Stake Conference

I wonder how many Stake Conferences I have attended in my life.  When I was a young child...until my 20's probably, Stake Conference was held quarterly and usually with a general authority.  In Germany we usually had a member of the 12.  I remember meeting with Harold B. Lee, Boyd K. Packer, Bruce R. McConkie, Mark E. Peterson, Hugh B. Brown, LeGrande Richards and many others.  And, when dad was bishop the first time, it wasn't unusual to receive a call from a general authority at home.  

Today, Stake Conference is held semi- annually, and general authority attendance is more likely a yearly event, and seldom is it a member of the 12, however, the spirit is just as strong and I am taught just as effectively.  This session of conference is themed, "Hastening the Work."

I ALWAYS enjoy the Saturday evening session more than the Sunday session...don't know why...just do.  And, tonight's session is no exception.  Joe Stanley, one of the young men in our ward, was the first speaker.  Joe joined the church about a year and a half ago due to the influence of one of the young women in our ward.  He is a senior this year and is preparing to go on a mission as soon as he graduates from high school.  Joe's talk was about his conversion and the things he is doing to "hasten the work."  I always enjoy his talks and for a couple of months I subbed in seminary and he's an outstanding student and young man.  He reminded us that the thing that drew him to Becca was that she was happy - all the time!  Lol. Throughout the session his remarks were referenced as to our need to be happy. :)  

Another speaker was Jennifer Hughes.  She runs the Knox Area Mormons Facebook page and she talked about using social media to "hasten the work."  It was enormously entertaining and extraordinarily informative.  There is certainly more I can/should do in this arena...but again...my lack of expertise in the tech realm certainly hinders me! Lol

Another speaker I really enjoyed was President Hurley's wife.  She spoke with the youth in mind but more about the courage we must have to stand for truth and righteousness, owning our own testimonies, and the bullying tactics of those who would like to silence our voices.

The congregational hymns selected were "Behold, a Royal Army" and "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel."  Again, both reminders that we're the Lord's army and that we have a great work to do to bring our Heavenly Father's children back to Him.  

Someone in the session reference D&C 4.  My mind immediately went to a piece of music that our ward choir in El Centro sang often, including at both Joey and Phil's farewells and homecomings..."The Work and the Glory."  It was written by Gerald Lund's wife as an appendage to his 9 volume series, " The Work and the Glory."  I love the song and I love the series. It evokes strong emotions for me and very tender memories.  It was one of the first songs that Cherstin learned to play on the violin and I remember her using it to audition for mrs. Lange.  The books were largely responsible for our quest to take the trips to church history sites and furthered our knowledge and understanding of the gospel, church history, and to the life changing principles of "the work."