Sunday, August 20, 2006

Sunday August 20, 2006

Stake Conference
It was held in the Pike Performing Arts Center. We have been doing that for several years. When we first got to Indy and all when I was growing up we had stake conference in the stake center. I'm not sure what has changed that makes that unfeasible anymore.

At last conference we were challenged to memorize the BOM seminary scripture mastery scriptures. The stake president showed a jar of candy where the young women had deposited a piece of candy for each scripture each young woman had memorize by the time girls' camp came along. They had, I think, 1390 pieces.

He talked of the blessings that we all have received in our families for being obedient. He then listed a lot of things that have been exceptional milestones. He said that he was not going to be bold enough to say that all these things were because we memorized the seminary scriptures.

-Stake has more than 4000 members.
-More perspective elders attending than ever.
-More people with endowments and current temple recommends.
-80% of primary children attend.

He related a story that a sister shared in testimony meeting. She got snowed in on a Sunday morning. Her husband had passed away years before and her kids were all grown. She didn't know how she would get to church. She then looked out and her home teacher and the missionaries shoveled the drive and sidewalk and so forth. She said that what they didn't know was she never uses that sidewalk. She put on her boots and coat and walked up and down that sidewalk in an expression of gratitude to them and to God.

He related 3 Nephi 17 to us. Specifically starting with the verses below.

5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were ain tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with acompassion towards you.
He talked of us being observant of those around us and having compassion on them and tarrying a little longer if necessary.

Sister Schultz spoke. She commented that the final judgment is not the sum total of the good things and bad things we have done, but who we have become.

Elder Schultz of the second Quorum of the 70 spoke to us on eternal love. He talked of being grandparents and still holding hands when they go to the mall. He talked of a doctrine that is being propagated in the world. He said some are teaching that our family love is temporary and our relationship with Jesus will do away with the need for such things. There is also a trend for people to get married later and later. They want to finish education or buy things before they take on family responsibilities.

He listed rough requirements for the various kingdoms of glory.
Telestial - born
Terrestial - be a good person
Celestial - be a complete person by being sealed to a spouse.

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