This (past) weekend was so great because General Conference was Saturday and Sunday! Truly and amazing opportunity to listen to such inspired men and women. It was equally as great to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I miss music so much and they are absolutely incredible! Singing in a choir will be one of the first things I do when I get home for sure! Everyone here is super excited about the new temple that is gonna be built in Rio de Janeiro! Truly the work is moving forward quickly here in Brazil! I'm excited to hear about new friend's mission calls also! All over the world, members of the church are leaving to serve God and His children. Its amazing to see how fast the church is growing and the "army" of missionaries. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be serving here in Rio! Its been a good week and we're excited about this new family that we've been teaching and helping. I've met some absolutely great people here in Rio. Its great to see the changes that people make in their lives and how they become more happy. That is truly what God wants for us. I know that we can be happy when we do what He asks us to do. 

Well just to wrap up quickly about some of my thoughts about General Conference, I read a scripture yesterday that really wrapped it up for me. I heard so many inspired counsels and teachings from prophets and leaders of the Lord. I don't have the time or space to write everything I learned but I know that is essential that we put in to practice what we learned. D and C 21:4-6 puts it in to clear perspective what it is that we must do when a true prophet of the Lord speaks to us. 

 4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give ^aheed unto all his words and ^bcommandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all ^choliness before me;

 5 For his ^aword ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

 6 For by doing these things the ^agates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of^bdarkness from before you, and cause the heavens to ^cshake for your ^dgood, and his name’s ^eglory.

The Lord gives us a promise here and we are entitled to that blessing when we study and prayerfully apply the teachings of modern day prophets and apostles. I know this is true.

Well I'm excited for Mother's day next month. School is almost over and I'm sure everyone is all stressed about finals. Well just keep swimming. I'm excited for the experiences and blessings that are coming your ways back at home. I hope to hear from you soon!

Elder Jared Knotts