We LOVE conference weekend!!! It has always been something that we look forward to and this past weekend was no different! I had intentions of making some conference games (bingo, etc) for the girls, but since I wasn't quite organized enough for that I just printed off some pages for them to color while we listened. Between coloring, crafts, and playing games it worked out really well! In between sessions on Saturday the kids went outside and Wes made our traditional German Pancakes.
I loved all of the talks!! I felt the spirit and couldn't help but feel grateful that we do have living prophets and apostles to speak to us on our day. And, as I mentioned to Wes, they just seemed to hit the mark! These men absolutely know what is going on in the world, what our struggles are, and what we need to do!! I know that without a doubt!
- our home should be sacred. It is a temple. Treat it as such
- safeguard our family!!... never leave the house without family prayer... we are sending our children out into a dangerous place.
- study the scriptures, you will feel peace in your life
- Family scripture study and Family Home Evening are a must!!
- Joseph Smith was a real prophet! Called of God.
- Allowing ex-mormons teach us about the church is like having Judas teach us about the Savior after he betrayed Him
- Christ's standards will not lower to meet the world's standards
- There is no more important role than being a mother (and father).
- Children should not use so much technology. Turn the TV off, i-pods, etc. Rather, read good books, have activities together.
- Slow down.
- Truth is truth.
- Stand up for what you know is right. Stand up for truth. Stand up for God.
Those are some of the highlighted parts for me. As I look back on the list, I notice that there is nothing knew. No alarming new revelation. But, what I heard over this past weekend has increased my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of latter-day revelation, the importance of families and motherhood, and the necessity to safeguard our families from the power and the influence of the adversary. If I had it my way, I would jump at the opportunity to live in a bubble, never leave the house, and to protect my children from all the "bad" stuff out there! I know that's not an option OR the answer. I do know, however, that as a mother I can teach my children what God would have them know, I can teach them who they are and why they are here. I can teach them about their Savior, and who they can become. I can help them to cultivate and strengthen their own testimonies so that when they go out and are faced with a hard situation they can make good choices. I can create an atmosphere in their home where the spirit is always present and teaching them, where they feel save, where they feel loved, where they love to be, and where the gospel is lived and embraced.
Oh man, I could go on forever....
As this weekend closes, I feel edified, uplifted and instructed. And grateful.
Here are a few photos of the past two days!
Just hanging out, listening to the Prophet
Playing Don't Eat Pete!
Zach and the girls helping Wes make Apple Pudding
German Pancakes! Everyone is excited!!
Conference selfie!
House update: Walls are primed, ceiling is textured!
Look who got Jackson to sleep! Aubrey was loving this!
Such a great weekend!!
