Olivia sees the LDS Chapel

“The Church! I see it!” — What Olivia taught me about Church

As we were walking to Church we crossed paths with some friends from the ward. They got a kick of Olivia’s commentary on the walk:

“Icky Water,” referring to the stale puddle on the sidewalk.

“Come on, Daddy. Let’s go to Church,” she reminds as we’re about half way there.

When she saw the Church, her excitement came out in something like:

“The Church! I see it! The Church!”

Our friend commented, “Gee, I wish I felt that way every time I went to Church”

We joked a little bit about it: “Sacrament is about to start! Wahoo!”

“Yes, lesson time!”

Which really got me thinking about how I approach Church in general. In recent years, especially with the effort involved to get two small kids out the door, sometimes there’s a little dread and trepidation getting out the door.

It was good reminder to put off the natural man through the atonement of Christ and become as a little child, humble, meek, willing (see Mos. 3:19).

In case you need to know for Jeopardy: this is a Ginkgo Biloba, as you’ll notice the venation originates from the stem and doesn’t branch like how most trees have evolved. The texture of the leaf is thicker as well, more leathery. – From Instagram

In case you need to know for Jeopardy: this is a Ginkgo Biloba, as you’ll notice the venation originates from the stem and doesn’t branch like how most trees have evolved. The texture of the leaf is thicker as well, more leathery. via Instagram

General Conference as a Kid

Elder Robert D. Hales in emphasizing the importance of general conference, made the following statement regarding youth and conference:

Children and youth love to be included. We make a serious mistake if we assume that the conference is above their intellect and spiritual sensitivity. To the young members of the Church, I promise that if you will listen, you will feel the Spirit well up within you. The Lord will tell you what He wants you to do with your life. (General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony)

I thought I would run down a couple conference memories as a kid. All of these were before I was 12.

  • Gordon B. Hinckley challenged a speaker to a duel in the tabernacle basement
  • I remember Neal A. Maxwell spoke to children and told a number of Aesop-like fables to illustrate gospel principles
  • I remember when my Dad invited me to attend Priesthood with him (ten years old)
  • I remember the World News being on in the stake center between sessions and the report on 100 million copies of the Book of Mormon being printed.
  • I remember a regional conference with Thomas S. Monson where he told a number of stories from his life
  • I remember the announcement of the building of the Nauvoo temple

As a youth, I remember a number of specific talks and poignant moments:

  • Dallin H. Oaks spoke on Pornography and made some specific statements about modesty as well.
  • President Hinckley announcing Perpetual Education Fund
  • President Hinckley speaking in different Priesthood sessions about pornography and anger
  • Elder Bednar introducing Church culture to the concept of ‘tender mercies’

I remember very well the thoughts and emotions I had from these talks. For me, they make up a foundation of faith, trust and love of General Conference (and other conferences of the Church). These experiences helped me gain trust enough to seek out their counsel.