What I learned in Houston

Dear READER,


Once again I was in Texas at another conference. I love Texas. I don't know what it is about the state that draws me to it. It could be how everywhere you go there is an American flag up. Or it could be that the people are so friendly, Or that everywhere you go you are bound to see someone in Uniform. Whatever it is I love it.

This trip was a little different then most of my trips....for multiple reasons. With that said I ended up learning a lot of things. So let me share just some of those things that I learned with you. These may be helpful to you, but the real point of me writing them is so that I remember what I learned while I was down there.


Things I learned down in Houston:

• I learned that in order to get a golf ball to go further than a foot in front of you, you must put a lot of thrust into your swing. This caused your arm to hurt after the event because you have been working it really hard. (it's like lifting weights at the gym)

• I learned that I can't golf. I was at the driving rang...which for those of you who don't know what that is, don't worry I didn't either. It's where you go to hit golf balls just out into this open field. You stand at the top and hit all your balls out into this field just to hit them pretty much. I didn't see the purpose in it but those who do it take it very seriously.

• I learned that renting a car is REALLY expensive. I also learned that when you return the car you must have a full tank of gas in it. I also learned that they hold extra money back on your card just in case you don't return the car.

• I learned that while driving in Texas you should always have cash on you. This is because Texas likes to suck the money out of you while you drive. Also they don't take credit and if you come the the booth without cash you get a ticket of sorts and they take a picture of your car and then send you a bill. How silly -- even when the sign above the booth says full service you would think that, that would include credit cards as well - It doesn't!

• I learned that sometimes what you think you want isn't what you really want. This one was really hard for me to learn. I thought I wanted something really bad. I was willing to fight for it and do everything I could to get it. When I got it, or started to get it......I realized that it wasn't actually what I wanted. I liked the idea of it but actually having it wasn't really what I wanted. If any of you have seen the 'Finder' you might find this concept familiar. The main character can find anything - you want it found you go to him. He always says that he'll find what you want but you are going to find other things that you might not like or want. Also he has this way of knowing that what they want him to find isn't really what they want. It's a great show but it ended terribly so if you start to watch it just be forewarned.

• I learned that I need to be more social. I sat with someone and we discussed how life was going. We both did about the same things but as I listened to them I realized how unsocial they were....I then had to turn it right back on me as my life was pretty much the same. SOOOO I have to be more social and put myself out there more. I'll let you know how this one goes as it's really going to be a challenge for me as I live alone and work a lot and am going to have to find time to really be social and go out and do things. I'm excited about this but also a bit scared because it's an unknown to me.

• I learned that I truly did love my Mission. My Mission was amazing and I can't image what my life would be like had I not gone. I also realized that when I find that Mr. Right - I want him to LOVE his mission as much as I loved mine. I know it sounds a bit unrealistic but I know people who loved their missions as much as I did and I know others who didn't love it as much and there is definitely a difference between the two.

• I learned that if someone starts drinking at 3 in the afternoon that by 7 they could be completely wasted. I hate that people drink. It's really bad for your body and your mind. And you miss out on a lot of opportunities to maybe do something fun or have an intelligent conversation with someone else. It is just a pet peeve of mine and as i don't drink I think it might bug me more because I'm like lets go out and do something go bowling, walking, play board games, whatever it is and others are like no I'm our I've had to much to drink already so I need to go home ---- THE END ---- sorry a bit of a tangent there didn't mean to get all over that topic. I just once again learned that drinking makes you weird and unfriendly and harms your body. So glad I don't drink and never will.

• I learned that if you are in a room full of guys and you are wearing a red skirt and black top that you will get everyone attention. I got called the lady in red all night long.

• I learned that you should let people fall in love with you for you, instead of trying to be someone else in order to get someone to like you. Be true to you. Those who like you will love you longer and harder those who don't, well they are missing out and you are so much better then them.

• I learned that being asked out for drinks isn't necessarily a date. It's like Mormons saying let go play Frisbee or volleyball. Not a date, just hanging out and I just need more people to make it fun.

• I learned - and this one I made a bit separate as it's a really great lesson and I will really need to work on it. I learned that you need to give others the chance to learn and grow. You need to give them the change to fail and succeed. One of my coworkers taught me this as she was over pushing herself and not enjoying the moment because 'well it won't get done right if I'm not doing it'. What a sad thing to say or to even think. Yes I might do it the best and I might be able to accomplish it faster than others, but they will never learn if you don't let them do it and learn it. Teach along the way but don't hinder growth by doing it all yourself and just pushing others off to the side. ----- I am finding myself on both sides of the fence here. One in being the one who isn't able to learn and grow because someone else things well I am just going to do everything right now because well our committee isn't complete and I have been here longer and know more people so I can help them better. (So very frustrating) Yet I also found that I was the one who was saying instead of taking the time to teach and do I was doing it myself and just sending it because it was easier. How sad.....So I will be working on this - please be patience with me as it might take me a bit longer to get it right.

Ok so there are probably a few more things I learned while in Houston but those are the ones that have stuck with me more then the others. It's interesting how if you take the time to learn something or think about it long enough you can be taught.


Yours Truly,

Jenessa

Saturday Session of Conference

Dear READER,


It's that time of year again for General Conference. Here are my notes from the Saturday Session - at least the ones I feel that I can share. Conference is a scheduled answer to prayers, and boy did I received a lot of revelation just for me.


President Thomas S. Monson

• We can be uplifted and comforted by what is said if we are listening
• We need to renew ourselves to live
• We come together as one as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ
• The truth of God will go forward boldly
• May we ever continue to seek
• Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our needs

Elder Boyd K. Packer

• You were holding a nation on your lap (story)
• Little children are alive in Christ.
• There was a couple who had lost their son to death. Their preacher proclaimed to them because that their son had not been baptized he was going to hell. These parents were devastated. Two Mormon missionaries came along and taught the true principles of the gospel and in particular taught the plan of salvation (how great an experience as a missionary to be there and be able to teach that principle
• Children are to have two parents a mother and a father
• The creation of life is a great responsibility (You can tell as you look at a Prego women and see just has this look-- it's different and you see that she is holding that responsibility)
• No pain will last forever
• Life was not meant to be easy and fair
• Get married and start having kids (ok not sure if that was a personal note or something he directly said so you are getting it anyways)
• Righteous longings and yearnings will be fulfill
• Husband and wives should understand that their first calling is to each other an then to their children
• Teach the little ones, in all that we do
• We need to make time for families to be together
• Family time is sacred time
• Families can be together forever
• The family is the basic organization for time and all eternity

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin

• The Lord knows exactly what your children need
• We are not only to teach the doctrine but also we need to teach how to understand the doctrine
• Have the doctrine go into your hearts so that it becomes a part of your life
• Teach the basic principles of the gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, etc.)
• Teach the gospel in a way that will apply to their lives now
• Plan family activities such as family prayer, and scripture reading
• Take advantage of each teaching moment

Donald L. Hallstrome

• The gospel plan is where we as Gods children are given the opportunity to gain all that the Father has for us
• The Savior paid a redeeming sacrifice for us
• Jesus Christ was and is the head of his church
• There is nothing like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world
• Is the Church/Gospel everything to you?
• It is possible to be active in the church but less active in the gospel
• the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure
• we need the gospel and the Church
• Four things to help us be build on a good Foundation in the Gospel
• Deepen our understanding of Deity
• Focus on the ordinances and the covenants
• unite the gospel with the Church
• Desire to preach the gospel of Christ unto all people
• Establish the discipline to follow our covenants
• Come/Go to each of the your church meetings prepared (You have a different experience when you come prepared than you do when you just go)

Paul E. Koelliker

• How can I help them feel and listen to the Spirit?
• Awakening the desire to know will help us benefit from the Spirit and gain more
• Stay aligned with Gods purpose
• When we actually live the gospel our ability to help others is greater.
• It is when we live His pattern that the Spirit can be felt
• Seeking the patterns leads us to the doctrine
• Be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ
• To love the Lord is a commandment not a recommendation
• Pray with all energy of heart
• Heavenly Fathers arms are continually open and extended towards us
• God Loves Us

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

• The sacrifice of the Lord is and has been the central message of the prophets
• Offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit to the Lord
• Offer service to others
• Sacrifice should be made on a day to day basis
• The symbol of our faith is it's members
• Visiting teaching and Home Teaching is one of the greatest services we can give
• Always be prepared to serve the Lord
• its true isn't, so what else matters
• As you sacrifice for each other, the Lord will bless you
• We must make the sacrifices that prepare us for the eternal plan which God has for us

President Henry B Eyring

• Give me that mountain, give me that challenge
• "...know thou my son that all these things shall give you experience and shall for your good.." (It's sometimes really hard to understand this while in the moment of our trials. We need but remember that the Lord is always with us)
• "...I God have suffered all things so that they would not need to suffer if they would but repent..."
• The Lord has promised that "I will not forsake thee"
• The ground must be carefully based for our gospel foundation
• Acting on a twig of faith can help it grow
• "...dispute not, because you see no blessing until after the trail of your faith..."
• Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first particle of faith we should have
• The Savior will forgive us if we forgive others
• It is never to late to strengthen your faith
• There is always someone you can strengthen and serve
• Our trials are meant to polish us
• We are never alone in the Lords work (I have seen this in my calling as a Relief Society President that even when I feel that no one is helping or listening...the Lord is there and that's all that matters)

Elder Jeffery R. Holland

• The Penny Parable  (Matthew 20:1-16) this is one of my favorite parables and I have used it with many members I taught as they saw people coming to the church and getting the same blessings they were getting
• No one in this parable was treated unfairly
• Anything will be better than nothing
• Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?
• The race we are in, is the race against sin ---- not each other
• Putting others down does not bring you up
• Be grateful that God is kind
• The formula of Faith is to keep on going don't dwell on old issues
• You can end grievances today
• You have not traveled to far from the Saviors Love
• Come feast without money and price
• Awake and arise form the dust
• Come join the ranks
• It is never to late
• Don't delay, it's getting late

Elder Robert D. Hales

• Follow the Savior and desire to repent
• Become true saints through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
• Be worthy of a temple recommend
• Sacrifice and serve others
• Prepare your selves before going to sacrament meeting
• When we do this we invite the Holy Spirit so we can really focus on the atonement
• the sacrament gives us the opportunity to have a change of heart
• standard to have a temple recommend are just the standards of being a faithful member of the church
• When thou aret converted go and help thy brethren
• Present actions today will help prepare them for different opportunities to serve
• Get yourself on higher ground and lift those around you
• The saddest words are "what if i had"
• No blessings will be withheld if we come unto the Savior
• Where do i stand in keeping the commandments

David S. Baxter

• You can not change the pass but you can change the future
• In the kingdom of God there is no second classes
• The Lord says "No you can't come to me, but I can come to you"
• Live to lift the burdens of others

Ulisses Soares

• "Be not weary in good doing..."
• We need to let all bitterness be put away
• If our attitudes are good they are of God
• Become a light to the world
• "...all those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.' - Doctrine and Covenants 20:37

Elder Quentin L. Cook

• Avid being judgemental
• Teach those around you to pray
• Praying with your children always
• "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" - 2 Nephi 25:26
• A testimony of the gospel must be based on faith
• Continually read and study the scriptures

Elder Richard G. Scott

• The holy Ghost gives us guidance
• We are closely related to those in the Spirit World
• Recognize that the ordinances of the temple are real
• The time apart from those we love is just a short time
• When I have a challenge I fast, read my scriptures, pray, ponder
• Spiritual revelation is better received with exercise, good sleep, eating well
• Our daily activities should not detract form the Spirit
• The Lord teaches through the Holy Ghost to us
• When it is for the Lords purposed he can bring anything back to our remembrance
• Truth lived opens the doors to revelation
• Humility is good soil that we should be planted in
• Guidance in your life does not take away your agency
• Trust in the Lords plan (your plan may be a good one but the Lord's plan is the BEST plan)

Saturdays conference session was soooooo amazing. I loved it. I also go to spend it down in Utah with my family. We were all sitting in my Aunts house and as I looked around I kind of got emotional. I can't explain it very well but I looked around and saw my cousins and had this great love for them --- it was a wonderful feeling and something very special. I love my family.


Yours Truly,


Jenessa

The Forget-Me-Not Flower

Dear READER,


Sunday's are super busy these days for me. Today I had the lesson in Relief Society. I always love teaching. Most weeks the assigned teachers teach but each Fast Sunday I as the Relief Society President get to teach. It's exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I stress for about three weeks before it, and the week of is just harsh as I try to really focus on the needs of each sister and what they need to hear.

Today was great. We got to talk about the message given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the General Relief Society Conference this last year. He talked about the little forget-me-not flowers. It was a fun lesson for me to prepare and as usual I'm pretty sure I learned more than my girls did I just wanted to share a little of my lesson. It won't be everything just an outline and it changed a little while we went through the lesson but the following is my lesson outline; most of it comes directly from President Uchtdorf's talk as little things I wanted to mention.


1. Forget not to be Patient

• God is fully aware that you and i are not perfect


• Everyone has strengths and weaknesses


• It's ok that we're not perfect, just that we keep working on it


• Be thankful for the small successes in life


• Our successes may be small but God notices them and they are not small to Him


• ? How do we show patience with ourselves and others?
  
  

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice

• An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something for something of far greater worth


• Every person and situation is different, and a good sacrifice in one instance might be a foolish sacrifice in another


• MAKE A LIST of some good sacrifices we can make


• ? How can we tell the difference between a good sacrifice and a bad one?


• "Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?"


• TALK ABOUT the talk Good, Better, Best by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and how that applies
  

3. Forget not to be Happy now

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Golden Ticket Story


• The Joy of a simple candy bar was lost


• People say they will be happy when ______________ happens


• There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings -- the problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future even/our golden ticket


• STORY of the women who no children who had the opportunity to teach in a school


• The lesson here is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tinny forget-me-not's that are all around us
  
  

4. Forget not the "why' of the gospel

• "Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, much as one might overlook a beautiful, delicate forget-me-not. In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules, we focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why."


• The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation


• The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.


• "My dear sisters, seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The "what" and "how" of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The "why' of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."


• ?What are some of your "whys" of the gospel?
  
  

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you

• "As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-not's, I sometimes felt a little like that flower -- small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father. Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now---I was never forgotten. And i know something else: as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart -- neither are you. You are not forgotten. Sister, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love."


• He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name


• God loves you because you are his child


• He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes


• If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.
  
  

It was interesting to see how these truths were once again manifest to me as I gave my lesson. There was a tender spirit in the room that just said "Jenessa, he knows you". I don't know what the girls got out of it but I hope that there was something in it that they were able to take with them for this week. I love my girls and I know that they are not forgotten. The Lord loves them and cares for them so much. They are not alone.

Yours Truly,

Jenessa