A New Beginning

General Conference October 6-7, 2012

     Our family tradition has always been to emerge ourselves in General Conference weekends twice a year to make a special effort to draw closer to the Lord. It is also a time for introspection; looking for areas that we might improve in our lives; to renewing our commitment to each other as a covenant couple and to again focus on an eternal perspective. Of course, we also look forward to sitting at the feet of the Prophet and his Apostles and hear what is on their minds at this time in the world's history.
     I believe that while Bob is now on the other side of the veil, that he will be with me off and on during this weekend because of the eternal covenants that bind us in the new and everlasting covenant of marriage...celestial marriage. What a wonderful gift this is to us during our mortal probation. While we endure without our deceased loved ones, it gives us a "perk" to lighten and brighten our otherwise dim trek through mortality. We begin to see our goal and destination, and increases our desire to become more like God.

A NEW TEMPLE ANNOUNCED FOR TUCSON

     If my neighbors heard me shout for joy at about 10:20am Saturday morning, I suspect they thought I was crazy. I shared this testimony on Sunday: I know that Jesus Christ is my Redeemer, that He died for my sins and shortcomings, and that because He did I can return to Him one day. I have a testimony of the great work that is being done in the temples and what a great calling I have as Ward Family History Consultant where I can help people research and find their ancestors. They can then participate in the great redeeming temple ordinances performed in proxy for their deceased ancestors thus providing them with the same opportunities for growth and salvation that we have had. We as Latter Day Saints know that God is fair to ALL of his children. Therefore, He has provided a way for everyone who has ever lived on earth to have these sacred ordinances. What a loving Heavenly Father he is!

I Am A Mormon, I Know It, I Live It, I Love It!

     Ann M. Dibb, 2nd Counselor in the Young Women organization of the church has given me my new T-Shirt Exclamation in her talk. I DO know after some 40 years of membership what a glorious that the Church of Jesus Christ is true and is headed by our Saviour. It is His Church on the earth today. I along with Ann declare it, affirm it and have decided to Do something about it. I felt a sense of re-dedication to my Life's Work.
     I loved the announcement that young men age 18 and having completed High School can submit their papers to serve a mission and that young women don't have to wait until age 21 but can submit theirs when they are 19. Many families in my ward will be affected by this announcement... and they are thrilled. I felt it an urgent stepping up of the work of the Lord in preparation for the second coming. Every person, nation, kindred and tongue must hear His message of the Restored Gospel before the world becomes a place where the luxury of traveling to serve a mission in another country becomes dangerous. The Prophets of the Old and New Testament as well as the Book of Mormon, saw our day and saw the great tribulations that would befall a wicked and sinful world before Christ can return.
We Are All Mortal - DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED ONE SINGLE DAY!
     Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminded us that years pass quickly and we all remember our regrets. The Lord has given us divine principles and values to help us avoid future regrets and a Savior to remove past ones. I truly want to be the person God wants me to be.  One of the things he pointed out in his Saturday talk was that the dying wished they'd allowed themselves to be Happier. We determine our own happiness. It is not a race, its a journey. He entreats us to enjoy the moment; find joy in the journey; rejoice and be glad in each day and appreciate every hour. He says make a resolution to:
1.  Spend time with loved ones
2.  Become the person God wants you to be TODAY
3.  Find happiness
4. Follow the Saviour TODAY... if necessary REPENT

SO I AM GOING TO BEGIN AGAIN TODAY.