I have found profound enlightenment through writing. I hadn't realized how often I sorted through my thoughts through written word. What a blessing a mission can be, when positively writing home to friends and family.
So, I would like to re-kindle the Monday letters, I once wrote with so much enthusiasm. I love writing. But do you know what I love more???
General Conference.
I can't say this has always been the case. I would be lying. I remember my mom, turning on every radio, and television in the house to hear conference. It didn't matter what you were trying to do, you heard it. I looked for any excuse to avoid the Saturday session...after all, it was my Saturday! I didn't understand what treasures I was missing. But the time I spent on the front line in Chile, I learned what a horrid mistake I had made.
Conference is home, speaking to us. It's like those calls from Mom and Dad that come at just the right time. It is that comforting hug, a kind kiss, the smell of Mom's cooking. It is all of those wonderful homey, familiar things, wrapped into two, very happy days. You wouldn't ignore your parents call in a crisis would you?
I found myself reading through journal entries from April 2, 2011, my very first experience with General Conference as a missionary. It was the 181st. I remember feeling a fire inside. A truth that pierced my very soul. I felt a true smile creep on my face, as a tear rolled down my cheek, while the choir sang "high on a mountain top." It was a strength I had never experienced, until that very moment. I felt the pure love of God branded on my heart. Some of my notes from that journal entry included the following:
- Follow the commandments with all of your heart, we need to be true disciples of Christ.
- Become as little children, they are the first to love, and the first to forgive. Be humble and have reverence for Christ. Behold the little children, not just glance at them, but BEHOLD them. Embrace them, see them as they are. We need to learn from the children, so we can unlock the keys to our salvation.
- Lovest thou me? FOLLOW ME. Act. Do something. Be honest. Covenants were made in Heaven. Christ made and kept covenants. Express your love for Christ!
- Pain brings you to humility, to ponder. The Savior isn't a silent observer, he knows! The atonement of Christ, gives him our personal experiences. He wants to heal you. WE NEED HIM. We must be grateful, he heals all who come unto him. Come unto Jesus, he will give rest unto our souls. We must grow in grace. He is the great healer.
- Be un-wavering in faith.
- Feel the call to do good. Lift up the hands that hang down.
That was just the first Saturday session. There are treasures and gems only we can receive through opening our hearts, minds, and souls, to hear the actual words our Heavenly Father would have us hear. What a blessing. I am anxious to see the faces of our dearly beloved leaders, this coming General Conference. I feel as though I should be rounding up investigators to come with me.
I think my favorite part, is the promise we have been given. Write down your questions, and concerns, specifically on a piece of real paper. It will be answered. I have seen it time and time again. I testify that it is a true promise. I can hardly wait. It is the best birthday present ever.
