Things to do this year...

I know it's been a while since I've updated, and I plan on getting everything up of the past few months very soon.  But I wanted to post tonight about something I'm VERY excited about.  As most people know, I've yet to go through the temple.  I plan on changing that this year!  I watched the morning session of conference today and President Monson's talk about the temple really hit me.  I've put off taking out my endowments for a few reasons, but hearing these words from President Monson hit me: 

"No sacrifice is too great, no price is too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure..." 

I'm temple worthy, yet I haven't taken out my endowments in the 5 years I've been a member. I've lived so close to a temple that I could drive there in 30 minutes from home, and had passed it many times running errands.  Yet, there are people who travel thousands of miles, for many days and spend their entire life savings just to be able to attend once.  There is no reason why I should deny myself or my family the blessings of attending the temple anymore.  I have so much work to do for my family, but that can't start until I go for myself first.

I'm excited about making the trip to Mesa this year to attend this beautiful temple. 

I LOVE General Conference. I do enjoy getting to stay home and not stress about making it to church with the 3 little ones, but mostly I love the inspiration I get from all the talks.

One of my favorite talks this morning was from President Uchtdorf. I sometimes feel like there are prayers that go unanswered, but I love knowing (& realizing) that:

"...we have our heavenly father's assurance that he will answer our prayers, the answer may come through the voice and wisdom of trusted friends and family, the scriptures and the words of prophets... some of the most powerful promptings we receive are not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others." 

He quotes President Kimball saying: "God does notice us, and he watches over us, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we server each other."

But, I think my favorite and inspiring quote from President Uchtdorf was:

"Often the answer to our prayer does not come while we are on our knees, but while we are on our feet. Serving the Lord and serving those around us."

If that isn't motivation to help and serve others, then I don't know what is.  

So I guess that makes 2 very important things I plan to do this year.

1. Attend the temple

2. Serve others

I hope everyone else enjoyed their conference weekend and were able to obtain some guidance from our church leaders, we are truly blessed to have this opportunity.