The Secret Project Part 1a

Welcome one and all.
To the Secret Project.

What is the Secret Project?

Well...it's a comic. :)

The Secret Project is a story that follows the adventures of Sarnic
(yah...I was totally creative with the naming ;) lol) 
as she gathers up a team of superheroes, to help her to complete her 'secret project'
Her project is secret, because there are those....you know evil bad guys....who want to harm her, and destroy her project.

Yes, this is a double edged sword concept.
The First Secret Project is the comic itself. :)
The Second Secret Project is the project Sarnic needs help in completing.
-Yes the comic character Sarnic...does have a little basis off of myself. lol :)

So how does the Secret Project Comic work?
Well.
There is one overall story.
Sarnic gets superheroes to help her.
But the story starts in five different places.
Coincidentally it starts with the meeting of each superhero.
And these superheroes, happen to be the favorite superheroes of a group of my friends back in my hometown. For I created The Secret Project Comic to basically stay in contact with them and have occasional comics of joy be sent their way.
-I did this to give friends a moment of cheer since I can't really drive up at the drop of a dime to see them. :( :) So this was my solution! Even though I consider myself to just be a doodler comic wise, I do recognize that I can draw people...even if I haven't yet mastered all the different shadings and such. So they're simplified. I wasn't going to let my lack of 'I am so awesome I get paid for my art that looks like someone took a picture of it' artwork stop me from attempting to brighten a friends day. :)

The Secret Project!
Below is Part 1.

The First Superhero: Green Lantern





You might be wondering what a friend test is.

A friend test, is when you run up to an unsuspecting person, yell out "Friend Test." And jump at them. -your expectation is to be catched.

If the person catches you, then they are a friend.

If the person does not catch you, then they are not a friend. :)

Sarnic decided to use the friend test as a way to see if the superheroes could be trusted.

-The comic Sarnic is considered by others in her community to not be completely sane. ;) She thinks in different ways.

  

I do admit, that I feel my ability to draw scenery...is still elementary level....so I kept things to the bare minimum. The scene: Green Lantern is sitting in a park. On a concrete bench surrounding a fountain.

Unlike the rest of the superheroes Sarnic will meet; she actually already knows the Green Lantern. They are friends of a sort. She doesn't know his secret identity, but they have been friends for a while. She called him up, and asked him to meet her at the park. 

 A random side note: Do you know how hard it is to draw the same character four times in a row? Having never drawn the same character before...it was hard. lol :) to get the person to look basically the same...when they switch sides and such...hard. :) lol



<-The bubble says: I love it when you do that.























This was known as Phase 3 of my Secret Project.

I had a total of 10 Phases.

Phases 1-5 were drawing each superhero.
Phase 6 was to write in the title of the comic and the dialogue
Phase 7 was to photocopy the comics (I have the originals)
Phase 8 was to create a "welcome to the secret project letter"
Phase 9 was to address envelopes and enclose letter and comic inside.
Phase 10 was to mail it off. :)

If you're wondering why the 'start of the story' was Phase 3, its because I randomly picked which superhero to do when. :) And I didn't decide that Phase 3 was the start of the story until later, after the first 2 comics were drawn. :)
And plus....when I come up with plans...I don't always think them through fully.
Basically I'm making this up as I go. :)  
So new elements can be introduced at any time. ^^

  So again, welcome to the secret project. :)
The next four comics will be put up soon.

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

The Dream

There was more to this, but all I really remember.
Is that I had a bunch of ropes...and I was climbing up and down an elevator shaft.
Tying the ropes, I think I had five....to something...someone?
At one point as I was climbing, I had a rope in my mouth so that my hands would be free.
When I felt a weight.
I looked down and there was a person...I don't think he was a good guy....hanging from the rope. He was wearing a suit and tie.
I could feel the rope jerking in my mouth. and felt it pulling against my teeth.
I was feeling one come loose.
Sooo I let go of the rope to save my teeth.
And the guy plummeted...

Then the unholy tones of daylight pulled me away....
And I became myself again.

S.N.D

Time Blessings

This past week, has been rather stressful....
I think I've said this before...like every post...
but its true.
For I had a test.
A philosophy test.
Which wouldn't be that bad....
except it was an essay test.
XP As much as I love to write...I really dislike writing essays.
Its not that I'm bad at them,
I actually do pretty well....even if I feel its crap, I still get good grades.
No...what I dread about Essay tests...
Is the start.
I have a hard time figuring out how to "Introduce" my essays.
Sometimes I'll just sit there for like an hour before I finally write an intro.


So I really wasn't looking forward to this test.
Especially because it halfway snuck out of nowhere.
Monday...I looked online...and saw that our Philosophy test started...Tuesday...and it would go until Thursday.
I definitely couldn't take the test on Tuesday, since it was Monday night...and I have classes from 10am-5:15pm.
So I planned to study Tuesday and then for an hour or two on Wednesday. Because I have nothing after 1pm...
except I did. I had two meetings both for Publicity.
One at 4pm with the Teacher Advisor
One at  5:30pm with the committee.
And I knew that It would probably take me 2 hours to take the test.
So class ends at 1....meeting at 4. That would mean if I wanted to take the test before 4...I would only be able to study for an hour.
But, I decided that I could skip the Teacher Advisor meeting and that would let me study til 2 or 3...then I could come back and meet with the committee at 530...
But plans didn't work out.
At 1pm...I went to the school bookstore to get a 'green book' for my written exam -lined paper in a booklet that I can write on. And I smelt Subway....oh it smelt good...it tasted good in my mind...I really wanted "real food" because in school I've been living off crackers and nuts...and...basically non sandwich stuff. But there was a line....however upon returning to the institute I ran into Kikay..and she basically said GO GET SUBWAY!! So I did. I got a foot long and split it with her. It was delicious!!
By then it was almost two pm. I figured no big...I wasn't going to go to the meeting at 4. I could study.
But it seemed like the world was working against me yesterday.
For....I had downloaded some PowerPoint's the teacher used so I could go over them easier, without trying to read my notes (which weren't written in the best handwriting half of the time)...but when I went to open them on my laptop in the institute (I have a quiet corner there where I study for most of my tests.) I couldn't find them anywhere...apparently I saved them in a temporary drive somewhere...and they disappeared.
I figured no big deal right? I would just go to the office, get the Institute password and log into the Internet and get the PowerPoint's....
Yah! Only one problem....the Internet went down. So no access :(
So I dithered for a moment, I didn't want to just use my notes because I knew the teacher had skipped over a few slides and I wanted to see what they said, and they might have important details that I would need for this big and scary and unknown written test.
What did I do?
I took the car, drove home, downloaded the PowerPoint's...made sure I saved them in the right place then went back to the institute, got in my spot and went to study!
I went through the 8 presentations once....and my notes once...then decided I would rest my eyes for a minute...I put on some music to distract my mind telling myself I would listen to three songs...and twenty minutes I woke up. By this point it was 3:30....and I was like...well I guess I'll go to my 4pm meeting. Soo I went through the slides and notes again real quick.
Went to the meeting.
Tried to study in the half hour between meetings.
Did the other meeting.
And an hour later....basically decided that I was screwed lol.
Why then...did I not say "lets just take it Thursday. you still have one more day!"
Well...the testing center has a policy (voted on by students/student government...idk before I went to college) that the last day of a test...you have to pay $3 in order to take the test.
So if the test was three days long. the first two days would be free, the last day would cost you.
Before this point I've only had to pay $3 once...last semester for an anatomy quiz...because...I think I wasn't feeling well or something...stress factored into it.
Sooo while I was studying between the meetings...I was going over the pros and cons in my mind.
I totally wasn't ready to take the test Wednesday. I couldn't remember the terms two minutes after I'd studied them...I felt...like I would miss the point because I didn't know each philosophers arguments well enough. Plus...I was just tired and I had homework due today that needed to be done as well.
So with a heavy heart...because I hadn't wanted to pay the $3...I decided that I would take the test Thursday afternoon. -after my last class at 5:15.
lol I called my mom to vent my frustration and look for comfort that I was making the right choice to push back the test another day...and after that reassurance...I walked home...plotting.
I needed to change something so that I would get everything done in time.

I came home, and grabbed my criminal justice book and opened it up, without turning on the laptop.
-usually I turn on my computer first...but yesterday I decided I would do my homework first for once, then do my blog. My goal was to do my blog at 11pm after I finished all my homework.
So I read my chapter in Criminal Justice. -I mentioned the laptop because each chapter is divided in half over two days so I would only need to read half the chapter. But that would involve turning on the laptop to go see how many pages I would need to read....so I just decided to read the whole chapter and avoid getting distracted by Internet stuff. An hour later...because I read and multitasked by making dinner. I finished my chapter...and turned on the computer to input that I had read the reading on the class website.
While I was waiting for my computer to boot up...I decided to 'take a break' and do something else. That something else was laundry. Then I inputted reading information, I did an ASL critique, and then read philosophy homework and wrote a paper that was due tomorrow.
I got it all done....about 11:06pm. :) I could have been done sooner...but Kikay came home and we had a nice chat to help calm our stressed lives. lol.
Basically I did my blog....and went to bed at midnight.
I had been planning to be done by like 10 and study philosophy til midnight....didn't happen. I bagged studying since I was tired and went to bed instead of staying up another hour or two.
Instead I got up an hour or so earlier then normal and went over my notes and skimmed through the book and wrote down some more notes before going to school.
Periodically throughout the day I would glance at my notes...
while stressing over other things.
I found out that the test was supposed to be done by 1pm..when my philosophy class starts...
but I hadn't been planning to take it til 5:30!!
But the guy I was talking to, said that the teacher had extended the test til Friday and that if I talked to the teacher and let her know I was planning to take the test.
So that's what I did.

But here comes the important part. The Blessing of Time.
For if it was true that the test was extended til Friday....which it was true....
That meant...I may not need to pay to take the test!
I couldn't remember for sure. i knew that 3 days one day would cost. 5 days...i think the last 2 days cost...but 4 days it could have gone either way...but I was thinking that only Friday would cost..
and I was right!
I was totally blessed.
Because I didn't need to pay $3 to take the test! ^^ That made me really happy.
Also, the guy who told me that the test was extended til Friday...also said that if I knew the terms, and knew the basic arguments..then I would be good to go take the test. He said that it wasn't that bad.
but he's the Philosophy club president, so I took that information with a pinch of salt lol :)
But it was the confidence he had, that I was ready to take the test, that was a real boost to me.
It too was a blessing, because it gave me the impression that studying more wouldn't help me. I either knew it or I didn't. So I went through my notes one last time, then waited somewhat impatiently for another two classes to get done with before going to take that test.

And I finished it ^^ in two hours. I didn't struggle to start most of the essays...that didn't mean I started writing right away, I would sit and consider what I wanted to say, then I would say it. :)
And walla!
I'm done with my test! Finally! ^^ lol.
I'm so grateful that I had the time to take the test, that I wasn't stressed, that it didn't cost me money, and for the vote of confidence the philosophy club president had for me.
In the end.
It was a good day. ^^
I'm just really happy that my decision to delay the test another day, actually worked out for me, and I had very little problems pop up today ^^ for which I am glad.
I'm grateful that the teacher decided to extend the test for whatever reason she did, that she was inspired to extend it so that I would not have to pay for that was a high concern that I decided to sacrifice in order to take the test...
yah it was just a day of blessings ^^  

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

It's a Perk Me Up Goal

Today in my Teachings of the Living Prophets Institute class,
we went over the talks President Monson gave during Conference.
Because the printed versions of the talks weren't available yet...(they should be available now)
we were able to listen to portions of the the talks.

It was amazing.

I've been struggling the past couple of days.....
Why?
Lack of Sleep.
And I found myself trying to stay awake during Institute (and my other classes today)
It was difficult.
But listening to the Prophets voice.
It sent a thrill of wakefulness through me.
Because his voice was soothing, confident, and I loved watching his facial expressions.

Basically...He made me smile. Through his stories and the things mentioned above.
And I find when i get excited about something, where I genuinely smile....
I'm able to 'wake up' and get more into things.

It was a good wake up call....though it only lasted for like an hour....then I was sleepy again.

However, I think....if I'm able to.
I may start listening to some conference talks in the morning as I'm getting ready for school.
Since the morning is when I'm at my sleepiest, having just woken up.
And Perhaps hearing the words of those who spoke during conference...will wake me up.
Get me energized for the day.

lol....I actually couldn't understand before today, why people would listen to conference talks in the morning. My reaction was along the lines of: O.o why would you do that?

But now...I got a glimmer of understanding.
It can be the right way to begin the day. By bringing your thoughts towards the Lord first thing in the morning.
However, :(....I don't think i can start it tomorrow like I want to. :(
For its rather difficult to study for a test (AHHH!!!okaynowimgood) when voices are talking in the background lol :)

But I will try it out at least. Sometime soon. :)

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

----Lagged

I've often noticed that the couple of days after a really good thing....like General Conference, seem to be....rather worse. Not from depression or anything. For I found Conference to be rather good...
Its just my days don't seem to go as smoothly. Or something I think is right...ends up actually being wrong.
Today...was a day for being tired. I was awake, I was moving, my brain was functioning, but there was a tightness to my eyes and a tiredness in body that made it a more difficult day. I just wanted to sleep. And...I did for like 20 mins...soon I will sleep more :) lol.
Anyway...there ended up being a bit of an 'emergency' at the institute...
emergency meaning- HEY! We have to Get these Posters Up NOW!!!
Yep...it popped out of the blue. So I chose to go help...and skipped a class I didn't think we were having because it was a review day....apparently it was a review day where the teacher went over the test....I missed it. :( Hopefully I still do good for it...when I study....at some point...when I have time...tomorrow...for I need to take it tomorrow....ugh. I'll stop thinking about that.
Its just odd. It wasn't a bad day....sure there were a few unpleasant surprises...like a pop quiz in class on a chapter I hadn't gotten the chance to read due to other circumstances being what they were.
Yah...I actually halfway expect the week after something good to be a bit harder...
I guess its a 'follow the spirit' test. How faithful will you be after such an awesome experience. Or..now that you remember...will you do it...
I don' t know :)

I just know this....
I am tired. Where is a long weekend when you need one? lol :)

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

Editor's Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, post is set to 11:59pm for Oct 4th. Actually written about 12:10am of Oct 5th

Out of the Ashes

This past conference, in the Saturday Morning Session, President Thomas S. Monson announced the building of new temples. Among those new temples mentioned in South Africa, Columbia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and France...a murmur was heard coming from the crowd as President Monson Announced: That the Provo Tabernacle in Utah....would be restored and would become the second temple in Provo, Utah due to the high demand currently being placed on the first Provo, Utah temple.

I was frankly, Overjoyed. I was overcome with tears. I was literally crying in happiness when I heard this news. Why? Because they were going to rebuild the Tabernacle!



You see, I loved to go visit the tabernacle. It was a very cool building with its towers and awesome interior. 

My family would come to the Tabernacle about once a year and sit and listen to the music of the Utah Premiere Brass Band because I had an Uncle who played in this band. There was always a unique feeling to being inside the tabernacle, even though the benches were somewhat uncomfortable...I enjoyed sitting and looking. I always wanted to sit on the balcony because I had basically never seen that before in a church. -because I viewed the Provo Tabernacle as a church. Sadly, I never got the chance. :(

In December of last year, Fire broke out. And all that was left basically were the exterior walls. Priceless items and architecture were lost that night. Though luckily no lives since it happened in the a.m. hours of the morning. 

It was heartbreaking to see the devastation. All those beautiful stain glassed windows were destroyed. Though I was happy to see that the four towers still stood...it was depressing to look at. A great treasure of Provo...lost. 

Every time I had to drive past this now gutted building, I mourned. And I wondered. What was going to happen to this once beautiful building? Was the rest of it going to be torn down, and something else built up in its place? Or were they going to rebuild the tabernacle, and try to bring it to its former glory? 

I seriously didn't know. But I heard from someone, somewhere...that the braces they had -you know the construction platforms that cover buildings under construction? yah those...the ones they had...were basically the strongest things out there. And the person commented, that they wouldn't have gone through the effort of placing in those braces if they weren't going to rebuild. So hope nestled in a tiny corner of my heart. They would rebuild. 

But then. Oh joy! The news that they were going to rebuild it finally came! I know of many people who cheered when they heard the news. Some cheered so hard, that they missed the next part of the announcement. It was going to become a temple. The second temple in Provo. 

I literally cried from joy.

And I had this flash of inspiration come to me...an...analogy..metaphor...something like that.

The Tabernacle before the fire...could be thought of as the world before Christ comes again.

But then the cleansing fire will come to 'get rid of the impurities'

And will emerge in celestial glory. As a temple to the Lord. Where saving ordinances can be done.

It was a heart pounding moment when I realized this. That the Tabernacle had basically achieved celestial glory.



I can't wait to see the progress of the building of the temple (artist's rendering pictured above) over the next couple of years. For I still drive by the site every now and then. I definitely can't wait to go inside those walls once more. Though it will have a different purpose, I still look forward to going inside. :)

But that was not the end of my joy.

For another temple was announced that I didn't mention in the beginning of this blog post.

And it brought another thrill of excitement to my soul and made me hyper with joy and yes...more tears of happiness were shed.

For there will be a Temple built in Star Valley, Wyoming.

Some of you may be wondering why this is significant to me.

Well one...it will be the First temple in Wyoming.

And two....its a childhood home of mine. :) My mom grew up in Star Valley, and we would spend many a Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and other vacations up there visiting cousins and the grandparents, while eating peas and berries outside.

So it was awesome to hear that there would be a temple built in my Mom's hometown :)

Because since my grandparents died...our visits up there have been far and few in between. For there isn't much to do in Star Valley....besides be with family and hike around. lol :) So perhaps the building of the temple up there will mean a few more trips back up there. ;) For I do, some days, find myself missing the place.

It was even more awesome when my mom commented...that there had already been a spot dedicated in Star Valley years and years ago for the building of a temple.  -I think it might have been back when the valley was first settled. And that she was happy to know that the temple there would be built in her lifetime. :)  It will be interesting to see if the spot chosen to build the temple is the same one that is dedicated.

Overall...my heart was overflowing with joy and my eyes were overflowing with tears, and I had a huge smile on my face the rest of Saturday. lol and I admit that I was soo

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi



181st Semiannual Sunday Conference Highlights

The following blog post contains: thoughts, feelings, and quotes from the Morning and Afternoon Sessions of the 181st Semiannual Sunday General Conference. :)

Song and the Spoken Word
     ~Don't hold onto grudges. Let them go. Learn to forgive.
     ~It may be the hardest work we do to forgive others, but its wroth it. We'll be better off because of it.

President Henry B. Eyring
     ~Every member of the church has the same sacred charge: to take upon his name to be a witness of him, to do service in his name. If you do this you will be blessed with Eternal Life.
     ~We promise to:
          1. Be Charitable
          2. Be a Witness of God
          3. Endure
     ~All who give service and all who receive it will feel the love of God.
     ~The work may be hard, but it is a happy work.
     ~In time, feelings of charity will become a part of your very nature.
     ~Be a bold witness of Jesus Christ, even in peril.
     ~Follow your duty, even if others would rather you didn't fulfill it.
     ~The Book of Mormon will effect your character and from the examples in the book you can find power to do God's will.
     ~Teach with increased conviction.
     ~Having joy will give you the strength to endure to the end.
     ~Have a fixed determination. Be ready to follow the Savior's commandments to the end.
     ~Be filled with charity constant and faithful.

Elder Robert D. Hales
     ~You will suffer severe temptations, fight against them. Be strong. God is with you.
     ~Why do we have trials and tribulations when we're trying to do Heavenly Father's will?
     ~Even when you appear to be alone, exercise faith. Believe in your Heavenly Father, fallow his will.
     ~The purpose of our life here on earth is to grow, develop and be strengthened, to learn for ourselves, and have experiences.
     ~It is to see if we will exercise agency to follow him.
     ~Endure through the night.. Joy will come in the morning.
     ~Waiting upon the Lord = Hope. Anticipation. Trust.
     ~Wait upon the Lord = ponder in your hearts. learn to continue in patience.
     ~Wait upon the Lord = stand fast. press forward in faith. Rely alone on the merits of Christ.
     ~Always bear a powerful testimony even when everything appears to be lost.
     ~"I will trust Him."
     ~Prayers may not be answered right away because you are not ready. Answers to your prayers can be given to you line upon line. Here a little and there a little.
     ~Sincere prayer is answered sometime, somehow. His answers will come.
     ~The Lord loves us more then we understand.
     ~Let us be kinder to each other. And even more kind to ourselves.
     ~"Watch with me."
     ~His angels are here, surrounding us. Ready to bear us up when we need support.
     ~Wait upon him. Press forward in Faith.

Elder Tad R. Callister
     ~There is no middle ground with the Book of Mormon.
          -It claims to be the word of God. Do you believe it is or it isn't?
     ~Same with the Savior. There is no middle ground. You either believe he is the Savior or not.
     ~If Satan is divided against himself...how can he stand?
     ~There is one Lord. One Faith. One Baptism.
     ~The Book of Mormon is from God.
     ~You haven't researched the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints enough if you haven't read every page of the Book of Mormon.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton
     ~How does a father raise his daughter?
     ~The most important thing a Dad can do for a daughter is to love the mother.
     ~Your example will teach her what she should look for in a husband.
     ~Love her mother, honor her, respect her. Show your daughter that your marriage is eternal.
     ~Live after the manner of happiness.
     ~Don't let anything come in the home that will cause your commitments to God to falter.
     ~Live in a way that you're always worthy to go to the temple.
     ~Stay close to your daughter. Spend time with her. She will remember and cherish those moments you spent together.
     ~Preside over the family with love and laughter.
     ~You are guardians of your home, wife and family.
     ~Be the guardians of virtue. Have clean thoughts and pure actions.
     ~Lead the world in a return to virtue. To be able to do this, you must practice virtue yourself.
     ~Your personal virtue will show what true strength and courage are.
     ~Let your daughter know your dreams, standards, and expectations.
     ~Modesty is a protection for young women.
     ~If the daughter is late getting back from a date, go get her. Show her you care.
     ~Give your daughters priesthood blessings for they are connected with the power of heaven. This power can be controlled through righteousness in the Lord.
     ~Spend time with your daughter.
     ~Raise your daughters so that their sons can become like the two thousand stripling warriors.
     ~"Be loyal to the royal within you."
     ~You have been entrusted with Heavenly Father's royal daughters.

Elder M. Russell Ballard
     ~The Savior's name is the only name under which we can be saved.
     ~"How can it be my church unless it is called in my name? If it is called in my name then it is my church."
     ~Saints are those people who seek to follow the Lord and covenant with him.
     ~No polygamist church (no matter what name it goes by) has any affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
     ~Mormon is an acceptable nickname for members of the church. For the church as a whole, use the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

     ~It's our responsibility to proclaim his name through the church.

President Thomas S. Monson
     ~Pray that you may be guided in your words as you speak to others.
     ~Behaviors once considered inappropriate are now tolerated and even are considered acceptable.
     ~The world believes that morality is a past thing.
     ~Morality and our conscience is there to guide us. We are responsible for our actions.
     ~The Laws of God remain constant. They have not changed. They will not change.
     ~The Ten Commandments are a Code of Conduct. The are definitive. They are non negotiable.
     ~There is nothing that can bring more joy in our lives or peace to our souls except the Holy Ghost as we follow the Lord's commandments.
     ~The natural man can refer to any of us if we let it come into our lives and don't fight it.
     ~Have the love of the Savior in our hearts.
     ~The work of righteousness = peace =quiet assurance.
     ~Don't let a day pass by without taking the time to communicate with your Father in Heaven in prayer. By doing this you will get inspiration and guidance in your life.
     ~Inspiration and guidance is a free gift...you only have to ask for it to receive it.
     ~Learn to Recognize. Trust. Follow the promptings felt.
     ~Follow the promptings of the spirit you receive even if it is contrary to all physical evidence.
     ~Stand in holy places and be not moved as the winds of change surround you.

Elder Russel M. Nelson
     ~Keep sacred covenants Honor temple covenants.
     ~Patriarchal blessings can tell of the future, but can also connect to the past.
     ~The Lord is counting on us to gather Israel.
     ~We are children of the covenant. We know who we are and what is expected of us.
     ~We remain steadfast even in the face of adversity.
     ~The church has been restored to bless ALL of Heavenly Father's children.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
    ~If you know Christ, you should know Heavenly Father. He that has seen Christ, has seen the Father.
     ~Christ honored the Father and followed him. Honor your father and mother. Learn from their examples.
     ~Devils are even subjected to Jesus's name.
     ~He will guide us into all truth.
     ~Do away with contentious thoughts and actions.
     ~Keep walking with Christ even when the path gets hard.
     ~Examine yourselves as to whether you be in the faith.
     ~There is no middle ground.
     ~Desire: Ask (and receive), Seek (and find), Knock (and it will be given.)
     ~Obedience: To do the will of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Elder Matthew O. Richardson
     ~Even if you leave your mission, your mission never leaves you.
     ~Become "Real" in every aspect of your life.
     ~Teach by the Spirit. Not in front of the Spirit (depending on yourself only) or Behind the spirit (winging it.)
     ~How is your alignment? Are you in sync with the spirit, using your energy to the best of your abilities? Or are you wasting energy because you are being dragged from behind?
     ~1. Holy Ghost teaches individuals in a personal way.
          -Teach people, not lessons.
          -Focus on what the people, you are teaching, need to know and do.
          -Pause to Listen.
     ~2. Holy Ghost inspires us to act. -Lead, Guide, Show.
     ~The Holy Ghost can't learn, feel, or act for us. It facilitates. You need to take action.
     ~Don't focus on how far you need yet to go. Look back and see how far you have come.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita
     ~Your attitudes and the love you show others are very significant to those watching.
     ~Have your actions invite the spirit. Impart the Love of God.
     ~Things to bring with you on a mission:
          1. A desire to preach the gospel. -Go to the rescue of others.
          2. Deliver your Testimony
          3. Love others
     ~Missionaries are called by the Lord.

Elder Randall K. Bennett 
     ~Don't let deceptiveness -that it seems easy, that you are confident nothing can happen to you- drag you into danger.
     ~Ask for help. You don't need to exhaust yourself before calling out.
     ~Help is always in the wings waiting to come to your rescue.
     ~When you pick a choice, you choose a consequence as well.
     ~You can't choose both the safety of righteousness and the dangers of the world.
     ~We will all face adversity. We will all fight temptations. We will all make mistakes. We will all be able to fix our errors and come back to Christ.
     ~Correct your small errors Early. The longer you wait, the larger the errors will become and the longer it will take to get back on course. Change now before the path back gets even more difficult.
     ~Your eternal destiny isn't the result of chance, but of choice.

Elder J. Devn Cornish
     ~God hears all prayers, Both Major and Minor.
     ~Things that are important to us become important to Him.
     ~You need to ask, for he will not infringe on your agency.
     ~Avoid repetitions in prayer.
     ~Be honest with asking things of God.
     ~Let go of our hurts and turn them over to Him.
     ~Do not forget to ask the Lord to protect and be with you.
     ~Doing things the Lord's way will make us happier then doing things our way.
     ~Say your prayers. Live them as well.
     ~Prayers only work when they are used as directed -like medicine.
     ~You can learn the language of the Spirit.
     ~Prayer is the passport to peace.

Elder Quentin L. Cook
     ~Face tragedies with faith that there will be brightness in the future.
     ~Beware of Pride. Don't travel into dangerous waters.
     ~We came together, and we'll leave together.
     ~Lives can be saved.
     ~Have a spirit of gratitude in our hearts.
     ~The Savior's atonement provides lifeboats for everyone.
     ~Avoid dwelling on lost opportunities for those who have died 'before their time.'

President Thomas S. Monson
     ~We are all here because we want to serve the Lord.
     ~Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today.
     ~May we be found every day in the work of the Lord.
     ~May we return home and find all is well.
     ~Remember President Monson and all the General Authorities in your prayers.
     ~We are all in this together. We all have a part to play in God's work.
     ~May peace be with you now and always.

And that...is the conclusion of the thoughts I wrote down while listening to conference today. :)
If you want to listen/read the full talks given today visit:
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

181st Semiannual Saturday Conference Highlights

The following blog post contains: thoughts, feelings, and quotes from the Morning and Afternoon Sessions of the 181st Semiannual Saturday General Conference. :)

Elder Richard G. Scott
     ~Scriptures are generated through inspiration of the holy ghost. They are true.
     ~Scriptures are like packets of light. -They illuminate our minds.
     ~By memorization, scriptures can be called upon anytime anywhere in the world. = friendship.
          -They are dependable like friends should be.
     ~Memorized scriptures can be an inspiration, a comfort = friends -in times of need.
          -Find friends that uplift you. Allow for scriptures to be a friend to you. A source to go to when you need something to cheer you up.
     ~Scriptures can form a foundation of support. Provide a large resource of willing friends.
     ~Memorization of a scripture can make a firm friend. One who can calm an agitated soul. They can give peace and confidence, especially when one has faith in the Savior. Studying the scriptures can accelerate help received from the Savior.
     ~Meanings found in the scriptures can change over time depending on your situation at that moment.
     ~Jewels of truth can be found in the Old Testament and New Testament as well as in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
     ~"I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not."
     ~Have faith, hope charity, so you may always be found in good works.
     ~Those who consistently read the Book of Mormon have a stronger resolve and a stronger recognition of the Lord.
     ~One can "read" the Book of Mormon in multiple ways. i.e. Book, Phone, Audio Book, Internet.
     ~"I testify by everything sacred that this book is true."

Sister Barbara Thompson
     ~As struggles come we may ask ourselves: What are we supposed to do?
     ~You need to have a desire to receive personal revelation, believe that one can receive personal revelation, and Don't harden your hearts.
     ~If you don't believe you will, you won't.
     ~The spirit can speak to you in many ways.
     ~It can: Enlighten your mind, speak peace to you, tell in mind and heart through the Holy Ghost, bosom should burn, feel that it is right, fill your soul with joy, study scriptures/conference talks, seek faithful, righteous, songs.
     ~Go forth and discharge your duties in humility and faithfulness.
     ~Seek wisdom, not power for power will come as you seek wisdom and trust in the Lord.
     ~"I don't keep a testimony, the testimony kept me."
          -If we don't nourish/strengthen our testimonies constantly, they testimony will leave.
     ~Need to Desire and Ask in faith for revelation. Harden not your hearts.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton
     ~Though you may not seem like much today, you can spread your influence throughout the world.
     ~The sun never sets on the work of the Lord. For it continuously touches the world, bringing light and hope to individuals there at that moment.
     ~The work of the Lord moves forward unnoticed, silently, unobtrusively touching families and those with humble hearts. It isn't seen by the powerful, yet.
    
Song: Redeemer of Israel
     ~Our foes will be glad when our sorrows they see, so be continuously cheerful and take away the enemies power over us.

President Thomas S. Monson
     ~When we're busy, time seems to pass way too quickly. I am no exception.
     ~The building of temples goes uninterrupted.
     ~New Temples Announced:
          -The Provo Tabernacle will be rebuilt, with full preservation and will be the second temple in Provo, Utah. (AWESOME!! Soo excited about this!)
          -Barranquilla, Columbia
          -Durban, South Africa
          -Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
          -Star Valley, Wyoming. (Also AWESOME!! My mom grew up there.)
          -Paris, France

Elder Jose' L. Alonso
     ~Some people never realize that they are lost.-If we delay on going to find them we could loose them forever.
     ~The rescue is still going on.
     ~Let us do the right thing at the right time and don't delay.

President Boyd K. Packer
     ~The old crow is getting slow, the young crow is not. Of what the young crow does not know, the old crow knows a lot. At knowing things, the old crow is still the young crow's master. What does the slow old crow not know? How to go faster. The young crow flies above, below and rings around the slow old crow. What does the fast young crow not know? Where to go.
     ~You are being raised in enemy territory because of the lowering of standards in the world.
     ~You have the power to create bodies for the next generation. (have kids) You also have agency.
     ~You have a body. Satan does not. You have power over the adversary.
     ~Don't let Satan take away your agency by slowly convincing you to lower your standards.
     ~Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost.
          -Angels can come in many different ways: Spiritual Angels and Physical Angels -friends, family, strangers can be angels to you when you're in need.
     ~You won't make a major mistake without first being warned by the Holy Ghost that it is a mistake.
     ~Assert your independence/agency when forces are pulling you away from the path of truth and righteousness.
     ~Dress Modestly. Talk Reverently. Avoid Pursuing Degrading Practices.
     ~We depend on you, you are remarkably blessed.
     ~"I invoke a blessing on you our precious youth."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
     ~Satan appeals to our prideful tendencies. By saying that we are not subjected to other's rules and obligations.
          -He's working to convince you that we can only rely on ourselves, that we don't need the Lord's strength along with our own strength. This is False.
     ~If we doubt we have great worth -Satan will attack this as well, telling us we're too small to do anything, that God doesn't notice or care about us. This is also False.
     ~It doesn't matter to Heavenly Father where you were, what your rank was, etc. What does matter is how you are going about doing his work.
     ~Incline your heart to Heavenly Father.
         -He will use you for a greater purpose.
     ~Listen. Remember. Care. Have people who leave your presence leave feeling better about themselves.
     ~He knows your humble heart.
     ~Be of a soft heart towards the Lord and you won't feel discouragement, pan, etc forever. Give your heart to him and he will bless you in ways beyond understanding in this moment.
     ~Hold On.
     ~He sees you as the boy you are and the apostle you are destined to become.

Elder David A. Bednar
     ~Earnestly pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost
     ~The spirit of Elijah is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, driving people to their families.
     ~The Spirit of Elijah effects people both in and out of the church.
     ~Search out your ancestors. For without knowing your past, you can't be mindful of the future and be made perfect.
     ~You have a duty and a blessing to search for your ancestors.
     ~There is no age limit for doing family history.
     ~Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to further the work of the Lord.
     ~Help others identify their family histories.
     ~You will be protected against the intensifying of the adversary as you do the Lords work and do family history.
     ~https://lds.org/youth/family-history/
     ~Devote less time to video games, Internet, and facebook.
     ~Don't go to church and just sit there. Do something.
     ~They're not just names, but real people.

Elder Neil L. Anderson
     ~Family is ordained of God.
     ~Multiply and replenish the earth.
     ~Decisions of when to have children and how many children to have should be made sincerely between the husband, wife, and the Lord. Pray to the Lord to know his will.
     ~Be in the world, but not of the world. Remain true to what God has commanded.
     ~Motherhood is not a hobby. It is a calling. You don't "collect children" or do when you have the time.
     ~Honor and help mothers with children.
     ~One responsibility of marriage is to have children.
     ~Would the Lord want you to break one of his most important commandments to let you pursue your career? Where is your faith? The Lord will help you support a family even as you go to school to become what you will. (a doctor in the story.)
     ~There is no shame in scrimping and saving. You will grow closer together with your spouse as you make sacrifices and touch choices.
     ~Don't be judgemental to another couple about family.

Elder Ian S. Ardern
     ~Give time in the service of others.
     ~We all have the same number of minutes and hours.
     ~Don't procrastinate, for when you do you end up getting caught up in useless and time wasting activities that don't help you get your job done.
     ~The poor use of time is close to idleness.
     ~Being busy should equal being productive.
     ~Don't become compulsive fingertip communicators.
     ~Don't allow cyber communication to take you from the real world, to take you from being spiritual.
     ~Be as quick to kneel as you are to text.
     ~Cyberfriends are not as great as friends in the real world who can come and support you and give you a hug.
     ~Be the Master don't let cyber communication be the Master of You.
     ~Seek from the best books.
    ~Satan will seek to use up our time through distractions.
     ~Identify the time wasting distraction that needs to be 'ground into dust' and do so. Limit your time in that activity.

Elder Carl B. Cook.
      ~"It's better to look up."
      ~Believe in God.
     ~"Have an attitude of can do and will do."
     ~Look up and be healed..if you keep looking down, you will perish.
     ~Spiritually looking up is not a one time experience.

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.
     ~We can find redemption through Christ's blood (the atonement)
     ~The gospel light will shine in your eyes as you are on the path of redemption.
     ~Continuously seek the Lord.
     ~Rescue less active members of the church. Reach out to others.
     ~Be willing to serve in your callings. You will experience a change of heart and you will become a better person. A stronger member.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
     ~Repentance is a divine gift. We should have a smile on our face as we speak of it. It shoudlnt' be the "cold water" of the party. But be the cause of celebration and joy.
     ~Five Aspects of Repentance.
          1. Invitation to Repent.
               -Its an expression of love. "Come follow me."
               -Invite others to change.
               -Demand repentance on ourselves.
               -It is an act of caring.
          2. Strive to Change
               -Pray for opportunities to strive to over come your weakness and replace it as a strength.
               -It may require repeated events, but you are slowly changed each time you go to repent.
          3. Abandon Sin and Commit to Obedience.
               -Turn to the Lord with all your might, mind, and strength.
               -The choice to repent is the choice to burn bridges in every direction for you commit yourself to follow only one path.
                    -You can't fully repent if the bridge is only half burned.
          4. Willingness to Persevere.
               -Have faith in the Redeemer.
               -Cry out to the Lord; "Have mercy on me" with a sincere heart.
               -Sins that were once appealing will become abhorrent.
               -What joy and marvelous light you will behold after you push away sin.
                    -Suffering is a small price to pay compared to the great joy and blessings found in being with Christ.
          5. The Cost of Repentance is Swallowed Up in the Joy of Forgiveness.
               -The joy in 'one brilliant morning' will obscure the trials/sins/darkness experienced before.

Elder L. Tom Perry
     ~Be attentive to detail for it makes the overall picture more beautiful.
     ~The church is becoming more visible, but still some do not understand.
     ~There will always be those who will misrepresent and distort the truth of the church. However, more are simply curious about what the church is about.
     How to Advance an Understanding of the Church to those asking.
          1. Be Bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ. He is the central figure in all human history.
               -Our eternal destiny is always in his hands.
               -Press forward in a steadfastness in Christ.
          2. Be Righteous Examples to Others -in word, conversation, charity, spirit, etc.
               -"Let your light shine before men" 
               -Engage in doing good and being humble.
          3. Speak up about the Church
               -Engage people in a two way conversation. Share your beliefs but also ask what their beliefs are. If they seem interested and ask questions, pursue the conversation.
               -It's better for them to ask then for you to tell.
               -http://mormon.org/
               -We should be respectful and civil regardless of what others say.
               -Don't become defensive and argue.
               -Be holy in all conversation.

And that...is the conclusion of the thoughts I wrote down while listening to conference today. :)
If you want to listen/read the full talks given today visit:
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng 

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

-Sarnic Dirchi