five barley loaves and two fishes

I have felt the need to share this for a while now.

This is the story of someone who has become very important in my life.

I hope he changes your life, too.

Please note: holes were filled in this account with creative license. Not all details may be accurate, but ultimately help to get the point of the story across.

Taken from John 6:5-14

A great multitude had followed Jesus after seeing the miracles He had performed. After going up into the mountain with his disciples, Jesus looked down upon the crowd.

"Jesus...was moved with compassion toward them... and he began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34

The day had grown late, and the disciples recommended sending the people to their homes to eat. 
But Jesus had another plan.

"...he saith unto Philip, [from where] shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove [Philip]: for he himself knew what he would do."

Philip, a bit taken aback by the request, examined the size of the multitude - five thousand people. It was late in the day. These people were hungry. Jesus and the disciples still need to eat. As the keeper of the money bag, Philip knew exactly how much money Jesus had to use, and there wouldn't be enough.

"Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little."

Jesus knew this of course. He nodded at Philip, acknowledged that this would not work and so there must be another option. Whether by Jesus' suggestion or their own idea, the disciples begin to go out among the people to see what food is available to be shared among the group.

Their work yielded little. The crowd had come suddenly and without preparation. Perhaps sending the people back home would be the best option.

"But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat." Matthew 14:16

Jesus wasn't done teaching.

Andrew, one of the disciples, came across a young man with some food. Five barely loaves and two small fish to be exact. Andrew asked the young man if he would be willing to share his food, to which the young man responds affirmatively. Andrew leads him back to Jesus with the food.

"There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?"

There are a hundred emotions that hit the lad at this point.

First, it's worth noting that barley was the coarse flour of those with little money. These five barley loaves may have been all the food he had for the week. Perhaps he was off to give the food to other family members. Regardless, the barley loaves indicated his poor economic status.

The lad realizes that the disciples mean to share his food with the five thousand, not just among each other. This would mean no leftover food for his own use.

The questioning in the voice of well-meaning disciple places doubt in the heart of the young man. Andrew had done all he could to find food to give the multitude, yet he doubted that it could ever be enough. And that's enough for the young man to wonder if his little bit of food is even worth offering.

Jesus sees Andrew bring the lad forward.

He listens to his disciple list the food offered.

He hears the question everyone wants to ask: how do you intend to feed five thousand?

And then Jesus turns to the young lad and asks, "May I share your food?"

The love of the Savior burns brightly as the lad looks Jesus in the eyes and responds, "Yes."

We know the rest of the story. Jesus takes the offered food, gives thanks, blesses the food, and breaks the food for the disciples to distribute among the people.

It's the miracle of how five thousand people were fed from five loaves and two small fishes.

Our Heavenly Father asks us to do certain things. He wants us to keep His commandments, to serve His children, to go to the temple, to give thanks, and so on.

Sometimes I wonder how I can ever do it all.

After all, we are imperfect mortals. I have weaknesses. A lot of them. I feel like I falter more than I move forward. I have so little I can give to Him.

But that's the point, isn't it?

Just like this young lad, we often approach the Lord with our meager offerings wondering,

What am I among so many?

Do you really expect my five loaves and two fishes to make a difference?

We doubt ourselves.

We doubt our faith.

And then Christ looks into our souls

“If you give me everything you have, I promise that miracles will happen.”

There are so many people at this crucial moment of life.

Will you give Christ your five loaves and two fishes in faith?

I have felt that this semester. I have felt my offerings seem to grow smaller and smaller to the point where I feel like all I can give is half a barley loaf.

And then Christ steps in.

That’s the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

He changes us.

He makes us whole.

He makes us instruments.

And He feeds five thousand with our seemingly insignificant offering.

This boy changed my life because he had the faith to give all he had to the Savior.

I’m still trying to grow that kind of faith.

But in the moments where I have given everything to Christ, miracles have happened.

I testify that as we bring ourselves to Christ, He will magnify our influence, our talents, and our sacrifices beyond compare.

I know God lives. I know Jesus is our Savior.

I know He loves us.

I know He heals us.

I know He makes us into more than we could ever be on our own.

And that is the story of a boy who changed my life.

eternity

Surprise! I'm still here!
Only for 21 more days.
#wheredidthetimego

I'm in the process of copying pictures over and uploading them to blogger so you can all see the adventures of this year's summer vacation road trip. While that magic is happening, I thought I'd share with you all one of the most incredible days of my life.

On August 15th, I went through the temple for the first time.
Several of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were able to be there with me.
I was so incredibly blessed to be able to go to the Provo Temple, where I have already spent so many hours with dear friends and family members.

Words cannot adequately describe the peace and joy I felt being in the temple with my family.

my eyes might be closed in this one. oh well.

Uncle Brad, me, and Steven!!

Uncle Jeff, Aunt Carly, Grandma Hyde, me, Steven, Grandpa Hyde, mom, and dad

note: there's a waaay better picture except it's on my laptop and Rachel has that. so you're stuck with this one. sorry.

Having been able to go to the temple a few more times since that beautiful day, my love for the temple has grown every single time.

Moses 1:39 says:
"For behold, this is my work and my glory; to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Heavenly Father's work is the work of eternity.
Missionary work is the work of eternity.
One of the members of the temple presidency spoke to the youth when I went to help out with baptisms a few weeks ago. He said something that really stuck out to me:
"You may be here for just a few short hours out of your busy lives. But the work you are doing changes someone's eternity."

That is the whole reason that I want to serve a mission.
This isn't about me.
Sure, I'm excited to have a mission call, to be missing out on finals for a year and a half, and to be getting a whole new wardrobe. #eldershaveiteasy

But that's not why I'm serving.
I am serving because I love my Savior.
Because I love my brothers and sisters.
Because I want all of them to experience the same joy and love that I felt on that day.
Because I pray that I can be an instrument in my Heavenly Father's hands in bringing them back to Him.
Because I hope that each of us can be with our families for eternity.
I love my family dearly, and I cannot imagine eternity without them.
I feel so incredibly blessed and honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility and privilege of inviting my brothers and sisters to come unto Christ, to strive to return to our Heavenly Father, and to one day live with Him again.

Going to the temple helped put that into the eternal perspective.
I thought I couldn't be more excited to serve a mission.
I was wrong.
Every single day, that desire and excitement grows.
21 more days.
It can't come soon enough.

I also found this really cute picture of when I opened my mission call that I never knew existed. 

It is my hope and prayer that each person I know [or will soon know] will be able to come to the temple often and feel of the joy, peace, and love of our Heavenly Father.

good times in p-town

So there was this time when I went home and just kind of stayed there.
For a month.
I came back to the lovely Provo to pack up my apartment, move out officially, and get everything set to leave for eighteen months.
I will be back home for the rest of the summer getting ready for the mission.
Here are the adventures of my two week stay in my home away from home.

Explored the Milwaukee airport. Quite a lovely experience actually.

Day with Rachel. This included walking around the entire BYU campus, going to a friend's wedding reception, a drive up the canyon, a late night visit to the Edwards.

her future home. Man I miss freshman year.

Bridal Veil falls. and some adventurous kids. 

love her.

Volunteering at Summer New Student Orientation. Love the little freshman.
But seriously: get involved with Y-Serve while you're at BYU. Best thing ever.

Missionary Broadcast. Absolutely incredible meeting!
Along with some quality time with my friend, Marian.

Sunday drive by the Provo Temple. And a beautiful sunset.

An interview with my Stake President to finally submit those mission papers.

Watching and studying other devotionals and talks. Like this one by Elder Holland.

Exploring Fairview, Utah with grandparents and finding a few common ancestors.

Selfies: what happens when grandpa has an iPhone and his two grandkids are stuck in the backseat on a long drive.

we found them!

And then watching the Manti Pageant.

gorgeous.

Training new Center for Service Program Directors.
Again: Y-Serve is the greatest.

Dinner and the Despicable Me 2 premiere with Rachel, Clark, and Steven. Fantastic movie!

Visiting baby Zachary, hanging out with Steven, and baptisms at the Jordan River Temple.

Lunch with the Champion family. Basically the sweetest kids ever.

photo cred: Lionell.

Dinner with the Pettitt's. Loved catching up with them!

And of course, the more menial things like running errands, packing up my life, and getting a haircut.

Until October Provo. 
I'll miss you. Just a little.

called to serve

After anxiously waiting for the mailman to arrive for an entire week...

        And then having my Dad receive a big white envelope that I was hoping was for me....

                 And after having my bishop (well, my dad) confirm that it had indeed been sent.....

THE MISSION CALL FINALLY ARRIVED!!

I was sent to the mailbox for the umpteenth day with my own paparazzi behind me, and there was finally a large white envelope from Salt Lake addressed to "Sister Lauren Renee Holbrook." That's me!

hooray for sisters with smart phones! 

I opened the call later that night. Rachel invited a few school and church friends over, I got the family set up on the phone and via broadcast, gave out photography and video assignments, and then it was time!

drum roll please....

"Dear Sister Lauren Holbrook,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president."

GUYS I'M GOING TO SALT LAKE!!

Basically one of my favorite places on the planet.

AND I only have to survive one hot, desert summer there. Perfect timing.

And I'm really excited about the mountains. 

my mission boundaries

The rest of the evening was spent talking with friends and family and sharing the news with pretty much everyone on the face of the planet. I'm a little excited, ok?

And we took a lot of pictures. Of course.

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love this gospel with all my heart! I am thrilled that I will be able to share the wonderful messages of peace and joy with others. I love my Savior and am honored that I would be entrusted with such an incredible calling.

I can't wait to get started!

time flies

post from mid-April 2013

The winter is already over.
Evidences of spring are everywhere.
New faces. New roommates. New friends.
Wedding receptions. Seriously I have three just this week. Craziness.

Here are just a few highlights from the past several weeks.

General Conference.
A great weekend of spending time with family and friends. And listening to the prophet and apostles speak.
What's not to love?

most epic conference picture ever.

me and Naticia on the train ride up to the Saturday morning session

So I have kind of a big announcement:

I FINISHED MY MISSION PAPERS!

I have decided to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
This means that for eighteen months I will be sharing the beautiful messages of this gospel with others. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve, and I am just so excited! I have finished up my part of the paperwork. Now just a few final things to take care of, then the paperwork will be submitted to church headquarters and I will receive a mission call. More on all of this to come. Hopefully soon!
To learn more about what exactly I plan to do for eighteen months, visit mormon.org/missionaries.

Skype sessions.
Devon headed back to spend time with his family before his mission. So a bunch of us Skype in order to continue our scripture study group. It is the greatest thing ever.
Seriously. Get a scripture study group going. At home, with friends, in your apartment. Anyone. Anytime. Such a blast!

group call with Devon's friend Allison, his little brother, Devon, and me and Lyndsey

me, Lyndsey, and Devon

I spend a lot of time with Lyndsey. 

We live next door to each other and basically have a party.

If you ever feel the need to relive your childhood, you're welcome to join us for some Hannah Montana.

Reorganization.

They say that change is good, but for now, it's a little sad.

Our bishopric was released and our stake presidency was reorganized! 

I have absolutely loved the past eight months with Bishop Murdock, his counselors, Brother Rosenthal and Brother Johnson, and their wives. They are such incredible people and I have been blessed to work and counsel with them.

me, Bishop Murdock, and Sister Murdock

I absolutely love this song.

Nothing else much has been happening.
I babysat my cousins for a night, finished up finals, and helped with a musical number. My job is up to forty hours a week instead of twenty so that should be fun. I'm enjoying the birds chirping and the blooming flowers. Hopefully the cooler temperatures stick around for a while.
The summer is off to a fantastic, busy start!

Remember to smile.

some easter thoughts

post from March 31, 2013

I love the Easter season.
Spring is on the horizon.
Everything seems to be ready for a new beginning.

I came across this blog post the other day.
I have to admit, I had all but completely forgotten about the significance and sacredness of this week.

This week should be about Christ.
In a garden across the oceans, our Savior prayed and suffered for each of us.

It was the greatest gift any of us could have ever asked for.

Today, perhaps the greatest miracle occurred when our Savior rose from the grave.
He overcame the powers of death and of sin.
He did it all for us. For you. For me.

"Sacrament Meeting" by Doc Christensen

We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from those things that are of eternal importance.
Take the time this weekend to reflect, remember, and express your gratitude for the Atonement and those blessings that truly matter.

I have shared this song before, "In Christ Alone." But I wanted to share a few of the lyrics here.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death,

this is the power of Christ in me.

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny.

And as He stands in victory

sin's curse has lost it's grip on me

for I am His

and He is mine

bought with the precious blood of Christ."

One of my favorite talks is "None Were With Him" by Elder Holland. 

In the talk, he pleads, "This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ  'at all times and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death,' for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone."

Christ knows you and me personally. He understands whatever we are going through. He loves us completely.
He will never leave our side, though we may depart from His for a time.
Let us remember to walk with and stand by our Savior every single day, and especially this Easter Sunday.

My banner will be clear.
I will not be ashamed.

absolute truth

On Sunday, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf came to the Marriott Center to give a CES Fireside. 

It was amazing. I absolutely love that man.

I went right after church to stand in line outside the Marriott until the doors opened.
Which means I was out in the cold for about an hour and a half. I froze myself stiff.
But it was completely worth it.
I saved seats for some of my friends, and we all listened to President Uchtdorf together. It was wonderful.

Some key points that stood out from his address: you can watch it here

• Truth can only be found through one's efforts and through divine inspiration.
• Absolute truth exists far beyond simple belief; the truth will forever be true, even if no one believes it.
• We don't just have the opportunity, but the obligation to personally discover the truth.
• Just because we have the gospel, that doesn't mean we know everything. The Church was restored because a young man asked a question.
• Coming to know the truth brings greater tolerance, patience, and humility, as well as a far greater capacity to accept our Heavenly Father's will for us.

There are lots of things I don't know, like how fast an ice cube melts or what tomorrow's sunrise will bring.  I don't know why hard things happen to righteous people. I don't know what I am supposed to do with the rest of my life. I don't know why I am here at this very moment.

Despite not knowing those things, there are a few truths that I know without a doubt:

My Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, love me.
I know that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. As I put my hand in His, He will guide me back home.
I know that my Redeemer lives!
I know that no matter how badly I mess up or how much pain I am feeling, my Savior understands each and every emotion that I feel. Christ died for me, personally, and He wants to help me return to my Heavenly Father.
With the help of the Lord, I can conquer anything.

And that is one of the greatest, most comforting truths I know.

One day, all of my questions will be answered. I might even know just how long it takes that silly little ice cube to melt. But for now, I am so grateful for the testimony and knowledge that I do have.

thirteenth day of Christmas

"Because it's Christmas, I've been thinking more than usual about what you taught me,

about how God sent His Son to be born in a manger, to live, to teach, to die, and to be born again, resurrected, for us. 

I know that's true.

I've been thinking about how I used to count down to the big day. 

We would try so hard to think of Jesus, but we knew the traps. 

We knew the meaning of Christmas had become lost in the ripped wrapping paper on the floor. 

So we try to remember Him. 

On Christmas Eve, Dad would read His story from Luke in the New Testament. 

We felt good about ourselves that we'd worked so hard to remember that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.

Then what?

On December 26th we return the clothes that didn't fit, and we begin to put Christmas 

back in the box.

In the basement. 

Or by the curb. 

We mark the day off the calendar and prepare for the next holiday and the chance to ring in the new year. 

What a shame that the day after Christmas 

just might be the least memorable day of the year.

I've learned that it doesn't matter 

how I'm living my life today, or tomorrow, or on Christmas Day, 

or how much I remember Him and His birth, 

if I don't wake up a different man on December 26.

Isn't that what He wants?

Not to simply celebrate Jesus' birth on one day, 

but to celebrate His life by living like Him the other 364?

Do we workshop the infant for a day, but not the man and His teachings all year long?

Do we put Him away with the decorations?

Or do we try to be more like Him?

That's my Christmas gift to you. I hope you get this by Christmas, but if you don't, think of me on the day after.

Now that I've reread this letter, I'd say December 26 might be my new favorite day of the year. 

I guess you could call that the 13th Day of Christmas.

Please enjoy my gift. It's the most valuable thing I have: 

December 26th."

"The 13th Day of Christmas" by Jason F. Wright, pages 235-236.

one more week

[day twenty-five]

bishopric

I absolutely love my bishopric. 

Bishop Murdock is sincerely interested in each one of our lives; the joys, the challenges, and the menial day-to-day tasks. He takes the time to talk to me, something I greatly appreciate. Fun fact: apparently he's my aunt's dentist.

Brother Johnson is about the happiest man alive. He always wears the biggest smile. Once you get him started, he will talk your ear off about his grandkids. 

Brother Rosenthal knows every single person, and he seems to know every little thing about them. While he's a little more quiet and reserved, he has the best sense of humor. 

All three of them are at nearly every single activity, as well as their wives. I have grown to love these three men who lead our ward; they truly are inspired, and I know they will drop everything to help me. 

Today was a little crazy. Figuirng out that church started at 10 am instead of 11:15 was a bit of a shocker and made for a little bit of a rushed morning. We had a combined stake meeting since there weren't very many people back from Thanksgiving break. The lessons were wonderful, and it was nice to have sacrament meeting first for once.

In our Relief Society lesson, we talked about the Footprints in the Sand poem [read it here. such an amazing story!]. I came home and was doing some research on the story, and came across this song. I fell in love with the lyrics. Enjoy.

"Footprints in the Sand"

by Leona Lewis

Hayley got her mission call in the mail on Friday, and she finally opened it today!!!! Even though I will miss her next semester, I am so excited for my roommate to serve the people of Brazil. She is going to be such an incredible missionary!

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. There is only one more week left of school. And then it's finals and back home for the holidays. Craziness.

happy sunday

Christ's Atonement

Recently I have been reading "The Infinite Atonement" by Elder Tad R. Callister. It has been an eye-opening experience as I have more fully studied the atoning sacrifice of my Savior.

I know Jesus Christ not only atoned for my sins, but he suffered each pain, sickness, and emotion that I will ever experience. He knows exactly what I am going through. My knowledge of that simple fact has carried me through countless trials. Because I know my Savior was willing to endure so much pain simply for my sake, I know without a doubt that He truly loves me. Even with all my mistakes and imperfections, Christ and my Heavenly Father love me enough to have provided a way for me to return to live with them someday. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to my Savior for sacrificing so much, even His own life, for me.

I just wanted to share a few quotes from the book that I absolutely love:

• President Gordon B. Hinckley: "When all is said and done, when all of history is examined, when the deepest depths of the human mind have been explored, there is nothing so wonderful, so majestic, so tremendous as this act of grace."

• President Howard W. Hunter: "As we come to understand [Christ's] mission and the atonement which He wrought, we will desire to live more like Him."

• "The atoning sacrifice was designed to motivate us, to draw us unto him, to lift us to higher ground, and ultimately to assist us in becoming as he is."

• C.S. Lewis: "[Christ] has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only man in the world."

• "One does not speak lightly of the Atonement or casually express his appreciation. It is the most sacred and sublime event in eternity. It deserves our most intense thoughts, our most profound feelings, and our noblest deeds. One speaks of it in reverential tones;  one contemplates it in awe; one learns of it in solemnity. This even stands alone, now and throughout eternity."

Though I cannot fully comprehend how or why, I am so grateful to Christ for what He suffered in the garden at Gethsemane. I know He loves me, and I know that He understands exactly what I am facing. I am grateful that He was willing to make up the difference in my imperfections to allow me to return to live with my Heavenly Father someday.

My favorite painting depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Oh My Father" by Simon Dewey

In other news, here's what we've been up to this Sunday evening:

Hayley: researching delicious meals via Pinterest while studying Spanish
John: writing a letter
me: just finished refilling meds and about to do another blog post
All while we enjoy some freshly baked cookies.

Have a lovely week! Go jump in a pile of snow or leaves or whatever you have. Just enjoy this happy time of the year outside for a bit.

And [as always] remember to smile!

happy eight day

provo YSA 77th ward

Tonight we had a Relief Society activity. And although only like five people attended, it was still great to get to know the people who were there.
Sister Rosenthal (the first counselor's wife) taught us how to make a wonderfully simply pumpkin cheesecake. Deliciousness.
Anyway.
My bishopric is fabulous. Each one of them has taken the time to get to know every single member of the ward. They are at every activity and put aside several hours a week for interviews and other business. Basically, they are awesome.
The people in my ward are just fantastic. Everyone is so welcoming, and I have made some great friends. And while they may not measure up to freshman year, it's still a party all most of the time. It's been such a great experience.

[throwback thursday]

I have been going through my old pictures that I have on my computer. And now I'm just kind of obsessed with how adorable we all were ten years ago. wish I still was that cute... oh well. Enjoy my sentimentality.

mommy and me 

Yeah I really wish we could just stay adorable.

ps: if you got the blog title reference, you are my new best friend.
pps: I am beyond excited for Christmas.

thanksgiving day four

the prophet

I love President Thomas S. Monson.
Doesn't he just make you smile?

I know he is called of God. I know that the words he speaks are the words my Heavenly Father needs me to hear. I am so grateful that we have a living prophet on earth today. President Monson is one of leaders in my life whom I look to for guidance, and who serves as a great example of the kind of person I want to become. I am grateful for all I have learned from this great man and his life.

general conference

I love General Conference. 
I get (almost) as excited for conference weekend as I do for Christmas. seriously.
I love that I get to listen to the words of living prophets and apostles.
I love the music. I love the hymns, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and feeling the peace those songs bring.
I love that I get to spend an entire weekend completely focused on the gospel and spending time with family and friends.
I love that there is always something that touches my heart and inspires me to try a little harder to be a little better (President Hinckley).

the weekend schedule:
Hayley, John, and I left early Saturday morning and spent the day at John's parents' house (his mom was my Young Women's president). Always a blast to see them! Before Priesthood session, Hayley and I headed over to her grandparents' house and spent the night there. Sunday morning we went to Hayley's aunt's for breakfast and the morning session. Then Hayley dropped me off at Greg and Wendy's for the rest of the day. I got to play with little kids, experienced my first walk about (like a neighborhood linger longer almost), and ate delicious food. It was an amazing weekend!

I love to see the temple.
photo courtesy of this girl

In case you didn't hear, President Monson announced at the first session of conference that there are new age requirements for missionaries; young men can serve at age eighteen, and girls can now serve at age nineteen. 
For more on this change, please read this article about the new age requirement for missionary service.

I am still a little bit in shock from the announcement made to lower the missionary age. But I am beyond excited about it as well!! I have some dear friends who cannot wait for the opportunity to serve a mission earlier than anticipated.

This is such an exciting time to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church is stronger than ever and continues to grow. I am blown away by how incredible the youth of the Church are and just how much is expected of them. The Lord works in funny ways sometimes, but when we trust in His timing, amazing things happen. Prayers are answered. There is no doubt about that. Nothing is going to stop this work from moving forward.

It's pretty awesome (and slightly daunting) to be a part of it all.

so for the big question:
I do not know at this time if I will be serving a mission.
I still have some big decisions ahead.
thank goodness I have the Lord's help with all of this.

some quotes and thoughts from General Conference that touched me:

• "Ask the missionaries. They can help you!" Elder Russell M. Nelson
• "the desire to serve is a natural effect of conversion" Elder Russell M. Nelson
• "The regrets of tomorrow are prevented by following Christ today." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 
• "We cannot be complaining when it comes to discipleship; we are capable of so much more." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• "We must help the principles of the gospel endure through the constant change of the world." Elder L. Tom Perry
• "Service is the very definition of pure religion." Elder M. Russell Ballard
• "The Lord's delays can seem long, but they are calculated to bless us." President Henry B. Eyring
• "First observe, then serve." Sister Linda K. Burton
• "We have a life of devoted discipleship to give. We cannot quit or ever go back." Elder Jeffery R. Holland
• "When we follow Christ, He will give us abilities outside of our comfort zone." Elder Robert D. Hales
• "Knowing the gospel is true is the essence of testimony. Living the truth of the gospel is the essence of conversion." Elder David A. Bednar
• "Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand." President Ezra Taft Benson quoted by Elder Neil L. Andersen

this quote from Priesthood session I found absolutely adorable:
"Every woman deserves to be told she is beautiful." President Thomas S. Monson

Sister Ann M. Dibb's talk in Saturday Morning session

music that I just loved:
If The Savior Stood Beside Me
Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy
Does the Journey Seem Long?
If The Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not

I am inspired by the words I heard and the Spirit I felt. I know this gospel is true. I cannot wait to become even better than I was before conference. I love this Church. I love my Savior and Heavenly Father, and I am grateful to them that I have the gospel in my life. I am excited to see what the next few months hold as we prepare for the next conference.