Jordan Peterson, stake president; Steven Coltrin, 1st counselor and Leon Schwab (our builder!), 2nd counselor...
The visiting general authoritiy today was Elder Teixeira and Elder Matthew J. Eyring who was the Area Authority Seventy.
Elder Teixeira gave a wonderful talk--one that I won't soon forget...He geared it toward the youth, but the message was for us all--
There once was a traveling man who carried with him a can of worms. There also once lived a bird who happend to be hungry and was in search of food.
One day, while the bird was flying, he spotted the traveling man with his can of worms. He flew down and asked the man if he could have one ...
The man agreed under one condition--that the bird give him one of his feathers. The bird reluctantly pulled one of his feathers out and gave it as payment for his meal.
The next day, the bird, in his hungry state, saw the man again and requested another worm. The man agreed but only under the same conditions as before...that the bird give up one of his feathers.
This trading of sorts went on for many days until one day, the bird realized he had only one feather left.
It wasn't until after giving up his last feather that he realized that he was a captive to the traveling man.
(How's that for an image?!)
The question is "how often do we give up our feathers?"--
When we only pay 8% of our tithing? When we only live a part of the word of wisdom? When we pick and choose which commandments we are going to follow because some might not be as convenient as others? Are we aware that these online social networking sites (Facebook, blogs, etc.) are not private but public and that everything we say or do represents who we are and what we stand for?
ARE WE TRADING OUR FEATHERS FOR THAT WHICH IS JUST TEMPORARY?
He made reference to 3 Nephi 27:14 "And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil--"
He concluded by counseling us to stay firm--say "no" when you need to and "yes" when you need to...
The Lord needs us to be strong--
This is no time to relax--
This is the time for us to step up to another dimesion--
It was a great talk!
**What did you think about that story?
**Any thoughts?
I'm coming over from Mormon Mommy Blogs, asking for your help. I am in the running for a round trip airfare paid ticket to Connecticut, to meet a friend I became acquainted with through blogging. She is a super fun person and is holding this contest. I entered a funny story titled "Grapejuice Floaties, Now Marry Me." The person whose story receives the most votes will win a trip to meet this generous lady, whom I'm hoping to meet. The voting ends tonight-midnight. I am ahead for now but there is a story coming up from behind out of nowhere and I would so, so, appreciate your help. Her blog is www.becausemomsaidso.blogspot.com and the voting is on the sidebar on the right. "Grapejuice, Floaties" Just go there and cast a vote for me, please. Thanks so much-you're awesome! ♥♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a vivid image, Shannon! It's always good to stop and take stock. What am I giving up for temporary satisfaction? I like the idea of saying a firm no when needed, and yes when needed.
ReplyDeleteHey, I was at that conference! Do you know you come up on the first page of Google in a search for Elder Eyring?
ReplyDeleteSo, several of us were sure we'd seen Elder Teixeira speak at General Conference, but I can't find him anywhere. Does anyone remember him speaking locally or something?
What I really recognized was the smile, so maybe I just remember him smiling when he was announced as a seventy.
Terrie Bittner
(Pennypack)
I like that story, and image to match. I have no spiritual thoughts today as Josie is still having 'issues' we shall say. So thanks for my inspiration today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that story. It certainly gives me something to thing about.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely gives me something to think about and reevaluate in my life.
ReplyDeleteGreat story & thoughts...
ReplyDeleteYou've got me thinking-
new stake presidency- we are getting a new one soon too! or at least that's the rumor ;)
thanks for the uplifting reminder, it reminds me of my dad & his "dad wisdom" we tell ourselves rational lies when we "rationalize" our weaknesses. it is something to take notice of when we begin to slack.
ReplyDeletei've heard that story- a little different version of it but the same idea- sounds like you had a good day at church. i did too- it was good to get back to my ward. something about being back east- the church is the church where ever you go, but i love my ward (sorry girls).
ReplyDeleteGood grief! Where did you find that picture!!?
ReplyDeleteYes, the conference was very good, and I couldn't help but think how gleeful you would be that Leon was called to this position! He is a wonderful and gentle man without gile. I like him too!
Thanks for the recap.
That picture is heinous but effective. I've never heard that story before and wasn't sure where it was going, but like the point of it.
ReplyDeleteThe picture was vivid!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the condensed retelling of the talk. As me and all the other families with young children were in what seemed like Grand Central Station (an overflow room) that had really scratchy audio, huddled around a 20 inch TV monitor trying to make out what President Olson was saying..."track 12, Amtrak train New York to Trenton all aboard" That is what it felt like. Thanks for your spiritual thought.
ReplyDeleteThe picture is hilarious! Where ever did you find it? I like your recap much better than mine. The whole time he was speaking I kept wishing for a pen and paper. Alas, that is what I get for singing with the choir!
ReplyDeleteI loved conference! I'm not sure I can say the same for the picture of the chicken... I'm already not so fond of chickens (scarred from my experiences raising them as a child - so sad). I'll try not to allow that image to creep in to my nightmares!
ReplyDeletethat is a great story- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletei especially like the reminder to be firm- and that these networking sites are representative of who we are. so true- i think sometimes our truest selves come out in these things b/c it can feel more anonymous. good reminders...
I just popped over from Jen's blog...and had to say that the chicken photo is one of the best things I've seen all day. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that because we were in one of the parent rooms and the sound was AWFUL!!!! I can't believe I even heard who the stake president was going to be...I heard a few snippets here and there but now I feel like I got something out of it!
ReplyDelete