Thoughts and Impressions

My heart is full of gratitude and love for those called and set apart as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators in our day. In the closing and final talk given by Elder Neil L. Andersen, I felt a tangible spirit flood the room as he testified that this Church is guided and directed by our Savior, Jesus Christ. With the absence of two Apostles, Elder Andersen shared a portion of the talk Robert D. Hales had originally planned to give and also a portion of some of President Thomas S. Monson's counsel. As he shared these dear brother's words, the Spirit was strikingly powerful and undeniable, as if the Lord had blessed Elder Andersen with a full investiture of authority to speak in behalf of President Monson and Elder Hales. Tears streamed down my face as the choir sang these stirring words of the closing hymn;

"Israel, Israel, God is speaking.
Hear your great Deliv'rer's voice!
Now a glorious morn is breaking
For the people of his choice."

I always look forward to General Conference! All of the sessions have been wonderful to listen to.  If I were to summarize in just a few short words the overall messages that struck me the most, it would be these;

No matter how many times you have read the Book of Mormon, continue to make it part of your daily scripture study. Pray always and be believing. Trust that hard times are shaping and molding you in ways you cannot see. Miracles come in shapes and forms that we often fail to realize as miracles. Pray to trust that a bigger picture will one day be revealed. Be humble. Remove distractions from your life that keep you from focusing on truth. Forgive offenses. Repair the breach. Assume the good in others and swallow your pride. Take time every day to listen to or read a recent conference talk. Knowing and applying the words of the Living Prophets will direct you right personally and in your family in every circumstance. Don't worry so much about what happens to you - don't live your life in fear. Learn what the Lord is trying to teach you to learn and choose faith every time!

-Alicia

Click here to read, watch, or listen to October 2017's General Conference.