Sunday Conference Sessions--

Another great day of the Spirit manifesting upon us as we listened to the messages of the brethren for Conference. Each talk was amazing and uplifting. I want to see and hear the talks again, they were all so good. I used to get the cassettes of the latest conferences and listened to them so I could be familiar with what all the brethren taught us. It was not unusual to know and make comments from what they taught us in their messages the following six months. Now we can download them on our iPods or MP3 players. I know Hank does that so he can listen to them while he runs everyday. Great Idea, Hank and such an example!

I appreciate the tenderness and brotherhood of the brethren as they spoke so kindly of our prophet and one another. I noticed that they are most supportive of one another as a body of the general authorities. They are one in purpose and unified.

Closing the Conference near the end, Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a classic talk about the role of women, mothers and wives. I was uplifted by his observations that women do a lot of "twisting, bending, and lifting in raising their children." You know sometimes it takes a general authority to experience what their wife does for them to talk about it in conference!

It is nice once in a while for the women to be acknowledged by the brethren that way. President Hinckley was most sensitive to that especially since he lost his beloved wife and companion few years before he died.

It was (is) always so good to hear the praises and recognition the women received from our brethren, since I don't have that from anyone in a close relationship. It kind of gives me those strokes that the Lord sees in me when I get a priesthood blessing. It is always nice to be acknowledged and appreciated. Don't you agree?

Hank called me to tell me he loved me and was thinking about me when the talk was given by Elder Ballard. How sweet that was too! I thought of him too and thought how he would miss Lori even more for what she does for him and the children.

She was at Tara's with the rest of us finishing dinner when Hank called to talk to me. Lori said he had called her earlier and shared how he was so touched by the Spirit and weeping from the talk by Brother Ballard. I appreciate that softer side of my son, Hank and how he expresses himself so eloquently.

President Monson's comments were humorous as he closed conference and gave his personal testimony. I know he has the mantle of his call, and stands tall as our beloved prophet. He has a good sense of humor and lets us see him in that light. He is so human, which makes us feel like he is like the rest of us with all our own imperfections. I look forward to hearing more of his messages for his counsel to the Saints.