Sunday, September 9, 2012

Today the Chandler West Stake had what they called a special stake conference.  Yesterday a priesthood leadership conference was held in Tempe and the two visiting authorities were Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy.  Elder Andersen visited a stake in the area and Elder Gonzalez visited the Chandler West Stake. 
Before conference began we visited with some of our friends from the Del Rio 2nd ward; The Tolman's, the Lueck's, Adrienne Ellsworth, and Charlotte Mattice.  We sat by Charlotte and her ex-husband Roland Mattice.  The following people spoke in the conference: President Johansen, Lisa Johansen, Sister House of the Tempe, Az. Mission, President House, Mission President of the Tempe Mission, President Porter, President of the Mesa temple, and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez.  Here are some notes from Elder Gonzalez's message: "The gospel helps with life's challenges."  He quoted scriptures from Matthew 11 such as the one that says come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and find rest unto your souls.  He talked about the importance of our personal prayers and keeping our covenants.  He said if we are willing to follow Christ, our wayward children will return.  Everyone's burdens will eventually be removed.  We all will be healed.  He said the Book of Mormon is the greatest tool to convert to the Lord.

We went home and had lunch and then headed to Mesa to attend sacrament meeting in the Emerald Bay ward with Darrel and Trina.  Addy was presented for baptism and stood up on the stand.  She looked so small.  After sacrament meeting we said our goodbyes and went back to Chandler to take naps.

Sheri and Evan came down for a visit this afternoon.  I gave Sheri season 2 of Downton Abbey to lend to Christy Wanlass.  We talked a little about our trip to Texas next week.  Ben and Max are coming with us.  We are meeting Sheri in Payson Thursday evening to pick them up.

For dinner James grilled the chicken I marinated last night.  Stacy said she really liked it.  Dallin and Michael liked it ok but Joshua wouldn't eat it because we didn't have any A-1 steak sauce.

I downloaded LDS tools on James's phone for him.  Later he went to call someone and all of his contacts were gone.  He has the worst luck.  We called both Verizon and Apple and neither of them could help.