(18) - It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

At this moment in time I am here with the family for conference weekend and I'm with all my siblings, their spouses, and their hoards of children.  I recently returned from a two year mission to the Dominican Republic.  While I was away two of my sisters and one sister-in-law gave birth to 3 little tykes.  Needless to say, I wasn't here for these three events and when I came home I was greeted by three new faces, and they were, in return, greeted by one as well.  There are 8 of them in total between my brothers and sisters, and I'll tell you what, they seem like an army of little men and women running around causing havoc.  If it's not cheerios on the ground getting smashed into the carpet, it's falling down the stairs and bonking their heads.  They are like a reality tv show.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and fed up with how much they annoy and overwhelm, but then I stand back and truly see how precious these little guys are.  They are gifts of god.  It generally takes a smile from their banana smeared faces to melt my heart.  They are little angels and give me a good laugh.  Now that I'm home I have more time to get to know these little guys and play with them.  Despite their constant annoyance I love my nieces and nephews and am glad to be their big "Uncle Sterling."

(17) - A Cookie and A Kiss (Conference Address)

On Saturday morning I had the great opportunity to listen to the General Conference of the Church. One of the first addressees was Boyd K Packer of the 12 apostles.  "The procreative powers of life are between a man and a woman." He stated.  I really was impressed by the words spoken.  

As a young man at Weber College he would visit his "would be wife" in one of her classes.  He'd wait outside for her and when she would come out she would give him a cookie and a kiss.  That is the recipe a happy marriage.

 

He addressed the importance of eternal marriage and how if we have faith in the Lord then we will fulfill our duty to join in the everlasting covenant of an eternal marriage.  In this world that we live in we have to prepare for this great covenant.  We are surrounded by so much filth that tries to confuse and lead us astray in our path to eternal life.  Such filth includes pornography, infidelity, and other common sins. But as sons and daughters of a loving heavenly father we are all given the great gift of the Atonement to be clean and move forward in life.  

I really was able to learn and gain from his words.  I know that we are challenged by the adversary on a daily basis.  But I also know that we can overcome him if we have faith in the Lord and if we have good works.  We truly are on the greatest team in this eternal battle.  We have the greatest leader.  Our lord and savior Jesus Christ.  If we follow Elder Packer's words to stay strong, follow God's plan, and repent, then we will be happy in this short mortal life and we will gain our eternal salvation.