Today was Stake Conference. What a great conference it was. As the speakers expounded on their talks, I felt like I could relate to everything they said. The Stake Primary President spoke about the importance of what we learn in Primary - all I could think about was how, when I had drifted away from the church (for a short while) it was the memory of the things that I learned in Primary that brought me back. The saying is true: Everything you need to know you learn in Primary. I also thought of how it was while I was only four years old that a dear friend, Stephanie Doorman shared the gospel with me by inviting me to Primary. She set a course of action that changed my life forever.
Another speaker spoke on the power of prayer - not just that the Lord answers our prayers but that we need to express gratitude unto the Lord for when he does help us. I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift to how I felt when I suspected Devon of having Autism. How I prayed to the Lord with my whole heart. I NEVER prayed for the Lord to heal him, but rather for the Lord to guide and direct me to do and say the things that would help Devon become all that the Lord wanted Devon to become. As the days, weeks, months and years have gone on in my sweet boys life - I have always - EVERY NIGHT, given thanks for the things we have learned, for keeping my family safe, for protecting them at school, for giving them such wonderful teachers and church leaders, etc. You know I NEVER prayed for a miracle but I received many in return. Devon would never be considered Autistic today (although there are times :)) and my family has been so blessed by the love and protection of the Lord. We have so much to be grateful for.
We also heard from the Patriarchs and the Mission Presidency. I asked Devon and Marissa to pay careful attention to the words of the Patriarch. They will be receiving their blessings soon.
I left the conference feeling more than spiritually fed; I felt solidified in my testimony of the Gospel and the proof of it in my life and the lives of my family. What a blessing to be a member of this church.
What a neat post--hearing about the things that touched your heart, today! And to think of all the lives you have blessed because of your membership in the church, including mine-just 16-17 years ago! Sure love you!
ReplyDeleteBetsy...I enjoyed reading your post. It made me really think about how important it is to teach my children the gospel now while they are young...and about prayer and having gratitude. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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