Stake Conference

This weekend we had the privilege of having a apostles and a member of the Seventy come and join us for Stake Conference. As a young boy I had several occasions where I was able to meet apostles. In fact, as I look back. maybe too many. I know that sounds bad, so let me explain. When I returned home from my mission a family from Guatemala came to visit. They were going to go hang out at Temple square and "hope" to see an apostle. My Dad one upped them and arranged a visit with Elder Monson and Elder Faust. Needless to say, they were overwhelmed. I remember thinking, wow it's cool but not that big of a tadoo. It has now been 20 years and I have not personally been with an Apostle since then. It IS that big of a tadoo. I went to conference this weekend realizing how special it was. Because I treated it special I walked away much better for it. Over the next couple of days I would like to share some of the things I learned or was prompted about during conference. I say couple because in reality there is more than I can put in one blog sitting that people will actually take the time to read.

Our first meeting happen to be a priesthood leadership meeting. I must admit that I was not completely prepared to feel the spirit when I got there. I have had a personal hangup with Elder Huntsman. Actually not true, I have had a hangup with people praising him. As he started talking he seemed to be praise himself and I let it get me. As he went on I realized that I was wrong and that he had some great lessons to learn about service. I let the spirit take over and I began to be taught. His biggest lesson he taught was of his "learning" to be a stake president. He went ready to take a ton of notes and had his "trainer" tell hime to visit the less actice and the sick. Waiting for the next instruction he was told that was it. Visit the less active and the sick. He then taught that that was exactly what the Lord did in his ministry too. It is much easier and more comfortable to visit the active and healthy but they do not need as much help. We need to make these people realize how much we need them. I think that is were it really switched for me because I realized that even though others may be praising Elder Huntsman he was definately not praising himself. You see, he did not say that these less active people needed him to come bring them back, but for us to work our OUR salvation we need them, our brothers and sisters, and the love that we will develope for them is neceasary for our growth and understanding of the plan of salvation. What a GREAT lesson. I am very greatful I let the spirit speak to my heart instead of the words.