Weekend in Review, part 2

The better part of the weekend--especially if the game and it's outcome was the worst part--was our regional conference.  We had our stake adult session, as I said yesterday, on Saturday evening (before the game) and then we had a broadcast session Sunday morning that was directed to all the stakes in Utah County.  That worked out to be 146 stakes.  As large as that group might be there are certainly issues that specifically apply and need further discussion.

I thought I'd share some of the things I garnered from that Sunday portion of the conference.

Helaman 5:12 was a recurring theme in our regional conference today: Make Christ the foundation upon which you build the rest of your life. This scripture had been our Girls' Camp Theme several years ago and I remember thinking then what a marvelous foundational message it has for me.  Hearing it again several time this weekend reminded me that it still is.

We heard from Richard J. Maynes, from the quorum of Seventy:  Be righteous, don't just appear it. Our greatest need in life is to remember: to pray, to read our scriptures, to keep our covenants. We must remember who we are, where we came from & our relationship to Heavenly Father and the Savior. Remembering is a celestial attribute. Remember, and perish not. God remember us and we should remember Him and who we truly are. 

We also heard from Sister Rosemary Wixon, General Primary President:  What is the tap root that will anchor a child [and all of us] in the storm? The Savior will be our anchor if we yield our hearts to Him. You cannot be casual in living the gospel. You have to decide what is good, what is better, and what is best. You have to decide what really matters in your life because the years will pass whether you prioritize or not. Are there some things you need to forsake? The momentum of our lives is always increasing and the devils winds are growing stronger. Perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most because pure and simple peace comes from living the gospel.

From the Provo, Utah Mission, President John A.McCune spoke:  Laman and Lemuel never figured out that their journey didn't have to be as hard as they were making it. Look to God and live. Changing life patterns may seem overwhelming, but following Christ is truly the easier path. Heed the invitation and come unto Him.

Elder Dallin H. Oakes had his wife, Kristin, speak for a little while about singles and the real challenges they face in our family-oriented church.  She said: We need to learn to ask the Lord differently. Let Him know that I've covenanted with Thee.  I'll do whatever you need me to do, on your time, to build the kingdom. What more can I do that is right?  Accept that things will happen in the Lords time. Trust in Him and do not get discouraged. Learn to view things through the eternal scope and step up and be the best you can be.

Elder Oaks came back and concluded the session with several thoughts: Don't think of the church as them who will/should fulfill your immediate needs. Instead ask what can it give your life everlasting? The world will hate us for doing things differently because we do things in the Lords way and not in the world’s way. We must keep ourselves unspotted of the world and help lead others through the stormy seas of sin so we may return to live with God again. Faith prepares us for life - It's opportunities and it's disappointments. Put the Lord first in your life. It doesn't matter what your calling is, if you are married or single or if you die tomorrow - it will be okay. It is vital that we do the right thing, at the right time. And things will happen in God's time. When we put the Lord first, we needn't worry about what comes next. Do your best and trust in His timing.

Overall, the messages were familiar and yet refreshing.  All the things I heard, especially those as I felt the Spirit, felt right and true.  And the feeling as I left was a reaffirmation that God loves us and has a plan if I can just be patient enough to let it unfold for my benefit as I do what He has asked.