Conference Art

Twice a year we have a weekend of listening to the leaders of the Church speak to the us in a worldwide conference broadcast. I always look forward to spending the time with Sam and the kids. I love hearing the Mormon Tabernacle choir, they are amazing and I always imagine that they will be the welcoming choir in heaven because they sing so perfectly and transmit such a reverent, beautiful feeling as they sing. I also look forward to hearing what the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and other leaders have to share and teach us. Its cool that they never coordinate talks and no speaking assignments are given ahead of time , as far as the topic goes, and yet there is always one or two common threads throughout the five sessions. This year FAMILY, PREPAREDNESS & CHARITY as well as the welfare system in the church were the most talked about. Many of the talks hit a chord with our family and we are grateful for the role of the priesthood in our home as well as the ability for me to stay home for the children. Sam has been teaching a "Family Finance" Course in Sunday school for our ward and many of the principles that he's already taught were retaught in conference. It's amazing to me how the gospel caters to all aspects of our lives and not just the spiritual. It's also very timely given the state of our national economy as well as our own problems here in Nevada. I'm constantly reminded of the Prophets counsel to "store food, clothing and other necessities" for a time when they may be needed - I need to do better with this......

As the kids are getting older they are doing much better during conference time. It's a long time to expect them to sit quietly and listen. They like to color and draw pictures and I know while they're doing that they hear the general authorities or at least FEEL the spirit. On Sunday, we pitched our conference tent again like last year. The kids love that tradition! Here are some pictures they drew, we have some serious talent in the family...lol. Jacob actually drew pictures of each of the speakers from the first session but I can't find them so I'll post them later. He is a great artist! These first two pictures Baili drew and Ryan did the one of Jesus.

We pitched our tent

For general conference this year we decided to take an idea from the Book of Mormon, to make it fun and exciting as well as a great memory for the kids. The scripture says:

"and they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which King Benjamin should speak unto them"

In true Baili fashion....she decorated the inside of the tent with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals & craft supplies. It helped the kids be more reverent during the talks. I love conference time & the spirit that is brought into our home as we listen to the words of the prophet & apostles. I LOVE the Mormon Tabernacle choir and usually cannot get through a song without shedding a tear. They are truly amazing.