April 2009 General Conference -Sunday Morning

Dieter F. Uchtdorf -The Way of the Disciple

• It's not that these worldly options don't contain elements of truth--many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.
• In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel--a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.
• Brothers and sisters, we have to stay with it. We don't acquire eternal life in a sprint--this is a race of endurance. We have to apply and reapply the divine gospel principles. Day after day we need to make them part of our normal life.
• Too often we approach the gospel like a farmer who places a seed in the ground in the morning and expects corn on the cob by the afternoon.
• Knowing that the seed is good is not enough. We must "nourish it with great care, that it may get root."
• Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines.
• Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.
• "Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us--even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.
• "We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever."

Neil L. Andersen -Come unto Him

• I pray that my spirit might be like that of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin--whose passing brought about this call--a spirit void of any desire for personal attention, willing to go anywhere and do anything the Lord's prophets would have me do, applying my full consecration in testifying of the Savior and building the kingdom of God until my final breath.
• We must remember, my dear brothers and sisters, who we are and what we have in our hands. We are not alone in our desire to do good: there are wonderful people of many faiths and beliefs.

Steven E. Snow -Get On with Our Lives

• Most of us do not seek or even welcome dramatic changes. But change is an essential part of life's experiences.
• Too often we are reluctant to enter the next stage, begin the next challenge. Maybe we are too comfortable, fearful, or lacking in faith.
• Our parents' basement, with unlimited video games, may be more appealing than college, marriage, or a career.
• Move forward with faith. As we daily confront a world full of negativity, doubt, fear, and even dread can creep into our hearts.
• "Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other."
• "Without faith there cannot be any hope."
• "The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
• Laughter and a good sense of humor can soften the bumps along life's journey.
• Accepting calls to serve when it was not convenient.

Barbara Thompson -His Arm Is Sufficient

• Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you; The weight of your calling he perfectly knows. Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you; His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose. His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.
• "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other."

Jeffrey R. Holland -None Were with Him

• Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our litter version of that path--the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: "I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you.]"

Thomas S. Monson -Be of Good Cheer

• It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future--or even fearful of what might come--if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I'd like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
• None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges--and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened.
• "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you."
• "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
• My brothers and sisters, each of us has the light in his or her life. We are not left to walk alone, no matter how dark our pathway.
• Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.

Until you next read these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

186th Annual General Conference -Sunday Sessions

Sunday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson

• The door of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. The choices we make determine destiny.
• The choices we make in a large part determine whether or not we reach our goal.
• If you don't know where you want to go, it doesn't matter what path you take.
• The path we follow in this life effects the path we will find in the next life.
• Without faith we do not know where we will go, but with it we can accomplish our goals.
• May we always choose the harder right, and not the easier wrong.
• We aren't perfect. We will make foolish choices. But we can always get back on the right path.

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson

• If you know it....do you believe it?
• Families truly are forever. We will see each other again in the eternities.
• In a crisis moment will you have the knowledge and the belief that the Gospel is true?
• What you are taught in life about the Church is more than words. It is true.
• Church is more than a good place to go on Sundays to learn how to be a good person.
• The real test of faith is when ending is not happy.
• Do we sometimes become so accustomed to the blessings of being members that we forget the miracle of what we know?
• Church is more than just a social click! It's ain't about popularity, it's about purpose and priesthood power!
• Don't go through the motions of living the gospel because it is expected. Actually live it.
• Do good continually.
• Faith/Conversion comes from searching the scriptures and not the internet.
• Don't let the Great and Spacious Building be on your radar. Push it far away.
• The people in the Great and Spacious Building will do your best to bring you down. Do not let them. Stand strong! Stay True.
• Keep feasting upon the words of Christ and not upon the words of those who make fun of you and your beliefs.
• Choose faith over doubt.
• We are already on the boat! No need to go searching for it in troubled waters.

Elder W. Christopher Waddell

• Our ability to travel the route of life in peace depends on how often we think of Jesus and his plan for us.
• Not all trials will pass us by, but we can gain strength to withstand them.
• Walk in the meekness in My spirit, and you shall have Peace in me!
• Not every storm will change course, not every infirmity will be healed. These experiences are why we are here
• We. Will. Find. Peace!
• Learn of me and listen to my words. Walk in the meekness of my spirit. LEARN, LISTEN, and WALK.
• Point yourself towards Jesus Christ and you will find peace.
• Don't take up residence in the Great and Spacious Building. Stay under the life sustaining branches of the Tree of Life.
• Do not pay attention to those pointing their fingers of scorn in your direction. They cannot make you happy anyways.
• Stay with the Tree. Enjoy safety and peace. Don't wander in strange paths to be lost. Stand in Holy Places and Do. Not. Be. Moved.
• In the end. The Great and Spacious building will collapse. Will you be within its walls when it does?
• Even if you are now weighed down with Guilt, have faith, you can find Peace.
• Cry unto the Lord with all your heart, and you can find peace to your soul.
• You can find peace, but you must take action to do so!

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

• Fathers are fundamental to the great plan of happiness.
• There is great good that Men can do!
• Fatherhood is one of the greatest callings you can hold.
• As a Church we BELIEVE in Fathers. In a Man who Puts His Family First.
• Fathers are unique and irreplaceable.
• The key for Men is to be Fathers, for Children to Have Fathers, and for Society to Make Fathers.
• For men, Fatherhood exposes to you your own weaknesses.
• Fathers lay down their lives day by day in order to support and care for their families.
• Wherever there are Children there also should be Fathers there to Teach Them.
• Teaching the Gospel is a SHARED duty between Fathers and Mothers, but Fathers should lead out in making it a priority.
• Fathers should be there and present to help shape their children as they grow.
• Exercise particular care when disciplining your children. Your motivation must be with love, and have the guidance of the Spirit.
• Abuse is never justified. Teach in love
• Bread winning is a consecrated activity. Going to work is not inconsistent with fatherhood it's the essence of Fatherhood.
• Do. Not. Neglect. Your. Family. For. Your. Career!
• Strive to do your best to fulfill the Father role.
• Do better. Be better.
• You can become the generation where the divine plan for families truly takes shapes and blesses the generations after you.
• Prepare now for your roles as Father and Mother.
• Do more than perfecting your texting skills.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with people of all ages.
• Your righteousness is the greatest honor that any Father can receive.
• Let us press on. Let us lay aside the exaggerated notions of worldly culture and think of others.
• God bless Fathers and make them equal to it.

Elder Quentin L. Cook

• The Lord has prospered our people and has provided the resources and guidance for us to attend the temple.
• Does the joy of the gospel, of temple building have you up in the middle of the night jumping on the bed?
• See yourself in the temple!
• Don't let our imperfections be our focus for disqualifying yourself from entering the temple. Qualify yourself.
• The temple is achievable for everyone. It requires work from everyone. but everyone can get there!
• There is not one thing that the Lord can do for the salvation of the family that he has neglected to do.
• The Lord organizes Eternal Families ONLY in the Temples.
• In the Temple, we are ALL equal before God.
• The Temple can be a place of Refuge. A place of Tranquility and Peace from a World in commotion.
• Mirrors facing each other in temple remind us of eternity - going forwards and backwards!
• Until you have obtained the blessings in the Temple you have not obtained everything the church has to offer
• Can you see the Hand of the Lord evident in your life? Especially in the storms of your life?
• Never underestimate the assistance provided in the temples from the otherside of the veil.
• Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone in our Church.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

• Even if the Sirens of the World waken you from sleep, do not fear them. You have the Light of Christ by your side.
• The 'Jewel box' may be destroyed, but you can rebuild. In one night your life may be destroyed but it can always be rebuilt.
• What was once destroyed can be restored, even improved, but until we start to build we cannot see how beautiful it can become again.
• Scars may be a reminder of past wars and trials, but can also be a symbol of hope. The ability to rebuild life from the ashes.
• You can take the ruins, rubbles, & remains of a broken city you can rebuild it so that it becomes the brightest symbol in the city.
• There is no life so shattered that it cannot be restored.
• If man can takes a broken city to rebuilt an inspiring structure how much more capably is our Father to restore his children.
• Are you heeding the call of action? To bring back the lost sheep, to find those who are lost?
• Remember the work of the Good Shepherd. That he will always go out and find the one. Those who are lost.
• God is fully aware of the ones who are lost, he will reach out to them, he will find them, he will rescue them.
• The question is....does the lost sheep want to be rescued?
• The Sheep is worthy anytime to be rescued because it is loved by the Savior.
• Rejoice with me! For I have found my sheep that was once lost!
• Is there a catch to being rescued? NO! You just have to want to be rescued for he will not rescue you against your will.
• Do not despair. If you cannot muster faith right now, begin with hope."
• Are we all his lost sheep but at varying degrees of lost?
• It matters not how you became lost...what matters is that you are His child.
• As we increase in faith, we must also increase in faithfulness.
• There is nothing good unless you do it.
• Obedience is the lifeblood of faith. It is through obedience that we gather light into our souls.
• Obedience isn't an end, it's a means to an end.
• Don't let the dust and grime of the earth stain our souls.
• Obedience isn't a punishment. It's a liberating path to our divine destiny. Corruption/dust/limitations of earth will fall away.
• God sees us as we truly are. He sees us as Worthy of Rescue.
• If you will only lift up your heart to the Savior of the Lord and he will find you. He will lift you. He will carry you home

Sunday Afternoon

Elder Robert D. Hales

• The Light of Christ is given to everyone who enters into the world. It is in all things helping us distinguish from right & wrong.
• Personal revelation is essential but is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost.
• The Holy Ghost teaches us the peaceable things and leads us to do good.
• The Holy Ghost honors the principle of agency. He speaks to us gently about consequences but doesn't force us to choose. We choose.
• Faithfulness in commandments and covenants will protect us from being deceived. We will know the Holy Ghost from the Adversary.
• Remember, we cannot receive revelation for others. But we can receive it for ourselves.
• When I have the same dream, I will come and talk to you."
• Our desires won't always align to the Lord's will. Things won't happen exactly as we planned out.
• The Holy Ghost is not given to micromanage or control us. He is given to guide us, and help us.
• Be humble enough to accept personal revelation from the Lord, even when it doesn't align with our wants and desires.
• Lead others with love unfeigned, meekness, gentleness, kindness.
• The Holy Ghost is here to bless us all. To keep us safe. To help us return home.
• Pray to the Father, Listen to the Holy Ghost, Follow the Promptings you are given. And all will Work Out.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

• Remembering and Forgetting is a part of everyday life.
• Have confidence in the Lord's promises, covenants, and commandments.
• The Lord remembers and keeps all his promises.
• It isn't the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men.
• Life must be understood backwards but needs to be lived forward.
• Have you ever thought of yourself as your own living book of remembrance? What are you reflecting towards others about your life?
• The Lord’s hand is often clearest in our lives in hindsight.
• Become someone that others will remember when they most need help.
• Because of Thy faith in Christ, and remembering him, you can have your guilt swept away
• To be worthy does not mean to be perfect
• The Lord knows everything we don't want others to know about us. And Still Loves Us.
• Treat others better than they treat you. Sometimes you don't have the strength to do so by yourself, but you can find it in Christ.
• Always remember Him when you're wandering what you need to let go off and hold onto in life.
• When trust is betrayed...when we want justice but need mercy...we can always remember Him
• Sometimes you need to look at the old familiar things anew. As if its for the first time.
• We each grow through our imperfect participation.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• As members of the Church as a people, we don't have to look far back into the past to when we too were refugees.
• Focus on the People driven from their homes and countries due to wars. Not on policies about them.
• The Savior knows how it feels to be a refugee—He was one.
• Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
• Be a ministering angel, allocating limited supplies to limitless needs.
• Be careful that the stories of those in desperate need of help don't become commonplace and we become lax in service.
• Refugees will still need help even when the news forgets about them.
• Begin on your knees, then go to work.
• The ultimate aim is to help them return to an industrious, self reliant life.
• We must take a stand against intolerance and preach respect and tolerance for those who are different from us.
• Be a place where others can seek refugee from the storm.
• Being a refugee is a defining moment in their lives, but it should not define them or their lives.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

• We progress by making choices. To be tested we must be given opportunities and opposition to exercise our agency
• There must be an opposition in all things, if there wasn't, righteousness nor wickedness, good or bad, could be brought to pass.
• It's hard to do good, when you do not know sin.
• If Satan didn't tempt us, we wouldn't be agents.
• What is the point of Perfect Equality if we cannot know for ourselves? Grow for ourselves?
• Opposition enables choice. Opportunity to make the right choices that leads to the growth.
• Men are, that they may have joy.
• Opposition permit us to grow towards what our Heavenly Father would have us become.
• The Lord doesn't make it easy, but he will make it possible.
• Sometimes you have to fail multiple times in a row before you can succeed.
• We learn and grow and become refined through hard challenges, difficult choices, and sorrows
• Just because Zion prospers does not mean that all is well.
• There is no such thing as 'loyal opposition.' If you're loyal you wouldn't oppose.

Elder Kent F. Richards

• We need the Temple more than anything else.
• Everything we do in the Church is to prepare each of us to come to the Temple to receive all the Father's promised blessings.
• What greater joy can a family experience than to be together forever?
• Participate in the work both as patrons and workers.
• Bring into Temple work participants of ALL ages. Young and Old.
• The Blessings of the Temple are Priceless. No Sacrifice is too Great.

Elder Paul V. Johnson

• Someday we will be healed. Someday we will be whole. Our heart free of Fear. Our Minds free from anxieties.
• There is a cure. Jesus Christ holds it.
• The Resurrection is the ultimate cure.
• Heartbreak can be overwhelmed with Hope. All the promises of the Gospel are real.
• He can make us whole no matter what is broken in us.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

• Do you have any idea, inkling, or notion whatsoever of how much we love you?
• The Prophet and Apostles are fixed on you. You thrill them to the center of their soul
• Be your Best.
• You listen and you believe. You are the miracle of this Church.
• No one wants tomorrow to destroy the wonderful feelings we've had this weekend.
• It's inevitable after Heavenly moments in our lives we are returned to Earth to experience less than ideal circumstances.
• Some of us long for the prayerful solitudes of mountain tops.
• When you see limitations among others and yourself please don't be cast down in spirit and Don't Give Up!
• Satan tries to project his own miseries, limitations, and woes onto us. Don't Fall For it! We're better than he is. We can improve!
• We may not always succeed, but we can always work on improving ourselves.
• Please remember tomorrow, and all the days after, that the Lord blesses ALL those who WANT to Improve.
• Everyone stumbles. If you stumble, the savior is there to help you keep going. If you fall, get back up. Have the Savior help you.
• Keep going. Soon enough you'll have the success you seek
• It says again and again and again that we will be blessed for our DESIRE to do good, even as we strive to do so.
• Have the confidence to keep trying to improve.
• No matter how serious the trial, God will NEVER desert us. He NEVER has and NEVER will. He can't do it. It's not his Character.
• We may pass through the fiery furnace. We may pass through deep waters but we will not be consumed or overwhelmed.
• Heavenly Father WANTS to bless us. WANTS to help us. If we just let him we can receive blessings beyond number.
• Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Heaven is cheering you on. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
• God gives power to the faint.
• Sanctify yourself, for tomorrow God will do great wonders for you.

To read/watch/see these talks in full, please go check out: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04?cid=HP_SU_3-4-2016_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

Until you next see these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

186th Annual General Conference -Saturday Sessions

Saturday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring

• We are so grateful that you would join us. To get inspiration and feel the Spirit of Christ.
• We meet as if we're all together, in one great hall.
• By the power of the Spirit we can feel that the Savior is here, with us.
• Call upon the Savior. Draw near unto him and he will draw near unto you.
• You can find love everywhere. There are just some times where you have to work harder to find it.
• Are you treading upon rocky ground or have you found good soil to plant your seed?
• If you've fallen upon rocky ground, do not fret. Just keep digging. Find the good soil. You'll bring up fruit in time.
• Know that you have a good seed. It will grow. But you cannot grow without being tested.
• Be observant. Don't let the faith within yourself slowly wither.
• What kind of soil is your heart? Are you prepared to plant the word of God and help it grow?
• Satan is clever. He tells those he wishes to be miserable that the joy they once felt was childish self-delusion. Stand strong. It's no delusion. You can find joy again
• Be of good cheer. Do not fear. The Lord is with you. And will Stand by you.
• Receive the Word of Truth. But receive it by the Spirit of Truth.
• You more than listened to the prayer, you added your faith to the petition. You drew closer to Him.
• Sometimes I don't have the best soil so I'm grateful for experiences that fertilize my life
• Christ lives today. A God.
• Listen carefully to the testimonies born in this conference. You will feel closer to the Lord... Your prayers help!
• This is the only true church, and he is it's cornerstone and President Monson is his prophet.

Sister Mary R. Durham

• Sometimes we feel like we're in situations where we desperately need to find help, but aren't sure where to get it or how to survive.
• Don't let the millstones drag you under.
• If we are not careful the things of the world can drown out the things of the Spirit.
• There are going to be times in life when we feel alone & struggle desperately but we are not alone.
• We all experience a drowning feeling in life.
• ACT! Do not simply be acted upon.
• Trust the Spirit when you feel you are alone in the deep waters of life.
• Children have a natural desire to do good and to be good.
• The best place for spiritual immersion and education is in the Home.
• Keep your hearts open to the Lord's influence.
• We all learn differently. What works for another may not work for you. Be adaptable. Find how you learn best.
• Recognize what you're feeling, and then Act Upon It.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

• Who art thou? Behold! I am a Son (or Daughter) of God!
• Do not overlook the simplicity of confirmation
• I. Am. A. Child. Of. God.
• Our Earthly identities are not wrong, UNLESS they interfere with our identity as a Child of God.
• In real life, we face actual hardships and trials when things are different from what we planned.
• Remember who we are.
• You can have what you want.....or you can have something better.
• God allows us to suffer, because suffering can refine us to become better and more like God.
• Mortal life can be agonizing but our hardships have eternal purpose.
• Do you know how Firm of a Foundation you have?
• I will not. I cannot. Desert to his Foes. I'll never, no never, I'll never forsake.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

• Without the keys nothing can be done.
• Even if you have Great potential, without the proper keys you cannot reach your Full potential.
• Priesthood keys control the exercise of priesthood authority.
• Do we take for granted the Keys that have been restored on our behalf
• Can you see the relationship between Priesthood Keys and Blessings?
• A sweet tender mercy, miracles happen when we least expect them, but we find great Blessings from them.
• Temples are getting closer and closer to you.
• Go forward in Faith!
• The Lord will never leave you for long in the Bitter Cold.
• End where we Begin. Begin where we End.
• Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ.
• As you do these things, the Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself.

Elder Kevin R. Duncan

• At one time or another we will become victims due to the actions of others. Don't let them keep you down.
• We may have to be a victim once, but that doesn't mean we have to become a victim twice.
• Soften your hardened skin, and create an escape. Don't harbor the pain, but release it. Let yourself be healed. Become Free.
• Let Peace Be With You.
• The Lord compensates the Faithful for Every loss. Even a hundredfold.
• Remember we are all growing spiritually. We are all at different levels.
• We need to be understanding towards other's spiritual growth and forgive others.
• Too often we look at an offender like we would an iceberg. We only see the tip. We don't see the whole thing.
• To Forgive is NOT to Condone.
• We do not need to be judged by the Worst thing we've ever done.
• Do not develop resentment to others who think/act differently than we do.
• We all have people we know who have Saul like qualities with Paul like potential.
• I am not defined by the worst thing I've ever done.
• People who harm or offend us are often trapped by their own thinking Forgiveness is simple wisdom, an efficient use of spirit
• Live with Grace towards one another, and grace will be our reward.
• Let us rejoice in the Lord's offering to heal us all. His Atonement is for everyone. The Repenters and the Forgivers.
• Do. Not. Be. A. Victim. Twice.
• Break through the darkness of the world and enter in to the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Elder Steven E. Snow

• Some of the greatest Sermons are preached by Singing.
• Do not break the spirit by being Harsh and Unforgiving.
• Our genuine concern should be for the success of others.
• Don't become too full of yourself. A little humility will go a long way.
• Unnecessary Pride can destroy a lot of relationships.
• Simply living life can be a humbling experience.
• Trials change us. We will not be who we were before. But in the end it's worth it.
• Blessed are they who humble themselves without having to be compelled to be humbled.

Elder Dale G. Renlund

• The greater the distance between Giver and Receiver, the greater the likely hood for the Receiver to feel entitlement.
• The greater the distance from the Lord, the more entitled we feel.
• When we are close to the Lord, we are more accepting of his timing. We are less needy. Less likely to want it now.
• Do not be distant from God. Be close to Him. Know Him. Trust in Him.
• Murmuring is the scriptural equivalent to childish whining.
• Do not petulantly assume you need more.
• The Lord is not obligated to help you if you do not make the effort to ask for His help.
• If you feel that life is unfair, perhaps you've become too entitled.
• The direction we're heading is crucial.
• Do not be self righteous or fault finding.
• Whatever our direction or distance, we can choose to turn and draw closer to the Savior.
• Be built upon the Rock of the Savior. Not upon the Sand of Satan.
• No one is immune from life's challenges.
• Are your Eyes Opened to see the Savior?
• All that is unfair in life can be made right. Even if our present circumstances may not change.

Saturday Afternoon Session

Sustaining of Church Officers
Church Audit Report
Statistical Report

• Total Membership: 15,634,199
• Full Time Missionaries: 74,079
• Service Missionaries: 31,779

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

• I treasure your willingness to stand with me and all these great leaders.
• Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ.
• We need to help each other find Heavenly Father's answers through the guidance of the Spirit.
• Are we listening to their Counsel? Sometimes the answers are right in front of you.
• Be of Good Cheer. Do not Fear. For the I, the Lord am with you.
• Stand as a Witness of God. In all Times. In all things. In all Circumstances.
• Choose to follow the Lord. Hold Fast to the Iron Rod. Don't follow the World in it's spiraling direction downward.
• Your influence can reflect the light of Christ.
• No one goes his way alone.
• And Jesus said; COME.
• Will you leap over the side of the boat w/o hesitation? Or will you wait for a second invitation?
• The Lord will immediately reach out his hand to you and save you, if only you ask.
• Sometimes you need to leap without knowing the result. But you never need to do it alone.
• I pray that you will Reach out. Reach out and take the Savior's Hand.

Elder Neil L. Andersen

• You may not come from an ideal family. But the gospel is still true.
• God is my Father. He knows me. He loves me.
• A Child's spiritual DNA is perfect because they are a son or daughter of God.
• Open our arms and our hearts a little wider. Our time and our testimonies are needed desperately.
• Knowing someone’s name can make a difference."
• Do what you can when you can.
• Will we come running when invited to come forward? Despite our tatter clothing and bare feet, will we come?

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

• As we go to the rescue, God gives us power, encouragement, and blessings.
• We must not delay in going to the rescue. Even if we are afraid, take strength from the Lord.
• Sometimes you may want to just dive in, but you may want to make a plan first.
• Don't take so long coming up with a plan that your efforts in the end are in vain.
• Never give up. Rescue may seem in vain now, but it's never too late. No cause is too hopeless.
• If we put off spiritual promptings to reach out to those in need, we may miss the opportunity to help.
• Sometimes that "special someone" is someone you already know.
• Do not hesitate until the boat sinks. Immediately go to the rescue. Dive into the waters for the one lost sheep.
• No matter our age, capacity, calling, location, we are all called to go to the rescue.
• Reach out to rescue. We can do better.
• I know He Lives! I KNOW IT!

Elder Jairo Mazzagardi

• Why did the Restoration have to be here?
• Anywhere your spiritual eyes can be opened.
• Sometimes you find Spiritual experiences while you're alone. Other times it's while you're with the crowd.
• The Gospel thrives where all can speak freely. Truth stands on its own.

Elder David A. Bednar

• It's important to know the glory of God and taste of His Love.
• Baptism provides an important initial cleansing of our soul.
• Baptism is the channel and key to which the Holy Ghost will be able to flow unto you.
• Repent sincerely in order to be renewed spiritually
• Baptism is a point of departure. It's not a destination to be revisited over &over again.
• God doesn’t want us to only feel that amazing feeling of being clean once in our lives—they’re for our entire lives.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

• Family councils will always be needed.
• The irony of being parents is that we tend to get good at it once our children are gone.
• The family council is perhaps the most important of all councils. They always needed and, in fact, eternal.
• Unplug from the Electronics and Check in with Your Family.
• Don't be tempted to respond to a "Poke" from Facebook while you're hanging with your family.
• A Family Council may not always have a former beginning or ending.
• No matter what our particular family situation is, it is critical we understand each family member.
• We may share DNA with our family, but we may be vastly different from each other.
• Be seen as a staunch supporter.
• There was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed from worldly intrusion.
• With a few clicks and keystrokes the world can invade the home. But do not fear, there are ways to still provide shelter.
• Children desperately need parents who are willing to truly listen to them and their problems.
• I think it's important to note that family isn't restricted to blood relatives. Council with whoever you are close with.
• Couples need alone time, but children also need alone time with their parents.

Priesthood Session

President Russell M. Nelson

• You don't know the lives you've saved, and the hearts you've changed.
• You may have to be spiritually shattered first, in order to be rebuilt better, stronger, happier.
• Sometimes it takes visits from the otherside in order to get the work done.
• I wish each man would demonstrate the strength and courage to forgive and let go of old hurts and habits.
• I fear there are too many men who have been given the authority of the priesthood, but lack the power of the priesthood due to sins
• You need to work to have the power of the priesthood. It is not something that can be accessed without preparation.
• Do you care about your own desires more than the power from the Savior to bless others?
• We are here to qualify ourselves day by day for the positions Heavenly Father expects us to fill.
• Take the Priesthood seriously. Be diligent. Seek to be taught by the Savior.
• Only the man who has paid the price for priesthood power can bring about the miracles needed for the ones he loves.
• If you want to see a woman's heart melt, let her see you on the internet studying the doctrine of Christ, reading the scriptures.
• The Lord loves to do His teaching in His Holy House.
• If you truly want more priesthood power. You will cherish and care for women, embracing them and their counsel.
• Ask the Lord to teach you, and he will show you how to increase the access to His power.
• Brethren you have been given a sacred trust. The authority of God to bless others.
• Priesthood power can calm the minds and heal the fractures in the hearts of those we love.

Elder Stephen W. Owen

• Dad knows where he's going. If I follow him, I will be okay.
• You don't know how exhilarating the view is until you make it to the top.
• Jesus Christ is the Greatest Leader because he is the Greatest Follower.
• Leaders are meek, not mighty.
• Don't see the young men as they are, but as they become.
• Don't focus on their shortcomings, but on their good qualities, talents, attributes.
• If you are striving to become a follower of Christ then you can become a leader in helping others to follow him.
• Your ability to lead does not come from an outgoing personality, motivational skills, or even a talent for public speaking.
• Regardless of your calling, you are always a leader and always a follower.
• Isn't it inspiring to see an 'ordinary' young man accomplish the extraordinary?
• Whether you realize it or not, people are looking up to you.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

• While there may be value in decluttering our lives, when it comes to things of eternal importance it may not be worth it.
• Replacing the original with the modern isn't always the best idea when it comes to relationships of eternal significance.
• Strong marriage and family relationships don't happen because we're members of the church. It requires constant work.
• In so many societies, everything seems disposable. Even relationships. When it comes to things of eternity, this brings remorse.
• Love changes color and flavor over time. That doesn't mean it has to get sour.
• If there were a 'perfect woman' do you really think she would be that interested in you?
• Marriage should be like a good wine. It gets better over time.
• Marriages shouldn't focus on the small details of everyday life that are annoyances, but the overwhelming joys it provides.
• Do not search for the perfect spouse, but a potential spouse who can become perfect with you over time.
• No matter how flat your relationship is now, if you keep adding good pebbles of good qualities, a mighty pyramid will grow.
• It may be a gradual work, but it doesn't have to be a cheerless one.
• Divorce rarely happens when both spouses are happy. Choose to be happy.
• Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be -Abraham Lincoln
• If we look for the good, we will surely find it. Because everyone has many good qualities to them.
• Pull out the weeds and savor the Flowers.
• Save you Marriage. Save your Relationship with your Family.
• There are no perfect families. Every family has their awkward moments.
• Celebrate the differences.
• The beginning and the end of the solution is Charity.
• Pride exaggerates its own strength and ignores the virtues of others. Pride is selfish and is easily provoked.
• Pride is a common human failing, but it is NOT part of our spiritual heritage. It has no place here.
• The way you treat others around you, may influence generations to come. What legacy do you want to leave your posterity?
• Please be merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
• Is being right more important?
• Build bridges. Don't destroy them. Let love conquer pride.
• We all can be Saviors of strong marriages and families.
• The Savior won our souls with LOVE.
• As we emulate the savior's love he'll surely bless our efforts in our relationships.
• Even when you are not at fault...especially when you are not at fault, let love conquer pride.

President Henry B. Eyring

• Every major decision should be based on what will happen in Eternity.
• Because of your Faith, the powers of heaven will come to your defense in times of trial.
• How in the world can I rise to these challenges? First, put your trust in the Lord.
• Sometimes the best thing to penetrate the hardened heart is to be taught by a child.
• One small action can have huge eternal consequences.
• There is always something you can do, no matter how small. The priesthood carries power in faith
• In considering Marriage, do so wisely.
• Be the best possible parents. Be Clean. Be Pure. You owe your (future) children that.
• The most important work that you will ever do for the Lord will be within the walls of your own home.
• Small acts can bring about great happiness and blessings in eternity.
• You have been faithful over a Few things. Because of that I will make you Rulers over Many things.

President Thomas S. Monson

• A common thread binds us together. We have been called to bear the Priesthood of God and act in His name.
• Ours is the responsibility to guard and protect the Priesthood. To be worthy.
• Remember. Wherever you go, your Priesthood goes with you.
• Consider the Consequences. Remember who you are & who God expects you to become. You are a man of might. A Son of God.
• You have the Priesthood. Command the Rescuers to Pick You Up!
• You are a Chosen Generation. A Royal Priesthood.

To watch/listen/read the General Conference talks in full you can find them at: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04?lang=eng

Until you next read these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi

System Failure

It was one of those days, yesterday, that I automatically expected to not go good.
Why?
Because we had important people coming into the store to visit.
Which means, yah, stress. Stress everywhere as the managers go totally crazy trying to get the store looking presentable, worrying about being fired, being hard on you for not getting tasks done quicker, etc.
I was expecting this. To be stressed.
So I was remarkably unstressed.
Until my coworker came in saying that she needed to leave an hour and a half earlier than she'd told me she had to leave earlier in the week....which was right as the store opened.
Not good. Because that would leave me BY MYSELF for the entire time that the High and Mighty visitors were going to be in the store. Which would make it even more difficult to get opening tasks done on time, before the store opened, because since I would be by myself, and I wouldn't know for sure if I could take breaks while the Higher Uppers were there, it meant I would need to take my lunch super duper extra early. :S Yikes.
Stress.
Stress.
And then my coworker told me she'd been wrong and I'd been right on the times.
*sigh of relief*
Stress went down a notch as she stayed an hour and a half later than what she'd told me when she came in. Which allowed us to get mostly everything done.
Everything but scrubbing the fish tanks, which I ended up having to do....which took me forever to do because I've managed to not have to do scrubbing (due to my arm issues) since basically January....
-I only used my right arm, the injured left arm remained nice and dry.-

In any case.
With one thing and another and customers taking forever, and our in store phones being toddlers and turning off and dying every ten seconds....
I didn't find the opportunity to finally take a second break until an hour before my shift was off.
Which, in reality, I could have just said "bag this" and gone straight through to the end. (I did take lunch at 10am, and had been on my feet for like 4 hours after that point.) I took a chance at seeing one of my associates coming in who was due to be on register, but I asked and got him to cover me for a short 15 minute break. Just to give me a chance to put my feet up.....

And that's when disaster struck.
Maybe it was meant to be that I was supposed to be on break at this time.
As who knows what would have happened, if I'd ended up in the back area behind our fish tanks....
Maybe I would have decided to do some dishes after finishing with my bug shipment test, maybe I would have been back there checking on something.
Who knows, maybe I would have just been out on the floor....

But in any case.
About halfway through my break.
I heard the call for my department to come up to the register.
My coworker would have to get it. Since I was on break.
Two minutes later, coworker was called by name to the register.
Again, didn't think much of it. Probably an impatient customer.

Five minutes later, I came out onto the floor,
To discover disaster had struck.

I hadn't heard anything in the breakroom.
But apparently, my manager on the register heard this *pop* and the sound of running water.
He'd assumed that my coworker had turned on the water in the back.
And didn't think much of it.....beyond that it was abnormally loud...
Until someone...maybe him? Saw water flowing out from under our tanks.
The back was flooding!!
Uhoh!!
Majorly flooding!

I, clueless, came into the back, hearing multiple manager voices back there. -Oh, seeing the huge puddle of spilled water spreading halfway down one of our aisles in my dept. first.
Being rather confused. Because I knew the water hadn't been turned on when I'd gone on break. And how in the world could my coworker manage to flood the department in 15 minutes?! That had to be a record!

But no.
What happened was that one of our UV Sterilizers. (things that you know...sterilize the water so that algae shouldn't grow...if I understand that right....)
Had split.
-It's a blue plasticity verticle tube. There are like 12 of them for our system.
But it had a nice big long crack in it.
Apparently it had been spraying water like crazy! I mean, random things six feet away from the tubes had been soaked/filled with water. (lucky me, I'd happened to seal up the food stuff nearby so none of that got ruined. yay!) That's how hard it was spraying. I could only imagine......
And the managers were all back there, using our scrubbing machine to suck up most of the water, trying to figure out if they could by pass the system  -as we had to turn off the entire water system to stop the flooding from the back.
Which....is bad.
Since the water system gives fresh flowing water to our fish.....
I mean, they can go a few hours without the water for sure.
A while back when we couldn't stop our old system from leaking like crazy we had to turn it off at night and the fish were fine....but this...kinda seemed more of an emergency....If we couldn't have the water on at all without a huge mess.
I mean....in retrospect I suppose we could have taken some tape or something and patched the hole that way (probably wouldn't have lasted long. lol)
But the managers were trying to get our fix-it company to come and get the system fixed ASAP -though we were told it could be up to a day before they could.
:S Yikes.

And this all happened at the end of my shift!
So I had to leave work yesterday without knowing what had happened! Gah!
But. A slight silver lining....as if things had gone according to plan, I would have not been at work for the next four days....so wouldn't have known what happened.....
But a coworker called out today, and since I was short on hours (as I hadn't asked for today off, but they'd given me today off.) and the asked me if I would cover her shift....I came in today to do so.
Which meant I got to see if the system was fixed or not!

The answer?
Basically a person came in and gave us a patch job. A band aid. A temporary fix until they could get parts ordered, or something I suppose.
Which involved cutting the cracked tube in half (so only the top portion remained.) and putting a seal over the bottom portion to keep water from flowing up.

All fixed!!
Kinda....
Somewhere in there....our electrical part of our system was disconnected.
Which means.....we can't turn off the fish system now by pressing a button. :S
Not a big deal....
We usually turn off the system to feed the fish easier (so the food doesn't just get swept immediately into the back.) But we can still feed the fish with the system off.
No...the main concern without being able to turn the system off is that we can't unplug any plugged nozzles bringing fresh water into the tanks, not without getting soak and potentially flooding the department. :S

Sooo hopefully when they come back with the 'real fix' they'll fix the electrical panel as well so we can turn off the system again. :)
Who knows when that will be....but hopefully soon. :)

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi