Thanksgiving and business

I just wanted to say that I'm thankful to be part of this spectacular family.  You are all such a blessing to me!  Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine, but in recent years its been less so because I don't get to spend it with you all.  This year I was really focused on how much I love my family and how thankful I am for all of you.  I can be thankful for you, even if I can't be there to celebrate with you!

I hope your holiday was full of gratitude and love!

Book Club announcement: Let's do it!  I'll choose the first month.  The book will be The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.  We can discuss even discuss it in person (for the most part) at the end of the month, since I will be in Utah!

General Conference announcement: I, for one, am going to be sharing a tidbit from conference now and again.  I really think it will be fun if you do the same!

Today I wanted to mention President Packer's talk.  I usually have a hard time listening to him speak. I tend to lose focus, but when I read this one I just loved it!  Here is the link, you should definitely read the whole thing!  I feel blessed that we were raised in a gospel centered home by loving parents who helped provide an atmosphere where we could each develop our own personal testimonies.  Here are some quotes from Pres. Packer...

The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer.

I have felt the scriptures bless my life a lot lately.  And I've needed the spiritual protection they hold.  Depression is a real thing in my life, Satan knows that I get discouraged easily, but the scriptures are a great protection against his powers.  And I love what he says following this paragraph, a story about  a member of the Seventy that taught him about reading the scriptures.

If you are set on a course of faith and activity in the Church, stay on course and keep your covenants. Continue forward until the time when the Lord’s blessings will come to you and the Holy Ghost will be revealed as a moving force in your life.

If you are presently on a course that points away from the one outlined in the scriptures, let me assure you there is a way back.

Jesus Christ has prescribed a very clear method for us to repent and find healing in our lives. The cure for most mistakes can be found by seeking forgiveness through personal prayer. 

These words are just comforting to me.  None of us is perfect and we each need repentance to be clean.

The gospel teaches us to be happy, to have faith rather than fear, to find hope and overcome despair, to leave darkness and turn toward the light of the everlasting gospel.

I love the gospel.  It is perfect, even though none of us are.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ prepared a way for us to be happy and they want that for us!  Doesn't that just amok you feel hopeful, that the Creator of the world is in your corner, cheering you on?  It does me.

I bear certain witness of the scriptures as a key to our spiritual protection. I also bear witness of the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, “that through him all might be saved”¹² who will be saved. The Lord’s Church has been established on the earth once again. Of the truthfulness of the gospel I bear witness. Of Him I am a witness. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Amen.  :-)