General Conference was this weekend :) Elder L. Whitney Clayton shared the story of the enunciation, when Gabriel appeared to Mary. She was “troubled” and “cast in her mind what manner or salutation this should be” (Luke 1:29) (I’m guessing that means she was confused… as I know I would have been too).

Gabriel reassured Mary that the news he brought was good, and informed her that:

She would conceive in her womb, the son of the highest, and bring forth the son who shall reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary wondered aloud “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?” The angel explained, but only briefly, affirming to her that with God nothing is impossible.

Mary humbly responded that she would do what God asked, without demanding to know specifics and undoubtedly in spite of having countless questions about the implications for her life. She committed herself without exactly understanding why he was asking that of her or how things would work out. She accepted God’s word unconditionally and in advance with little knowledge of what lay ahead. With simple trust in God, Mary said: “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.”

Gabriel’s response that “…with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37) is true, and Mary’s response is powerful.

In contrast to Mary, I frequently want to know specifics, know why, have conditions, or know what lays ahead…

My HWN this weekend was feeling more desire to develop “simple trust in God” regarding the future and promised blessings :)

A couple highlights since my last post… I had my mission reunion last Friday :)

And had another “epic” conference weekend :) Check out a rap we made for the Eppich’s who let us spend the day at their place on Saturday.