General Conference

October 10th and 11th, 2009
Chapel, Harbord Ward
36 pages of notes

It scares me to think of what Melodie had said to me the week before last. "Pray for General Conference. Pray, and ask of what you want to be told". I did this for three nights straight as new things came to me. Throughout the 2 days of watching, I felt like General Conference had been put on for me, and me only

There was such a build up to this weekend from many different sources. Firstly, from my own curiosity and wanting to know what General Conference was about. Then, from the Missionaries from what they said during the lessons. Finally, from my Wife as she had watched half of it live the week before.

And, so it begins...

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DAY ONE
General Conference was to kick off at 1:15pm on Saturday 10th, October, 2009. I was keen to get there early as not only was Harbord going to be at the Chapel, but so too were Manly and Greenwhich Wards. I wanted to get a good seat, so that I could take it all in without any distractions. When I arrived, I saw Gabrielle, Chelsea's Husband cleaning the glass windows as the entrance. I said "G'day" to him, asked about Chelsea then had a quick look around. The time was about 12:55pm and there was NO ONE there. I used the next 10 or so minutes to help Gabe with the windows and what not.
The following ten minutes was used to find my seat, get comfortable and say a prayer to kick off the session. As I finished off, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around to see Brother Mafoa there. We had a quick chat about the lesson earlier in the week and he gave me a quick insight of what to expect over the next two days.
People slowly started flowing through the doors, and, although they had set up chairs through the back of the Chapel and all the way through the hall, they were not needed for Saturday. Seemed to me that Saturday's session wasn't high up on the 'to do' list. Then again, families may have been watching it from home, together.
The Bishop of the Manly ward stood before us, welcomed us, and said a prayer.

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Introduction
Although I had had a sneaky peek at the Intro during the week on the internet, I was still eager to see the Conference Center in all its glory! The feelings I felt on Wednesday when I saw it still hit home strongly when I watched it again on Saturday. The shear size of the Center, the people that fill it and the music protruding from its tall pipes and number of mouths were something to gaze at it total awe.
If there were a manual on 'how to conduct a Conference' then, there's proof that the Mormons would have written it.
I can picture it as clear as day in my head. What stands out to me first and foremost is the peace within the Center. Yes, I say that a lot. But the peace is evidence in itself of the faith and belief that not only you guys hold, but so do I! The blue backdrop, the hundred (or more) pipes reaching for the sky, the Choir sitting and standing in sync and dressed in uniform. The flowers delicately placed throughout the Center. The men and women sitting whom looked of high importance. And, Finally, the mass crown that filled each and every seat, not only in the Center itself, but also our Chapel and Chapels around the World.
Henry Eyring was to conduct the first session and he gave a brief overview of the coming talks. John M. Madson (of the Seventy) had said the opening prayer. From that moment, I knew, from the emotion leaving his mouth that this was going to be an enlightening weekend.

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Thomas S. Monson (Opening)
We desire that as many members as possible have an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel inordinate distances.

I have watched a view videos of Thomas S. Monson from lds.org and have recognized the sincerity and love of this man.
Watching him open the Conference, I felt the same. I could feel his sincerity as he stared down the camera upon the silent Chapel.
Some good information came from the President, such as the construction of new temples, 16 of which are under construction, along with another 5 to be built in the near future.
He also said that, due to the growth of the Church and the Temples themselves, 83% of LDS members live within 200 miles of a Temple. I'm no mathematician, but they're some decent numbers!
He then praised the work of the Missionaries around the World, and have thanks for their efforts, as well as welcoming new members and to ensure current members do the same, and to be-friend the new converts.
However, I know the member did not need to be told this. As a new (un-baptized) convert, I felt the friendships and warmth within the Church.

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Elder Richard Scott (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensative to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance.

This man, for me, started off the session very well. He was direct, to the point, sincere, humble and emotional. You could feel the feelings he felt when he spoke.
He addressed the Conference with authority and self assurance which definitely helped in his favor considering the topic- TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.

Firstly, he was to speak to us of communication and how we can better ourselves. He mentioned that he, personally, does not leave his bed until he has bowed before the Lord. This simple method of communication seemed to be a mutual topic amongst all those who addressed the conference.

He later spoke of personal inspiration. The use of personal inspiration to seek our own answers, and to let our personal inspiration to guide us through tough decisions. What I took from this was that, and I am guilty of this too, though when people (not all) pray, they pray looking for answers. This is their first form of seeking an answer- to turn to the Lord.
I think of my younger days when I would have a difficult Maths question, or when I didn't understand a particular word. Without attempting to figure it out myself, I would go to my Mother of Father, Brother or Sister and ask them to explain it to me. Sometimes they would, however, in most cases they would guide me to another place where I could find the help needed to figure it out- such as a dictionary for a tough word. They would not give me the answer, but they gave me the answer to find the answer... If that makes sense?
Had they of just given the end answer whenever I asked for help, then I would not have learned a valuable lesson. This works in the same way with prayer and communication between us as beings and our Heavenly Father. To pray for an answer, and only an answer is weak, and it shows that we are too dependant on our Heavenly Father (Not to say we should not be dependent) but we should also be able to find that personal inspiration first.

INSPIRATION ------------------> POWER

Elder Scott went on with his talk and came to something which made my ears prick up just a little. It was something I had been thinking of all week. Intention. As you know, during the priesthood meeting last week at Church, we went through giving a blessing for health. Two guys were demonstrating, as well as learning for themselves. Understandably, most things in the Church are said verbatim for a reason. However, if you look at a simple blessing, one person may say the words verbatim, but with no intent. On the other hand, another person may switch words and come out with the same meaning, but have a greater level of intent. Pure intent and sincerity is most important within the Church as well as our day-to-day lives in how we live, our profession and so on. Elder Scott gave an example of him visiting a Ward in Spain(?). The Bishop who was giving the lesson at the time struggled to convey the point from the book of which he was reading. However, when he took the book away, used his faith, sincerity and pure intention, he filled the room with the Spirit, and all was learned through that. Opposing that example was when he returned to his own Ward, the gentleman giving the lesson at the time, used the book and his knowledge to "show-off" his intelligence. He did not use it to teach or to inspire, but to put himself above the others. An excellent example of having no intent.
If I could think of an example in my life, it would be of myself and my Wife (As they usually are...) and our professions. Melodie is one who can show pure intent when she is doing what she is doing. Her professions, or her forte, is musical theater. To this day, I still get tingles down my spine when I watch her perform, because I can hear/see the happiness, joy and PURE INTENTION of what she is doing. Sure, she may come out after a show saying "I could have done better" but she has not once ever come out saying "I didn't give it my all". On the other hand, put her in a retail store, or behind a desk, and you'll never hear the end of the complaints. not only that, but her 'service' to others won't be as high as if she were servicing them with her voice from a stage, because there is no real intent behind it.
I am the same in the sense that, when I am personal training someone or a group, I will literally give it my all. All of my enthusiasm and excitement is driven into that one person for an hour, AND I LOVE IT! Better yet, the people around me can see that I love it because I show my pure intent. Put me behind a desk, on a telephone, and I will sit there with the same mono-tone voice saying the same thing to customers with no enthusiasm and no intent.

"You can find guidance when you least expect it"- A statement made not only by Elder Scott, but by so many people I have encountered within the Church. This is what I used to mistake as being purely coincidental, or, luck. When something out of the ordinary, or something good happened to me, I would look at it as being of good luck, or being in the right place, at the right time. I never acknowledged the higher powers that would guide me from a far. One thing leading to another, which led to another. In order to recognize and acknowledge the powers from above, you need to have a clear mind. As Elder Scott had said, "Strong emotions can block the Spirit". Hatred on the mind, or despise in the heart can deter the YOU AWAY FROM THE SPIRIT. The Spirit will never leave your side, but you can leave the spirit. I do, still, have my moments of depression, or general anger. These are things that I try to control, but considering the circumstances, I find it very difficult. However, after time has passed, I sit, and I recollect my thoughts and I think of how good everything is. How well my health is, as well as that of my family and friends. How good it is to be loved by my Wife, and how good it is to return that love. How good it is to believe. It is only a matter of time until I can control my emotions, befriend the spirit and accept the guidance, even when I least expect it. (Do I ramble???...... Nahhhhh)

One temptation that Elder Scott spoke of was pornography. The most DAMNING tool of the devil. Being a male that has entered and passed puberty, I can say that yes, I have viewed pornography. However, after having Elder Richard Scott stare me in the eyes, and tell of the damage it has done to the Temple and to the Spirit of those in the viewings, or the damage that has occurred to my own Spirit and that of Melodie's, I can safely say that that is a thing of the past. Only 3 nights ago, I learned the 10 commandments. "Thou shalt not watch pornography" was NOT one of those things. I guess the 10 commandments is more of an "umbrella" over all the other rules, and sins, that are really there.
In regards to addiction (Not just for pornography), he gave some advice such as finding a quiet place and PRAY!

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Vicki Matsumori (Second Counselor in the Primary Presidency)
We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Everything happens for a reason, and we are guided by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

Vicki Matsumori explains her feelings and her experiences with the Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. As an 8-year-old, she was the first of her family to join the Church. She expected to feel a lot more when brought up out of the water, but only felt 'dripping wet'. She said that it wasn't until the next day, while hearing of a man's testimony, that she felt "A flood of warmth overcome me". I too have felt that warmth from listening to people's own testimonies, whether it be from an elderly lady, a young man, or a very young girl. As people share their beliefs with me and their testimonies, I hang off the end of each and every syllable.

This got me thinking. I know I was Baptized into another Church at a young age, and I'm yet to 'convert' officially. In the notebook I took to G.C. I wrote:
I feel a lot of happiness, joy and peace day-to-day. Is that the Holy Spirit inviting itself to me? Or, have I already invited it into my heart?
Tough questions to answer, but the only way to know is to enter through the Gate and receive the gift through Baptism. That way, I'll know what I have received and what I have.

Vicki also explained surrounding yourself with the right Environment to let the Spirit flourish. I believe I have done a 'job well-done' in regards to this. My environment has changed dramatically in the past few weeks where, previously, I would feel nothing walking into ANY Church. Now, I cannot get enough of the place, nor can I get enough of the members and what they have to say.

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Elder L. Whitney Clayton (of the Seventy)
Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues and contribute to eventual perfection.

I feel that I am at a stage in my life (ALREADY!) where burdens are slowly creeping up and attaching themselves to me without me knowing. Each one that attaches itself slowly keeps me back from being my true self, and living how I believe life should be lived.

To know that Elder Clayton would be talking on a topic that I prayed about was quite scary, but, so very exciting!

He began his talk with the emotional, as well as the physical burdens that are placed on us in today's modern World. They can be worrisome, oppressive, and exhausting. The three sources, generally, of where burdens come from are:
1/ The World in which we live (disease and illness, natural disasters, death)
2/ Imposed by others (addiction, abuse, crime, gossip)
3/ Through our own ways of Sin (remorse and pain- disobeying and failing the Commandments)

The burdens, as Elder Clayton so delicately put it, come from the plan of our Heavenly Father to allow us to grow and progress through our unique experiences that prepares us to return to him. The burdens we experience are rarely life-long burdens. Many that come from the main three sources are short-term in regards to the length of our lives here on Earth. We need to be able to "Carry burdens well, no matter how long they last". Whether they be physical, financial or spiritual, we grow from dealing with these burdens and overcoming them with our own personal inspiration, as well as help and guidance from our Heavenly Father.

However, life-long burdens can be a blessing in disguise. "Work is a continual burden, but, a continual blessing". Not only do we have something active to do during our days, not only are we earning a living to keep clothes on our back, food on the table and a roof over our heads, but, we are also constantly learning each day we go to work.
A physical life-long burden, for example, can also be a blessing, as it has the power to allow an individual with a life-long physical burden to overcome it and grow beyond our own imagination.

At first, it was difficult to see, and still is at times- the burden of being separated from the one I love so much. God, Heavenly Father, how could you let this happen? Why would you split us so soon after our marriage?
Had Melodie and I not have physically separated, then I could not say with 100% certainty that I would have embarked upon this journey. If I had not have embarked upon this journey, then I would never have grown as much as I have in the past weeks. And, I would not have released my Spiritual Potential.
God guided Melodie and I to the decision we made. We didn't base this decision on religion, or beliefs, but God knew that this would happen... (Secretly, I think Mel knew too).

Yes, separation is a burden, more than any other burden I have encountered in my life, whether it be through my family, through finances, or anything else. However, I have had the pleasure and help from my loving Wife to help bare that burden. And thats what it comes down to. Helping each other with burdens so that the final outcome, when all burdens are minimized, is a strong, loving relationship between husband and wife and Heavenly Father.

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Brother Russell T. Osguthorpe (President of Sunday School)
We teach key doctrine, invite learners to do the work God has for them, and then promise that blessings will surely come.

I didn't get much out of this talk QUANTITY wise, instead, I got the quality

To teach the gospel is to save lives/spirits.

When I first decided to embark on this Spiritual Journey, I asked for the help of a friend, Paul, to teach me a bit of what he knows. He was kind enough to give up his time, as well as another guy Isaac, to come around and share with me their beliefs, their thoughts and what the Church stood for.
What I found helped a lot was that it was 3 guys, of similar age, sitting around, eating pizza and sharing experiences. They came to my home without their Bibles, without their formal dress and they spoke to me as mates.

Brother Osguthorpe quoted something said by President Monson:
"The goal of Gospel teaching . . . is not to pour information into the minds of class members . . . The aim is to inspire the individual to think about, feel about, and then do something about living gospel principles" (1970 Oct G.C.)

Isaac and Paul had hit the nail on the head. They had intrigued me, and inspired me. They did not read verse after verse of meaningless balony. Instead, I took the inspiration and read that balony with myself and with Melodie. I soon came to realize that it was not balony. In fact, they held some of the most deepest messages I had ever read.

All teachers are messengers from God.


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Elder David Bednar (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

My favorite speaker in terms of bringing in some light-hearted humor to the emotional conference. He definitely did not lose the focus and concentration of those who were laughing. Diligence and Concern in the home was most definitely a topic of which I had been hoping would be talked about. Now, I didn't necessarily pray for 'Diligence and Concern', in fact, I didn't even know what Elder Bednar would be speaking of exactly when the topic came up.

1/ Express Love And Show It
Elder Bednar begun with an amusing story of a particular man, baring his testimony in his Ward. This man spoke of his beliefs, and faith. At the end of his testimony, he took a quick moment to express his Love for his Wife. This was shared in front of his Wife, his children, the Bishop, members of the Ward as well as the visitors. Some would think this was sweet and brave. However, Elder Bednar brought up this story because this particular man didn't express these feelings at home- in the privacy of the family- which is the most important place to express it.
Not only is it to be within the privacy of a home, or within the intimacy of a couple, but it is to be sincere and frequent. When does the time come that saying "I love you" becomes a bad thing? Never! I never get tired of hearing how much I am loved. And, I know that I do get a bit anxious when I do not hear it enough. It can seem a bit repetitive and monotonous for the person saying it. For example, someone might say it so often that they feel the words 'I love you' are losing their effect. Thus, sincerity plays a large part. If someone was to tell me they loved me on the hour, every hour for a year, it would not bore nor tire me, unless it was said without sincerity. Say it, mean it, show it. Never assume that you know how the other one feels, because as I learned from a friend of mine- "When you 'assume', you make an ASS of YOU n ME"
I know and I believe (and I hope I have some back up), that I am one that will not let a day pass without telling my soulmate how much love I have for her. I know, that she knows that I love her. I know that. But if I don't say it on one day, then I have lost out on that day to express my love.

2/ Bare Testimony and Live It
A Testimony is something that still confuses me to this day. I know that through a testimony, you are testifying your beliefs and faith. That makes sense to me. And, that everyone who begins, and continues, a journey such as this will have a Testimony, positive or negative. Mine is only just starting out, but I feel as though it is flourishing!
I have tried to bare my Testimony with those around me (not forceful- but what I have learned and what I believe). In the beginning, people were a little hesitant due to their beliefs/faith/religion, but I have found them to open up a little more and hear of my journey. To see what I have learned and how I have changed<------- That word is what leads me to the next part. Living your Testimony. I have changed so much in the past few weeks for the better, and I have done this through belief of the atonement, belief in Our Heavenly Father and Our Savior, Jesus Christ, belief in the Holy Ghost and belief in eternal life. These are just a few. But, because I no longer drink, does that make me a bad person? Because I no longer smoke, does that make me a bad person? Because I no longer swear (as much...) does that make me a bad person? No, of course not. Now, doing those things never made me a 'bad person' as such, but it wasn't who I am. It wasn't the kid I grew up as, and it wasn't what I was taught to be right. It was just sociable habit. I have refound my social skills, I guess you could say, through being able to socialise without a drink or cigarette in my hand, and without the need to swear to explain a story. Errrr.... Well, I guess that IS my Testimony. And, yes, I am living it! 3/ Be Consistent Consistency shows the strength and true character of a person and their spirit. It's all good and well to say I'm 'gunna' do this, or I'm gunna do that. If you say it, stick to it! Bring that consistency into your lives and be the person you are. I know that we (Melodie and I) have been so consistent in our nightly prayers and scripture readings together, and that has brought us closer than any 'physical closeness' could bring us. We are able to take some of the strongest messages we have read, and interpret them by how we feel. This consistency, I know, will continue well into the future when we one day have a family of our own. I have day-dreamed at work recently about what that would be like. To sit, after dinner, around a table as a family, with our children, and to read a scripture and get all points of view- whether it be from a child, a teen, or as a parent. If my children learn nothing in a day at school, then I can have security in knowing that they will learn more from one scripture reading at night, than 8 hours at school (you know what I mean?). As everything does, to me, it comes down to one's own intentions. I could have gone into this journey and lied by saying I found my beliefs in order to make people happy. But, going into it with the wrong intentions would have led to me not continuing with this journey. I am consistent, and I have every intention of keeping it that way!! The two main concepts taken from this can be applied to each and every relationship, whether with our Heavenly Father, our spouse, family or friends. It's the concept of communication and love. =============================================

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Second Counselor in the First Presidency)
Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our decipleship.

What we love determines what we seek.
What we seek determines what we think and do.
What we think and do determines what who we are.

I believe I have procrastinated in continuing this blog for a particular reason. Today was an extremely hot day. I used my time to head to my place of work (which was closed) but sat there in silence re reading what I had written during General Conference. I knew I was going to start writing again, so i started with where I had left off.

What do I love? I love my wife, Melodie.

What do I seek? An understanding of God, Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for man-kind and the one thing that Melodie holds dearer to her heart than me.

What do I think and do? I constantly think of the Church of Jesus Christ. The origins, then atonement, the resurrection of Christ. More to the point, I think about how I can better myself each and every day to become more Christ Like.

Who am I? I am the man who lost his way through adolescence. I am the man who is now making sure he is doing right by others. Family or stangers... I am a man who gets so disappointed in myself when I slip up. I am just a man.

Those three lines spoken by President Dieter are a very simple way to bring myself back to reality and to find out who I really am. What am I doing? Am I following the gospel as well as I can? Or am I already becoming complacent?

SO, what attributes brings us closer to God than another person?
Love in the Heart/Mind/Spirit:
First and foremost, the one attribute that will bring us closer to God is probably one of the most difficult to achieve. It is easy to say and easy to portray, but it is extremely difficult to sincerely love. It is easy to love an object, a smell a sound or a taste. We can identify these things to our feelings of love because of how we feel when we see, smell, taste a certain object.
However, President Dieter was not speaking of love for a particular meal, song or flower. Instead, it was love for Jesus. Love for God's Kingdom on Earth. Love for the gospel. Love for our family. Love for our friends. These are the things that test our true love. It is impossible for one to feel love for someone or something that does not create that inner feeling of peace and security. To have an attribute of Love in not only the Heart, but the Mind AND Spirit is an attribute that not every single person can have. I have peace and security knowing that the Love in my Heart, Mind and Spirit is true and sincere. Love for the Gospel, Love for the Church, Love for my Wife.
Love is what brought Melodie and I together. It created that friendship and that special bond. It gave us something that we could never experience with anybody else. Love bonds and repairs any slight disagreements or rifts that we have

A true deciple is one that keeps his or her word to the commandments:
Whether it's through the covenant made through Baptism, keeping your word to the commandments of living in a way of righteousness through the Words of Wisdom, it's important to not disregard any of these facets intentionally.
I think this is one attribut that I have taken on willingly, and have conciously made an effort to change my ways. I never intentionally broke commandments or Word of Wisdom in the past, but I wasn't necessarily aware of them at the time. I'm proud of the changes I have made recently to live a more pure lifestyle. Not only that, but to not feel any guilt about my life as I am not breaking the commandments- which are really just common society rules.
I have found myself to not worry about what the current music artists are doing with their lives, not too fussed about my sport heroes and what they're doing with themselves. But, I do find myself thinking of God, reading of God and talking to God. Wait... What are the first 2 commandments? ;)
There are too many people- yes, even withing Church of LDS- that intentionally break the commandments. Luckily, when it comes to the Church of LDS, I find that the members are much more aware of their actions and are more willing to repent and change their ways. Unfortunately, for those outside of the Church, they do not have that extra power pulling them back to the path of righteousness. It's sad to see people slip.
I know of at least one person who has said to me, "Mike, I am a Christian. I don't need to go to Church. I pray and I think I live my life pretty well."
This person was breaking commandments by not following the commandments to its fullest. I don't think that is a true image of decipleship. To say you believe in something, but to not follow through is a lie.
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Thursday Night with the Elders

So, once again, a lesson was scheduled with Elder Lord and Elder Modlik (No 'c').

Finally, I was to take my fruit from the 'Tree of Knowledge' and know what is right, and what is wrong. I mean, obviously, through maturity and different experiences we develop an understanding of what is right, and what is wrong. However, like most basic human-theories, there is always going to be that gray area- Not quite knowing where to draw the line with certain rules and so-on.

Society holds an abundance of laws relating to traffic, murder, treason and many more. The court systems throughout the World have proven to us that there are, in more cases than one, many gray areas.

Not only learning, but KNOWING the 10 simple commandments is a sure way to know the basic do's and don'ts... Obviously, it does not cover all rules and there are a lot of others that are to be learnt. Rules that don't seem so wrong by society, but once understood in a spiritual sense they make a lot of sense.

1. Do not have any other God's before our Heavenly Father.

2. Do not worship idols or statues.

3. Do not use the Lord's name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy.

5. Honor thy Father and thy Mother

6. Do not commit muder

7. Do not commit adultery

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not lie.

10. Do not covet possessions of other's.


Or, word for word from Exodus:
(Or, you can skip it...)
Exodus 20:2-17

2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery;

3 Do not have any other gods before me.

4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me,

6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

8 Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

9 For six days you shall labour and do all your work.

10 But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns.

11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it.

12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

13 You shall not murder.

14 You shall not commit adultery.

15 You shall not steal.

16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.


All in all, the Elders used a great method in order to remember it. I'm glad that Elder's around the World are able to teach others, like me, in a simple and effective way.

The commandments are promised to be kept by someone when they make a sacred covenant with the Lord through Baptism.

Punishment is expected if someone is to break a household or school rule or law of society. The same principle applies to the sacred Commandments set by the Lord. Only, the consequences of breaking the Commandments doesn't just affect your immediate or future life on Earth, but will affect your eternal life. Obviously, that is much more to contemplate than say, 3 months with no driving license for a traffic offense... So, these should be taken much more seriously.
It is also said that, when judgment day arrives and the Lord is to determine your eternal life, it is based on Law. Not Love. You can love the Lord, and have complete belief in him, but if you don't respect and obey the Commandments then your eternal life can be put into jeopardy.

Alternatively, if one obeys the Lord and his Commandments, then one can expect many blessings throughout their life.

Commandment number 4 talks of the Sabbath day, keeping it Holy and attending Sacrament to "renew" the covenant made with the Lord. It is said that no-one is perfect, and the covenant can and will be broken week in, week out- Hence, the importance of sacrament.

That said, I know that when I decide on a time to be Baptized, it will be a time when I am ready. I want to be ready to make that sacred covenant, and not rely on sacrament as a fall-back option for when I do break the covenant. Does that make sense?
When I proposed to Melodie for her hand in marriage, I knew I was ready because I was not willing to put our friendship and love in jeopardy for any temptations, be it violence, drugs or other women. I knew that I could make a promise to her that I could keep for a life time and eternity.
I want to be able to do the same with our Heavenly Father. To know with complete certainty that I am ready to make a promise for a life time and eternity.

Some people say to me, "Don't make out Baptism to be a huge deal." My response is, well, it is to me! And I think it should be. Yes, I believe and I have faith, but I don't need Baptism to prove that. I feel I need it to be able to prove that I can be "Christ Like"...

... Went off track a bit...

So, the Commandments seem like they can be easy to follow. I guess the most difficult would be to not use the Lord's name in vain- and if it means I have to re-teach myself about what words to use when I jar my finger in a car door, then so be it.

Other than that, keeping Sunday a Holy day may prove difficult, only because of my love for sport, and we all know all the big games just happen to fall on Sunday!! However, the easiest solution I found to that is to record it, and watch it the following day- problem solved.

Finally, wanting things that others have. It's human nature to want things that we cannot have, or to want things that friend's and family have. Although, the only thing I've ever really wanted is a family of my own. And, I have that, so too does Melodie.

Those three Commandments, to be, would have been the most difficult to overcome, but I think I already have.

Now, to put them into practice and to begin living my repented life!

The Elder's were able to read my journey thus far and it was good to share my blog with them the other night. They got a kick out of what I had written and it was awesome to see their reaction while they were reading it. To see them laugh, smile and even think about what I had written. I only wish I could see everyone's reactions!!!!!!!!

You want to read something interesting? Read tomorrow's blog after the second day of watching G.C.!!!
What can I say about the first day that won't give my emotions away so far... WOW!!!! Thats about it =)

Cya tomorrow!!!

signed. SEALED. delivered... I'M YOURS!

First up, the vows given to Melodie on our wedding day still stand, forever and eternity.

I had a meet up with the Elders tonight. They had called me earlier for a lift as the clouds were not looking good at all, and the only transport they had were bikes. Unfortunately, the car was FULL of junk from moving. I don't think I could even fit Mel's dog in there. However, I told them to call a cab and I would pay for their fare to and from Church. I also told them that if I saw them rock up to Church on their pushbikes, then I would get in my car and drive home. As I got into the car 2 minutes later, it started started sprinkling. 100yards down the road and I could NOT see the car in front of my. The weather had hit hard!! I stopped at the petrol(gas) station and got some money out and continued to the Church. I parked, and waited out the front door of the Church. As soon as I stopped walking, the rain ceased. I looked to the Heavens and saw nothing but blue sky. I knew I was on the right track there and then!

I had another meet up with the Elders tonight at the Church. Brother Mu'foa was in attendance as well. I had a fair idea of what the topic was on, but like other times, I always get out so much more than I expect.

It was based on life before and after death. Through my own reading, I knew where we came from, why we were here and where we are going. Though, during the personal study, I only picked up on the basics of all. I'm thankful to the missionaries that I have at my disposal, as well as missionaries around the World who are giving up 2 years of their lives to serve in the name of Jesus Christ, and to teach people who may, or may not be, willing to learn.

I could go through the story about pre-life and post-life, but that is something that will stick with me for so long, I don't think I will ever forget the feeling I felt when I thought of eternal life with my beloved. They went on to explain more in depth things such as the fork in the road being your 'laying to rest' place for your body, and where your spirit will go to. The 3 stages after death (Stars, Moon, Sun) and the benefits of each.

I guess it was refreshing to NOT be scared into being a good person. It was refreshing to know that our Heavenly Father does not judge as to whether or not one goes to Heaven or Hell, much like a true Mother or Father will always find it in their heart to forgive and to teach. I kind of see that as a Christmas gimmick for kids- you be good, you get presents. You be bad, you get coal. As we mature and become wiser, we know what really happens at Christmas (Thanks mum! Thanks dad!). But, I can't rely on my immediate parents for help after life. That is my responsibility, and mine over. Melodie, family or friends cannot influence my day-to-day to make the right decisions to lead me to where I want to go. Yes, they definitely have an input and can help in a way, but I am responsible for my own actions. I determine what my outcome is.

I have seen a few videos of the current President speaking, and whenever I listen to him (even without looking at him), I can hear his sincerity and passion in each word. When Brother Mu'foa spoke to me, I got the same feeling. This Man had such a belief, such faith that when he spoke to me, my jaw dropped and I had no control over what I did.

He spoke to me about his own marriage. He was marriage was taken place in the Temple, and this is the same time they were 'sealed'.

I can't go on from here because it hit me so hard that I may need some time to process. To take in the happiness of whats to come.

I'm baaaack

My belief is such that, I don't have the temptation for temptations. Thankfully, I can feel the change internally and externally and I know that from this point on, I will be a different person for it.

Before taking this journey, I had decided to stop drinking, to stop smoking and not to touch any kind of drug unless it was absolutely medically necessary. Because of the lifestyle I had been subjected to through family, friends and work functions, I was still having alcohol here and there, and even after quitting smoking cold turkey would still have one here and there as well. Not only was I lying to the people I love, but I was lying and cheating to myself.

I am so happy to say that I am a non-drinker and a non-smoker. As much as I wanted to quit smoking, I was addicted, and we all know that breaking an addiction is a very hard thing to achieve, especially if/when it becomes a normal habit as well.

When giving-up something, such as smoking, people will tend to find something else to replace it with. Normally, in terms of smoking, the new habit for people usually becomes eating junk. I am lucky enough to be at a time in my life to regain my belief and also take on another 'drug'. I have become addicted to the Church. I have found myself to be restless and agitated if I don't get my 'hit' of Church. The difference between my drug, and other illegal substances used as drugs is that, I haven't and will not lose anything. On the contrary, I will gain so much in the long run, as I have already experienced. And I'm so happy to feel the addiction and to feed it as much as possible.

I talk mainly of smoking, because drinking was never an addiction for me. It was more of a social activity and I wouldn't normally drink unless I was out with family or friends. On the other hand, I would light up a cigarette at home if I was doing nothing with my time. I always knew that doing both of them was never 'me'. It didn't suit me and it didn't suit the lifestyle I wanted to live.

It has been SO easy to give it up completely because, I don't want to ruin my chances of extending my life to eternity at the expense of a useless, tasteless, costly addiction. If anyone asks me HOW I did it, I will share with them the truth. Look to God for help, and he will!

So I had my first full day of Church today. It was great to hear everyone's testimonies and it made me think of my own and how I can see it building. Not building gradually, but building at such a rate that I don't know what will be added in the next 5 minutes. From the day I decided to take an understanding, to the day I read my first scripture. From taking lessons from Elders, and discussions with Melodie. Praying to god and attending Church. I will be proud of myself when the day comes that I can build the courage to stand up there in front of the ward, in front of any ward, and share my testimony.

Afterwards, I attended Fundamentals with two other "Newbies" and a couple of members who stayed around anyway. It was taken by Elder Lord and Elder Modlick, and the topic was based on our reason for being here on Earth. It begun with readings from the Bible in relation to Adam and Eve. The perfect life they lived and the simple rules that were given to them by God in order to Govern. *HOLD THAT THOUGHT*

Question: I just had this thought, and was thinking in regards to sinning and whatnot. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, the most perfect place ever known. A comandment set by God was to not eat the forbidden fruit. Obviously, they were banished from the Garden for disobeying God and his rules. But had there of not been a rule set in stone, then no sin would have been committed. Does this make sense? I guess I'm missing a part of the story, there must be a reason as to why they couldn't eat that fruit. Anyone care to explain?

Back to the Fundamental class... We watched a video as well. It had a good point to it. It was about a man- an average man (Lets call him Joe)- who was finding it tough to make ends meet. He owed money to someone in particular and couldn't meet the payment. Instead, he took out a loan from a creditor and signed particular terms set down by the creditor. Joe was happy with what he had done as he had been able to pay off his initial debt and found that the due date fr the current debt was still some time away. Joe was working hard and paying of his debt gradually, but he faced temptations along the way which he took. Namely, it was giving up on his responsibilities of work and to pay of debts, to go out and have fun with friends.

The day came when his debts were due, and he was not able to pay them in full. His assets were seized and he was imprisoned at the request of his creditor. Joe pleaded with the creditor for mercy, however, the creditor did not budge.

Fortunately, another creditor came to his aid and paid of Joe's debts for him and had set out new, achievable terms for Joe to abide by.

There were a lot of messages to take from this short video:
1/ Firstly, Joe needed help, and he recognised that. Instead of arranging an agreement with the person he was in debt to, he borrowed money as a 'quick fix'. There are no quick fixes when it comes to finances, losing weight or finding faith. All things are achievable if you're willing to put in a bit of elbow grease and hard work and make things work.

2/ Furthermore, people with beliefs and faith, we are already in debt. We are in debt to our creditor (Our Heavenly Father) who gave his son for the greatest sacrifice for all man-kind. The terms set by the Heavenly Father were simple. "Be like me". Live life full of purpose. This request is not so difficult, so long as you have that level of faith in order to resist the temptations and peer-pressure around us. Immediately, we have shown our weaknesses for giving in and being the complete opposite to the Heavenly Father.

3/ Had I of watched this video 3 weeks ago, not knowing what I know now, I would have thought very differently about it all. I would have seen the creditors as greedy and picking on the 'little guy'. But, the creditor was there to help, and Joe had agreed to the terms. He was not forced into them. Because Joe had failed to meet his payments and could not pay the debt on the due day, then, the creditor was out of pocket. This to me, isn't justice. And, although Joe pleaded for mercy, he had no case to present for it was his own actions that had decided the outcome.

I am no longer faced with temptations because, that of which we class as temptation, I don't see as temptation. What I see as temptation now, is God, Jesus, the gospel and eternal life. Are they not tempting? Yes, they are! And, with all my strength, I purposely give into them to accept them all into my life and into my heart.

Finally, we had the Priesthood meeting. One man taught of Ordinance (spelling?)- giving blessings to those who are sick. It was interesting, but not much to take away. It was just good to be sitting there in a smaller group getting to know other's and see how the session would work.
What I DID think about was, what you say Vs. Intent. Two guys were role playing the blessing given for sickness and they didn't know the words verbatim. I thought about my prayers and how 'confusing' they sound in my head. Jumping from one topic to another, and back again. Yes, the words are not always so clear, but I'm sure it's the intent that is more important. People cn pray, and get the words 100% correct, but fail in the intentions of prayer. I find that though I'm still learning, I know I'm praying with sincere intent.

I didn't want today to end.

It's been a few days...

And I feel like I'm neglecting this blog. Rest assured, because of my absence over the last few days, is does NOT mean that I have taken a back seat =)

I shall have a lot more to add after last night, today and dinner with the Elders tonight!!

Check back tomorrow!