Stake Conference (Adult session)

So let me start by saying I haven't been to SC in almost a decade.  8 years, to be precise.  It's always bored me, and I've just never wanted to go.  I usually completely forget about it, and totally put it out of my mind, and consider it a "day off."  For some reason, this entire week it has been always on the edge of my mind, and even more crazy is that I remembered the adult session, which I have NEVER been to, with the exception of the one time I was in the stake choir 8 years ago (which, now that I think of it, was the ONLY time I EVER went to SC!) 

The talks were all kind of boring, and didn't really seem to apply so much to me.  The first was "How to get your boys to go on missions."  Well, I don't have any boys, but figured I'd take notes, since I have about 40 boys in primary, and can always encourage a few of these things there. 

The second talked about Alma 49.  Almost a killer for me, Alma is one of the biggest challanges in my life, especially when it comes to the wars!  But one of the things he mentioned was that the Lamanites attacked, retreated, and attacked again, and how that is the theme in our own lives, and the way the Nephites survived was by heeding the Lord's word, and being diligent in living it.

The third was about death, and how life is not a trivial thing and should not be memorialized with trivial things.  Not much interest for me, but I took notes anyway, since it *could* potentially apply to me someday!

The last talk was given by our stake president.  He had a talk prepared, but felt inspired to lay it aside and speak from his heart.  The spirit present was absolutely amazing.  He spoke for a good 20-30 minutes, never pausing or stumbling in his words.  He spoke about trials, in our lives, in others' lives.  He said that no one is exempt from difficulties, nor should they be exempt.  We can find relief in serving others.  He said that for some reason, many people don't picture themselves being as able as the Prophet to receive inspiration, but we ARE!  We are just as entitled to receive inspiration and answers as the prophet is, and the process is the same.  He said that prayer doesn't make our problems go away, but it gives us strength and faith to see it through.  If the answer doesn't come right away, that's okay.  Sometimes we need to struggle a little longer to learn and grow.  We must be in tune to receive those answers, and sometimes the answer is not what we desire. 

But one of the main purposes of life is to struggle and overcome.  We can pray, and go forward in faith and confidence to do the best we can, and part of the blessing of prayer is to struggle and to have confidence in the Lord. 

Sometimes we don't see what he did for us until we look  back, but it will all work out, and it will come together for our good. 

He ended by saying "Let us all be angels in mortality and bless the lives of our brothers and sisters."

It was really amazing to listen to these words, and be comforted as I go through the trials in my own life, to know that my Father is there, ready to help me get through this, ready to give me an answer to my prayers, even though I may not realize at the time that it is the solution.  I feel strengthened to continue, and go forward with hope and faith that it WILL all work out.