So, on Saturday our stake/institute was invited to San Antonio to listen to a general authority speak. We had no idea who it would be, but we all guessed, and Jonathan was the only one who got it right. It was Elder Bednar. What an amazing man! He started off by telling us that we wouldn't be getting what we expected from the fireside... It was a question and answer, so we would get more than expected! Needless to say, I loved it, and was really excited to have the opportunity to go.
There were a ton of really great questions asked, but here are the highlights from the session:
(I swear there were a TON of marriage questions... these aren't just the ones I wrote down! Ask anyone who was there!)
-"The role of a teacher is to invite learners to act."
Q: How should I read my patriarchal blessing?
A: -It applies to the many phases in life
-Look for the layers and be patient
Q: What attributes are you striving to obtain as a General Authority, husband, and father?
A: (I believe Elder Gonzalez of the area presidency answered this as well)
-Christlike attributes
-Pick one or two and work towards them.
-Increase in the character of Christ
-Focus on others when you want to focus on yourself- something E. Bednar said, can't remember the question-
-Faith is the principle of action then power.
(1st marriage question/statement)
-You do not find the right one. You find the one with whom you can continue to get better with.
-Bind yourselves to God and to each other: Think of a triangle- God is the top point and man is one arm and woman is the other. As you both grow, you will grow towards God. (Pretty cool huh?? I've heard it before, but I still like it!)
Q: E. Bednar was there for the calling of Pres. Monson. What is something he learned at that event that would help us better follow the prophet?
A: -The Lord has a plan and order for calling the prophet
-Pres. Monson is not "managing"-he is a shepherd in the the Lord's work.
Q: While graduating soon from college, and choosing a career, how do you stay faithful, and follow standards/principles of gospel?
A: -Be bold enough to stay strong and stand up for beliefs.
-There is a line for everyone that they set. We are not judged by the line that others set, we are judged on our line. Know where your line is! D&C 101:78
Q: How do you ward off fear of the next level? How do you blend spiritually?
A: - WE ARE DIFFERENT! (E. Bednar referred a lot to the "boy brain" and "girl brain," and how they work differently...)
- You will NEVER figure them out completely.
- Talk about the issues. Don't play games or skirt around the issue.
- Learn to build upon each others differences.
- He recommended a book: Terry Warner - "The Bonds That Make Us Free" (He said he doesn't usually recommend anything but the scriptures, but he thinks this is a great book that needs to be read.)
E. Bednar then asked us what we were observing and learning. Some of the answers were: Don't get an answer if you don't ask. Study principles to solve our own issues. (A principle is a gospel based guideline) JSH 18:20-Learn for yourself. The gospel demands are very rigorous and spiritually demanding, but very sweet. Pray and never give up - Alma 19:33.
-"Don't be a weak link in the chain of your generations"
-"The tentacles of grace reach out to the children"
-"The more you serve the more you know, and the harder it may become."
Q: How do I know if it's me or the Holy Ghost?
A: Quit worrying about it! All good things/thoughts come from God.
- If you are doing what is right - you don't need to worry.
These are all the notes I took. I'm sure that if you talked to other people who were there they would tell you that they heard different things, but that's what I love about the gospel and the Holy Ghost. We each are able to learn what we need to learn, and find an answer! Elder Bednar said that there were a lot of people who wanted to ask a question, but he didn't get to them, but asked for a show of hands of those who's question wasn't asked by anyone, yet they still received an answer. Most hands in the room went up.
What a glorious thing we have in the gospel! I love it! To know that there is a Prophet and apostles living on the earth today is so amazing to me! I love that we are able to receive personal revelation, and learn for ourselves. Agency is such a powerful thing, and we have to use it correctly to get back to our Heavenly Father. I love this church, and the gospel. I'm so grateful for the Atonement, and my brother Jesus Christ. He lives. I know He lives, and I'm so grateful for Him.
Sorry this is kind of long, but it was a really great fireside! I love y'all! ;)
