Wednesday, April 13, 2011

General Conference Thoughts: President Monson's Opening Remarks

My brothers and sisters, I thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel, for the love and care you show to one another, and for the service you provide in your wards and branches and stakes and districts. Thank you, as well, for your faithfulness in paying your tithes and offerings and for your generosity in contributing to the other funds of the Church.

As of the end of the year 2010, there were 52,225 missionaries serving in 340 missions throughout the world. Missionary work is the lifeblood of the kingdom. May I suggest that if you are able, you might consider making a contribution to the General Missionary Fund of the Church.
One theme that I heard over and over again in General Conference that I haven't heard anyone else talk about was the call to give more, financially. That initially sounds scary, but it wasn't. I felt peace about it. I heard, several times, a call to help the poor, and the missionaries, and anyone else in need.

I found it interesting, because this summer will probably see me the poorest I've been since I graduated from high school. This will be the first break in school that I don't move home and work at the place that I did before, where they love me and pay me well and have always taken me back. I decided to live on my own this summer, and it might be pretty rough, paying rent, finding a job, buying my own groceries, and saving up enough to get me through the next school year. Paying my tithing has always been easy for me. But now I get to be tested. Will I still give, when I have next to nothing? I hope to be able to say that as long as I have something to give, I'll give it.

And I know that in one way or another, I will be greatly blessed for it. That's what the Lord has promised. See Malachi 3:10-12 for the details. =)

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