sunday thoughts

For the six weeks or so, I have been taking notes at church. I really love it. I love going to my meetings, excited about what I will be able to learn. I love knowing that I can learn from every teacher and speaker if I am listening. This past week presented me with a couple excellent note-taking opportunities, and I would like to share what I learned.

On Thursday night, Sister Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President of the LDS Church came to speak to the Relief Society sisters of my stake. She doesn't normally speak to small groups like this, so this was a wonderful opportunity. The format of the meeting was Question and Answer, and Sister Beck's responses were beautiful. Here's some of what I came away with:

:: Like Rebekah in the Old Testament, so much hinges on me and my future decisions as a wife and mother. The future armies of Heavenly Father will come from me. The Lord needs a Rebekah in every home, a woman who will say, "I'll do it."
:: We should be the most hope-filled, forward-thinking people on the earth today.
:: Satan will feed my doubt.
:: Every choice we make should lead us closer to eternal life.
:: Being light minded is different than being light hearted. Light heartedness is a good thing. Light mindedness, however, is when we are not serious in our efforts. It is when you do not use to Spirit to make decisions, which is foolish.
:: What would I say about myself if I couldn't talk about my major, job, or worldly accomplishments.
:: "Someday, you will know the good you did."
:: I am a success! The Lord's standard of success is much different than the world's.
:: Put your trust in the spirit that leads you to do good.
:: Don't mess around with my spiritual identity.
:: The young men around me need my help. Don't be a part of the pornography in the world; be a part of the strength.
:: Every time we are charitable and kind, we are fulfilling our eternal role as mothers.
:: The prophet is advancing, not retreating the work of the Lord.
:: My life is not going to be how I it's going to be, so just press forward and enjoy the ride.

And then today, I attended Stake Conference, and here's some of what I came away with:

:: The most important commandment is the one you are struggling with today.
:: Love will cast off fear.
:: Draw closer to God by doing the small things very well.
:: Even though we do not live close to each other, we can be a regular source of strength to each other. I can support them in their daily lives, and I can feel their love and strength for me each day.
:: Satan will never have the warmth of family, and he wants to keep us from feeling it, too.
:: Take advantage of educational opportunities.
:: Each day is a wonderful opportunity to be able to make decisions and work hard.
:: Teach charity by promoting service. Teach hope by exercising optimism and by not focusing on my own problems.

This last week was wonderful. It was incredibly busy, but I learned so much. I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time learning.

*Did anything from these messages stand out to you?
*What questions would you ask Sister Beck?