This weekend was Stake Conference. It is where our church in this and surrounding areas (I think I have been told it just over 600 square miles we cover) come together to worship the Savior. We come to hear the message and testimonies of leaders and loved ones. And I must admit it is a time to see cherished friends and their growing families.

This one was particularly up lifting for me. We were told when we see those we love struggling, or even our selves, we should pray for strength to get through and over come our struggles rather than pray for relief of these struggles.

We were told that missionary work should be being our selves. If we are happy, people will see that happiness and want it for their selves. Be open with them. As members we have a tendency to put up walls our selves. We were told it is as easy as welcoming a new neighbor with cookies and a card telling them if they don't have a church we would love to see them at ours.

Instruction was to attend the temple when ever we can. Make the time. It will be a strength to not only us as individuals, but also to our families.

I gained a lot from listening. My favorite part was to pray for strength rather than freedom of trials. How often I have done the opposite for myself and others. It is funny, we were told that those trials may bring our greatest blessings.

Today I watched a video "My New Life" on you tube. The girl in the story is such an inspiration for me, in so many ways. She has had trials worse than my own and through them she has been brought closer to God.