A Wonderful Weekend ~

Our Sweet Alyssa

 Here we are in South Dakota enjoying lovely weather, wonderful moments with our sweet daughter Jenni, awesome son in law, Michael and our adorable grandchildren; Alyssa, Emma, and Benjamin. Also, Michael's Mom, Irene came too.  She is such good friend. It is a joy to have some great moments with her, also.

We started our LDS General Conference weekend with the baptism of Alyssa, our darling little eight year old grand daughter. It was such a special day for us. Alyssa was so excited to be baptized. My husband and I gave the talks for the baptismal service. My husband's message was on Baptism and my message was on the Holy Ghost. Alyssa's Grandmother, Irene

sang the hymn, "Come Follow Me." It was a wonderful baptismal service. Several members from their ward attended. 

We believe that Baptism is the first step back to our Heavenly Father's kingdom. Alyssa was also confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she received the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost as a guide and comfort throughout her life. Michael, her father baptized and confirmed her. He holds the Melchizedek priesthood and has the authority to perform this ordinance. She also received a lovely priesthood blessing from her father.

Alyssa

Jenni, Michael and Alyssa

Michael and Benjamin, Grandma LeAnn, Grandpa Roger with Emma and Alyssa

Jenni and Alyssa

Emma

Benjamin

Birthday Girl ~

Benjamin

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have the privilege of attending or watching our Semi Annual General Conference on TV, Internet and satellite broadcast in Stake Centers throughout the world. The conference is held in Salt Lake City each April and October in the 21,000 seat Conference center. Once the conference center is full; the members quickly fill the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall on Temple Square.

 The famous Tabernacle on Temple Square

 The Assembly Hall on Temple Square

 It was announced that we have 14,400,000 members of the church spread across the world.

During this two day conference we hear messages from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, his two counselors; President Henry B. Eyring, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. We also hear messages from the twelve apostles and other church leaders. We enjoy the music of the Tabernacle Choir and other choirs as assigned during these proceedings.

Pres. Henry B. Eyring, Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Pres. Thomas S. Monson

The word's of this hymn are very poignant. "Come Listen To The Prophet's Voice" and Hear the Word of God;" (pg. 21 of the LDS Hymns book). We believe that the many messages given are revelations for our day. 

During the Saturday afternoon session our General Relief Society Presidency was released and three new sisters were put in as the General Relief Society Presidency.

General Relief Society Presidency: Sister Linda K. Burton, center, Sister Carole M. Stephens, left, 

and Sister Linda S. Reeves, right

 These sisters are the presidency over 6,000,000 sisters throughout the world. We are the largest women's organization in the world today. The Relief Society has been established by our Heavenly Father to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters and prepare them for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need. Here is the internet site on the  Relief Society. The Relief Society motto is "Charity Never Faileth."

The messages have all been so wonderful. I have been enlightened and have received living waters throughout this weekend that will lift me in times of need. One of my favorite messages was by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He started his talk by saying that he had a sister in the church write him a note asking him to address the issue of straining relationships in families. OK, to my children I will say that I was not the sister that wrote that. However, there have been a few moments that I would have wanted to write a letter just like that. His message was wonderful and we have been taught well by him to love one another, and forgive one another. Satan is masterfully working to create chaos in our families.

Our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson closed the conference with a stirring testimony of families and left a blessing on the membership of the church. He also spoke of the need to remove contention from our homes. He further said that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ will bless our lives; I know this to be true. May we read the messages given and follow the counsel in our individual lives and within our families.  Choose each day to not judge, forgive easily and love mightily. This is one of the main goals for me.

Here is the link to conference messages - Come Listen to A Prophet's voice.