We can help each other with our gifts...

Everywhere I look I see people doing this.  My friends live this way.  It's in their DNA.  I have been the recipient of so much kindness, goodness and love in my life.  I am so blessed.

I see the reaching out to so many sufferers with their natural inclination to administer their own favorite brand of Balm of Gilead.  Dispensing what they do best.  Doing what is most natural to them.  Going about their own personal mission and touching and lifting the lives of many.

I want this in my life!

Conference....

Visit with a friend...

Monday I spent a bit of time with my friend, Myra Faye.  We have had health things going on here for a few weeks and they have many more, long ongoing health issues, than us.  Not wanting to give her germs or maybe somehow or other pick one up, as I strive to get a clean bill of health on my pneumonia bout, we have talked on phone, but haven't really seen each other very much.

She was in her bed and I was sitting in a chair very nearby and we were talking.  I wanted to help her in some way...wash your face?  comb your hair?  pull the blankets up?  No thank you- on each.

Sometimes it's such a helpless feeling, isn't it, when you would just give anything to make everything better?  And it's even a more helpless feeling when you realize there is not one single thing you can do.

Prayer.  Of course.  But it's that desire to actually do something tangible.  something hands on.  just to show you care.  you feel.  beyond a casserole.

Sitting there looking at her, I was so overcome with love and compassion, even now I tear up.  I told her...I wish right now that I could just scoop you up in my arms and hold you cuddled on my lap.

She smiled and said...I feel that.

I gently stroked her arm and said...I'm glad.

That extreme compassionate feeling , that spot of extreme tenderness, is lodged in my heart.

Wedged in there for the peeking.  Somehow tender and soothing to me.

Now shared with you.

On Point. For sure!!!!

What a fantastic weekend!!!  Watched it all and enjoyed it all and everything said was so timely and wonderful!!  On the last couple of speakers, the thought popped into my mind, that this is sort of like a family reunion and very reminiscent.  I felt I really knew the majority of speakers from reading/seeing them many times before and I so enjoyed hearing from them and then those that were new to me, many with beautiful accents.  The subjects and quotes used were familiar and I loved hearing the inspired take and twists that were so beautifully explained.  Loved the object lessons stories!  Felt encouraged and grounded and secure as I heard these brothers and sisters speak with power and confidence.  To hear over and over about the Savior helped my testimony to grow stronger yet.  Each speaker has their own unique style and it's recognizable.  Again, that familiar homey feeling.  Soothing.  Comforting.  Inspiring. Strengthening.  Makes me want to do better and be better.  Desire to improve in all aspects of my life.

We enjoyed ourselves for both days.

 All that pre-conference talk about food and what to eat and what to prepare and all that chit-chat?  We ended up doing nothing in advance! and just ate what was on hand.  Leftovers and some soup from the freezer and Terry also had some Campbell soup!  We both felt excited but tired so we just really paid no attention to any sort of menu BUT we did focus on the spiritual feast!!

I also followed what the feminists were up to.  Will share that tomorrow.  Nothing new except my attitude which I've been contemplating where/what/when/how and even if I'm on or off the track.  Lots of thoughts going on.

Well, you can't say anyone soft pedaled their messages but they were so straightforward/to the point/filled with boldness and made for great self-evaluation.

What a great two days!!!!  Sigh.

Let the good times roll!!!!

Well, ready or not...let's get this show on the road!!  Saturday and Sunday will be spent watching hour after hour of speakers.  Not just ordinary speakers but those with authority to relay messages that are timely for today!!  True messages.  To think we can see it right here in our own home is just amazing to me.  Enjoy yourself and I will too.  Back here on Monday!!!  Let the fun begin!!

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"When you are assigned to speak at the end of the final session of general conference, you listen to every word, wondering which parts of your talk will be given before your turn comes. There are no assigned subjects, no collaboration of themes. The Lord’s way, of course, is always the best way. He takes the individual prayerful efforts of each speaker and orchestrates a spiritual symphony full of revelation and power. Repeated themes, principle building upon principle, prophetic warnings, uplifting promises—the divine harmony is a miracle! I testify that in this conference we have heard and felt the mind and will of the Lord."

 above excerpt by Elder Anderson --Tell me the stories of Jesus.  here

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Number expected is 500 this year.

I've been mentally/emotionally/spiritually sorting through all this sort of stuff and figuring out how I want to conduct myself.  When I read this I actually go teary.  Made me feel so sad.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/57765886-78/women-lds-church-priesthood.html.csp

more on this next week.