Scripture Sunday

I love Elder David A. Bednar. I still think of him as President Bednar and will always remember the times I was able to talk one-on-one with him or his wife. The group family home evenings that they lead were very special. At the beginning of Tuesday devotionals he would always say, "Are you ready?" and have everyone hold up their scriptures. (If you click on "President Bednar" above there is an article that says more about this.) I also will never forget the Spirit and comfort that came from the devotional on September 11, 2001, just a few hours after we knew what had happened. We sang some hymns, including Be Still, My Soul.

I found a scripture he shared in general conference last week. It is Doctrine and Covenants 59:21.

21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in al things, and obey not his commandments.

This shows just how important it is to express thanks to our maker. It seems that our failure to acknowledge His hand in our life offends Him more than anything else does. (Now that I think about it, I wouldn't be happy if my daughter were to say I hadn't done anything for her.) Elder Bednar said that one way to make prayer -- communication from a child to his or her Father -- more meaningful is to "express heartfelt gratitude." Prayer, gratitude, and spending time in nature were three themes that stood out to me as they were mentioned by several different speakers during this conference. Different things stand out to different people and for various reasons. I think it's so neat that people feel certain messages are spoken right to them to give them guidance for their unique circumstances at the moment. I was definitely uplifted by this conference!