Stake Conference and President Hinckley's Passing

Stake confernence was great. Items that impressed me in our conference:

1 - Brother Steve Smith quoted Elder Robert D. Hales, "The key to strengthening the family is to have the spirit of the Lord enter our homes". I know that I need to work at living my life in a way that will invite the spirit into our home.

2 - Brother Arrington talked about how Aaronic Priesthood members can play a role in bringing the spirit into our homes. He emphasized working on the the Duty to God with our young men with resulting in increased spirituality in the home.

As I was listening to one of the priesthood leadership talks, my mind was taken to the scripture in Moroni 10:3-5 and the meaning of "real intent". Then my mind wandered to Moroni Chapter 7, early in the chapter where Mormon talks about giving gifts with real intent vs. giving gifts grudgingly. I believe that the spirit caused me to think about the necessity of combining the spirit of love with the attitude of duty to create the "real intent" and resulting joy that only comes through sincere gospel living. When I go to church meetings, or provide service in any way with the attitude of "having to go" rather than the attitude of wanting to go (real intent) and preparing ahead to share something of value to others, then the spirit attends the meeting and the joy of the gospel touches our hearts and motivates us to do even better.

Enough about Stake Conference. After Stake Conference we hosted a party for Joseph Heywood who is going into the MTC on Wednesday on his way to New Zealand to serve his mission. There were about 35 people in attendance and we had a great time visiting. Joseph will be a great missionary. We are really happy that Monica and Roger came and stayed with us.

After attending a ward fireside on organization, we received news that President Hinckley passed away at about 7:00 p.m.. We spent that balance of the evening trying to listen to what the news had to say about his life and death.

Right now we're experiencing blizzard conditions with the wind gusting to up to 50 miles per hour. Fun Fun Fun!

Stake Conference Weekend

This is Stake Conference Weekend and I'm excited because Roger & Monica and their family are coming to bring Joseph to the MTC and I don't have a weekend of Bishopric responsibilities while they're here. I also love Stake Conference because it helps me align my vision for the future in the direction that I should be going. David and Jamie, if you read this, thanks for inspiring me to setup this blog because it will force me to spend more time contemplating and taking time to articulate feelings and impressions. Well, I've got to run. We're helping the Wynn's move this morning!