Fed and Blessed

What a weekend! General Conference again. Hooray! We have been richly fed and blessed by the words of inspired men - straight talk especially for us and for today. I love how the prophets and apostles "tell it like it is." I always come away with a profound gratitude for new insights and greater understanding about life in general and my life in particular, and for witness and the gentle, comforting spirit of the Holy Ghost that can be felt in such abundance during Conference.

There are over 15 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.

General Conference is truly a sumptuous feast - free to everyone and now available to 95% of the world. I am aware that there were millions in attendance either in person or by TV, radio, or the Internet. I just wonder how many more millions could be blessed and strengthened if they only knew where to find it. Conference is a gourmet smorgasbord with something for everyone. And the best part about it is that you can go back as many times as you'd like for another helping. Just go to LDS.ORG.

I love these great men!

It's hard to choose what most touched my soul, but here are a few of the messages that inspired me and gave me hope and courage. Maybe they will help you, too?

"It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own... 
suffering first bearable, then understandable, and finally redemptive."

President Thomas S. Monson:  "This should be our purpose - to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through the sunshine and the sorrow. Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life."

"The Church is designed to nourish the imperfect, the struggling and the exhausted."

Also from Elder Uchtdorf:  Why do we do what we do? Because Christ restored the Church and gave power to act in his name.    ....Because discipleship brings precious blessings of peace and eternal life.

"You are never too young to learn, never too old to change."

Also from Elder Nelson:  "Each day is a decision. Decisions determines destiny."

Elder Henry B. Eyring:  "It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord.... The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time. Our goal is to live together forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior."

"Repentance is not punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future."

Elder Richard G. Scott:  Speaking of the Ammonites in the Book of Mormon "The Savior's atonement not only cleansed them from sin, but because of their obedience..., the Savior was able to protect them from their weaknesses and strengthen them. Their humble, lifelong commitment to forsaking their sins did more to protect their families than anything they could have done on the battlefield. Their submission did not deprive them of blessings. It strengthened them and blessed them and blessed future generations."

Not only were we blessed by General Conference, we were fed. When we first arrived, we started a tradition of having a potluck dinner for the Mission Office and the Visitors' Centre missionaries between Sunday Conference sessions. Now we invite President and Sister Millar to join us, too. Usually, there are about 20 of us who come bearing homemade dishes. This time, there was so much food that we decided to get together again the next night for leftovers! Yummy!

Sister Maddocks and Sister Stewart

Sister Walmsley and Sister Ylisaari with Nikki (from East Grinstead Ward).

Ladies first!

After dinner fun

Sister Millar with Sister Howard!

Sister Howard and her friend, Kathleen, joined us for dinner. They are traveling in Europe for several weeks and came by to watch Conference with us. Sister Howard was one of our Visitors' Centre sisters last year. We were soooo happy to see her!

At the end of our potluck dinner, we had to say good-bye to Elder and Sister Terry. They left Monday morning to return home from their mission several weeks early. Elder Terry has had some significant health problems during the past two months and has been doing his best to fulfill his mission responsibilities despite being very, very sick and in a lot of pain. Finally, he was ordered this week to return home and get the medical care he needs from his home physician. We are truly sorry to see them go!

Sister McLaws and Sister Walmsley wrote and performed a farewell song to the Terrys at the end of our dinner. Their talent continues to amaze me.                                                                                                     ~Pat~

Thank you for serving so faithfully
Sister Ilona Terry and Elder Fenton Terry.
We miss you already and are so grateful that you
accepted a mission call to the England London South Mission!!