Twice a year, our church has what we call General Conference. I look forward to these two weekends like a kid on Christmas Eve! Our church leaders speak to us in three meetings on Saturday and two on Sunday – a total of ten hours! Some may groan at the thought of spending ten hours of church! The best part? I get to watch it on TV, snuggled up in my blanket and jammies. In a world full of contention and darkness, General Conference is filled with LIGHT, hope, peace, comfort, encouragement, and positivity. People from any religion affiliation are welcome to participate in this two day conference. As I’ve often said before, we all worship the same God, so as Abraham Lincoln once said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” These are wise words of wisdom and still hold true today. Imagine what a kinder, gentler world we would have if everyone tried to live this every day – this is “thinking celestial”!

I love to take notes. I have a small three-ring binder I put together a few years ago specifically for my General Conference note taking. I pull it out along with one of my favorite pens, and write all the things that touch my heart – sometimes at a feverish pace! These talks from our church leaders are available online after conference is over, as well as a special printed edition that will be published within the month, but there’s something special about taking my own notes. It brings the teachings of our church leaders into my heart on a personal level.

Here are some of the quotes that stood out to me.

“They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.” ~David A. Bednar

This talk referenced a book, “To Them Of The Last Wagon”, that I happen to have a copy of by J. Reuben Clark, Jr. It was written for another General Conference talk given by J. Reuben Clark Jr. on October 5, 1947 – the centennial year of the pioneers arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. The pen sketches in the book by Nelson White are beautiful and filled with emotion.

“Just as yesterday’s decisions impact today’s realities, decisions of today will impact our future and the future of our family members.” ~ Carlos A. Godoy

“Despite our every effort, you and I won’t heal everyone but each of us can be the one who can make a difference for good in the life of someone. ~ Ian S. Ardern

Look in the mirror every day and think this to yourself: “Wow, look at me! I am amazing! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted. Gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.” ~ Gary E. Stevenson

“The light of a new day shines brighter in our lives when we see and treat our fellow beings with respect and dignity and as true brothers and sisters in Christ.” ~ Ulisses Soares

“The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” It is as simple as that. ~ Ronald A. Rasband

“There’s no way to be a perfect spouse, parent, son or daughter, grandchild, mentor, or friend – but a million ways to be a good one.” ~ Tamara W. Runia

“We will never regret being too kind. In God’s eyes, kindness is synonymous with greatness. Part of being kind is being forgiving and non-judgmental. ~ Gary B. Sabin

“His is a mission of condescension. Jesus Christ will meet us where we are as we are.” ~ Emily Belle Freeman

“To assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of thinking celestial! When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial. When tested by temptation, think celestial. When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial. When someone dies prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial. As you recover from an accident or injury, think celestial.” Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. ~ Russell M. Nelson

My buckets were filled as I put my focus on our Savior Jesus Christ this past weekend. General Conference always comes and goes way too soon. I’m excited to study these talks for the next six months, and already can’t wait for the next one the first weekend in April of 2024! My focus for now, will be to “Think Celestial”. I’m already thinking of ways to post this in our home as a daily reminder to be spiritually minded in our daily interactions. With a focus on this, LIGHT will fill our hearts and home as we are kinder, gentler, and seek for ways to serve others. General Conference in October is the perfect springboard to focus on the true meaning of celebrating Christmas.

Have a wonderful week! Love Ya, Les :)

Faith