What a wonderful, uplifting Conference!!!!

I just had to come into my office, and write my thoughts about President Monson's talk, which was the last one in the morning Sunday Session. The stories that he told were absolutely amazing as usual. I don't think I can ever forget the picture that was painted in my mind of the woman from Russia or Prussia who took her children to gather with the Saints, and as each one of her children died on their long journey, she dug their graves using only a Spoon. I can only imagine how this wonderful faithful woman must have felt as she dug, spoonful, by spoonful in the hard ground, and what thoughts she must have had to be able to get back up and gather her remaining children and move forward the next day.

I am filled with such love and admiration for those pioneers from all countries that suffered unwritten anguish, keeping their faith and paving the way for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also believe that from here on out, I must ask myself... what do I have to whine about, when my challenges are but a tiny speck compaired to what those before us have suffered. Their faith and devotion paved the way for you and I, and it gives me even more encouragement to keep doing what I am doing to strenghten my own faith, the faith of my family, and others.

When I beging to feel discouraged about what is happening around the world with the economy, with new Country leaders and the direction that their leadership takes our country, when I see my individuals vocations, gouged by the current economic circumstances, I can picture in my mind the pioneer woman from Russia with a spoon in hand, digging the graves of her chilren. Let us all lift ourselves and be grateful for what we do have, and do the best we can to lift and encourage others. There are so many others whose lives have been much more challenged than mine ever could be, and to them I express my love and gratitude.

These are my thoughts, and I am sure that there will be many more thoughts about the talks given in this Conference. I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Your thoughts can be collected to help all of us with the talk we choose to focus on to share with your sisters through Visiting Teaching for the month of May. I have created another blog for everyone to hear and share your thoughts and voice.
Go to: http://ldsconferencetalksandthoughts.blogspot.com/ and make your comments, so that others can read them and be lifted and blessed by them about your thoughts about Conference and the talks.