"By the Voice of My Servant"

Dear Sisters,

Hope this letter finds you warm and happy during this wonderful time of year.

I was grateful to be able to attend Stake Conference today.  I thought it might be helpful to recap a few of the topics mentioned.  I can’t remember all the names exactly, but here were a couple things that stuck out to me:

Youth Speakers – Message of light regarding the “Light the World” campaign.  I loved how the brother mentioned how every definition of “light” could apply. (Gives sight or makes things visible, gives understanding, easy to lift, and delicate or gentle—the Savior does all of these things for us.)

Mission President and Wife – Shared conversion experiences and how accepting and patient people had been.  She encouraged us to continue to “Be good examples” but to go a step further and invite people to church or tell people about our religion.  He had the Elders share a first discussion focused on Christ and the plan of happiness.

President Tuck – Shared an experience from his youth when he was waiting in the car for his mom to get off work, and he decided to take the car for a spin in the snow and got it stuck.  He tried everything he could, but couldn’t get out.  It was dark and he needed to get back.  He prayed and the moment he said “amen” a car showed up and helped him out.  He was able to make it back just in time.  He testified of how he felt God’s love and awareness of him, and testified he cares and is aware of all of us, even when we make mistakes.

Elder Randal – Beautiful talk on how simple missionary work is.  We make it too hard, and we as members really need to be working better with the missionaries.  It comes down to 1. Praying for missionary opportunities. 2. Using “Mormon language” in our everyday conversations with people.  3. Inviting people to church and activities.  He also testified of the blessings that come from paying tithing.  Those things that work against us will be thwarted.  He used the example of a decrease in doctor bills or car problems, things that use up our resources.  We will find great blessings as we pay our tithing.  He also encouraged us to set a goal to work on a Christ-like attribute each year.

I know I didn’t capture everything.  There were also some sweet testimonies shared, but I was just thinking how important it is for us to listen to and ponder on these messages.  I know the tabernacle is large, but I’m amazed at how many empty seats there are at stake conferences.  The whole building should be full to overflowing.  I think of how far people travel in other countries to hear from their church leaders.  My brother and his family in Michigan have to travel over two hours to go to stake conference.  

I don’t want to send anyone on a guilt trip, but I do hope that when an opportunity presents itself to hear a servant of the Lord speak, that you will prepare and prioritize to hear the message the Lord has for you.  If we want more light, we have to make room for it in our heart.  I testify that blessings will come as you make a sacrifice to attend and listen.  (This “opportunity” could be sacrament meeting this coming Sunday… just sayin’.) ;)

D&C 1:38

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

I'm praying for you sisters.  I love you dearly, and desire for your faith in Christ to be growing ever firmer.

Merry Christmas!

Lydia