Another Joyous Stake Conference

Well, we've returned from another wonderful stake conference. I am so refreshed and feel like life is so good right now!! The past two days have been amazing.

Saturday, we started off with President Price conducting and we had two guest speakers that bore their testimony. Both being converts too. Brother (??) stood up and the first things out of his mouth "It's a miracle, I am here today." My tears started immediately. How could someone feel the same exact way as I did at that very moment. He went on to share his past history of very hard life growing up with parents not in the gospel and the struggles that came with that. - Once again, I think on that daily! This brother, then went on to share how he knew only the gospel to be true and that he was the first in his ancestry to take the step to stop the bad habits that had over come the rest of his family. He wanted to have a wife sealed to him in the temple and children under the covenant. He wanted to know that there was a Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and learn to honor them. And you know what, this amazing brother did just that. He accepted Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Spirit to come unto him. The blessings have been tremendous and he is ever so thankful for these gifts.

All during conference, I could feel this enormous weight on my shoulders. I felt like I was sinking lower and lower in my chair. All of these thoughts kept passing through my mind from my past, and I just prayed. Nothing else, but prayer. I can't tell you all of what was talked about during conference, but I can tell you Heavenly Father knew I was there. He had a purpose for me. And I believe it to be that he was showing me that it's ok to move forward and live a gospel centered life. To leave the past where it is and to search only for what today and the future holds. To love my family with all of my heart and never let anything be in the way of that. To love and cherish Heavenly Father and sing praises to his son as well. Be diligent in my prayers, know my Father is always listening and guiding me.

When President Tree stood to share the closing remarks, I felt that pressure release. In President Tree's words, he shared to not be afraid of Heavenly Father. To only seek to find him more in our lives everyday. And to help those around us feel the same way too. He reminded us that right now we might be struggling, but to get on our knees and pray. Our hearts will be healed. President Tree gave us a promise that many leaders have given before. He said, "We are never alone and will always be guided by the Spirit if we just listen."

I walked away from this meeting with a new perspective on life. I need to work harder on turning to Heavenly Father for all of my answers. I need to never give up, there is something better just around the bend if I keep reaching. I need to tell my family more how much they truly mean to me. And share my testimony more with others, not just my journal. My words might be heard by someone else and help them at a hard time. We never know why we are put in the situation we are until we have completed the task. Heavenly Father will reward us for our service.

Love,
Staci