President Waite spoke about Eternal Family. He said that teaching our children the correct path should be our highest priority. He told of a recent experience where he was driving and came upon some road construction. He said that the worker who was directing traffic stood before him holding a stop sign in one hand, while waving him on with the other. He said he didn't know if he was supposed to stop or go. He then asked parents the question, referring to our children, "Do we hold the Word in one hand and then motion them on with our actions?" Do we send mixed signals? If we do, what will our kids anchor against? We need to be their anchor in word and action.
Sister Jackson shared a wonderful message about not shrinking when we are faced with challenges. She asked us why we are so fearful? We have the faith, and as we come closer to the Savior life may seen harder, but that's the whole point. God's grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before him. Not shrinking is more important than surviving; and Great Challenges make Great Men!
President Taylor, our Mission President, told of a time when he found his daughter sitting outside her son's bedroom door sobbing. Her son is autistic and was currently throwing a major tantrum inside his room. She was at a loss as to what to do. She looked at her Dad and said, I'm a horrible Mom, aren't I? He just looked at her with empathy and shared a quote by Elder Maxwell, "You are probably doing better than you think". He wanted all of us to know that we are probably doing better than we think.
President Giles, our Portland Temple President, encouraged us to come to the temple. He asked the question, "Where is the best place to become like God?" In his house, the Temple.
Elder Call, of the Quorum of the 70, talked about feelings. He said when we feel, our understanding is enlightened. Feel with intent to Keep. He also said nothing is better than a little bit of struggle so you can learn to lean on the Savior.
Elder Holland held my attention the ENTIRE 45 minutes or so that he spoke. The way he speaks, his directness, his tone, is just commanding. He does not refer to notes, he just speaks through the Spirit. His talk, although directed more to the youth of the Church, was powerful. It was on Children coming to Conviction. He talked about how we are always 1 generation from extinction, and therefore we are always obligated to reach back. As strong as we are individually, we are a lot stronger together. The youth were challenged to pay their tithing in advance (on their life). They are to give 10 years, dedicated to the gospel of Christ, and they get 90 years in return. The 10 years he wants is the teenage years. He explained to them that more life changing decisions will occur during this time of their life than any other. He then said, "Your life is unfolding. This isn't a dress rehearsal, this isn't a practice round." That he is willing to "gamble" although that isn't a good choice of word to use, that if you give him those 10 years, the other 90 you will also give to the Lord as well.
He then left us with an Apostolic Blessing:
- That the Brethren will embrace the Priesthood
- God bless the Women who have faith, hope & charity
- Bless the Youth with safety (moral & physical)
- Bless the sick, those who are mourning
- and He extended all of these blessings to our loved ones as well
I have so enjoyed hearing and reading so many individual thoughts and accounts of your awesome stake conference. Thank you for sharing yours too! I LOVE that story/thought Jeff shared about the stop sign. He always gives such great talks.
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