what comfort this sweet sentence gives

Did you watch conference this weekend?

I did. 

Well I tried. 

This particular talk stood out to me. 

Probably because this man speaks with such passion and emotion

that I can't help but pay attention. 

"To those who have were once with us but have retreated, preferring to pick and choose a few cultural hors d'oeuvres from the smorgasbord of the Restoration and leave the rest of the feast, I say you face a lot of long nights and empty nets. The call is to come back, stay true, love God, and lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every returned missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font and with arm to the square said, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ." That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was to have changed you forever as well." Jeffrey R Holland

"God is never hidden, but sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. Our own desires, rather than the feeling of "Thy will be done, " create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen to His will and time."  President Henry B Eyring

Whether you are Mormon or not, these men have inspiring messages that can uplift and inspire.

If you are interested in listening to their individual talks,  or reading more about the Mormon church, click HERE.

Last time I was home, I stole a copy of my mom's CD that she recorded for my late Grandpa Olsen.

Her voice pretty much brings me to tears as I recall countless hours of hearing her songs fill our home. She is truly talented.

Here is one of my favorite songs, sung by her, forgive me if I start posting these once a week.

Just Stop It.

We had a lovely weekend filled with friends, inspirational talks, and of course, lots of food. 

Here are some quotes from my favorite General Conference talks:

 “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those."

"Coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image." Jeffrey R Holland

I was happy to see the apostles talk about how we need to treat each other. I have seen criticism alter too many loved ones in drastic ways. I think we, as imperfect humans, tend to fear people and things that we do not know, and in turn make ignorant judgements because we don't understand their way of life. It's a hurtful cycle. We each have different backgrounds and obstacles that impact the way we choose to live. I wish we could all accept one another and
be kind and tolerant like Christ is to all of us. 

nativity

"Times change; years speed by; but Christmas continues sacred. In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved."

Thomas S. Monson, “The Best Christmas Ever,” Liahona, Dec 2008, 2–6

A Sunbeam

Excellent weekend folks.

We went to the Barbecue Joint in Pondcreek, OK

 (authentic and small town to say the least)

and taught our Sunbeams for the first time, they're hilarious.

I also got around to painting my desk, more on that tomorrow.

Hunger Games trailer comes out tomorrow... pretty excited!

Hope you had a good weekend :)

Primary

 

Meet Levigh and Jaydan. 

(whose parents chose to spell their name in the most difficult way possible).

These two are my most dedicated primary students...  

Here's a conversation Levigh and I had today

L: That's my mom...

C: Awesome Levigh

L: She gave birth to me.

C: Yes, she did...

L: My dad's name is Trevor.

C: Really? Does he have freckles like you?

D: No, but he has zits on his back..

How I love my calling... :)

sealings

We experienced something quite amazing this weekend. Jake and I were able to attend my uncle and aunt's temple sealing. I am always so grateful to witness sealings, it brings me back to the day we got married and the spirit I felt there. What made it even better was the three little children that were sealed to them. Seeing them enter the room, dressed in white, melted my heart instantly. I am so grateful for a church that allows us to spend eternity with our families.