General Conference Thoughts!

Conference was fantastic!  We had a blast watching it at church.  I really liked Elder M Russell Ballard's talk about missionary work.  I think we can apply a lot of the techniques he shared in our area.  I also really liked Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk. I love conference!  This was my third and last conference in the mission field, and like always, it was much needed!

I hope you all take the time to read over the talks often.  Y'all are lucky because you can access them at any time during the week on the internet.  We as missionaries have to wait awhile :( 

Dedicate and Consecrate Yourselves!

Elder Ballard's final point:

Dedicate and consecrate yourselves - We've all been given different talents and gifts that we need to use to build up the Kingdom of God.  We should be generous in giving it all (D&C 4:2). We need to be willing to give God not only our talents, times, and resources, but also our hearts.

Seek First the Kingdom of God

Elder Ballard's third point:

Seek first the Kingdom of God - Don't get so caught up in life that you forget the things that are most important.  Yes, it is very important to have a stable job, to make a living for your family, to get a good education, or to become a contributing member of society, but what is just as important (if not more) is that we stay close to God throughout all our lives.  Make time in your busy schedule to read the scriptures, pray, go to church, serve others, and do home and visiting teaching.  Throughout my mission I have learned that the best way to combat stress, worry, doubts, exhaustion, or any other negative feelings is to work and serve others.  You begin to see that things more in an eternal perspective rather than focusing on the stresses of the here and now.  Doing the small daily things living the gospel requires will help us focus on what's most important and will improve our outlook on life and give us lasting happiness.

Do Your Part!

Elder Ballard's second point:

Do your part - As members of the church - people who know the true and complete gospel of Jesus Christ - we have the responsibility to give others the same opportunity to partake of the blessings of the gospel.  We know that this is our responsibility and the only way for us to be truly happy in the gospel is when we know we are doing the things the Lord wants us to do.  Even if our part is small, it can have profound effects in the future (Alma 37:6-7).

Enfrenten el Futuro con fe y Esperanza

Last Sunday, I gave a talk in church on an article by Elder M. Russell Ballard called "Enfrenten el futuro con fe y esperanza."  It was completely in Spanish!  My talk was about 10-15 minutes long.  Afterwards, everyone told me I did great and that I sounded like a true hispánica.