Have You Ever?

Have you ever had one of those Sunday's where you went to church and everything that was said was meant just for YOU? That is exactly how yesterday was.
I woke up and went in to wake the kids to find that Andy was super sick so I got the other 2 up and had Andy go back to bed. I decided I wasn't going to get frustrated that we weren't going to church as a family, instead I was going to make sure that we still made yesterday a special Sunday. So we went to church {and got there BEFORE they said the opening prayer!!!} and I am so glad we did. Yesterday was Ward Conference. Our Bishop spoke on asking questions. He told how it was a good thing to ask questions, but to make sure we are asking the right ones. He posed the question, "What if Joseph Smith never would have asked which church he should belong to". He then spoke about the atonement and asking questions while using the atonement. He spoke about how important it is to ask questions like "though I've made mistakes what good things are going on in my life?" "What has happened in my day that the Lord has shown me His tender mercies?" "Though things were rough, are they starting to get better and am I not recognizing that?".
Our Stake President spoke on the importance of recording your impressions. He said how he carries a little journal type book with him in his truck for when he gets out of the Temple, as soon as he is done with his session he writes down the impressions he gets. The book never leaves his truck. He also has one that he carries with him to church. I loved that idea. I've often heard something I liked and thought about writing it down and when I get around to it I've blanked on what it was about. He also talked about how every member was born to proclaim the Gospel.
Sunday School was about missionary work. The thing I most loved from Sunday School was the quote "Let your life be the lesson and the Spirit be the Teacher". When we came in they had TWILAMC written on the board, I couldn't figure it out. They said "When you are talking to someone you can share the gospel by simply ending something with and that's what I love about my church!" LOVE it!!
Relief Society didn't give me a chance to have a dry eye. Our sweet Stake Relief Society President probably couldn't concentrate with my sobs. She spoke to us about charity. Her challenge to all of us was to "just be nice"... This is something I have not been to some people, and I'm so ashamed of myself for that. She also told us the importance of giving the benefit of the doubt or remaining quiet, and how charity is expecting the very best of each other. All that she was saying was hitting so close to home for me. It was just what I needed to hear. She also said that if these things were not something we were currently doing, or just started to do, that's ok. Move forward and learn to bide your tongue because words are one thing you can never take back. In closing she said, "Anger and resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die".
I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated by church yesterday. I feel so excited for next week. I went to bed last night feeling spiritually full. It was a great feeling. Our Relief Society has been challenged to read the Book of Mormon in full in 100 days. That's about 9 pages a day. I'm excited for this challenge. It is something I need in my life. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father inspired these amazing Brothers and Sisters to speak on what they spoke of. I am thankful for the atonement and for the opportunity I have to make my wrongs right. I am thankful for the strong Spirit I've felt in my home and in my life. I am thankful for the miracle of forgiveness and for answers to prayers.