Stake Conference

I really enjoyed Stake Conference today, even while contending with two (and sometimes three) boys who have a hard time sitting there in the heat for 2 hours. I didn't have hands free to take notes, but there are some things I felt that I want to remember.

• The Temple. I really want to make sure we get to the temple sometime soon. With all the changes and turmoil in our little world right now, I need some of the peace and inspiration I find there. Sister Winkle said the temple is for us, and I know that's true. Isaiah is getting old enough we might be able to work it out between nursings these days. Maybe next week when Omar has finished finals...


• The Sacrament. I really appreciated the comments about how the Sacrament is like being baptized again, and we can feel that clean every week. It's not like I've never heard it before, but it's something I guess I forget in the business of life. I need to have more faith in that principal.


• Missionary Work. In all of our sick kids and mommies lately, I missed the fact that we had a special fast. But I feel a strong desire to do missionary work lately. I know the Lord will do his part if I will do mine. I need to "Do it."


• Prayer. I also loved how he said he and his wife had prayed everyday since their son was born for him to develop a testimony and love of the gospel. We worry about that, and work for that, and in a round about way pray for that, but I love the specific focus of what he said. It's so simple, and beautiful. And when it is expressed that way, it feels easier to focus on it.


• Being Critical. This is my every conference reminder to knock off all the criticism in my head (and mouth). I am glad the Lord is patient, because I don't listen very quickly. (Which as an aside, as I typed that it was a prompting to me to be more patient when my son doesn't listen very quickly...)


• What to do about the world. Okay, that's broad, but President Papa seemed to address the question in my head very specifically. It isn't time to draw the wagons in a circle and wait for the end as the world gets worse. Our job is to spread the word about how to be safe. We've all covenanted to be the heroes who are out in the battle trying to get everyone to safety. That's who I would want to be in the story, and it's who he reminded me we've promised to be.
  
  
  
  • Specifically to the gay marriage issue in California, I don't think the answer is to divorce the Church from the issue. We have to keep trying to affect policy that promotes God's answers to the questions. I've been a little skeptical of the push for a amendment to the U.S. constitution, but today as the speakers talked, I could really see the value.
  
  
  
  

In any event, I felt the Spirit, and I was grateful to be there cooking at Stake Conference. Anyone else feel inspired today?