General Conference

I love listening to General Conference. We enjoyed time with the family and a relaxing weekend. We are grateful for satellite TV and the ability to stay home and watch the broadcast. It was nice to hear from President Hinckley, who truly is a prophet of God. He is an inspiring man just by the life that he lives and the example that he sets. I love listening to his words and the Spirit bears testimony to me of the Priesthood power that he holds.

While we were in Utah last month visiting our families, we were able to attend Stake Conference in my parent's stake. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was visiting. My dad had been asked to be in attendance prepared in case of a medical emergency. Because of this, we were seated near the entrance to the chapel were Elder Holland walked in. We were able to shake his hand and say "Hello". That was the closest I have ever been to an Apostle of the Lord. As he spoke that night, I knew with all my heart and soul that he was an Apostle. He spoke words of encouragement to all those who have ever struggled with trials or sadness in their lives. He spoke as if he were sitting in our living room just talking among friends. I will never forget the words he taught and feelings I felt that night.

Close to nine years ago, Elder David A. Bednar visited our Stake here in McAllen. He was not an Apostle at that time, and it came as no surprise to me when he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve. As I listened to his words, I will never forget the principal he taught that night. At that time I was 21 years old, 1700 miles from everything that I knew, working full-time, Young Woman's President, and nearing the end of my second pregnancy. I was tired, overwhelmed, and barely putting one foot in front of the other. That night, he spoke on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, how He suffered not only for our sins, but also our pains, afflictions, and infirmities. Elder Bednar taught that the Savior was the only person who could truly understand what I was going through. He knew, because He had already suffered it on my behalf. Elder Bednar used the example of a young mother struggling to do the best she could. I know that night there were other people in the chapel, but I felt like he was speaking directly to me and only to me. I consider it a tender mercy from the Lord that Elder Bednar was called to be an Apostle and now I have the opportunity to listen to him teach from the pulpit. For that night, in a small stake literally in the corner of the vineyard, the principle that he taught, changed forever the life of one young mother.

These are just a few examples of the impact that the leaders of our church have had on my life. I find the talks given by The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities to be inspiring and uplifting. I could go on and on for days, but tomorrow, it will be time to return to everyday living. After listening to General Conference, I feel the desire to be a better person, to do a little more, and have a better outlook on life.