Stake Conference

I love it! Almost as much as I love General Conference.

In the past we have taken Marley with us to the Saturday evening adult session because she was so young and barely made a peep. Now she's two so we planned ahead and asked a sweet young woman to watch her. I am so grateful that we could leave Marley and go be uplifted and edified with no distractions. I LOVE my girl....but, it was so nice to be able to sit and listen and take some notes and listen and look up scriptures, and not just hear but listen, etc.

I love how a member of the Quorum of The Seventy, Elder Terrance C. Smith, could come all the way from Alberta Canada and by the inspiration of the Spirit speak directly to my soul. He taught us how to sort dirty laundry. You understand that I could relate, since you know that I am a homemaker and a major part of my job is laundry. But also, I am a child of God living in this telestial world. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Christ. I know that He not only made it possible for us to overcome sin but He also uplifts us in a our adversities. Elder Smith said, "He is closer than we think and kinder than we imagine." I believe it and I am comforted in knowing that.

We also got to hear from President and Sister Oaks, the Winter Quarters Temple President and Matron. Sister Oaks reminded us what Nephi said, "I will go" not "I will try." and not, "I'll put it on my to do list and if I don't get to it this week, I'll get to it next week." She told us to not put the temple on our to do list but to put it on our calendar. Very good instructions! We definitely need to be better at scheduling and going!

President Oaks pointed out that we are told exactly what time to go to church but we are not told what time to go to the temple. He said that going to the temple is too personal to be given by assignment. It is so special that we choose when we go.

We also heard from a member of the Stake Presidency, President Bischoff (he's my favorite speaker, don't tell the other members of the Presidency). He counted 31 talks in our last General Conference and according to his notes, 15 of those talks had something to do with Strengthening the Family. Going along with that "theme" he gave us just two ways to do this, 1. Be peacemakers. 2. Establish habits that encourage righteous living: family home evening, family prayer and scripture study.

Sister Weber, the 1st Counselor in the Stake Primary Presidency spoke of the blessings of the temple. I love her! She has such great energy and enthusiasm for the gospel. I have learned so much from her leadership and have been privileged to rub shoulders with her at other activities and I just love her! (She runs a fun thing at the church on Tuesdays, called Music Makers. Maybe I'll post about that next week!)

Well, maybe you are thinking...WHY did Becky just give us a run down of her Stake Conference? I'll tell you why! Because I love it! And I like to share about things that I love! Also, sharing what I learn, helps me to learn it better. I cannot do the actual talks and stories justice, or even the spirit which I felt, so I'll just leave it at what I've already shared. And let you know that I LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I know it has been restored in its fullness! I know that the Savior lives and loves me. I know he loves you too!