Today was our Stake Conference. And as I'm sure you can guess since I have a picture of Dalin H. Oaks posted, you've guessed right :) Dalin H. Oaks came and spoke at the Richardson Texas Stake Conference. I've heard this man speak at General Conferences and CES broadcasts, but I have never seen him or any other General Authority in person. It was a neat experience.
When it was his turn to get up and speak, he had this powerful presence about him. He has quite the sense of humor but at the same time he has the ability to deliver a powerful message. I don't think I will ever forget this!
The last few years they have been breaking up Stake Conference into 2 sessions because of how many members there are in our Stake. I am so glad that my ward was included in the morning session! I got there about and hour and fifteen minutes early and the parking lot was already almost full. I didn't get to sit up front, but I was still fairly close. As Conference was beginning I took a look around and it was packed! I'd never seen so many people show up to Stake Conference before.
I can't remember what this persons name is, but I think they said she is the Temple President. She was talking about the CTR rings that we wear and a couple of other meanings that it has other than Choose The Right. She said that she wore hers next to her wedding rings so that it would remind her to keep a current temple reccomend. The other meaning she got from her grand daughter who told her that her primary teacher told her if you wear it backwards it stand for Return To Christ. I really liked that.
And of Course they saved Elder Oaks for last. He started out by saying that he had done some research about our Stake Presidency before his trip here. He said in order from President, 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor they were Cop, Attorney, and Controller, so his first thought was what kind of Conference was he in for, lol. He also said that after conference that we would most likely forget what was said in the talks given today, but what was important was how we felt. Well, I don't want to forget some of the things that was said so I am trying to write them all down before I do. He also said one time when he was working at BYU he had some sisters approach him and ask him if a man with the priesthood approached them saying he had a revelation that he needed to propose to them do they have to accept. His response was he may have had the revelation to ask, but you can also receive a revelation as to wether or not to say yes. The reason the guy may have had the revelation to ask may have been a lesson the Lord wanted to give him in being rejected.
He also talked briefly on Missionary work. He said he was going to make a small point and wanted us to help him with it. So first he asked all the full time missionaries to stand, and asked us to look around at those that were there. Then he asked for the ward missionaries to stand and there were a few more people up. Then he asked those of us that were responsible to share the gospel and everyone stood up.
I can't remember much else that was said, but like he said at the beginning that we probably wouldn't but it is important to remember how we felt. The spirt was definatley there and has left a permanent impression on my heart. This is truly the Lord's Church restored upon this earth. We are so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today to lead and guide us.
