Invigorating

Isn't watching General Conference so invigorating?! The great messages that jump out as you are pondering life's deepest questions. I was so organized this time around. I had a notebook ready WITH a pen beside it. My goal was to write down obvious commandments... a checklist if you will, to see how I am doing so far in the eternal perspective. And to add new to me things I didn't realize I was doing wrong.

So I sit down, have Abby and Will fold their arms for opening prayer (Will is adorable. He sort of folds his chubby little arms and looks around excited because we are all folding our arms, but he only lasts that way for about 7 seconds...) After the song and prayer, I got out the notebook and handy pen to begin my notes.

I was motivated by President Monson to go to the temple.

L. Tom Perry told me to simplify. I loved the way he used words from Henry David Thoreau. "Our simple needs of food, clothing, shelter and fuel." Perry's take on each of those categories were inspirational! All of this note taking is quite exciting. But wait... halfway through simplifying, my notes aren't in pen anymore. They are in pencil. Will took my pen. I wrestled my notebook from him and gave him scratch paper. I let him keep my pen if he would just keep his busy little hands off of my notebook.

Silvia Allred talked about missionary work. You can tell by reading the crayon words in my notebook. That is about all the notes I took... I gave up the writing stick/note book fight about the time the guy from Brazil spoke. I need to re-order my Ensign subscription so I can read the conference edition. I pondered going to the church by myself today so I could actually listen and take notes!

On a more serious note, I truly appreciated the words by the YW President (I think). There really was a moment where I was sort of day dreaming about my place in life and what I should do... and she actually answered my question! Right after I internally pondered it! It's always nice to be reminded that we can do it (whatever it is for each of us.) Promptly following her, the prophet confirmed everything in my mind and gave me ideas of how to do it! Gotta love spiritual counsel that helps to improve ourselves.

Even if it's too hard too take notes!