happy conference day!

Twice a year, for an entire weekend, Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormons) are treated to spiritually wonderful talks given by the leaders of the church. And, although I've been a member my entire life, I never really appreciated this event until I moved here to Utah.

For 2 whole days, 8 hours (10 if you count the priesthood session on Saturday night) are spent by LDS faithfuls, listening to counsel from our prophet and other church leaders. Here in Utah, we're lucky enough to watch it on a local channel (KSL), local time. When I was younger and living in Hawaii, we had to wake up early to make it down to the Stake Center to watch it over satellite transmission. We'd make a whole day of it, enjoying a potluck in between sessions and visiting with ward member friends.

Nowadays, I wake up early on Saturday and Sunday morning, make some breakfast, then wake everyone up to eat. I give them the choice of sleeping in and eating breakfast while watching conference, but at 10am, when the first session starts, everyone has to be in the living room.

This is what our family looks like during conference weekend.

I can't make them stare at the tv, but I am hoping that just being in the room and having the talks in the background while they concentrate on their little projects will be enough to soak into their brains. At the very least, they know that conference is important and attendance is mandatory.

I love the gospel. I love general conference. Even though I'm not actually in the Conference Center, I can still feel the Spirit of the Lord confirming the wonderful messages we hear. And I know that the men and women in authority within the church have been called of God.

I love President Thomas S. Monson. I support him and sustain him as a prophet of God. I believe that he speaks to and for the Lord in these latter days. He shines with love and faith, and as a servant of the Lord. I look forward to his words and those of the other speakers scheduled this conference weekend.

Happy Conference Day!