Stake Conference

Today we had Stake Conference and Sam had the opportunity to speak about how affliction helps one gain faith in Christ.  He did such a fantastic job! I was so proud of him; I couldn't help but cry as he talked about his kidney disease and the gratitude he has for the things he's able to do in life.

I really liked how he emphasized that Christ helps us not to get over our trials but to get through them.  Sam is such a great speaker, confident and poised, but most of all today he was prepared through his efforts and prayers and the Holy Spirit.  

Other parts of conference that I want to write down before I forget them are these:

Build bridges slow and quick. Meaning, build bridges of love towards one another by being slow to anger and quick to forgive.

Patience. The opposite of patience is not impatience, but control. I need to think about this one some more.  Basicly I think the idea of the talk is that God tells us to "be still" and to trust in Him, but so often we are not still because we want results now and so we try to control circumstances, even people, to accomplish our goals.

The 9th stake's motto is expressed in  Moroni 10:31-33/34.  The stake president emphasized three points: I can't remember number 1 (I'll have to ask Sam),how grace impacts us now, and holiness.  Part of the holiness point emphasized avoiding foolishness (i.e., unnecessary debt, poor choices of entertainment, wasting time) and I like how the president said that sacrifice means offering up the animal that is inside of us and placing it upon the altar before God.

It was a very good conference and I need to remember to take the time to think about some of these truths presented today.

I like blogging; I look at it as an opportunity to keep in touch with others, but also a place to put down some of my thoughts and ideas, an online journal if you will.