General Conference

      Today I was thinking about how I would respond if asked the question, "why did you spend eight hours of your weekend listening to a bunch of talks?" For me, there are several answers to this question. First of all, I try to always go into Conference weekend with a question. I keep this question on my mind as I am listening to the speakers. Without fail, each time I am blessed with inspiration and answers. This time was no different. Every single session there has been something that I have starred in my notes and transferred to my journal that has been an answer to the question that I had on my mind this time. It feels as if the Lord is speaking through his servants directly to me.

      Conference combines two of my favorite things, words and music. There is always a Mormon Tabernacle Choir number that touches my heart. This time, it was "O Divine Redeemer." This piece has a special place in my heart. I will never forget the conversation that I had with my voice teacher after she taught me this piece. First she asked me to read the first line aloud to her, and then express what it meant to me. "Ah! Turn me not away, receive me though unworthy," I read. "To me this sounds like a cry of desperation and anguish coming from a person who has nowhere else to turn, except to the Savior." 

       "Now do the same with the last line," she asked. 

       "O Divine Redeemer, have mercy! Help me my Savior." I remember thinking about all of the times that I have needed the Savior's mercy. I know that I would be nothing without his Atonement. Every time I have sang that piece since then, I have internalized those feelings that I had in Sister Pain's basement that day, and it has made a world of difference. Listening to the choir perform that piece, those feelings returned. Feelings of the Savior's love for me and for all his children. Feelings of my need to rely on him and his mercy every single day so that I can return to his presence one day. And feelings that there is no trial that will come in this life that I cannot face without his help. It was also a fun added bonus to see my Women's Chorus director in the choir!

      Finally, listening to Conference strengthens my belief in what I already know to be true. I loved  President Uchtdorf's inspired advice to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." I also loved hearing President Monson express his love for his wife and his faith in the plan of salvation. His testimony of the eternal family and the fact that when our loved ones pass away, we are only separated from them for a short time was so strong and powerful. Finally, I loved how much the speakers emphasized how much we all need to rely on the Lord and on the Savior. They know us personally and love us more than we can possibly understand. They have a plan for each of us, and can see our potential, even if we cannot. I know that if we do, we can make it through any trial that comes our way in this life. I am so grateful for this Gospel and I know without a doubt that it is true! I know that it is a source of peace and joy in my life every day. Everything good in my life can be traced back to the Gospel. I love Conference weekend!