I loved listening and absorbing the messages from General Conference three weeks ago. I am beginning to reread the talks looking for the warnings our church leaders are giving. Two main points for me that I am getting from conference is (1) gratitude and (2) balance.
First, I could feel the love that our Father has for each of us as I listened to each of the speakers. The warnings that were given, is so each of us can be happy and have inner peace. I felt the gratitude of each of the speakers for the restored gospel. I too am grateful for the gospel -- that we have a good road map, so that we can return safely to our Father's presence. I going to try harder each day to give sincere thanks to God for the blessings he has given me - life, the Gospel of Christ, a Savior, a physical body, this beautiful earth, family, friends, etc. I'm also going to try to harder to thank others for their kindness and support.
Second, several times throughout conference, I was reminded to keep my life in balance. We have limited time, limited resources, and other limitations. I want to spend my time wisely and with purpose. A friend emailed me last week and said, he was thinking of closing an email account, because he was spending so much time checking it -- on SSA groups and issues. He said, he realized he was spending too much time thinking about, and talking about SSA. He realized he needed more balance in his life, he is turning to email less frequently. BRAVO!
I have been asked by several followers why I only post a blog about once a month. I don't want to become too self absorbed or caught-up in the SSA world. I have a great life, and SSA is a small part of it. I don't spend time searching blogs, or discussion groups on SSA. I don't want it to consume me. I have other more important responsibilities to take care of: family, work, church, neighbors, friends, community service, etc. Plus I need to take care of myself: daily exercise, scripture study, etc.
I'm not saying blogging is bad, or email is bad, or the subject of SSA is bad. I just think it is important to keep a balance in our lives, and not let the SSA aspect of our lives take control over other important responsibilities. I know as I don't focus on myself, but focus on others the SSA diminishes greatly. For me becomeing self-absorbed with my own SSA, is self-destructive. I notice with my closet friends, we are close not because someone is SSA or non-SSA. We are close because we share common interests, and enjoy serving one another and others.
Well said. I think most of us could use a little more balance in our lives. Not just in terms of all the things we do and think about, but actual physical balance. The ability to stand on one foot, the ability to quickly regain our physical balance when we lose it by slipping or falling. Perhaps these things are related. If you have mental, spiritual and physical balance, you'll be more stable and more likely to maintain your footing, keeping yourself safe from injury, being able to help others stand because you have not fallen.
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts about conference and the 'stage time' we should give to our SSA. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
ReplyDeleteI think it's good that you haven't gotten too carried away with this blog even though I enjoy reading it when you do post.
I'm glad I found you. Thanks for the reminder to be more balanced.
ReplyDeletehey, I like reading your post, but I donot feel the same wha with ," The warnings that were given, is so each of us can be happy and have inner peace." I think it is because I am new to the church, not even a year yet, but I have a hard time with what Elder Packer said.
ReplyDeleteThis was good for me to read. I just started a blog because I wanted a place where I could fully express what I'm feeling. But I don't want to be consumed by it. Thanks for sharing.
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