October 2011 General Conference -Sunday Morning

Dieter F. Uchtdorf -Waiting on the Road to Damascus

• The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle--one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us--not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.
• To better hear His voice, it would be wise to turn down the volume control of the worldly noise in our lives.
• With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. In fact, I am almost afraid that some listening have already sent text messages like "He's been speaking for 10 minutes and still no aviation analogy!" My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord's encouragement to "open [your] mouths" might today include "use your hands" to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! But please remember, all at the right time and at the right place.
• "Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words."

Paul V. Johnson -More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us

• If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.
• At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal--almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what's right.
• Many times a particular challenge helps prepare us for something vitally important.
• We must be careful that we don't resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.

H. David Burton -The Sanctifying Work of Welfare

• Self-reliance is a product of provident living and exercising economic self-discipline. From the beginning the Church has taught that families--to the extent they can--need to assume responsibility for their own temporal welfare. Each generation is required to learn anew the foundational principles of self-reliance: avoid debt, implement principles of thrift, prepare for times of distress, listen to and follow the words of the living oracles, develop the discipline to distinguish between needs and wants and then live accordingly.

Silvia H. Allred -The Essence of Discipleship

• To think that a humble sister or brother with a Church calling can go into a home where there is poverty, sorrow, sickness, or distress and can bring peace, relief, and happiness is astonishing. No matter where the ward or branch is or how big or small the group is, every member throughout the world has that opportunity. It happens every day, and it is happening somewhere at this very moment.

David A. Bednar -The Spirit of Revelation

• They could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart, believing they would receive.
• We should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit.
• Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly.
• I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Perhaps as we consider the experiences of Joseph in the Sacred Grove, of Saul on the road to Damascus, and o Alma the Younger, we come to believe something is wrong with or lacking in us if we fall short in our lives of these well-known and spiritually striking examples. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you "cannot go amiss."
• God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him.

Thomas S. Monson -The Holy Temple--a Beacon to the World

• My brothers and sisters, temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service.

Until you next read these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi