why you’re here.  What does the Lord expect?

·         Leave comfort zone to reach a better place!

·         He loves us and He has a plan for us.  He wants us to grow to our potential.

·         Qualifying for exaltation is like a spiritual passport – it’s the quest of a lifetime.

·         We don’t set the rules, but we must follow them.  God sets qualifications.

·         Family is the center of the plan of salvation.

·         Our success is determined by how we live the gospel at home.

·         Learn family history – a little bit of time on a consistent basis will bring joy and protection against the adversary.

·         Choose not to forsake what you know to be true.

·         Where do I turn for truth when questions arise?  There is a divine source!

·         Remain ever faithful!

·         We will always be valiant missionaries – we have a solemn obligation to fulfill commission to go ye therefore and teach all nations!

·         We are not selling or coercing.  We are inviting you...so that you can study, ponder and pray!

·         Sharing what’s helped us is not unusual.

·         Greatest manifestation of love of God is the Savior’s Atonement.

·         Absolute truth exists!

·         Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus is the Lord, the Only Begotten of the Father.

·         We witness He lives and His church is here!

·         Our simple desire is to share truths!  Come and see!

·         Do the right things at all times.  Be more valiant disciples!

"Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings on us!"

It was a beautiful (rainy) weekend!!!...which was so appropriate, because as President Uchtdorf reminded us Saturday evening at the General Women's Meeting, "Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings on us!"  This was one of my favorite quotes of the night, but I was inspired by all the messages and the chance to gather as sisters and learn and feel the Spirit.

One of President Uchtdorf's main messages to me was to "discover your real self."  We need to get rid of selfish desires and ambitions and remember that we are children of God!  That truth teaches us of our origin, our purpose, and our destiny.  It can inspire us to accomplish remarkable things and bring us unfathomable blessings as we faithfully keep all the commandments.  The sweet international version of the opening song was probably what helped me remember and discover my real self the best today - I Love to See the Temple.

I loved the messages about the temple - preparing ourselves for the temple, making our homes like the temple - a place we can feel the Spirit - by consistently making correct choices.  I thought this was a really profound statement by Sister Jean A. Stevens, "Covenants with God help us to know who we really are."  We should focus on the temple and our covenants.  The best way to strengthen our homes is to keep covenants and "it is through His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, that every hope, every promise, and every blessing of the temple is fulfilled."

One other quote that I loved was one that Sister Marriott shared from President Thomas S. Monson, "If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself."  Sister Marriott challenged each of us to add gospel light and truth to our lives and to defend it, live it, and share it with others!  That which is of God is light.  "Truth shineth" like temples....and so can we!  Just as every temple lessens the power of Satan on the earth, we have a similar purpose to push back the darkness and reflect the Savior's light!  She bore a powerful testimony of Christ with a clear and urgent call for us to do the same!

#ldsconf #inspiredby

What a wonderful weekend!  I am inspired to be better and braver and kinder and stand for truth!  A major message that I heard over the weekend was the importance of discipleship and faith in Jesus Christ.

As we walk in His light, keep our covenants and His commandments, stand for the kingdom of God, use our unique talents to serve and bless others, strengthen our homes, use our hearts and our hands to hasten the work, trust in Him, live true to the faith, remain steadfast, defend our faith with courage and courtesy, take a moral stand to protect our neighborhoods, love, forgive, change, forge unshakable faith, sustain our leaders and share their burdens, be disciples of Christ, rescue others, protect marriage and family, build on the rock of the Redeemer and be ready to stand alone and true to God and His prophets, be kind, stand in holy places, let the Lord lead our families, study diligently, be connected to your roots and branches and work diligently to prepare a record of your family to present at the temple, be grateful in all things, be persistent, turn to the Lord, and stand as a witness.....we know that He watches over us in love and will direct us, heal us, cleanse us, and reach out to us.  He lives!  He loves us!  This work is His!  It's true!  It's real.  We can and must stand faithful to Him.

I think much of it can all be summed up in this beautiful musical number:  Let us all press on!

...and a few of my favorite quotes from the weekend:

• "Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
• "The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening." - Sister Linda S. Reeves
• "If one tries to segment his or her life into such separate compartments, one will never rise to the full stature of one’s personal integrity—never to become all that his or her true self could be....Day after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny, increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show! I pray that you will be securely tied back to God, that His eternal truths will be etched on your heart forever." - Elder Russell M. Nelson
• "Our Father knows us and hears the pleadings of our hearts. He accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time....'I am so much grateful to God.'" - Sister Jean A. Stevens 
• "Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load.....Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ....The Atonement is for faithful men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better and serve more faithfully? I wonder if we fail to fully acknowledge this strengthening aspect of the Atonement in our lives and mistakenly believe we must carry our load all alone—through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline and with our obviously limited capacities....I invite you to study, pray, ponder, and strive to learn more about the Savior’s Atonement as you assess your individual load....The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah." - Elder David A. Bednar
• "Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love....'We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve. It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters.'" - President Thomas S. Monson
• "It would be a wonderful thing if every Latter-day Saint knew the conversion stories of their forefathers....know of their righteous heritage." - Elder William R. Walker
• "All that matters is our family and our relationships with others....Heavenly Father sees our real potential." - Elder Michael John U. Teh
• "Christ's Resurrection shows that His existence is independent and everlasting....The Savior is not dependent on food or water or oxygen or any other substance or power or person for life.  Both as Jehovah and Messiah, He is the great I Am, the self-existing God.  He simply is and ever will be....Because He redeemed us from the Fall, our lives are in reality His....Jesus Christ is in fact the only name or way by which salvation can come to mankind....I testify of all that follows from the fact of His Resurrection." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson