The Reason for Our Hope

A conference talk a week. Easy enough right? Will you take the challenge with me? I thought I would just start from the top. Here's a few thoughts I liked from Elder Packer's talk.

• the standard works testify of Christ

Like the title of the Book of Mormon says...Another Testament of Jesus Christ

• "We may not live perfect lives, and there are penalties for our mistakes, but before we came to earth, we agreed to be subject to His laws and to accept the punishment for violating those laws."

How crazy to think about how we totally knew the whole plan before we came down here to earth. We agreed to follow the plan! And we also knew of the consequences if we didn't and agreed to accept those consequences. Having the knowledge of the pre-mortal life is such a blessing! It's proof that we're not in this alone. We have a loving Heavenly Father who gave us everything we needed to know to be successful.

• "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored to move throughout the world the knowledge of the life and teachings of the Savior."

Being a returned missionary, I couldn't agree more with this. I absolutely loved being a representative of Jesus Christ, with his name right next to mine, close to the heart. However, this knowledge of our Savior didn't end with the Restoration, and it doesn't end when you come home from a mission. You can continue to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and let his light shine through you. The work continues to go forth.

• "Each member serves as a testimony of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are at war with the forces of the adversary, and we need each and every one of us if we are going to succeed in the work the Savior has for us to do."

I love this imagery of this war being a team effort! We, as members of His church, are all on the same side and have the opportunity to stick together and be a force for good in the world. We need to do our part to be an example, to love and serve others, and to help win the good fight.