Stake Conference Highlights

This stake conference was rich with the spirit, and filled with themes of faith, hope, charity and trusting in the Lord.

SATURDAY EVENING ADULT SESSION

The Saturday evening adult session began with the hymn “Press Forward Saints”. A powerful message of leaning into the Lord with faith, continued as a choir of sisters in the stake followed up with a beautiful rendition of the hymn, “Lord, I Would Follow Thee.”

President Spencer Brown

President Brown addressed the adults with a heartfelt invitation to live the higher, holier way. He spoke of how worship in the temple helps us live this way, and encouraged everyone to learn to accept and extend the Lord’s invitations to follow Him. As we accept these invitations that come in various ways, we find ourselves on His path following Him.

Often times in life we receive and extend invitations to different events such as sport games, weddings, graduations, etc. but the Lord extends to us a more personal invitation. He invites us to come feel and receive of His love, power, mercy, and redemption.

President Brown extended a plea for us to learn of Christ and reminded us that a great opportunity to do this is coming up on Easter Sunday. He testified that as we accept and extend invitations to others to come learn of the Savior and follow Him, we move forward on the covenant path that leads back to Him.

Sister Shelly Talbot

Sister Talbot delivered a powerful testimony of the Atonement. She shared a raw experience of her own personal battle with anxiety - consisting of blackouts and panic attacks. Sister Talbot reminded the congregation that just because someone looks like they have it all put together on the outside doesn’t mean they have it all put together on the inside. Many of our good brothers and sisters are often falling to pieces inside and we would never know it.

Sister Talbot shared a meaningful line from the song, “All I Know So Far” by the artist Pink. The lyrics “Let the walls crack, 'cause it lets the light in” was a witness to Sister Talbot of the importance of not trying to cover our “cracks”. It’s those wounds and imperfections that allow the light to come in. When we allow the cracks that let the Lord’s light in, we inspire others to do the same. Sister Talbot encouraged the congregation not to put on a façade because none of us are perfect. Jesus is perfect and He wants us no matter how broken and unworthy we feel. No matter what we’ve done, He wants us just as we are. Wherever you are on life’s path right now, merge in to the covenant path.

Sister Lynsie Applegate

Sister Applegate gave a wonderful message on the Savior’s Atonement. She spoke of the different defining chapters in her life and how they helped her to embrace the Lord’s Atonement. One of those chapters beginning with some counsel she received in her Patriarchal blessing that spoke of the blessing of marriage. During the 13 years of waiting to find her husband, Sister Applegate relied heavily on her foundation of faith and the Lord’s Atonement to get her through those trying times. She testified that because the Savior performed the Atonement we can all press forward. God will be with us.

Another life chapter that tried Sister Applegate’s faith was experiencing the sudden death of her brother. After his passing she had to rely heavily on her foundation of faith built on the knowledge that because of the Lord’s Atonement and Resurrection, we will no longer be subject to death. The Savior’s Atonement is Heaven’s antidote to the struggles of this world.

Musical Number

Musical number performed of the children’s song “Build an Ark” from the Primary hymn book. The message in the chorus of this song was fortified throughout the remaining talks of stake conference. The chorus reads,

“I will build an ark before it starts to rain.

I will follow the Lord and do all things in His name.

I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing,

I will walk in the righteous ways.

When the rain starts to fall on me,

I’ll be ready for that day.”

Brother Tyler Jensen

Brother Jensen continued with the theme of building an ark. He spoke of Noah being questioned for building an ark when there was no evidence of rain and the sun was shining. The miracle of the ark followed the faith that was manifested by its building. The action of building, generated the miracle.

Brother Jensen then shared a difficult experienced that happened while he was serving a mission in Russia. Upon learning that his dad had cancer he was able to find peace and strengthen his faith because he had built his ark prior. Each day that he served his mission, he was building an ark. That ark carried him through the floods that followed.

An important question was proposed by Brother Jensen when he asked us to consider what happens when we have not built an ark and we are not prepared? “It can be scary,” he assured us as he went on to share an example of a time in his life when he was not prepared. A longtime friend of Brother Jensen’s had come for a visit. During that visit Brother Jensen learned that his friend had lost his faith. This friend began to share with Brother Jensen the many reasons for losing his faith. Because his ark had not been well built at this time, during the weeks and months that followed Brother Jensen found himself now questioning his own faith while pondering what his friend had told him.

While reflecting on the experience where he was prepared, as compared to the experience where he was not prepared, Brother Johnson concluded that like the movie Groundhog Day, the Atonement gives us all an opportunity to rewind the day and start over. It provides us with another chance. He invited everyone in attendance to begin building their ark right now, and to begin by praying and asking for the Spirit to guide us to the things that we can change.

Brother Jensen ended with this quote from President Nelson, "Everything good in life, every potential blessing of eternal significance begins with faith. Allowing God to prevail in our life begins with faith. True repentance begins with faith. It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in OUR LIVES."

President Troy Fullmer

President Fullmer began his message by revisiting Elder Uchtdorf’s talk from last General Conference about the changes made to the For Strength of Youth manual. He pointed out the interesting question that Elder Uchtdorf began with as he asked the youth, “My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you?”

President Fullmer asked us to consider why Elder Uchtdorf chose to begin his talk this way? Why was this question so important? Elder Uchtdorf went on to answer his own question when he said, “I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul!”

President Fullmer suggested that rather than focusing on all the “Thou Shalt Not” commandments we might try focusing on the “Thou Shalt” commandments. Living the “Thou Shalt” commandments helps us to be more like the Savior. He reminded us of the importance of helping our youth understanding the principles and doctrines of the gospel which can help them better understand the gospel standards. When they understand the “whys” of these standards it will help them choose to follow Christ. When the youth develop a love for their Savior this allows God to prevail in their life.

President Fullmer illustrated this principle in the story of a successful entrepreneur with an unusual background. As a student this entrepreneur had struggled all throughout high school. He was failing, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and was about to get kicked out of school. In the 1980s there was a test called the SAT, with math and verbal accumulating to 800 points each. The student took the test and ended up scoring 1480 out of 1600! His Mom asked him if he had cheated, and he replied that he had not.

The young man said to himself, “I must be smart. Well, if I’m smart then I might as well go to class.” So, he started going to class and stopped hanging out with his old crowd. Soon the teachers took notice and began to treat him differently. He graduated, attended community college, moved on to his state University, and eventually an Ivy League. He went on to become a very successful magazine entrepreneur.

Twelve years later the man received a letter from Princeton, New Jersey telling him that he was 1 of 13 people who had been sent the wrong SAT score. His actual score was 740. Half of the score he thought he got. The man said, “People think that 1480 changed my life. What really changed my life was acting like a 1480.”

President Fullmer concluded that it’s important for our youth to know who they are. This truth will dictate their mindset, behavior, and future. He encouraged us to help our youth connect to the Savior and testified that if we build them up in Christ it will change their behavior and unlock their potential.

Sister Lynette Checketts

Sister Checketts began by fondly speaking of her many children whom she has helped over the years to memorize various parts for many primary programs. She spoke of a time when her young son had been assigned to memorize the scripture Moroni 7:41.

During this time Sister Checketts was sick on bedrest and needed a refresher of that promise. She believed that her son being assigned to memorize that scripture had been inspired, as shortly afterwards she would experience the death of a child.

After the family received the devastating news in the hospital, her young son began to recite the scripture he had memorized to all the family in the room, “And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.” What could have easily been the worst day of their life was made better through the words of Moroni 7:41.

Sister Checketts called “hope” the “Jan Brady” of the Christ-like attributes as it’s sandwiched in between faith and charity. It’s a conscientious choice and attribute that we can all develop. We can pray to have it and as we pray, it will grow.

Furthermore, Sister Checketts said that trust is believing that the Lord will fulfill all His promises. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego demonstrated this as they refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by the king Nebuchadnezzar. They understood what faith is when they said, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, … we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Sister Checketts and her family received a blessing, and they were able to see the Lord’s hand in their life during a very challenging time.

Rest Hymn

A rest hymn, “Did You Think to Pray” was sung. The lyrics of this hymn reminded the congregation that prayer can bring rest to the weary and light to the dark and dreary.

Elder Tom Checketts (Area Seventy)

Elder Checketts began by sharing examples of how words can change meaning. The word “ignorant” means “uniformed” but in Utah it has taken on a different definition over time to mean “rude”. Elder Checketts pointed out how the definition of “faith” has also changed over time to mean “a set of beliefs”. If a person can’t make everything add all the way up, they set their “faith” aside. However, Elder Checketts informed the younger generations that older generations saw faith differently. Because of this they didn’t experience a faith crisis epidemic like we are seeing today. For them, all the gaps didn’t need to be filled in. They could still experience faith in between the gaps, and we can too.

Elder Checketts recalled telling his kids at various times in their life during various occasions, “We aren’t here for the food.” He said likewise we can apply this principle to account when Christ gave bread from Heaven and taught that He is the bread and whosoever comes unto Him shall never hunger. He also taught, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” Elder Cheketts pointed out that many didn’t understand this teaching, and in John 6:66 (he put emphasis on the 666) we read, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” They had been offended.

Jesus asked His remaining disciples if they too would leave Him, to which Simon Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” Elder Checketts then referenced 3 Nephi 26 where Mormon says,

“And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation. Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.”

Elder Checketts mentioned that the sealed portion of the plates fills in all the gaps. How easy it would have been for the Lord to give us all the answers in the Book of Mormon, however He chose not to. He chose to try our faith. The Book of Mormon is meant to try our faith. Will we still believe when all the gaps are not yet filled in? If we choose to believe, we will qualify for the greater light. The gaps are then filled in not to help us believe but as a result of our belief!

Elder Checketts said that faith being the first principle and ordinance of the gospel is a nod to our agency. He testified that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the right bus that brings us home.

SUNDAY MORNING YOUTH DEVOTIONAL

This session began with a musical number “I am a Child of God” and “I Feel My Savior’s Love”. Youth speakers of this session were Kasen Hancock, Haylee Stander (both seniors at Layton High), and Elder Checketts.

Kasen spoke about the difference between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other churches. He pointed out that we teach by love and many other churches teach by fear. He reminded the youth that they need to love God first and fully love the Savior as well as others. Kasen shared an example of his Grandpa who always called him after football games to discuss the games and this helped him feel his Savior’s love. He said that when we share the Savior’s love with others, we get to feel that love too. Kasen then shared an example of back in 2016 when members of our stake left church early to go serve our community and help clean up after the destructive tornado. He was a part of that service and felt good helping share that love.

Haylee spoke next, and talked about her reason for wanting to serve a mission. That reason is to help others feel the Savior’s love every single day. One of the ways she feels that love is through the Savior’s Atonement. She shared an experience of losing a cousin whom she was very close to in a sudden car accident. As she struggled through her grief she was reminded that because of Jesus Christ, she will be able to see her cousin again. She expressed her gratitude that because of Christ we will all be able to see our loved ones again and invited the youth to think about the many ways they have felt the Savior’s love in their life.

Elder Checketts conducted a Q&A with all the youth.

Q: I don’t feel I fit in or have any friends in my ward. It makes it hard to want to come to church.

A: President Brown talked about the “why” of why we are here. We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. When we come together to worship we can feel the Savior’s love as we unify. As we feel his love and are strengthened by him we can do all things. We are limitless. The Lord wants us to see ourselves the way he sees us. He is aware of us and he sees us. He is our friend. Let’s share that love with others. Be that friend.

Q: Do we have a place in the Church for LGBTQ kids? How do we help them feel welcome?

A: Elder Checktts said ABSOLUTELY! He taught from 3 Nephi 18:22, “And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not;

23 But ye shall apray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be that they come unto you oft ye shall pray for them unto the Father, in my name.

If you’ll do what the prophet taught and focus on your true identity as a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Christ, you will be eternally happy. God will never give up on you because of who you are. In the meantime, confide in your leaders and bishop and allow them to love you. They will love you as you are and as you become.

Q: As a young woman how can I feel my role more clearly in the Church when it feels like the priesthood holders are the only ones valued, needed, and wanted.

A: Sister Checketts said when we understand our true identity we learn that it has nothing to do with our gender. We are loved as much as anyone else. As you eventually have the opportunity to make covenants in the temple you will see that there is no distinction in the Priesthood and in the promises that go to men and to women. Our Heavenly Father has great plans for all of us. As we keep those covenants we have that Priesthood power and can act in it.

Q: How do you know when the spirit is actually talking to you?

A: President Alters talked about being a convert as a teenager. As she got older she could recognize when the spirit was speaking to her because of the peace that followed. Confusion, fear, and chaos is not the spirit. Clarity, calmness, and peace is the spirit working. Don’t doubt the answer, don’t doubt the peace.

Q: How do I know if a mission is right for me?

A: Elder Checketts referenced President Nelson recently telling the young men to go. President Nelson said, “For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event!

For you young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful, but optional, opportunity. We love sister missionaries and welcome them wholeheartedly. What you contribute to this work is magnificent! Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.”

Elder Checketts assured the youth if they are scared to serve a mission there are a variety of different types of missions that can best suit their needs and abilities. He quoted D&C 62:3 “Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.” A mission blesses you with a promise of your sins being forgiven. It will make you a better husband, wife, and parent.

Q: How do I learn to trust in the Lord?

A: Heavenly Father allows us our agency. Sometimes we choose our will over the Lord’s will. He knows there’s something better for us. It takes time to trust Him. We often compare our lives to others but He often requires us to postpone our gratification for something better. If we’re doing what’s right (staying on the covenant path) we can be assured that our Heavenly Father is guiding us.

Several youth were called to come up and bear their testimony.

Stake Young Women’s President Monica Alters described this devotional as focusing on God’s love for the youth and that if we have faith, He will catch us and help us through difficult times.

SUNDAY CONFERENCE

Choir number “It is Well With My Soul”.

“When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul”

This powerful and emotional musical number sounded as though angels were singing with the choir. Many in attendance pointed out that they heard more voices singing than there were people in the choir. President Brown commented on how the choir sounded like Heavenly angels during practice.

President Spencer Brown

President Brown began his message speaking of Doctrine and Covenants 25 when Emma is called by the Lord to select hymns for a hymn book. He spoke of the origins of the hymn that the choir had been asked to sing, “It is Well With My Soul”. The hymn was penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss in 1876.

President Brown went on to share that this hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford's life which included the death of his four-year-old son and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially. He later sent his family ahead on a planned trip while he stayed behind to resolve his financial losses. While sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, their ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived. Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

Later, on December 29th 1876, the Pacific Express train on which Phillip Bliss and his wife were traveling fell as the bridge they were passing over collapsed. The carriages fell into the ravine below. It was stated in many newspaper accounts of the time that Bliss escaped from the wreck, but the carriages caught fire and Bliss returned to try to extricate his wife. Ninety-two of the 159 passengers are believed to have died in what became known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster.

President Brown pointed out that there will always be storms and tragedies in life but with faith we can say, “It is well with our soul”. He talked about opposition and said that the Adversary is combatting us at every angle. He quoted 2 Nephi 28:21 “others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.”

And then Moroni 10:31, “And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever,” in which President Brown pointed out the invitation to enlarge our borders and strengthen our stakes. He said this is what we are doing right now with the new ward that was just added to our stake. He reminded us of the Layton temple that he said should shortly be dedicated in the next few months. We are building Zion.

President Brown prayed that we will all experience that mighty change of heart and encouraged us to let God prevail in our life, so that we will be able to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Brother Josh Brown

Josh spoke about charity and being made whole. He quoted Robert D. Hales who once said, “What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is one who has been baptized and is willing to take upon him or her the Savior’s name and then follow Him.” He talked about missionaries being called to take upon them the name of Christ. He then talked about the selective obedience of the pharisees and said that God loves to see our effort."

Josh shared an example of how he likes to listen to conference talks on the way to school, as it helps him feel peace. He then talked about the peace that Jesus helped His disciples feel as He calmed the waters during the storm, while reminding us of President Nelson’s counsel, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” Josh testified that as we strive to serve and love others we can have a huge impact on those around us.

Sister Jordan Rollins

Jordan began her message by talking about all the many things that she is and titles she bears, but that her most important title and identity is “daughter of God”. She quoted from the Young Women’s theme,

“I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to become like Him. I seek and act upon personal revelation and minister to others in His holy name.”

Jordan encouraged us to show love and patience to those around us and referred to President Nelson’s counsel when he recently said, “No identifier should displace, replace, or take priority over these three enduring designations:

- Child of God

- Child of the covenant

- Disciple of Jesus Christ

Any identifier that is not compatible with those three basic designations will ultimately let you down. Make no mistake about it: Your potential is divine. With your diligent seeking, God will give you glimpses of who you may become.

Jordan said that being proud to be a child of God is how we can be a witness of this truth. His perfect love and power helps us overcome all things. We will have struggles in this life but knowing our true identity will help us overcome them. She then quoted Psalms 82:6,

“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”

Jordan testified that this title holds more power over any mortal title in this life.

Brother Richard Watts

Brother Watts began his message speaking about serving with his wife as temple instructors in their ward for the past 18 months. He quoted from President Nelson’s talk,

“The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple.”

In regards to the recent ordinance changes in the temple Brother Watts spoke about how they make it more obvious where the Savior sits in the plan of happiness. We center our love on Him through ordinances and covenants.

Next, Brother Watts said, “How do we bind ourselves to the Savior? We bind ourselves to him through ordinances and covenants.” He invited us to pay attention to what things we are currently bound to. Those less important things that we bind ourselves to have a weak foundation and won’t sustain us when things really matter. If we bind ourselves to the Savior we can withstand the spiritual earthquakes of our day.

In conclusion, Brother Watts shared an experience of recently wishing he would have planted a shade tree years ago in his backyard as his backyard gets pretty hot and shade trees take some time to grow. He then reminded us of the musical number that was sung the night before during the adult session. The song was called, “Build an Ark”. Brother Watts encouraged everyone that if they haven’t built an ark or planted a tree, do it today. The best time to start is now!

When talking about the Savior’s visit to the Nephites, Brother Watts referenced 3 Nephi. The Savior invited the people to come unto him to be healed. Brother Watts invited us to turn to Christ with faith and repentance and be healed. Through Christ we can be lifted up, and we can do more than we thought we ever could.

Brother Derek Hubbard

Derek’s message began with Matthew 22 when the Pharisees asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was in an effort to accuse and trap him. Jesus responded with,

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Jesus taught in John 14, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Derek said that this is the first step we must take. We must show love and loyalty to the Savior and His commandments. Jesus told Peter, “Lovest thou me? Feed my sheep.”

Derek pointed out that the gospel is not a gospel of passive love. It’s a gospel of action. It helps us to be like the Savior and to become exalted. He shared an experience of having struggled to love a new mission companion while on his mission. As he prayed about what to do, the spirit taught him that love expressed is love felt. If he acted in a manner that suggested he had love, it would help him love his companion. It worked!

Derek said this can be applied to any situation. President Nelson confirmed this when he said, "If you don’t yet love to attend the temple, go more often—not less.” If there’s anything we don’t love about the gospel or any person we struggle to love, as we strive to give those things our time and attention can grow to love them. Action is the antidote. Derek testified of the power of God’s love.

Rest Hymn

Rest hymn “Redeemer of Israel”

Sister Lynette Checketts

Sister Checketts shared the story behind the song, “Amazing Grace”. John Newton wrote the words of this song based on his personal life experience. He became involved in the Atlantic slave trade and in 1748, a violent storm battered his vessel so severely that he called out to God for mercy. The storm subsided, and this moment marked his spiritual conversion. He continued slave trading until 1754 or 1755, when he ended his seafaring altogether. Newton began studying Christian theology and later became an abolitionist.

With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, “Amazing Grace” was written. Like the people of King Benjamin, John was transformed. The people of King Benjamin were a good and righteous people, but they too needed a Savior.

Sister Checketts said the gift of grace comes through the Atonement, and the gift of immortality and resurrection will be given to all men, believers, and non-believers. We have all been given the gift of agency. The gift of grace gives us the opportunity to repent and be made whole. Christ nourishes us and helps us produce good fruit. Those good works, sister Checketts said is where we often get tripped up. Salvation is not earned, it is inherited! “After all we can do”, means after all we do to allow Christ to help us. Our confidence is in Him, not in ourselves.

Sister Checketts testified that good works are a product of salvation, not the other way around. We do good works not in hopes to be saved, but because we are saved.

Elder Tom Checketts

Elder Checketts shared the story of a young Elder L Tom Perry who had been invited to serve a mission. He quickly felt that his mission was rather difficult and began to question why he was even there. Elder Perry soon realized that the problem wasn’t that he didn’t have a testimony, it was that he didn’t know enough. As he immersed himself in scripture and gospel study his confidence grew as did his faith.

Next, Elder Checketts shared an experience in which a group of youth rescued a person who was drowning in a local reservoir. As they were being interviewed on the news he noticed that these teenagers were wearing shirts that read, “Y’all Need Jesus”. He brought in one of these shirts and held it up for all the congregation to see. It was a visual reminder that we all need Jesus. He saves us.

In conclusion, Elder Checketts spoke of the early Christian disputes from the council Nicea on which the divinity of God was being questioned and defined. We know our Savior suffered for our sins and felt our pains. Because we know we have a Savior, Elder Checketts encouraged everyone to keep going. He expressed his hope that through stake conference we’ve had a spark added to our testimony. As elder L Tom Perry realized, “But wait, I have a testimony!”

Closing Hymn

Closing hymn, “Love One Another”. A beautiful reminder to live the second great commandment.

Written by Lindsey Rietzsch of the Feathering Sands Ward