General Conference

As I sat listening to the voice of those called to serve as apostles and prophets, mouthpieces for God and Jesus Christ here on the earth, all of what they said was simple. They spoke of the things that we can do everyday such as reading the scriptures, honoring the covenants that you make, serving others, as well as the happiness that it will bring.

I was honestly about to rationalize the sabbath day commandment and go to the store to get stuff for cookies [that i wanted to take to some less actives] when no sooner stood up President Monson and spoke of how the 10 commandments are just that: Commandments. not suggestions. It makes me wonder how often i rationalize my actions to fit my plans rather than try to fulfill the divine plans that have been made for me.

As the weekend wears on, I am saddened by the lack of interest/importance my family places on the words and counsel of our living prophet. Particularly made by the priesthood holders of our group. It's not a "been there, done that" deal. When we shut ourselves off to learning, we lose that which we have already acquired. We constantly need the nourishment and training, especially when you have been given the authority to act in the name of God. Whether or not you have that power is dependent on your faithfulness. Sister Tanner spoke of how to raise righteous daughters, and I would extend that also to righteous sons. They're under just as much attack. She spoke of the importance of the father being loving and respectful to his wife. Setting that example. Also, and again, this is where it applies to the sons, the father needs to set an example for his children of living worthy of his priesthood. It really does make a huge impact. My own family aside, I saw it in the lives of some recent convert families. The moms tried hard to encourage her sons to go to church, but after awhile they looked to the example of their fathers and asked, "why do we need to go if dad doesn't go?" and so they stopped going. It's not solely on the fathers, but as the patriarch of the family they do tend to set the tone.