Ocotillo Ward had their Ward Conference this past Sunday (16 January 2011) and it was simply and completely uplifting. During Sacrament meeting Bishop Beckstead gave a truly inspiring talk on the importance of families. He spoke of how when Lehi and his family journeyed out of Jerusalem they left all of their precious belongings behind. He compared it to our lives today. If we can leave all of our belongings (ipod, ipad, TV, music, extra curricular sports) and focus more on family home evening, family scripture study and family prayers that our own families will be equipped to handle todays tough struggles and all that Satan has to throw at us. By doing those things we can daily be arming our families with the armor of the Lord.
President Richardson also gave an amazing talk about faith and heeding what Bishop Beckstead had taught. He explained about even though some of us have not visited or seen far off countries or even speak their language we know those exotic places exists due to faith and other's testimonies that they are real. We can liken that same concept to the gospel and the scriptures. If we read and study the scriptures we can learn to "speak" the language of the Lord and know that His gospel is true.
It was so wonderful to visit the Ocotillo Ward Primary!! I believe I can speak for the entire Presidency when I say that we left church this last Sunday we left with a overwhelming happiness in our hearts. It is always wonderful to watch the tiniest of sunbeams all the way to the almost young men/women learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ and hear them sing the beautiful primary songs. It will lift the most heavy of Spirits and give the light of Christ to anyone who is around them. Every time the children sang "If I Listen With My Heart" (January's theme song) I could't help but feel touched with the spirit.
There were so many wonderful feelings that we all shared at Ocotillo's Ward Conference I could go on and on and on! I know that my heart was filled and it was such a blessing to be able to attend their ward as well as meet all the wonderful and loving primary leaders and teachers. I along with the rest of the presidency feel blessed to have the opportunity to be around such a wonderful ward family.
