Special Stake Conference

We had a special stake conference today. It was attended by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And it was fabulous! Elder Nelson was gracious and loving. There wasn't time at the end for him to greet all 1939 people who attended the meeting, but we were lucky enough to see him driving away--window down and waving. He looked right at me and James--and smiled the sweetest smile. Of course, James is looking extra-cute right now, imo, because he desperately needs a haircut!

Elder Nelson spoke of teaching our children and allowing the Holy Ghost to teach them as well. He spoke almost exclusively about the children and our role as parents in teaching them. He left a wonderful blessing on us. The spirit was quite strong and it has stayed with me this afternoon--which quite honestly is unusual. So often on Sunday afternoons, the spirit leaves quickly as brothers begin arguing, everyone's looking for lunch, teenagers are sulking around...but that didn't happen today. In fact, as I type this, I realize that I haven't heard a peep from upstairs, much less an angry peep. :::knock on wood:::

Our other visiting authority was an area authority seventy named...wait for it...James B. Martino. Elder Martino was the Denton Stake President when I joined the Church. His family and Richard's family have known each other for decades. Richard grew up with his younger brothers. And now he's a general authority. It was so fun to hear him speak to us. It's been years since we've seen him, but his voice, cadence, stance on the stand, they were all familiar. I'm sorry we weren't able to be close enough to actually see him. I think I even taught some of his kids a few years ago--or at least his nephews. LOL And our own stake presidency gave wonderful talks that I will have to go back and reread my notes on.

So, even though it was a crowded place and we had to sit on the stage at the back of the cultural hall and watch the video screen (or try to around my bil's gigantic head--sorry Randy) and listen to quite a few small children who really didn't like sitting there for two hours, it was a spirit-filled day. I have been in the presence of and taught by an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. It just doesn't get any better than that.