General Conference rocks

Every October and April The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has its annual and semi-annual general conference. There are four, two-hour sessions of speakers that speak on lots of different gospel topics. General Conference is a much anticipated event by Mormons for many reasons: We get to listen to the prophet and president of our church, Thomas S. Monson, speak to the church as a whole. We get to hear spiritual and uplifting talks from the general authorities and other leaders of our church. We get to hear of any new temples being built and other church announcements. And, thanks to wonderful technology, we get to stay in our pajamas and watch/listen from the comfort of our couches while munching on our favorite snacks.

I say "we get to" because I really think it's a privilege to have a modern day prophet guiding us and telling us what God wants us to hear. This is a blessing that anyone can have! It's so easy to read and listen to the talks with a tap of your finger in the Gospel Library app, or the click of a mouse on lds.org.  I'm grateful to be a member of a church that has found ways to use technology and media for good. I've been reviewing the Saturday morning session recently so here's two I particularly liked. I'd encourage you to listen to them (they're only 15 minutes each, tops) or read them if you get a chance.

1. Of Regrets and Resolutions by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd counselor to President Monson) Ok, you need to watch this one so you can enjoy Elder Uchtdorf's awesome accent and feel his love. He is so positive, upbeat, and a great example to me of being grateful for what we have and living in the moment.

2. "Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen. This one made me cry. Elder Bowen's story of his little boy Tyson was heartrending but so powerful to me. The gospel message that families and loved ones can be together not only in this life, but in the next is comforting. I know it's true.

All the talks from October 2012 can be found here: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/10?lang=eng