I had a great opportunity to listen to our Church leaders today. Twice a year we receive counsel from our Prophet and other church leaders in what we call General Conference. The first messages were about preparing ourselves and living within our means during this difficult ecconomy. There are so many people that don't live within their means (me included sometimes). Now, it is becoming very scary for people who have stretched themselves too thin. Even though times look bleak, if we are righteous and have faith that the Lord will provide, I know that we will get through these tough times and hopefully learn that having the coolest designer clothes and the best toys aren't what's important in life, it's our families and friends and the gospel. These are the things that really matter in life and the things that will help us in our times of need.

I remember growing up hearing stories about how poor my parents and their friends were when they were just starting out and how those were the best times. They had to figure out how to make the money stretch and come up with fun dates that didn't cost any money because they didn't have any. I think even though this recession sucks, I'm hoping that it will help my children learn that you can't always get everything you see and that you need to work for things. Also, that we can have just as much fun going on bike rides as a family and having picnics in the park as we can spending money on movies and restaurants. In the end, this recession could turn out to have a really great effect on family life in America. Getting back to basics isn't such a bad thing after all!

And, that is my thought for the day!