04 June 2009

PART 1: 4 Apr 2009 AM session General Conference

Welcome to Conference, President Thomas S Monson: "In the near future, we will be dedicating the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, and then in the coming months and years there will be many more dedications." I include this quote for the technicality in wordage. It should bring some comfort to some out there. "There is something about a temple dedication which prompts a reevaluation of one’s own performance and a sincere desire to do even better." This is so true. It never ceases to amaze me what big and little things it takes for us to stop and take a look at our lives and where we need to improve. "The work of the Lord continues to move forward uninterrupted." This is most always true, but we are continually reminded because it is important to know and remember!!!
Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually, Elder Robert D Hales: "what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come." I believe this would apply to anything in our lives, not just monetary lessons. "Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family." I love how this is worded and we have been given this advice for many many years. As a fan of Dave Ramsey, I do strive to not go into debt for automobiles or even education. Although, with current circumstances working out education possibilities without going into debt is looking to be difficult. "I pray that in the next few minutes, and throughout this conference, you will be filled with hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and find hope in the doctrines of His restored gospel." I know a few people that have looked at these hard financial times that many of us have and lost hope or have becoming somewhat paranoid, in a way. As I listened to and watched conference, I heard many little encouragements like this to have hope! "Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure" As one who has endured some stressful issues, although I openly acknowledge that even our current problems could be so much worse, I have to continually remind myself that I can endure and that there will be blessings to come out of each trial! I'm not always the most patient in waiting for things to work out or for the blessing to come! "Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond" This is very comforting to me! "What is a provident provider?
All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies." I absolutely love that he uses the word "joyfully" when talking talking about living within our means! Getting there is the hard part, in my opinion, but once we do, I can imagine the joy that will come! "There is an equally important principle underlying these lessons: we can learn much from communicating with our husbands and wives" 'nuff said "The foundation of provident living is the law of the tithe. The primary purpose of this law is to help us develop faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Tithing helps us overcome our desires for the things of this world and willingly make sacrifices for others. Tithing is the great equitable law, for no matter how rich or poor we are, all of us pay the same one-tenth of our increase annually (see D&C 119:4), and all of us receive blessings so great “that there shall not be room enough to receive [them]” (Malachi 3:10)." Early on, as an adult, having not been taught strongly about many things of spiritual nature in my home, tithing was a hard thing for me. As time moves on, my faith in this 'law' has grown and I now have no doubts of the great blessings that come by obedience to this law. I love that there is a certain equalness in this law. The amount of tithe paid in regards to total dollar amount is not the important thing and should never come up in comparisons with others. The equality is in the fact that no matter who you are or how much money you make, we are asked to pay the same 10% of our income! "as children of God, our deepest hunger and what we should be seeking is what the Lord alone can provide—His love, His sense of worth, His security, His confidence, His hope in the future, and assurance of His love, which brings us eternal joy." Again, the encouragement of hope "in the future" even!

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