Stake Conference - Sept 20,21

I never thought that I would be writing about my Stake Conference on this blog. This past weekend, we had a re-organization of our stake. Apostle, Jeffrey R. Holland, and one of the Seventy, John Huntsman, came out here to conduct that business. In the Saturday night meeting, we heard from the two counselors in the Stake Presidency who were to be released Sunday. Our past Stake President spoke to us on Sunday. These are such great men whom we have grown to love over the past ten years that they have served us. Brother Holland was the last speaker. We had a theme for the conference, taken from a quote from our past Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley. It was about being a happy people. When Brother Holland arose to speak, we fully expected him to address that subject. He said that he felt inspired to talk about a different subject. He said he felt impressed that there were those in the congregation who had come there hoping for inspiration for their problems, and some words to ease their sorrows. He said his subject would be that of , "Hard times". He first told us some unknown facts about the Huntsman family. Brother Huntsman and his wife, had just spoken to us. All any of us know is that they are extremely wealthy, they founded the Huntsman Cancer Center, and do tremendous good throughout the world with their generous donations and good works. Brother Holland told us of the unfortunate problems they had just experienced, where billions of dollars were lost in this recent financial crisis in the country. They had both also suffered accidents recently, and came to us Sat night with battle wounds, involving black eyes, bandages, and sister Huntsman with a broken wrist. They obviously had their physical and emotional pain to deal with, and Brother Holland had given them the opportunity to back out of the assignment to come out here for the reorganization of the stake. Brother Huntsman would not hear of that! Doing the Lord’s work always comes first for him. They have had their trials in life and have raised 7 grandchildren in their home, two of whom are still with them, one who is handicapped, and will always be with them.
We were given such a powerful message from Elder Holland Sat night. He spoke of the sorrows of parents who weep and pray all night for wayward children, and/or loved ones. Some of the trials he mentioned were marriage problems, divorce, addictions, and financial struggles. He offered us hope and encouragement, assuring us of the Lord’s love for all of his children and the promise of better days ahead. One thing that stands out in my mind is his statement that by our own suffering over loved ones, we get a small understanding of the tremendous love that our Lord and Savior has for us. The meeting ran over, and the spirit was so strong that almost everyone there was in tears. It reminded me of the Saviors appearance on this continent after his crucifixion. ( 3 Nephi 17) No one wanted this beloved apostle to leave. He had been prompted through the spirit about what we needed to hear, and he gave us such comfort and hope. As the closing prayer was offered, we could hear how many were crying. It was such a beautiful experience, and my testimony was strengthened. I am so grateful for the gospel and for a living prophet, his counselors, and the 12 apostles. I am counting the days until General Conference. Nothing could be sweeter than the witness that comes through the Holy Ghost when truth is spoken from the mouth of his servants here on the earth.