New Burgh Stake Conference

We have truly been blessed. Our sore tired bodies have been invigorated by attending our first Stake Conference in our new area. We have to travel about 50 minutes to get there. We are so spoiled in Utah to live so close to our chapels. Many don't make it to the conference because of the cost and transportation problems. Having said this, I was really surprised at the amount of people there today. Last night was a little different. Doug was asked to talk in the Priesthood Leadership meeting. He was first on the agenda after the prayer. When he started he said there was about 20 people there, but by the end of the 2 hour meeting there was about 50. The torrential rain last night could have persuaded some to stay home. I was told by the whole Stake Presidency and many members what a fine job he did. The adult Saturday night session was great. And then again this morning we had a wonderful spiritual feast. The Manhattan Temple President and his wife along with President and Sister Searle, our mission Presdient, were the guest speakers. We have grown to love both so dearly. Oh, how we miss serving in the Temple. There are quite a few from the New Burgh stake that travel once a week and serve in the temple.

All total, we had about 15 from our little Branch and 2 investigators at Stake Conference. We should have had at least 10 more there that could have come down in the 3 vehicles they have between them. Oh well, those of us who made the trip were grateful we did. It was a great experience to sit by the 20 cadets that came from West Point all dressed in their blues. It was awesome to be sandwiched in between them and listen to their powerful testimonies thru them singing. Most are RM's

A few tid bits of encouragement I will share with you from my notes:
Enduring - It is not just "hanging in there" it is a process filling every minute of the day
Religion should not be an academic pursuit, It becomes who we are
"It will be all right in the end...If it is not all right, it's not the END," (Pres. Hinkley)
We are given sacred responsibility to obtain, nurture, share our testimonies.
Repentance is a requirement, it's not optional
Did you know that the mustard seed is the smallest seed of all the herbs, and it grows into the largest plant even becoming a tree. Can we grow our faith to become like the Mustard "TREE"