We were really early so after I smiled at a parking policeman we got a sweet spot close to Temple Square ;)
At Temple Square, I ended up giving 3 references to the sister missionaries that we talked to. Christy actually got a call from them a few days ago saying her reference wanted to know more! I don't know if any of my friends have done anything, but here's to trying! Then we went and pondered in front of the huge statue of Christ for a while, then we tried really hard to get our picture in the May Ensign Conference issue, because we saw the photographer for it! So look for me when that comes out haha.
We went in to conference and it was wonderful. Then we took some pictures from where we came out at.
We went to an underground part of temple square to see if we could meet any general authorities, because my friend said President Hinckley's car almost ran him over there once. Determined, we wandered for a bit, and as we are ready to give up and start leaving, I saw Sister Dalton standing like 5 feet in front of me! She was so sweet. Then around the corner comes Sister Barbara Thompson! Man, talk about some of the nicest ladies, both shook our hands and gave us hugs before going into their offices.
Then we got to go see the church history treasures they had in the church history museum for only conference weekend. We got to see an original Book of Mormon translation manuscript page from 2 Nephi! That was my highlight. I instantly felt awe and amazement as I stared at the handwriting with no breaks or a lot of punctuation. My testimony grew a little more of the truthfulness of Joseph Smith and the work he and others did. There were handwritten things from Joseph Smith as well as a real photograph of Emma Smith in her later years. There were so many awesome things to see, I love museums and the gospel, so put the two together, and let's just say I was the first one to go in and the last one that had to be almost dragged out.
Then when went to one of the guy's grandpa's house nearby to watch the afternoon session, and he fed us delicious food and got to sit in a nice comfy living room.
Sunday morning I planned a big potluck breakfast/watching conference party with the same boys (who had a huge screen tv) plus another apartment of boys and some other girls in our ward. It turned out great! Then I split the afternoon session with watching the first bit with Christy in our apartment, then I watched the majority over with Todd at his apartment, where we enjoyed eating sherbet and calling the family together.
I love conference and the feeling of being spoken to from the Lord and His spirit for a whole weekend surrounded by wonderful saints who are there to listen and learn as well. So as for my favorite thoughts from general conference, I of course liked Elder Cook's talk on the importance and appreciation of women today. And of course, as a young single adult, much was talked about marriage. I am grateful I am not a boy after this conference!
One of my favorite talks though, was Elder Kent F. Richards. I loved his thoughts on pain and comfort, and when he spoke of angels surrounding children in the hospital, made me think about when angels have been there for me or my family, especially with Ally and my nieces and nephews. He said
"Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become 'a saint through the atonement of Christ.' The pain you and I experience may be where this process is most measured. In extremity, we can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and 'pray and work and wait' patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls. As Job, after being refined through our trials, we 'shall come forth as gold.' "
What was your conference experience like? Any thoughts and inspirations?
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