Elder Andersen, Apostle

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Twice a year, instead of meeting in our small church building, we gather with the 7 other geographical wards (similarly organized Latter-day Saint groups) in Baltimore. It is called Stake Conference, as in a stake in a tent of Zion. (see Isaiah!)

Our stake conference was blessed with Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Kathy. Wonderful meetings. They thanked us with love for the care of two of their daughters, the service and love given to their grandchildren here in Baltimore stake. Their son-in-law is one of the young high councilors who has spoken in our ward. The other son-in-law and sons went on the super scout bike high adventure last summer with John & our 3 sons, so we knew their families, but not their connection with this apostle!

I was impressed with Sister Andersen's talk about using General Conference talks for Family Home Evening study. She made copies for all of her children of the 15 talks from the 12 Apostles and First Presidency, used the self-copier and was horrified when the total came to over $50. But then was humbled when the thought, "Isn't it worth it" for her children to know and learn these words. They used them for the next 6 months, even if they were only big enough to just underline the words they knew.

Elder Andersen used the April 2011 General Conference notes from his brethren and repeated some of their quotes and subjects, pointing out things he noticed this year.

Imperatives included writing in journals, "TURNING" as a way to look at repentance, taking time one-on-one with people, not hurrying, reach out to others, listen to promptings, be an answer to other's prayers, be more sensitive, be courageous, be faithful, be patient, have happiness in difficulties and peace in problems, hunger after the word of God, use Book of Mormon & Bible to strengthen your testimony of Christ.

He held a special meeting just for the youth and shook every single one of their hands! Sweet, cheerful, joyous man of God. His little grandsons were all wearing matching suits on their reserved pew. He said he had been praying for this assignment to come to Baltimore for 9 years, "You see how much pull I have!" He said the other brethren call him one of the "kids" for his youth and newness to the call, two years ago.

But when he spoke and shared his witness of Jesus Christ, it was powerful, warm, strong, and sure.

CONFERENCE IMPERATIVES -- April 2011

I really wish I were better at taking notes. Our bishop has warned us that in 2 weeks, when one of the 12 Apostles, Elder Andersen, comes for our stake conference: "In communication with Elder Andersen's office today, I was notified that there will likely be time in the Saturday evening adult session for Elder Andersen to hold a discussion with those in attendance on their impressions/reflections of General Conference."

My notes have doddle's all over them. I was listening. In my notes I starred the points that went straight to my heart, things I needed to hear.

These are the instructions we were given.

This list came as one of the seminary resources I get through email. I've been waiting for brother-in-law ROGER to write up his list! (CORRECTION: HE DID WRITE THEM UP, DAYS AGO! THANK YOU, LOVE YOUR NOTES!)

This is similar, but phrased as imperatives. Strong suggestions. Commands. A great "To Do" list.

A guide for our walk and talk for the next 6 months
(Compiled by Sister Ann Madsen and her seminary students. Source: Ken Alford)


1. Honor the Sabbath all day long. Wear nice clothes all day on Sunday.
2. Make worship a part of the pattern of your Sabbath day.
3. Become more childlike; it is part of the process of becoming more Christ-like.
4. Strengthen your commitment to act.
5. Help in the Lord's way. Teach children to help.
6. Use the full name of the Church. Do not call yourselves "Mormons"
7. Do a lot of forgetting and a little repenting.
8. Don't let fears replace faith.
9. Let your children feel your faith.
10. Establish a Christ-centered life and home.
11. Establish Celestial traditions.
12. Don't have higher standards for others than you have for yourself.
13. Search your heart to know your desires; a vision of what you can become forms your desires.
14. Simplify your life with small flecks of Gospel gold.
15. Respond to seen needs.
16. Be sensitive to promptings of the Holy Ghost.
17. Donate to the Missionary fund.
18. Trifle not with sacred things.
19. Remember the blessings of the Sacrament.
20. Tell your spouse you love her/him.
21. Don't waste time with idle pursuits; focus on getting married.
22. Stop hanging out in groups, and find an eternal companion. - President Monson
23. Find a worthy young lady to take to the Temple. - President Monson
24. Master the doctrines of the priesthood.
25. Do not ever let yourself do something of which you would not be proud. - President Monson
26. Be examples of honesty and integrity wherever you go, and in whatever you do. - President Monson
27. Communicate with parents, children, and the elderly about Christ.
28. Ask for the ability to forgive in prayer, frankly forgive others, and quickly forgive yourself.
29. Always keep the Temple in your sights; do nothing that will keep you from entering that holy place.
30. Don't resent the things that help you put on the divine nature.
31. Be of good cheer; your future is as bright as your faith.
32. Turn off the excess noise in your life.
33. Make whatever sacrifices are necessary to qualify, and then attend the temple. - President Monson
34. Express gratitude and love often.
35. Do service and show love--one by one.
36. Pay tithes and offerings.
37. Search for a spouse and start a family.
38. Become self-reliant; live providently.
39. Tell your spouse you love him or her frequently.
40. Recognize revelation and act on it.
41. Lighten your trials though service, revelation, and prayer.
42. Teach your children to be, not just to do.
43. Learn and live Christ-like attributes.
44. Don't postpone marriage.
45. Welcome chastisement and correction.
46. Learn Priesthood responsibilities by reading Doctrine and Covenants 20, 84 and 121.
47. Don't wait on the road to Damascus. Act.
48. Study the words of this conference; pray about appropriately applying them to your life.

How Do You Know?

This year, instead of a musical (they switch off every year) the high school picked a Neal Simon comedy. Max was cast as the doctor. Here he is comforting his wife. I love seeing him act on stage, and I think he will make a great husband in reality. The kitchen/dinning room remodel-transition is still not finished, completely mudded or sanded, but I couldn't wait. After a sad pity-party morning (playing hymns, reading my patriarchal blessing, praying for help and feeling that painting would cheer me up) I spent the day covering up the orange that was still left on ceiling and walls. I did leave this orange shelf. I didn't want to wait any longer for the "someday" and I knew painting would keep the emotional dragons at bay. Painting helps me feel a smidgen of control over my environment, when so much is beyond my changing.

How do you know things will get better? How do you know it is all worth it, the struggles and the hard times?

Faith
Trust
Hope
Love
Courage
Endurance


This morning over hot malt-o-meal cereal & vanilla ice cream breakfast we went around the table talking about what impressed us so far in General Conference:

Elder Cook's talk about working moms made me cry & think about the reasons/priorities I am working...and to figure out a balance of nurturing and working for our financial survival-not for luxuries we don't need.

John shared his thoughts from the Priesthood Session "Don't Live Below Your Privilege." Rejoice, fully partake of the joy of the Gospel!

Max heard President Monson's talk (after the play I drove him up to the Church).

Roxie liked the talk about the boy holding still during radiation, listening to his dad's voice.

Sam wanted to know what radiation treatment meant.

Suzu liked the talk about desires influencing our choices that Elder Oaks gave.

Conference on TV

If you have access to BYU station, General Conference is on this weekend! Eight hours+ of great talks and counsel. New temples announced! Instruction that we should be known by our love we give others...


This is me drugged-up-happy with antibiotics, ear drops, and lortab for the pain. Legs up comfortable at Grandma Sandy's house. John is taking good care of me.

I took a wool applique project over to work on while I listened. And took notes.. I love this weekend!