the luckiest on earth

i feel like i am one of the luckiest people on earth. this weekend i was able to listen to living prophets of God in this year's general conference. "what is general conference," you ask? why, i'll tell you! general conference happens every year, twice a year. it is held the first weekend in april and the first weekend in october. during these conferences the prophets, apostles, and leaders of the church speak to the members of the church and viewers all across the world about whichever issues and concerns they are inspired to speak about.



the first presidency, called as prophets, seers, and revelators (clockwise from left): President Henry B. Eyring, 1st counselor, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd counselor, President Thomas S. Monson, President
the quorum of the 12 apostles, as constitued in may of 2008. there has been one change since Elder Worthlin passed away and Niel L. Anderson was called, but it's almost the same.

this session was great. i came to conference with questions in my mind and each of my qustions were answered. i was filled with peace and joy. the topics they seemed to focus on the most were finding peace during trials, the importance of the temple and the blessings that can be received there, and the importance of families and how to strengthen them. here are a few of my favorite quotes or paraphrases:

-"the Lord sends us to comfort others and thus we receive comfort ourselves." -Henry B. Eyring, 2nd Counselor of the First Presidency

-we can sustain hope through tragedy. the source of the power of hope is God and we can access this power through the covenants we make with Him. -Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the 12 Apostles

-we must show our loyalty to God during hard times and realize that we are subject to Him. -Rafael E. Pino, Quorum of the 70

-"If our faith is centered on the Savior, nothing can go permanently wrong." -Pino, quoting Howard W. Hunter

-"he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in the eternities." -Dallin H. Oaks, quoting Gordon B. Hinckley

-"get on thy knees!" -President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church

throughout history God has revealed His gospel through prophets, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Peter and others, and has endowed them with divine authority, or priesthood, to speak and act in His name (Amos 3:7). these prophets teach the people the gospel and direct His church. they teach and testify about the character of God and the special mission of Jesus Christ, inviting all to partake of the blessings of the gospel. just like in the times of the old and new testament, there are prophets on the earth today who speak to us, help us, and give us counsel and guidance that the whole world needs. of all the people on earth, i count myself very lucky that i know where to go to hear prophets of the Lord speak.