Gen Con: Level=Spritual

On Monday, April 4, 2016 1:14 PM, Dustin Thelander <dustin.thelander@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Alright, seeing as though I emailed last on Thursday, I don't have all that much to talk about in terms of missionary work. We had that day then Friday and then General Conference began. So we spent most of Saturday and Sunday watching that. One miracle did occur Sunday after the final session of Conference. We tried to visit a man named Raul who was referred to us by a member of the ward. They met him while moving someone out of an apartment near his. So, we knocked on the door, and he invited us right in. We talked for a while, and he stated a couple of times that he has lots of questions that he wants us to help answer. He was home alone at this time, but he has a wife and young daughter. After the end of our meeting where we described what we do as missionaries, he invited us back. When we were trying to set a time to do so, he stated he wanted his whole family to be there to hear the message we have to share. It was a great end to an okayish week. So now, since I have no more to write about, I will go over and write down some of my main take aways from General Conference.

This conference is held in Salt Lake City and is broadcast throughout the world. The Prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ, Thomas Monson, and his Apostles and other men and women of God spoke to us with messages that will help us live according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All in all, there were general sessions for all to watch and a session for men 12 and older as well as a broadcast for women 8 and older (which I didn't see). I know this will probably be confusing and scattered, but I will try and simply write my impressions from this great conference as well as I can. These come from my notes which I feel I wrote by receiving promptings from the Holy Ghost. During this conference, I felt that three major themes really shown above the rest. That was the importance of the Family, the Temple, and Priesthood keys (the priesthood being the authority and power from Jesus Christ to act in his name). I particularly loved the emphasis on the family. So here we go.

GenCon Session 1 (Saturday Morning)- Where will my seed of faith fall- on barren or fertile ground? Pray Always. If we allow him, the Holy Ghost will light the way in my life. Prep my future home as a place where my kids can feel the spirit of the Lord. When times are bad, we can always look to our divine and heavenly lineage from loving parents in heaven. Priesthood keys bring blessings. The restoration of Priesthood keys was necessary and with that restoration the gates of heaven have been opened to us. We can forgive others and be free. God knows our potential to do good. Saul was bad and Paul is the amazing apostle so we in our lives sometimes need to go #saultopaul. Let us win and lose in all things with grace. Find success in others! The best way to come unto Christ is to be ready and worthy to partake of the sacrament. The savior has been alongside us all along.

GenCon Session 2 (Saturday Evening) No one goes his way alone. Questions are a indication of wanting a further truth. No matter our family situation, God is our father, and He loves us so much. In rescuing others, we must not delay and not give up. Ask in faith. We will be blessed with increased faith if we always seek a remission of our sins. Family councils are very important, even necessary.

GenCon Session 3 (Priesthood) Qualities of worthy Priesthood holders: faith, virtue, love, brotherly kindness, and many more found in D&C section 4. Jesus Christ is a perfect example of a leader and a follower. A great leader developed faith to follow, and the love to lead. Leadership comes from a desire to follow Jesus Christ. Great marriages are built brick by brick. Look for the good in your spouse, for example look for the little good things, not the little bad things. "Pull out the weeds, and not the flowers". If we look for the good we will find it. Forgiveness is a sign of strength. Hearts are changed by the Holy Ghost. The most important work you do is within the walls of your home. Stand in Holy Places!

GenCon Session 4 (Sunday Morning) Choices determine our destiny. Faith is most effective defense against the adversary (Satan). If we choose Christ we have made the right choice. Families are forever. The most important role as a father is to turn your child's heart to his Father in Heaven. Correction must be done out of love. We need to see ourselves in the temple. No matter how bad it may seem, we can all be rebuilt. The lost sheep is worth saving.

GenCon Session 5 (Sunday Evening) The Holy Ghost respects our agency. Christ knows our faults, all of them, and loves us still! Be educated on world issues. We progress by making choices. Opposition allows us to choose. Christ's resurrection brought total victory over death. The grave has no victory. The atonement of Christ allows me to improve. The Lord blesses those who want to improve. We are blessed for our desire to do good. The first great truth of eternity is that God loves us perfectly. Christ will be there for us especially when we struggle.

I love you all so much. I encourage all of you, when they come out, to read all of the talks- each has a message that will touch your heart.

Love,

Elder Thelander

Photo is me with Japhet. Our friend from the ward in Upland.