Conference Prep

From Ashli:

If you know me very well, you know that one of my very favorite things in the world is a magazine subscription.  There is nothing better than going to the mailbox at least once a month and knowing there is going to be something other than a bill or junk mail inside.  Seeing that magazine in the mailbox makes my whole day!

While I often subscribe to magazines on parenting, food, or home decor, I also very much look forward to receiving the Ensign each month.  We thought we may be moving this summer I didn't renew and my subscription lapsed.  I didn't realize how much I would miss reading the articles each month.  I  renewed and after many weeks, I just received the April issues a few days ago.  I have loved laying in bed at night when the house is finally quiet and having my mind filled with so much good.

There were a few articles I particularly thought were pertinent for right now, today!  With general conference just days away, I wanted to bring your attention to them so you could read them now, to get the most out of your conference experience.  On page 8 of the April Ensign the article title is "April Conference notebook."  Is is an excellent article.  I feel sad for all those that won't come across it until after conference is actually over.  The article is a quick read and gives some great advice on how to prepare yourself to get the most out of conference not jut this weekend but long term.  The closing paragraphs reads "General conference is the time when the Lord reveals His will through His servants to you".  President Kimball taught of the conference talks, "No text or volume outside of the standard works of the Church should have such a prominent place on your personal library shelves..."

There is also another excellent article in the April's Ensign on page 28 titled "Receiving personal guidance at Stake Conference". I think the principles in this article can be the same for general conference.   It tells the story of a man sitting in a Q&A session of conference with Elder Bednar.  Elder Bednar promises those there, that the conference can be a "revelatory experience for each of those in attendance".  Elder Bednar instructs the congregation to take notes "not on what he said, but on what the Spirit told us".  A man tells of his experience and the impressions he receives during the conference.  I don't want to spoil it,  but I hope you will find time to read it.

I am anxious to prepare for conference myself and be ready to receive the inspiration that can come, whether through the direct words that are spoken or through the promptings we each can receive.  Happy Conference!