This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2012 General Conference.
When I, a woman, read the talks given to the priesthood holders I try to think of how what is said applies to me as a member of the church and a member of Relief Society. This week I felt drawn to what Elder Anthony D. Perkins said in his talk Beware Concerning Yourselves.
He told a story of driving over the Rocky Mountains and noticing the guardrails and warning signs, likening them to "deep personal conversion and strong family relations to help keep us on the heavenly highway," what President Nelson called, the covenant path.
Elder Perkins reminded the brethren (and the rest of us) of six fundamental principles that deepen conversion and strengthen family.
1) Praying always opens the door for divine help to "conquer Satan."
2) Studying ancient and modern scripture connects us to God.
3) Worthily participating in ordinances prepares us to take "the Holy Spirit for [our] guide."
4) Showing genuine love is at the heart of personal conversion and family relations.
5) Obeying the law of tithing is an essential element of faith and family unity.
6) Fully living the law of chastity yields confidence to stand "in the presence of God" with the Holy Ghost as our "constant companion".
My marriage is an example of the consequences of not living these six principles. I have a holy envy of couples who do. Their lives seems to be more united, serene in the face of mortal trials, and genuinely more fun, free of the strife that accompanies disobedience and being unequally yoked.
I call those six principles the basic habits of righteousness--if we do those things we are so much further ahead and so much more blessed than if we neglect them and try to keep, as Elder Maxwell said so eloquently, a summer home in Babylon.
I hope that someday I'll be worthy of the blessing of being equally yoked with a priesthood holder who lives those six basic principles.
