An Awesome Stake Conference

Hey all - Our Stake just had an awesome conference in our brand new stake building. It is beautiful and has been in the works for a long time. So much of the Spirit was poured into it's building and it is evident in the feeling one gets as you walk through it's doors. We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful area.

With our building dedication, we had our Stake Conference Broadcast from Church Headquarters. I was struck by the personal experiences shared by Brother Gibson and Elder Pieper. They shared stories of when they were children which made it easy for my own children to relate (not that they have ever ventured into a mine shaft or went on long exploration for local lizards) but the stories had gospel principles applied that my children could relate to and understand.

I really loved Elder Nelson's talk directed to the children (and to us too). It is going to make some good Family Home Evening Lessons in the upcoming weeks. It was a great reminder that we all need to be reading and studying the Book of Mormon. We cannot expect our children to follow the words of an apostle and do these things if we, ourselves, are not showing them by example.

I have been reading the Book of Mormon again for a while and last July I got to 3rd Nephi. I was so excited because this is my favorite book because I can just feel the love of Christ pour out of each word. But this is where I have been now for the past two months. I have slowing made my way through because I have let other things get in the way. I know there are blessings when we read and study as the prophet and apostles have directed us. There are so many but the one blessing I glean the most from is being prepared to use the stories I read in teaching moments with my children or with those that I am steward over in my callings.

President Monson concluded the broadcast with a call for us to help the lost battalions (those advanced in years and lonely, a wayward child, an inactive member) that are around us. We all know who they are. They could be a brother or sister, a parent, a child, a neighbor or a friend. He reminded us that we are on the Lord's errand and we are doing His work. No matter our situation in life, we need to be a sincere friend, serve where we can and reach out and lift up. He also asked us to see Christ in every face we see. To me, that changes everything. When I see the face of my Savior in those around me, I can't help but go out of my way to comfort and befriend. I love the words of the Prophet. I know that as we follow his words and the other leaders that have shared words from our Heavenly Father, we will be blessed beyond our comprehension. The burdens that we feel will be lifted as we help lift the burdens of someone around us.

What an amazing weekend altogether, from the temple to a ward service project to the Stake Conference sessions. Heavenly Father certainly sent many blessings this weekend. I truly felt uplifted and motivated to get myself moving.