Thoughts from General Conference

This weekend, my church held it's 181st annual General Conference in this beautiful Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Large enough to comfortably hold a Boeing 747,

the auditorium seats about 21,200 people

My husband and I enjoy Conference for two days twice a year (every April and October) even if we can't be present in the huge auditorium. The proceedings are always broadcast over the internet, television, and radio throughout the world in hundreds of languages.

President Thomas S. Monson and his two counselors,

Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtforf

(The First Presidency of The Church)

I always look forward to gathering in the family room with close friends and family to hear the beautiful music, listen to the counsel of our church leaders, and feel the spirit of the Lord. We usually enjoy a delicious Sunday dinner between the morning and afternoon sessions.

Spring flowers on Temple Square in Salt Lake City

This year, my heart is smiling because all four of our kids are together for Conference Sunday even though they are away from home. They even planned their own big Sunday dinner. I'm thrilled to know that they are carrying on our family traditions.

Jessie (17), Jen (20), Daniel (19)

David (21) with his sweetheart, Becca.

Table is set!

Food is ready

The "little" sisters - Liz and Jessie

Er'body (between sessions, of course)

I am grateful to Nathan and Joyce Ricks (Becca's parents) for opening their beautiful home to all the Drake kids. Thank you Ricks family!

These are a few of my favorite quotes from this Conference:

"I know you can't see me, but I am right here, and you can do this."

--Jean A. Stevens

"Desires dictate our priorities; priorities shape our choices; and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on...determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming."

--Dallin H. Oaks

"Preach the gospel at all times; and when necessary, use words."

--Saint Francis of Assisi

"Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges...the only way to see the view is to make the climb."

--Paul V. Johnson

"Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees.

--Elder Russel M. Nelson

"Niether our professions, nor our possessions determine who we are."

--Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"Apparently the message of the gospel is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."

--Harold B. Lee

"Marriage provides an ideal setting to overcome any tendencies to be selfish"

--Richard G. Scott

"The Church is not a fast food outlet, we can't always 'have it our way'.... Salvation only comes in His way."

--Jeffrey R. Holland

Outside the Conference Center in the evening