I think this might be the first stake conference since Emma was born that didn’t feel like some party of it was a battle. Laura and I went to both the adult session and the general session. None of the kids came to any of it but we also didn’t try to convince them to come against their desires. It would be nice if someone got to where they came to church of their own choice but we’re past the point of trying to drag them to participate.
Notes from stake conference
Reece DeMille—How can we feel the loving embrace of the Savior?
- Repent
- Worthily attend the temple and keep your temple covenants
Repenting daily and a daily focus on repentance are two separate things. (Repenting daily is the lesser of the two.)
Do not try to simplify our temple covenants in a way that makes them easier for us.
Sister Butler (Mt. Timpanigos Temple Matron)—What is it that makes home and the temple so sacred? They are places where are hearts become knit together in love. In the temple we make sacred covenants. In the home we practice keeping those covenants by learning to forgive and love each other.
Nancy Duncan—”Could you use more of his power in your life?” Obviously
Focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives.
Learning to find joy is a skill. (That’s one I need to learn.)
Eliminate negative behaviors like grumpiness, criticism, and negative self-talk.
Our bodies become what we eat, our minds become what we think.
We can learn to steer our thoughts. (At the least we can control what thoughts we allow to stay in our minds.
“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” Russell M. Nelson
Make plans for yourself and your family to have fun.
When we serve someone our brain produces oxytocin in ourselves and those we serve and it can even produce it in the brains of people who observe the service.
Journaling (on any topic) helps us process thoughts and direct our focus in proactive ways.
Kevin R. Duncan—What does it mean to sell all that we have to obtain the treasure hidden in the field or the pearl of great value? It means to repent or give away all our sins.
Having a clear vision of what we are trying to achieve gives us the strength to keep going in pursuit of it.
- Stay focused on the treasure that Heavenly Father has provided for us.
- Don’t go alone as you travel along the covenant path. Invite others to join you on the path.
Laura and I have the opportunity to continually strive and never give up on our family (some children more than others).
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