Terry rode up early for the 4pm Priesthood meeting with his friend Bob. He asked me why he was invited to the dinner, was there some reason?... and I said because he married me!
He then called Bob, and his wife answered the phone. Terry asked her what Bob was going to do for eating in-between the meetings. She said she was packing him a peanut butter sandwich. Terry said he would do the same. We quickly packed him a sack lunch. Yes. A peanut butter sandwich. This really touched my heart that he cared about his friend. Men at times are truly tender!
He bypassed a great meal with lovely decor...well, that's how the recipients described it!
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Years ago at Stake Conference we always had a "visiting authority". All of us looked forward to that event. Then came the day they announced this would end (except for major leadership changes in the Stake) and the local Stake and assigned Ward members would do the entire Stake Conference as far as speaking. There were the mumblers/grumblers about the end of an era and it wouldn't be hardly worthwhile to go to such a local hoedown affair with only people we saw and knew and associated with all the time.
With anticipation the first SC came around and it was great. Still with some whining and lots of "I remember when such and such SL General Authority visited out Stake and .....". There were some that thought it was very good. Attendance was sparse. Especially the Saturday night meeting for adults.
Truly Stake Conferences have evolved to something to look forward to. Saturday night the building was packed. Sunday morning we left the house at 8am to make sure we had a seat in the Chapel for the 10am meeting. Every inch of space from front to back, including flowing right up on the stage was filled.
There is something amazing that happens when regular saints, not imports, receive an assignment, dig in and research, think of their own life experience and others they know, and share the Gospel perspective that has worked out for them. It is so refreshing to hear about the application of Gospel standards from someone we associate with.
The real joy though is feeling the Spirit. That feeling that confirms the truth to my heart. The Lord will work through whoever has the speaking assignment, be they visitors from far or near, or fellow Stake members. That prayerful preparation, that dab of feeling overwhelmed, a smidgen of terror- all works together and they feel the Spirit's promptings/direction. A blessing to us is...we do to!
I love being a member of The Church. I love feeling the Spirit. Sometimes getting to where the Spirit is going to be felt, is a lot of effort, but I have never regretted any of it. When I sit there and the opening hymn begins, the speakers start their sharing, and suddenly I recognize the--oh, so lovely feeling--the Spirit is in the room. It is with those speakers, with the choir, with those conducting and most exciting of all...with me!!! I feel it!
Stake Conference this past weekend reminded me of this scripture....
Wherefore,
he that preacheth and
he that receiveth,
understand one another,
and both are edified
and rejoice together.
Doctrine & Covenants 50:22
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