Conference Weekend

A glimpse of what conference weekend looked like in my house. Even the dog is cramming in! Chad, who prefers his space sat on the larger of the 2 couches and Jaedyn took the desk. haha!

It was another busy weekend but in a very different way. I really loved E Uchtdorf's talk that was especially pertinent to the stage of life I am in currently. He spoke about Jesus being the strength of parents. How no matter how inadequate we might feel, we have something unique that is needed- the love we have for our child. And Jesus can multiply that love and the joy within our home. The voices of the world our loud but our consistency in small and simple things- the daily drops, nourish our child better than an occasional flood. He then quoted "Be not weary in well doing for you are laying the foundation of a great work". I love that application to parenthood. And it is good advice for me as I often find myself feeling weary!

E Eyring said, "Despite the worlds condition and your own personal circumstance, you can face the future with joy and optimism"

E Christofferson said, "Unity does not require sameness- but it does require harmony". He then asked us to bury any inclinations to hurt others with anger, a sharp tongue, or feelings of resentment.

E Soares said, "Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught. The manner in which we treat each other is how we promote the peace of Christ". 

E Andersen said "Our experiences may not be as dramatic as Alma the Younger's but they are just as eternally significant".

P Nelson said "Compassion should be a defining characteristic of those who follow Christ. One of the best ways we can honor the Savior is to become a peacemaker. How we treat others really matters! How we speak of others really matters! Please interact in a higher and holier way. Those who struggle do not need your judgement- they need the pure love of Christ reflected in your treatment of them. Building bridges of understanding will take more effort but it is what is needed. Use your agency to choose reconciliation not contention, now and always, one interaction at a time".

And many many more wonderful and beautiful things were said that as we study them, can help us become a better people. 

McKinley at barely 6 years old even took notes. And they were so sweet. She says, "We should go to the temple. We should read the scriptures. Love others. Take my yolk upon you".

Ebony and Lilia were so determined to listen to every session and sat quietly like little sponges. I'm pretty dang sure my kids have been far better conference listeners than I was as a kid. I have a distinct memory of crawling under a quilt that my mom had up on posts quilting for my brother, and falling asleep!

Jaedyn drew this beautiful pencil drawing of Christ. She then cut it to size and framed it. It has a place of honor on the back of our piano. I absolutely love it.

We then added up conference points from attendance and notes and the kids purchased ice cream and toppings for their Conference Sundaes. 

And then... we were attacked!