Conference Saturday

I love conference. I love the feeling that comes into my home when we turn the television on and the songs of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir fill the air...whenever they sing, you can't help but feel the Spirit. It was particularly touching to hear Elder Wirthlin's remarks about love and then see it demonstrated as Elder Nelson stood to support his dear friend. Deseret Book recently put the rush job on Elder Wirthlin's new book (he only gave DB two months to publish the book...it was released in September) appropriately titled, "Press On."

This Sunday I'll be teaching Sunday School. The lesson is "Jesus Christ: the author and finisher of our faith" mainly covering Hebrews. As part of my preparation, I was intrigued by the word believe. There are certain passages that say unbelief is seeing but being unable to perceive or understand. It made me reflect on the many times I've sat in a sacrament meeting, but I wasn't really there...particularly fast Sundays when I think about what I'll eat for lunch or wish I could go home and sleep! Sometimes this happens in my scripture study when I read out of obedience just before I fall asleep, but don't get anything out of it. It is sometimes discouraging, especially when this happens over a period of time and I don't feel the Spirit.

Christ's words, "Doubt not, but be believing" have new significance. This is further expounded in Doctrine and Covenants: "Search diligently,, ^bpray always, and be believing, and ^call things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the ^dcovenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another." It's something you work towards...being a disciple and doesn't just come easy or free.