Thoughts from Stake Conference (Sautrday Session)

We had our Stake Converence this morning (and yesterday evening). The evening session was presided over by our Stake President, Gaylun Smith. This morning we joined the other 134 stakes in a regional stake converence presided over by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and broadcast from the BYU Marriott Center to our stake center. We arrived just 10 minutes before the start of the broadcast and had to find a seat in the overflow (Little Theater) but at least we got the front row. That way our boys weren't distracted by the comotion of so many people. And my boys were amazingly reverent for all 2 hours (the last 30 minutes was really getting tough for Donovan; Michael and Aleky slept through parts to pass the time). Here are a few thoughts that made an impressions on me this conferece (in my own words):


President Smith (Saturday Evening Session) - our homes can be like temples. If we think about what makes temples special we can includes those elements in our homes: be dedicated, have appropriate artwork, uplifting music, and clean; gospel principles are taught each day.



President Willis (Saturday Evening Session) - "Stay away from the churning waters." He related a story about how the fish processing plants used to dispose of the unused fish part by dumping them into the bay; this disposal method attracked the Lemon Sharks to feeding. The feeding sharks caused the churning waters in the bay. Some teenage boys took notice and decided to investigate by building a raft of the driftwood and paddling out to the churning waters. From their vantage point over the churning waters they decided to hit the sharks with their sticks and paddles. As the time passed the wood began to get wet from the splashes and one boy lost his footing, hit his head on the raft and fell into the churning water. His friend immediately dove in and save him but not before both boys recieved many shark bites. While the second boy showed extreme bravely by immediately diving in to save his friend we learn several valuable lessons. 1) there are many things in life that attract our interest but are not safe; 2) stay away from the temptations and don't justify ourselves in approaching temptations and problems; 3) we can be rescued from our own mistakes but not before we receive many injuries to ourselves, both physical and spiritual.



Sister (Stake Relief Society President) - reminded us of "good, better & best." She referenced a talk from our last general conference about how our lives are too full of good things and that just because something is good isn't enough justification to do it any more. We must discriminate between something that is just good and something that may be better or best for our time. Specifically, we need to read our scriptures, have famiy prayer, attend our church meetings and and family home evenings. These things qualify as best things and cannot be left undone without serious consequence.



Stake Primary President - we must listen to our church leaders and spend our time pondering how their council applies in our lives. Too many times we try to convince ourselves that we are the exception to the rule or that certain council may not apply to us; this is the wrong perspective. We should spend our time figuring out how the rules and council apply to our lives.



This Saturday evening session was especially delightful because Aunt Cheyenne came down and babysat our 4 boys. So we were able to attend this session alone! We could actually pay attention to the speakers and it really helped Michelle and I to feel the spirit.