Whoa. Conference. Am I right??

Can we just all sigh a happy sigh for the FANTASTIC conference we were able to watch! I just was speechless after every. single. talk.

The most commonly used statement award goes too..... ;)

But in all seriousness. I will quote President Monson

"In my journal tonight, I shall write, 'This has been one of the most inspiring sessions of any general conference I’ve attended. Everything has been of the greatest and most spiritual nature'". 

To that, dear President Monson, I say DITTO! 

I speculated whether Conference this time around was really amazing only because I was a missionary, but after that statement I figured that it was pretty much just a magnificent conference. I felt the whole time that the words they were speaking were beautifully inspired, with the fantastic reminder from Elder Robert D. Hales at the opening of conference that there words are God's words.  He says

"These conferences are always under the direction of the Lord, guided by His Spirit.  [The speakers] are not assigned specific topics. Over weeks and months, often through sleepless nights, we wait upon the Lord. Through fasting, praying, studying, and pondering, we learn the message that He wants us to give". 

So I learned a lot from my Heavenly Father, through these wonderful men (and the many other Apostles, and leaders who spoke).

Look at those smiles, they really do shine with the light of Christ huh? 

(From Left to Right) President Eyring, President Monson, President Uchtdorf

Among my favorite talks was President Uchtdorf's- He didn't win this year for best accent though, that award goes to Elder Edward Dube  (who's talk reminded us to look ahead and show God our willingness to keep pushing forward).  

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke on THE CHURCH part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He tells a story of a man who had a conversation about what members of the Mormon faith do. After telling them all the things we as Latter-day Saint's do to consecrate our all to the Lord, by volunteering our time to participate in service, church callings, 3 hours of worship services, fasting Sunday once a month, not to mention, youth camps,family history, years dedicated to serving missions (that's me... I do that!) and many more duty's that members fulfill free of charge. The man in response to this LDS couples description said "Now I'm confused, Why would anyone want to join such a Church?".... 

They of course said what ANY member of the church would have said (hopefully).... "I thought you'd never ask". 

As missionaries, we get weird looks, laughs, and scoffs. We get doors slammed in our faces and curse words thrown at us, and sometimes even literal things thrown at us.... Some Sisters got milk chucked at them.... Sad ;( winky frowny face (That's for my brother). But. When we get that one question, "Why would anyone want to join such a church?", we have the answers and it makes it all worth it. 

So why would anyone want to join our church? 

 There are 3 simple reasons. 

1. It is the Lord's church. 

2. It is an active faith.

3. It leads to precious blessings. 

So I want to focus on no.1. It is the Lord's Church. 

The church of Jesus Christ was restored through JESUS CHRIST himself.  It truly was Restored by Jesus Christ, through Joseph Smith and because of that we have the power, and authority to act in Christ's name - to baptize for the remission of sins, to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to seal on earth and in heaven. Without the power from Jesus Christ, we would not be able authorized to do these things, or if we did them, they would have no eternal consequence. But we HAVE been authorized, and because of that, we have real and lasting covenants, that make it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

I know this is true, because I have a testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is true because I have prayed to know, and everyone can receive a witness of the truthfulness of the restoration of Christ church the same way I did. By learning and praying.

"Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again." 

If you love your Saviour, follow him.