Be not afraid

Today was Stake Conference. We had a hard time deciding whether to go. It was Cameron's weekend to volunteer at Snow Valley and I thought I would have to take all 3 kids by myself. I was a little worried about that. But Cameron told Snow Valley he was busy and they let him stay home. Still we weren't sure that 2 hours of church with three kids would be enjoyable. Also it was snowing... and the roads were bad. I reminded Cameron that we always have such good talks at conference and that I wanted the blessings from going plus we have driven on rough, snowy roads and they never stop us. There were accidents on the road and we stopped for some people who had driven over the edge of the road but they were okay. Finally we made it to conference.

I really enjoyed it. My kids were good. I printed some coloring pictures from the Behold Your Little Ones Nursery Manual for them to color. I also let them bring one small Barbie each. Ali also brought her book of Mormon. Lately she has loved bringing it to church and I kind of want her to have her own scriptures to read- but I also want to buy her scriptures for her 8th birthday so for now she has a paper back Book of Mormon. Annika slept through most of conference- even the loud and beautiful Stake Choir music and the Spirit of God sung by the entire congregation.

Two talks really impressed me and I took some notes about them. Our Stake President talked to us about Hope. He told us that having Hope in Christ is a power and he taught us how to develop this hope. He encouraged us to count our blessings and spend our time with hopeful positive people. He asked us to pray for hope in our prayers daily because it is a spiritual gift. He asked us to think positively and ponder daily on the atonement of Jesus Christ. He also suggested that we give Hope in Christ to others as it will strengthen them and will strengthen our families.

President Poulson said that the economic conditions are necessary to give us the wake-up call we need. He said the most important things in life center around the gospel of Jesus Christ and that as we have to rely more on the Savior we will learn this lesson. He then let us know that Hope in Christ will bring us through our trials in life.

Elder Cordoba (spelling?) from our area Seventy talked to us about a few concepts. He encouraged the youth (and I think it applies to us all) to Be Morally Clean and said that "wikedness was never happiness." He said to stay close to your parents and have family prayer and family home evening. He also suggested that we Pray Always. He promised that if we do these things we will have Eternal Happiness. I have always wanted to be happy and so I will try to do these things. He also suggested that we remember who we are... We are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us...

Lastly he talked to us about increasing our faith. He said that as we live in hard times we need to learn not to fear. Heavenly Father's purpose in life is to provide for us and he will continue to provide for us if we are faithful. "And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. D&C 104:15 I really like this scripture along with the following story.

He told the story of Jesus and Peter when Jesus helped Peter walk on water. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore dist thou doubt. (Matthew 14:26-31)

I love the ideas of these two scriptures. Heavenly Father will provide for us and we do not need to fear. Our Stake has very high unemployment and very high forclosure rates. In our own famiy we have felt the strains of the economy strongly but I am surprised that each paycheck has been enough for our needs. I even can afford the increase of diapers, wipes, and clothes for one extra child. As we continue to trust in the Lord, I believe we can make it through these hard times and I will try harder not to fear the unknown.