Empowering Words

I am excited to post pictures from our adventures on the Friday of Spring Break (hopefully tomorrow I will get those up).

But first, this past weekend we had Stake Conference.

This one was extra special because we were able to hear Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speak. He spoke at 4 different sessions. The first one was for the priesthood leadership. The second one was for the adults 18 and over in the Stake. The third one was for the youth, ages 12-18 and their leaders and the last one was for everyone to attend. Marc was privileged to be able to attend all 4 sessions! I was trying not to be frustrated or sad that I couldn't go to the adult session because I was working with Sister on a new medicine. Anyway, I am grateful, though, that I was able to attend the last session.

And that was a task. I didn't know if my kids would even be able to handle it. I was so proud of them. Lynne helped with Sister and only took her out to the foyer the last 30 minutes. I realized about 20 minutes into the beginning that I had forgotten Brother's meds so Marc went home to get them --better late than never. So, basically, Brother didn't have the help of and medication and he still did really well.

Now, let me explain; to me, as a Mormon, seeing Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle, right in front of me at my own church house was quite amazing. It's not often we get to have this privilege. So, I was hanging on his every word (at least what I could focus on between Baby's needs). But, I wasn't the only one listening to every word he said. Brother was so intrigued and would make comments to me every so often about what Elder Ballard would say. It made me smile and cry at the same time that Brother felt the spirit and was able to sit and listen intently to his words, and I definitely think that it was the spirit he felt keeping him there, because the meds weren't a help at this point, yet.

There were a few times when I felt Elder Ballard looked right at me (I was sitting in the front row) and I felt as though he spoke directly to me. It was powerful.

I won't quote anything he said other than a little joke after the final session was over.

Now, everyone wants to be able to shake and Apostle's hand when the opportunity presents itself, but, there was a VERY packed church and he needed to make it to another appointment and needed to rush out. He stood up and told everyone to raise their right hand. He did also. Then he told everyone to shake their hand in the air. He did also. Then he said, "Now all of you can say you shook hands with an Apostle." We all got a good laugh. He had a great sense of humor, humility and guidance. It was amazing.