Tag Archive for: General Conference

Lit with Fire and Faith

Every six months, I sit down to watch the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
My expectations were high, as with the passing of President Nelson last week, there was always going to be some unknowns whilst the church enters an apostolic interregnum, wherein the Quorum of the Twelve serves as the presiding body until a new First Presidency is appointed.
Yesterday, Monic, Amilya, Hazel (2 visiting BYU students) and I settled down, to listen to the messages of hope and inspiration for the world.
As we watched Conference together with freshly baked banana bread in hand, slippers on, and a blanket or two making the rounds, I found myself deeply grateful for this opportunity to learn.
There were many inspirational speakers, who shared the feelings of their heart.
But for me there was one who shone brightly.

On Fire

Elder Kevin G. Brown spoke on “The Eternal Gift of Testimony.”
Sustained as a New General Authority Seventy only six months ago, this was his first time speaking in General Conference.
He spoke with a passion, a fire and a zeal that was simply incredible.
He was so animated and enthusiastic about the message he shared.
“If you know, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖. I know that I know.”
There is no denying his conviction and the unmistakable authority of one who knows.
He knows and it shows.
He went on to say that “it is worth every effort to pursue this path to testimony” and it was clear that in his lifetime, he had pursued the path to a sure testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Storm Amy had swept through Scotland yesterday and left our wee nation a bit battered and bruised.
It was still a little grey and a bit drizzly outside after the storm, but inside our home things were different.
From his Jamaican roots, Elder Brown brought not just the blistering heat of his homeland, but some thunder too, setting the conference centre ablaze (and our home too) with fire and power through his personal testimony and fearless witness of the Saviour.
His passion, power and sincerity were palpable throughout, he certainly shook me and set me on fire once more.
There are still a few sessions to go, and if you haven’t tuned in yet, I’d really encourage you to watch.
There is something powerful about hearing these messages live, wherever you are in the world.
Who or what has stood out to you so far?
And a short postscript – I KNOW TOO!

Many More Miles

This week I’ve walked – a lot!
Up and down hills, along quiet trails, through rugged country park tracks, and even across many miles of noisy city centres footpaths in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
My legs have been a wee bit tired, my boots are now well-worn in, and I’ve gone through a few snacks, but I am so grateful for my health.
I’ve also met a few people and had some interesting conversations on my journey too.
One of the highlights was a lovely walk with Monic around part of Loch Leven.
We weren’t in a rush – just walking, talking, and soaking in the stillness.
It was one of those slow, steady walks that grounds you, body and soul.
With every step however, I feel a little more ready for the West Highland Way in May.
It’s taken effort, daily discipline, and a lot of desire to keep going.
Right now, there’s a real focus in my life – a reason to lace up my shoes and get out the door, even when the weather’s been a little chillier or the route ahead feels long.
As I’ve walked, I’ve thought a lot about how this kind of preparation mirrors something spiritual too – especially with General Conference weekend here.
Just like a long-distance trail, the journey of faith requires daily effort.
We don’t prepare for big spiritual moments overnight.
It’s the small, consistent choices – prayer, scripture study, quiet service, that build our spiritual endurance.
General Conference is like a pleasant rest stop on that path.
A time to refill, realign, and refocus.
It doesn’t replace the journey; it helps us stay on it and grow stronger.
And just like how training for the West Highland Way has helped me feel more capable and more clear-headed, taking time to prepare spiritually helps me get more from the experience.
One verse keeps coming to mind:
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1–2
This journey, both physical and spiritual, isn’t about speed.
It’s about steady progress, and keeping our eyes fixed on where we’re going.
So, here’s my question:
What are you doing right now to stay spiritually ready for the path ahead in your own life?

Appetites

How is your appetite?
Appetite – “a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food, or a strong desire or liking for something.”
If you have worked up an appetite, you usually have a desire to eat something!
This week, I had a feeling I hadn’t had in a while…
I lost my appetite for sweet foods!
Over 1 or 2 days, I overindulged a little too much.
I’d capitulated, and there had been a weakening of my will!
Then, something just really snapped in my brain.
I felt it!
This week I have been much more disciplined.
Like Aliyah, we may all lose our appetite at times too…

Your character…

Your reaction to your appetites can give you a good measure of your character.
Can you govern your appetites, or are you in bondage to something and forced to yield?
Jesus Christ referred to this duality as the spirit and the flesh.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Simply stated, as we walk in the Spirit, we can and will overcome the temptations of the flesh.
The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. See Galatians 5:22-23
Is there a gnawing emptiness in the pit of your stomach for the fruits of the spirit?
One way we can walk in the Spirit is to tune into the General Conference Sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend.
Millions of people all around the world will be tuning in to hear from leaders of the church.
May I whet your appetite a little to tune in?
I know that General conference can help you find peace, hope, and joy through Jesus Christ.
You can learn how to strengthen your family by following Jesus Christ’s teachings, you’ll also gain a greater insight into temples and covenants.
In addition, you’ll discover how you can receive personal guidance and inspiration from God.
Simply click on the link below to follow along.
How would you describe your appetite to walk in the spirit?