From time to time I ask myself: “When did you feel truly happy.” It’s a way for me to identify personal priorities. Often specific memories arise and at other times just the feelings associated with a certain hobby or lifestyle. For example, one of the happiest periods of my life was my freshman year of college. I woke up every morning at 6:00 or 6:30, ran three miles and then came in and studied the scriptures for about 40 minutes before getting ready for school. The memory now amazes me, and makes me wonder what happened- I haven’t woken up at 6:00 since we were released from teaching seminary. (We’ll address that another day.) But another firm memory is the happiness associated with conference weekend. Even as a young girl I loved it. I loved taking pages of notes. I remember typing up my notes and sending them to my oldest sister Sabina who was away at conference. Why I thought she might be interested in what I was able to scrawl down, I don’t know. I just wanted to share my excitement with the lessons I had learned. That enthusiasm has stayed with me, and while I will not type verbatim the notes I took during conference, I would like to share a few impressions.

1. My last post mentioned the fact that I was supposed to be “mastering” music. I was struck in conference when Elder Scott said that one of the purposes of this earth is to learn to master the practice of following the Holy Spirit.

2. I adored Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk on love. It reminded me of my friend Claire, who has written on her fridge “Always be nicer than necessary”- and lives that way. I felt the spirit so strongly during his talk. I felt a desire to show my love more fully by following his commandments more fully, and to love those around me.

3. Elder Holland’s incredibly powerful talk on the Book of Mormon reminded me that the happiest times of my life have been those times when I was diligently studying, not just reading, the Book of Mormon every day. I want to incorporate those quiet moments of peace and spirit back into my mornings. It also made me feel that I want to share this wonderful book that has so elevated my life with some of my friends. How can I call myself a good friend if I don’t share one of the most precious things in my life with them?

4. President Monson’s talks always remind me of my Mother. She is the most serviceable person I know. His talk made me want to visit rest homes more often. I have always had a love for the elderly, and unfortunately I don’t get to associate with them hardly ever now. (Except that I am stoked because my new visiting teaching companion is Myrtle Alexander- one of the few elderly sisters in our ward! She’s wonderful.)

5. Most of my love of God was strengthened. I feel overwhelmingly grateful. I love this gospel. I know it is true. The highlights of my life have all been as a result of my membership in it. I know Jesus Christ lives. That he is a living being with a physical body. I know that he is aware of me, that he loves me, and that I can ask him and receive instruction. I know that Heavenly Father lives. That he loves me and wants the best for me. I know that this life is but a preparatory period for the next life, and that the most important things we can learn are to love God, to love our fellow beings, and to live in such a way that that is ever apparent.