Stake Conference

This week we had Stake Conference. During the 3 sessions (Saturday night adult session, Sunday morning Priesthood session and Sunday afternoon general session) all of the bishops in the Stake spoke.

Bishop Hill spoke about fortifying the family. He compared how Captain Moroni fortified cities such as Ammonihah and Noah against the Lamanites attacking and how we should fortify our families against Satan. Satan is staging a war for the souls of men. He mentioned how the internet and TV can bring temptation into your home. He said if there is temptation--get rid of it.

Bishop Crabtree talked about personal revelation--how it affects us on a daily basis. The Holy Ghost can bring wisdom not of ourselves, but of a higher authority. It gives us power to guide our own lives.

Bishop Evans spoke on Chastity. One thing he said is that "if you don't dress appropriately, you are pornography. He quoted Pres Oaks in saying there should be another commandment that "thou shalt not flirt. It leads to adultery. He said Satan is patient and persistent. He sited the example of Amalakiah and Lahonti. At first Amalakiah could not get Lahonti to come down and talk with him. But with persistence he finally did, and he ended up poisoned to death. He said we should make the decision now so strongly that when temptation comes, you will not yield. Do not play with fire.

Bishop Jensen spoke about ministering angels. He said that they are you and I. Most ministering opportunities are spontaneous--not planned. When we minister we do the work of the Lord on earth.

Pres. Knight spoke last on Saturday night. He said we should remember the standards we set in the questions that are asked to get a temple recommend. Are we always living by those standards? He said home and visiting teaching are opportunities to minister. If we commit ourselves we will be blessed and happy.

On Sunday Bishop Canova talked on "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my prophets itis the same". Then he talked about what some of the prophets have said about the importance of temple ordinances. The Temple Ordinances are necessary to receive exaltation. Everything we do in the Church points us toward the Temple. First we must be worthy. Time is an earthly commodity that we will be held accountable for. (So much for "I don't have time" to go to the temple".

Bisop Wright talked about how we should remember. Remember what we have been told are the signs of the second coming of Christ. Remember what Christ taught and live it. Remember that we made the right choice in the pre-earth life and if we continue to make the right choices we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.

Bishop Hollist spoke about prayer. He talked about the power of prayer and that we should pray more sincerely. Remember that we are addressing our Father and he wants to hear from us.

Pres. Robert Reed summarized. He said we should listen for personal revelation. As we listen to the speakers, listen to what is whispered to our souls. This is personal revelation. The small and simple things we have been taught all our lives are what we need to do. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.