Missionary Age Change

By Claire Enos

So, I was going to write about General Conference, but the truth is I only saw the Saturday morning session. I am quickly writing this on my sister's laptop because I didn't bring my laptop to Salt Lake City with me and she only has internet in the Clubhouse at her apartment complex. Not sure if I'll be able to get on and quickly write something up tomorrow so I'm writing it up quickly right now.

I know the biggest thing everyone is probably talking about is the fact that Missionary Age has been lowered for both Young Men and Women. This shocked me when President Monson mentioned the change in age for Young Men, and when he mentioned that they were lowering the age to 19 for Young Women I literally started crying. I couldn't even see my notebook through my tears, I was so overcome with the spirit and magnitude of this announcement. It was made even more profound by the fact that I was actually sitting in the Conference Center during this announcement! Somehow, my sister and I both got tickets to that session the night before, and we walked 3 miles uphill to the Conference Center at 7:40 in the morning in order to get there in time to take our seats in Plaza 1 (far right closest to the front on the floor).

We were in our seats by 9:15 and took a few pictures (which I'll probably add to this post when I get the chance). It was my sister's first time going to General Conference in the Conference Center. She was so excited and I was excited to be there when she went! I think the thing that affects me the most is that we both walked in not quite old enough to go on missions, and walked out of the session old enough to go! I texted my mom later and she said she was in shock. One second she had no kids old enough to go on missions (although I would be old enough in 12 days), and the next second she had two kids old enough to leave on missions.

All I can say is, it was inspired that we were able to go see conference in person for that session, and I'm glad we got to be there!

There was a lot more that was said in Conference, anything stick out to any of you?

<3Claire

Back to Conference!

By Jennifer Debenham

It feels like a holiday at my house. How about yours? Whenever conference time rolls around, we all get a little excited for the opportunity to sit at home on a Sunday morning IN OUR PAJAMAS! and watch the wonderful, inspiring, you-can-do-it messages.

Like other "holidays," we have created our own little traditions. Besides comfy pajamas on bodies, cozy blankets on laps, and conference packets or journals in hand, having a yummy brunch while watching seems like the perfect way to complement the spiritual feast we enjoy emanating from the big screen.

On today's menu:

    Breakfast casserole

    Stir-fried potatoes with green onions and peppers

    Butterscotch pull-aparts

    Fresh Raspberries and Blackberries

    Fresh squeezed orange juice

What do you do to "celebrate" conference?

A Writer's Discovery

By Bonnie Harris

First off, I have to apologize for missing my last post. I got my weeks mixed up and when I went to post, someone else already had one up. So I scrolled down and realized I had missed a week and somehow missed the email reminder. Nobody else has every done anything like that, right?

Second, thank you for all the words of encouragement that were given after my last post. It helps to know others care and have gone through the same things. I appreciate the friendship.

And third, here's what I've learned or you could say releared since then. Time seems to be a common struggle for most people. If only there were more hours in the day, or something like that. What I've found interesting about that is, I've never had too many issues with time management. It's something I'm good at and I've been successful at getting everything done for a long time. That may seem like a long shot, but it's true. I believe it's one of the talents I've been blessed with. I'm able to see and map out how to make things work, and I've been able to help others do the same.

So, you can see a little more why I've really been having a hard time when I haven't been getting the things done like I want to.

As I've thought about what could possible be different now (other than the obvious: kids, marriage, you know what I'm talking about) from before, I realized one glaring error I've been making. It's something, that in the past, I never thought I'd ever drop the ball on. (First of all, never say never. Somehow it always comes back to bit you.) :) And it's something that isn't necessarily easy to admit, and I have a feeling that I might not be the only one.

My error has been in my personal prayers. It's not that I haven't been saying them, it's just that they've become repeative and not as sincere as they should be. I haven't asked specifically for help in finding/making/having the time to accomplish what is important to me, i.e. getting at least some of my writing done. Once I was able to express my frustration, how I was feeling about said frustrating, AND asked for help with those specific items, the solution began to present itself.

• Am I getting as much done as I'd like to be? No. 
• Am I getting some writing in? Yes. 
• Will I be able to meet my goals? With my Father in Heaven's help, Yes. 
• Is this a new concept that I've learned? No. It's just taken a little reminder what what exactly needs to be happening in order for me to be successful.

It may not seem like a big thing to you, but it was to eye opening and a good reminder for me. On this conference weekend, I pray we will all be more sensitive to what needs to be happening in our lives, and as always . . .

HAPPY WRITING.

Say Cheese!

I used to own a point and shoot camera, but one day it broke.

I never realized how essential a camera was in my life until I went without one.  For a week, I complained to my husband, to my mom and to anyone who would listen.  I needed a new camera, but didn’t have the brain power to research buying one.  Where would I start?  My neighbor, a genius PhD engineer who owns every electronic device on the planet offered to sell me his outdated Sony 12x zoom cyber-shot camera (it was a year old) for a discounted price.

My neighbor’s awesome, so I bought his camera.

I love taking pictures.  My point and shoot camera had worked great.  Just point and shoot, I think that’s the logic.

But this new camera took some getting used to with so many options, buttons and knobs.  I called my neighbor over a few times that first month, not sure how to turn off the flash or zoom in.

Before long, I knew just about everything about my new camera.

The best part?  The quality of photographs I was taking was far superior to my little point and shoot.  My new camera brought me new confidence; after all, the camera was the best and finest. It was nothing I would have picked out by myself.  I would have talked myself out of all the complexities of the camera instead of taking a chance.

I started staging pictures for my children, mainly my daughter. 

I downloaded a great photography program and learned how to photo shop my pictures,

when one day my sister came over with her new baby.

On a whim, I offered to take her infant photos.

Before long I was offering to take photos of friends and family members with new babies.  

It was a great gift to a new mom and something unique me and my camera could offer.

Sometimes developing our talents means trying new things, stepping out of our comfort zone and sharing our talents. 

I think writing demonstrates the same concept.  Yes, we write for our benefit but more importantly, we write hoping somehow our little talent, our fine eye, our expression will help, entertain and inspire someone else.

Here’s to a happy writing day.  Say cheese!