Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Testimony

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Testimony

Sadly, another session of Conference is over. I kind of feel sorry for the rest of the world, because most of the talks were written specifically for me. I guess it's okay that the rest of you listened in. :) I loved the talks, the music was beautiful, the Spirit was incredible. During President Monson's last talk in the last session, I was laughing and crying all at the same time. Throughout the whole conference I had such a witness of the love and sacrifice that my Savior made for me, the truthfulness of the gospel, and that President Monson is truly our prophet. I love him so much, and am so grateful for his life and testimony. I watched a program on him after the morning session today, and I loved getting to know him more. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves ME enough to give me so many answers today and yesterday, and so many insights into the way I need to live my life. I recently read the Book of Mormon two times since President Hinckley died, and was preparing to start the third (more details on the "Will You Join Me" link on the side.) I kept putting off starting the third time, even though I hadn't missed a day before this. Now I know why I waited. I needed to go into it this time with what I have learned from Conference. I thought I was being bad by skipping a week, but now I know I was supposed to! Yay for procrastination! As I was watching President Monson at the end, I remembered a poem I had written in my journal, so I had to dig it up. Don't laugh, okay? I wrote this at the end of the Saturday Session on April 1, 1995.

A choir of Young Men

sings

We Ever Pray For Thee

Our Prophet Dear

as pictures

of Hinckley are shown

on the screen

Suddenly

My heart is bursting

I can't hold my love

it spills out of

my eyes

and runs down my cheeks

But still does not leave

my heart

as a choirof Young men

sings

and my heart

sings with them

I know

6 comments:

Rachel Holloway said...: That is SO beautiful--thanks for sharing your thoughts...they were so inspiring!; 3:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you, Mindy! Isn't it amazing that the answers we are seeking are so beautiful given during conference?

Love ya!
Christine; 10:41 AM
Lisa said...: i'm so sorry, mindy. did you actually think those messages were for you? you silly, silly girl. most of them were written for me-they were looking right AT ME for heaven sakes! no, but really. i echo your sentiments. i was sad to see conference end...what a wonderful weekend it was! your poem was beautiful by the way. you have a way.; 2:12 PM
Annalee Kelly said...: I like that poem! Sigh... I have 6 months to try and get some personal application in before another conference arrives... not enough time considering my low point on the learning curve. I DID MISS YOU!; 10:20 PM
Leisha and Tanner said...: I am impressed that you have read the Book of Mormon twice in two months. I have never done that, but boy would I. I did read it once in two months and that was a push for me...well thanks for your great example; 4:43 AM
Karey said...: Thanks for this inspiring blog. I loved your thoughts and loved conference, but you're wrong. They were talking to me over and over again. I learned so much this conference. I love feeling the spirit and knowing that what we're hearing is right! Love the poem, too.; 12:47 AM

Post a Comment

To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche