Sunday, May 17, 2009

An Amazing Stake Conference

We had an amazing stake conference today and last night for the adult session. I had debated about not going last night but I am glad I went. Elder Ballard came to our stake conference and what a joy it was to sit at the feet of an apostle of the Lord and listen to his counsel. He talked about the parable of the 10 virgins last night and how we need to constantly, daily fill our lamps by doing the little things each day. Scripture reading, family home evening, personal prayers, family prayers, praying together as a couple before retiring each night. Doing these things will fill our lamps and keep our testimonies strong.
Today he talked about sacrament meetings and that they needed to be a place for people to come and feel the spirit. Not a place for people to do their business. We should teach our children to sit quietly and reverently the 10 minutes before the meeting starts and be listening to the soft prelude music being played. Our ward does a pretty good job but like everyone - can do better.
He also talked about grandparents are the memory makers. Grandparents should make spiritual memories with their grandchildren and help in teaching them gospel principles.
We didn't have an opportunity to shake his hand as he needed to catch a flight back to Salt Lake immediately after conference.
What an awesome day we had. It's not often a general authority comes to stake conference.

4 comments:

Becky said...

What?!? Prelude music?? I haven't heard that in months... since I was in Oregon, lol. :)

Russell said...

Becky,

Maybe you haven't heard prelude music because drums and steel guitars and twangy singers aren't allowed in sacrament meeting.

Becky said...

Island,
LOL! We have an organist, but she just sits there and stares at the organ until it's time for the opening hymn.

Candace said...

Becky - just so you know - Island is Russell.

I just love this picture! The beach...it's the place to be!

I just love this picture!  The beach...it's the place to be!
I think this was in 2004. It was Nephi's first trip to the beach. The boys were all so little! My have they grown.

Meet the Parents...Russell and Candace

Meet the Parents...Russell and Candace
It all started for us when Russell left for Cape Town South Africa on a mission. Candace felt inspired to write him - so she did! We wrote for 3 1/2 years. Candace came home from her mission to the Texas Houston East Mission and we dated for 5 months. We married in July 1994 and have been happy ever after!

Son 1...Donovan

Son 1...Donovan
Our 14 year old boy scouter, 50 miler bike rider, cartoon drawer, computer gamer, book reader, clarinet player, babysitter, 8th grader boy!

Son 2...Christopher

Son 2...Christopher
Our 13 year old, boy scouter, harry potter computer gamer, lego creator, imaginator, book reader, 6th grader boy!

Son 3...Michael

Son 3...Michael
Our 9 1/2 year old drama king, perfectionist (I wonder if he gets that from mom? lol), drawer of many things, 3rd grader boy!

Son 4...Nephi

Son 4...Nephi
Our8 year old keeper of surprises, leg breaker, book listener, lego creator, music enjoyer, 1st grader boy!