Conference and the MTC

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Hello everyone,

That was a truly awesome conference weekend. Only problem is I don't know whether it was the best I've ever seen because it was really good or I just actually paid attention this time.

I know that Russell M. Nelson is God's prophet. I could write many reasons for that but here's just one thing he said that struck me: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." That's a prophetic statement if there ever was one. I hope the earth is flooded with it and other things spoken by the leaders of the church.

There was an audible gasp throughout the bleachers when President Nelson said "we're getting rid of home teaching!" It was pretty funny. Sounds like a good change though. All in all, an amazing conference. I felt the Spirit more than ever before.

I watched "The Character of Christ" talk by Elder Bednar and it was basically the best talk ever. Sadly it's only available at the MTC. But here are some of the notes I took on it:

• The Savior always turns outward when the natural man turns inward
• Satan tempted Jesus to use his divine power to turn inward
• In the midst of Jesus's affliction, he sent angels to minister instead to John in prison
• Jesus healed the soldier's ear, turning outward immediately after suffering for mankind's sins and being betrayed
• There is a difference between having a testimony and being converted unto the Lord; you will not fall away if you are converted
• Conversion is turning away from the natural man
• Sin is turning inward, repentance is turning to God
• The stones in the Jaredite barges represent people we serve; Christ touches them one by one; our faith increases each time as we see the evidence confirming our faith
• His Atonement blesses us with strength to do more than we can do on our own

We also had a devotional from Elder Gary B. Sabin, which was pretty good. Main message was about keeping an eternal perspective and improving.

I'm really liking the MTC and my classes. My teachers, Brother Maekawa and Brother Smith, are both really good. Brother Smith knows a ton about the gospel, including some obscurer things, and he taught me some really cool, enlightening stuff that would take too long to explain here.

There were days when I was really frustrated, for brief periods of time, with my teaching skills. But the people here, Elders and teachers alike, have helped me and helped me see how I can help others. I really love my Zone. I'm gonna miss all these people.

Love,
Elder Gallagher

Pic: My (awesome) district. My companion Elder Neddo is to my right.

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