I am a Mormon

      I love the Fall. The leaves change color, the air becomes crisp and clear, the smells seem more delicious. It is also time for General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just like the trees letting go of the old and readying themselves for a rejuvenation, Conference prepares us to do the same.
      Just as the October air is crisp and clear, wise counsel from our beloved Church leaders gives us a clear and crisp view of our lives and what we can do to bring us closer to our Savior. Thus far, we have been counseled to be happy, where ever we are, in whatever situation we are in. We have been counseled to be kind and serve one another. We were encouraged to stand up for what we believe in, to proudly share with the world that we are Mormons.
       We were taught to have Faith in Jesus Christ. We will go through trials and difficult times. Some of those trials will be brought on by our frailties as mortal beings. Some come through no fault of our own. No matter the circumstances surrounding the difficulty, we can find the strength to get through it if we rely on the saving grace of our Savior. He has carried the burden for us. He will take it from us, if we have the faith to give it to Him.
      Every day I thank my Father in Heaven for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the scriptures, for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and for my testimony of all those things. I feel grateful and privileged to be a member of this great church.
       As the leaves on the trees change, reminding us that we, too, can change, I pray that the words spoken this weekend will sink deep into our hearts, bringing us a clearer vision, a "delicious" happy life, and nearer to our Celestial home.

     (I am including in this post a photo of a painting by my husband, Russell E. Ricks, with a statement from Sister Ann M. Dibb.)