Connie's Chronicles: Zone Conference June 2011

We attended our first Zone Conference this past Wednesday June 22nd in Tarlac. We had been asked to Read chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel and Moroni chapter 7 in preparation for the conference. Chapter 6 of PMG is titled "How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes". It gives the following topics to study: Faith in Jesus Christ, Hope, Charity & Love, Knowledge, Patience, Humility Diligence and Obedience. The talks for the conference were based on these topics. The talks given were so good - lots of inspiration to be a better person! Sister Puzey (mission president's wife) talked about our Savior and our Heavenly Father. She presented the question 'How do You know that your Heavenly Father Loves You?" The missionaries were given time to respond and tell how they know they are loved by a Heavenly Father. Their responses were so different but shared with love. As I sat and pondered this question myself, I remembered an experience several years ago when I was going through a tough time. I felt that I had done all that I could do and needed more help. I knelt in prayer and asked for help. Almost immediately I felt arms around me. Yes, I know that My Heavenly Father listens and He loves me!

We were also instructed in being more Christ-like. Some of the points given were that we all need to be more like our Savior in all that we do. Have more charity and be kind. Be better tomorrow than you are today. We need to listen to the spirit and pray with all our heart. Treat others like you want to be treated. Go out of your way to help others.

Another talk was about hope. "Hope is the anchor of our souls." The pioneers had hope to endure, to cross the plains and start the church. We need to have have hope in everything.

Sister Puzey's closing remarks were also words of wisdom to all. We need to never forget that we are a Child of God and that we have a Savior who atoned for our sins. Never forget that families are forever. Take time to look at the details - of leaves, of flowers and recognize the different colors. Listen to the sounds of nature, to the wind and the rain. Learn to Enjoy. We need to find joy and happiness all around us - Joy is found in the simplest of things. Joy is found with in. Learn to be grateful and say 'thank you'. And never give up! She suggested that we keep a "What Makes Me Happy?" list. Each day you can find something that makes you happy.

This conference was special in the fact that President & Sisters Puzey will leave on June 30th to return home to Idaho. We will be getting a new mission president on that day as well. President & Sister Martino will arrive from Denton Texas. Change is in the air.

I came away with a re-newness to be a better person, to be more like my Savior, to be kinder and show love and give more service to others. What a great day!!

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