Stake Conference

Saturday and Sunday was our stake conference with Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve.  The theme continues from General Conference "Hasten the Work of Salvation."  Missionary work has been a challenge for me.  But I have determined to do better.  I  understand we can go out with the missionaries to help them talk to people (not proselyting, but in their homes) to bear our testimonies and tell them how the gospel has blessed our lives.  That's what I intend to do.

The choir sounded wonderful.  In fact at rehearsal this morning the Spirit was so strong and their voices so beautiful I started to cry as I was directing.  All our hard work paid off.  Elder Oaks said he has heard many choirs, some good and others ordinary.  Ours was a "good" choir.  We sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" for the prelude, then after the prayer, we sang "How Firm A Foundation."
That last verse is so powerful:

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, I'll never no never,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

Eighty five voices joined in unison to bear that powerful witness!  The choir also sang the closing hymn:  "Because I Have Been Given Much."  It was an appropriate hymn for the theme.  We have been given much and as we share the gospel with others, hopefully it will bring them joy as well.

Elder Oaks came in as we were finishing our warm up rehearsal in order to shake the hands of the choir before the meeting.  It was my privilege to shake his hand.

It's been an emotional weekend.  I came home after stake conference and took a nap!

I'm grateful to whoever took these and posted them on Facebook.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, President Cesar Rincon, 1st Counselor, President Scott Richards, Stake President, President Fred Bethel, 2nd Counselor,  Fort Lauderdale Stake