ANGELS AMONG US

I would like to share a few things that impressed me from the Conference Talks this week-end. I began Conference with a prayer in my heart. I was searching for answers. I'd like to share a few of the insights that offered me some reassurance. The first came to me during a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. He stated,

"In times of special need God sent Angels."

I have always loved this painting of the Pioneers. I have often wondered, "how did they do it? How could they find the strength to bury a husband or child and go on? How could they keep moving day after day with no relief in sight? I have found myself saying, "I couldn't have done it. I am not that strong. I would have given up. Elder Holland went on to say,

"All of us spend time in dark and dreary places in our lives."

God has not asked me to push a hand cart or to leave my home behind to follow a Prophet. He has placed me on this earth to face other trials. There have been times I have thought, "I can't do this, this is just too hard. I too have looked to the horizon and seen no relief in sight. I have wanted to give up and simply say, I am not strong enough, I can't take another step. It is during those dark times when I have felt such despair that my Heavenly Father has sent me a reminder that he has not forsaken me." It is during those times that my loving Heavenly Father has sent me my own personal Angels to help carry the burden. Jeffrey R. Holland goes on to say,

"Some Angels we walk and talk with everyday".

I have had wonderful women come into my life who have offered words of encouragement, who have reminded me that I am a Child of God of infinite worth, who have helped me to believe that my Heavenly Father will never forsake me. I have had Church leaders give me special blessings filled with promises of hope. I have had a loving friend gently put her arm around me and surround me with her love. I know that Angels walk and talk with me daily.

The second message that pierced my soul was one I heard througout the conference in many talks. Gerald Cousse gave a talk on "walking in the light". He said,

"Jesus Christ is the way. Only he can give us strength to bear up the burdens, he heals us, only he can bring us back into the fathers presence." He went on to say, "The Lord said, I am the way, follow me, don't think you can't, you may think it is too hard, too high." He continued, "This is not a human endeavor it is Gods work. It is achievable by everyone, not because we are able but because HE is. The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard. He said, Come unto me. Never ever give up, just keep on going and don't give up."

Elder Bednar said, "meaningful prayers are an instrumental cry unto God for all thy support."and President Eyring said, "I leave you the Lord's promise that you will have the desires of your heart. Elder McMullin said, "prayer is another way to get God's help. Heavenly Father answers sincere prayers, turn to Heavenly Father in faith." Lastly Elaine S. Dalton said she has a plate that is engraved with "I can do hard things". She has decided that she would like the inscription to now read,

"In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."

What did I learn from this semi-annual conference?

We all face challenges, life is hard. All of us will have times of darkness and despair. My Heavenly Father knows me personally. He knows the trails that bring me to my knees. I know.............

I am a Child of God of Infinite worth.

He loves me

He hears my prayers

He will send his Angels to bear me up.

D&C 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

He is the light, he has the answers he has the healing balm.

He will not forsake us.

and the last thought I took to bed with me Sunday night was,

"In the strength of the Lord I can do all things."

CONFERENCE WEEK- END

We went to the Church last night (Saturday) which was 7pm our time to watch the first session of Conference. Then we returned to watch the second session Sunday at 9am. We watched from 9-11 then had a break for an hour then watched from 12-2 then we fed the missionaries sandwiches, salads, chips, candy and juice. (I think some of them were missing the homemade cinnamon rolls and snuggling on the couch). The missionaries that were close enough to our Chapel came in to view conference here in Donetsk. I am not sure what the Kharkov missionaries did. Some of the Donetsk missionaries from outlying areas did spend the night. I know the Sisters got to stay at the Mission Home with President and Sister Fry. Speaking of Sisters, Sister Howard pointed her mother out who was singing in the Choir. That was fun to see her. The music was beautiful. We really were touched by the children's choir as well. There is one more session tonight but we are going to watch it from our apartment. It has been wonderful. I will write more later.

CONFERENCE WEEK END

THIS IS THE WEEK-END OF GENERAL CONFERENCE. WE WILL BE GOING TO THE CHURCH TO WATCH THE BROADCAST FROM SALT LAKE CITY. IT IS A VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION FROM THE LEADERS OF OUR CHURCH. LAST NIGHT WAS THE FIRST SESSION. WE WERE ALL PACKED INTO THE LITTLE PRIMARY ROOM BUT IT WAS AWESOME WHEN THE MISSIONARIES ALL STOOD TO SING. SO THIS IS WHERE WE WILL BE THIS WEEK-END. MORE LATER

GENERAL CONFERENCE

This week end is General Conference. Twice a year we have the opportunity to listen to talks given by our Prophet and his Apostles. If you would like to tune in just click here. When we are at home we usually invite friends or family over to watch it on the television. We use to have games or activities for the children like Conference Bingo to keep them interested. It is also available to view from the Chapel but we like to view it from home. Here in Ukraine the Conference Talks will be broadcast on Satellite. The missionaries will go to the Branch Building to watch the broadcast. We usually have one room being broadcast in English for the missionaries and the members view it in Russian in the Chapel. We are going Saturday night and Sunday morning and again Sunday afternoon. I know it sounds like alot of sitting but it really is a blessing to listen to inspired council that is specifically for our day. We are living in turbulent times. We will have an opportunity to not only receive council and direction but also to be spiritually fed. I am looking forward to it.