This weekend was General Conference. With all that was going on in the world/country right now I wanted to take a moment to jot down a few thoughts and highlights that jumped out at me:

• Faithfulness is not foolishness or fanaticism
• We often extoll but rarely emulate the Savior (are we too comfortable to pick up a heavy cross?)
• You are good enough and loved, but not complete
• We need to see each other deeply and be seen deeply
• We can be a force to lift and bless the world
• The US founding documents were inspired by God, even though written by imperfect men.
• Excellent talk about temple recommends from Elder Rasband
• We need to be more concerned about our duties than our rights
• Amazing and balanced commentary on the current civil unrest by Elder Oaks. There are injustices that need to be resolved. Protesting is a good thing. Rioting is not.
• Lots of talks discussed the evils of racism and prejudice
• Lots of emphasis on preparation: spiritual, physical, emotional
• We are all “us”, and we are all “them”
• Our best days are ahead of us, not behind us
• The US and other countries are at a critical crossroads; pray for your country and its leaders
• Carest thou not that we perish? Jesus is in our boat
• As we learn to control our thoughts, the power of the Spirit will be greater in our lives
• Angels on this side of the veil–good hearted people who are willing to bless and help others (God is always looking for someone who is willing to help)
• As faith in Jesus diminishes across the world, we need to be more willing to speak of Him.
• Are we willing to let God prevail in our lives?
• Search the scriptures and see what promises God has promised to Covenant Isreal
• Bear your burdens with steady faith and help others to bear theirs
• We can acknowledge afflictions yet still recognize that we have been highly favored of the Lord
• Wake up and do something more than dream of your mansion above
• You became a physician to heal people, not to judge them
• As we repent and do justly, we come to love mercy
• God expects us to address our public and personal issues. We must work and pray and wait–exercise diligence and patience
• The Gospel is comforting; not comfortable
• No spiritual blessing will be withheld from the righteous