Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

It's time again for one of my all-time favorite things in the year--General Conference, where we get to hear from our prophet, the twelve apostles, and other leaders of the church. Thankfully, this happens twice a year and I always find it to be inspiring and uplifting. I simply do not have words that express how much I love conference. These leaders have fasted and prayed to know which topics will help not only the members of our church, but all of mankind--and they are always right on. They pour over the scriptures to find just the right passages that will support their topic, then they write their talks with the help of the Holy Spirit and give them with the help of the Holy Spirit.

On Saturday, the theme seems to be the nature of God and His love for each of us. I have listened in awe to the beautiful way in which the speakers have helped each one of us know and understand and love our eternal Father in Heaven. I especially appreciated that they approached the subject of God intellectually as well as spiritually, as some of our friends who have questions about the existence of God see things more from an intellectual perspective than a spiritual, faith-based perspective. Especially memorable to me was the talk by Elder Uchtdorf on Saturday morning where he talked about how Mormons should be known: as those who show love to all -- as disciples of Christ. In the Saturday afternoon session, I especially loved the talks by Elder Callister, Elder Hales, and Elder Oaks. How powerful and sweet and direct they were. Anyone who listens to these talks will know of a surety that there is a God and that He loves them. And that was just the first day!

And then there was today. President Monson, our prophet, talked about serving our fellow man. Wonderful. That afternoon, those who listened to Elder Holland's talk will ever forget it. Wow. Powerful. Last spring he gave a most memorable talk on the Atonement that I still remember as if it were yesterday. He is an incredible speaker who speaks with power and authority and, most importantly, the spirit. Elder Christofferson's talk about moral agency and moral discipline--beneficial to all, especially to parents who are trying to teach these principles to their children.

Many of you want to know how people in other parts of the world watch conference. If we lived in Utah, we would just snuggle up on the couch in front of the television and watch with our family. There are two-hour sessions twice a day for two days (for a total of eight hours) and the men and boys age 12 watch a two-hour Priesthood session Saturday evening at the church (via satellite). Sometimes, if we were lucky, we would go to Salt Lake City and see it live and in person in the 21,000-seat Conference Center. What a treat this is. It's especially amazing as the prophet walks into the filled-to-capacity center. Everyone quietly rises to their feet and stands until he is seated to show their respect. Even with 21,000 people in attendance, you could hear a pin drop.

However, here in Italy--and in other parts of the world--things are a bit different. Sessions are shown in church buildings via satellite. Because of time zone differences, some sessions are shown live and some are shown hours later. For example, a women's meeting from the week before is shown on Saturday afternoon at 4:00, followed by the first session shown live from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The next day, Sunday, Priesthood session is shown from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., followed by the Saturday afternoon session from 2:00-4:00 p.m., and the Sunday morning session shown live from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Very few members stay for the last session (from 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.) and choose to either watch it on the internet at home or read it in the Liahona (a church magazine) later. Some church buildings have a room where the meeting is translated into Italian and another room where they show it in English. In our meeting house, there is even a room for those many whose native language is Spanish. (Some of our missionaries, both Elders and Sisters, native and non-native, have been asked to help with the Italian translation that is heard all across Italy. How fun for them -- and their parents who are listening to their voice elsewhere in Italy!) Those who speak English and who have the internet usually choose to watch at home. It is wonderful to be able to gather with the members and missionaries and watch at the church building, but sometimes our children coax us into snuggling on the couch and watching it at home. And sometimes we do some of each.

Our daughter, Lisa, who is serving in Japan, said that they will watch all sessions next week as they are fifteen hours ahead of Utah, so it depends on where you live as to how and when you are able to view it.

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want to know more about what we believe, I strongly encourage you to watch some or all of conference. To do so,

1. Click here to watch in English. (Go to www.lds.org to see other options and languages.)
3. Choose the session (Saturday AM, Sunday PM, etc.)
4. Choose the speaker or musical number you wish to see.

In addition to the speakers I have listed above, you must go to the Sunday PM session and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's rendition of "Oh, Divine Redeemer." A beautiful testimony of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
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And now, I add my voice and testimony to those who have spoken at this conference. I know that God lives and loves us. I know He answers my prayers, those of our children, and all those who go to Him in faith. I know that He loves us enough to let us make mistakes and learn from them. I know that He sent his beloved son, Jesus Christ, to show us, by example, how to love and serve others. I know that this perfect man, our brother, accepted the will of our Father and willingly gave His life to satisfy the demands of justice and pay for our many sins and weaknesses. I am personally grateful for the principle of repentance and all that it means in helping me change and be better on a daily basis.

I know that God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, a young boy of only 14 years old, to personally answer his prayer and his questions about which church he should join. I know that just a few short years later, Joseph Smith was given the great responsibility to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know that amidst persecution and at great sacrifice to him and his family, he translated an ancient record of the people in the Americas which is now known as The Book of Mormon. I have read this book and love the messages and teachings that are contained therein. I am grateful that we have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon as testaments of the life and divinity of Jesus Christ and to serve as a compass to give us direction.

I am grateful for a prophet and for the apostles who are part of a beautifully organized church. I am grateful for their dedication and profound love for all of us. I am grateful that I have the teachings of Christ that help us raise our children in this world today. I am grateful for the eternal perspective that helps us see beyond this life when making important, life-affecting decisions. I am grateful for all the many blessings I have received in this life: for wonderful parents who loved me and taught me and showed me, by example, how to serve others; for six faithful and kind children who continue to amaze me with their strength and dedication; and for the many missionaries and faithful Italian members who show me so much love that I can hardly contain it.

I have seen people change their lives as they have come into this church. It is simply incredible to see what they have become. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to know them and see first-hand their stories as they have exercised their faith and continue to draw closer to Christ and to their Heavenly Father.

May we all try, as President Monson asked, to serve each other and do a little better each and every day.

I know and testify of these things in the name of my beloved Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

All our love from Rome.
Sister Acerson

Un Anno Piú (One Year More)

This past year we have been asked by the members and friends from the kids' school, "Do you leave this year?" "How much longer do you have?" The reply was always, "Un anno piú" – one year more.

However, President Acerson and I were just realizing yesterday that today is July 1st. After today, we can no longer say we have one year left. Of course we can say, "Almost a year" or "just a little less than a year" but not for long. At the current rate at which time is speeding by, those phrases won't even be valid for much longer.

After a wonderful mission tour and visit by Elder Kopischke, we have been inspired to set some new goals. We are trying to work harder and be more efficient and effective with our time. Especially since we are running out of time.

With all due respect to our family who is waiting for us to come home, I just wanted to take this opportunity to share some pictures of things we love about being here (in no particular order). We will enjoy these things for "almost" another year.

Remember that you can click on a picture to enlarge it. Clicking on the Back button will then take you back to the blog.


Beautiful families with strong mothers (this one said about sharing the gospel with others, "I cannot stay silent any more.")


Hard working (and beautiful) sister missionaries


Zone Conferences





Picking up new missionaries


Lots of luggage



New missionaries with boundless energy and excitement in spite of jet lag!


Dropping off departing missionaries (my least favorite part – the only thing that makes it bearable is knowing what it's like to be a mom on the other end waiting for them to come home)


Grateful members who come to the airpot to say good-bye



Amazing and happy senior missionary couples who leave grandbabies behind (this couple represents five couples we have serving here)


Missionaries who smile


Napoli Pizza


Knowing you are in the presence of great men


Watching the departing missionaries try to figure out how they can take it all home!


Watching new missionaries head off to their new cities


Missionaries who sing


Preparation Day fun!




Knowing that your son has had amazing examples of how to be a great missionary!


Young Women who stay strong – even in an R-rated world



Missionaries who bring their eternal companion back for a visit


Amazing missionaries


Flowers and flowering trees and trees planted in rows





Weathered–but charming–old buildings


Adorable children



Things that don't match – love it!


Happy missionaries




Food





Great leaders


Beautiful families (the first couple met in the Switzerland temple as they were each accompanying brothers who were going through the temple before their missions – they were married a few months later – VERY unusual here in Italy). She’s expecting their fourth child. Beautiful.



Solid missionaries!


Good friends



Three-Month Conferences


Italians and their beloved dogs (yes, that's a real dog with a real hat and real sunglasses)



Guests for Sunday dinner






Stalwart Youth


New members who get involved


Young women who are striving to dress modestly






Christmas dinners




Good families



Sunsets


And baptisms!











And so much more.

Stay tuned. It's going to be a busy year but I'll try to find time to post a story or two once in a while. Buona giornata! (Have a good day!)