Leaving Candy Crush To Visit April 1982

I've probably meant to share something with you for two days now, but every time I get on the computer to write my blog, Im distracted by putting colorful candies into groups of three or more in columns and rows, and then I forget why I wanted to write.

 Im out of lives, and I still have a half hour till I have to be somewhere, so now I think I remember.

It all started Sunday, when after having a really hard time for months now, I finally decided to go get a blessing. So I did. I only have one relevant thing from that to share- I was told to remember the important things I learned on my mission.  The next morning I woke up with a feeling I haven't really had in a while, a feeling I got a lot on my mission. I woke up with the feeling that if I had faith, followed the spirit, and so forth I would have faith that could make miracles happen in my life and the lives of others.  As I pondered this I realized that was one of the greatest things I learned on my mission, God is very aware of me, and my needs, and of others, and if I listen, he helps both of us, or all of us, or many of us at once, by inspiring me to go where I am needed and do what I should.

 I'll mention one more thing from the blessing, I was told to imerse myself in the scriptures and the words of the prophets.So instantly when I got on the bus, I decided to hit the scriptures on my LDS whats it app. (thats for you grandma B, plus I really dont remember what the app is called, so we'll call it a whats it in your honnor).

Any way, I decided to go to Moroni 7, because that is a great place to start if you have faith and miracles on the brain. So I did and it was great.  Then I went to work and didn't want to listen to conference while working yet, so I listened to the Celine Dion station of pandora, where God sent me subtle  reminders to listen to the words of the prophets.  mainly with this song...

So, after that song finished, I said, Ok fine, but I dont know where to start. Then I had a thought. If I dont know where to start, I should start with the first conference of my life and move forward. So I did. I found some of the most perfect talks for me right now. But first I found two very monotone talks that were hard to listen to. I almost gave up, till I talked to my mom. Glad I didn't because these were just what I needed...

This is No Harm- Marvin J. Ashton

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/05/this-is-no-harm?lang=eng

it is on the importance of honesty, and what it means to be truly honest. I loved this talk. It has been my goal this year to become absolutely honest with myself, with God and with others. And this talk gave me a chance to reflect on that goal, and how I am doing. 

Begin Again- Elder Hugh Pinnock

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/05/beginning-again?lang=eng

This talk was about starting over when you make a mistake, not beating yourself up, but trusting Christ, moving forward, and forgiving yourself and others. I have spent a lot of the past few months beating myself up, so It was time to begin again. This was by far my favorite talk of the morning.  so i will share his eight points. First, eliminate from our thinking and our vocabulary the phrase “if only I had done something differently.”

Second, do not wait for tomorrow to begin again

Third, resolve to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety

Fourth, face reality.Sometimes we wish we could fly from our troubles.  Some try to fly away physically, and others try to do so emotionally. That does not solve problems. The only true escape route is marked with the sign “personal responsibility.” 

(I think this reminds me a bit of the first and third talks on honesty)

Fifth, approach our challenges positively!

Sixth, don’t begin again partially. Be complete!

Seventh, be open and candid in your relationships with others. So many of life’s difficulties are brought about by being double-minded. Let us learn to say it as it is.The person who is open and honest will be vindicated. Time is his friend. Trust is his reward.

(again, this reminds me of the two talks on truth)

Last, and perhaps the hardest of all, forgive. 

Probably that is the most important step too. forgive- yourself, and others.

We Believe in Being Honest- Elder Mark E. Peterson

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/05/we-believe-in-being-honest?lang=eng

I spot a theme developing. Another great talk on what it means and why we must tell the truth, even if its hard to do, and may seem to cause greater problems in the short run of things.

and one more favorite...

True Greatness (then Elder) Howard W.Hunter

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/05/true-greatness?lang=eng

I really loved this talk, especially learning what a trophy was, and how to become great.

I got all the way through the Saturday sessions. I now intend to listen to every Conference address broadcast in my lifetime. It was intersting to hear them talk of Marriage and family- focusing on problems of rising divorce, and even they brought up pornography back then. It was way cool to know in my life time thus far that church membership has increased by 10 million members. Temples more than quadrupled, and that back in the day they had so little to worry about when reading statistics, they even said how many deacons and teachers there were in the church.          

                                                                                                 

This was a very interesting opportunity to learn some new things, and I am glad I had that inspiration, it was just what I needed to hear. I can't wait to hear what other surprises the Lord has in store for me, and tender mercies, and miracles.