Stake Conference General Session

Members of the church and friends from York Stake area gathered together today to meet for the general session of Stake Conference today.  The theme of for the conference was ‘Joy In the Journey’.

Despite the impending stormy weather that is on the way, we enjoyed sunshine outside.  It was quite fitting that the choir sang the hymn ‘There is Sunshine In my Soul Today’ as we enjoyed many talks that were uplifting and inspiring.

Here are some of the messages shared by the speakers mixed with some photographs of those that attended:

President James Watson:

Finding joy in our personal journey.  Joy in the big things is often the result of many little steps.  We all have to find joy in the challenges.  The little daily accomplishments are what matter most, things like family prayer each day and Family Home Evening.  Remember the scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 64:33 ‘out of small things proceedeth that which is great.’  Take advantage of Christ’s atonement, repent of the little things before they have chance to grow.

Laura Lawrence:

The perspective on my life has changed over time especially since the birth of my first child.  Being a mother is a great privilege and something great to aspire to.  The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us to focus on the things that matter most.  We are blessed to have the joy that comes from the perspective that the gospel brings.

Ian Lewis:

He has lived in Harrogate since 1986 and has been part of the York Stake for many years.  Being a member of the Harrogate ward has made him very happy.  He will be moving soon [and we will miss him!]

Michael Gore:

Our lives can be very busy and full of many things.  Often we have many meetings, responsibilities and activities.  However, we should consider our perspective - are we able to look for the good even when things are difficult?  How would we answer, ‘how’s your week been?’  We can ask ourselves, ‘how am I doing?’  If we’re unhappy we should remember that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy – as it say’s in the scriptures (2 Nephi 2:25) ‘Men are, that they might have joy.’ 

Karyn Martin:

There is a great Mormon Messages video online titled ‘The Things That Matter Most’.  It made me think about our lives and especially the technology and machines we have that help us to do more.  Even with all these things to help us, are we focused on the things that matter most?  We give our lives to the things we give our time.  We should give time to our family.  Simple meaningful activities and time with our families is important.  We can build family traditions, build on existing traditions and create new ones.  Consistency, not perfection, is the key to success.  Each family prayer, scripture study, Family Home Evening – is a brush stroke on our ‘canvas’.  Small things can lead to significant results, and these will pass from generation to generation.  Take time to record our memories.  It can be as simple as: 1) keeping a shoebox to keep special items; 2) taking lots of photographs; 3) making scrapbooks.  This is our chance at life.  We should take time with our families and find joy in our daily living.  Make and treasure those moments that matter most.

President Kent Mayall

When someone passes away there are perhaps memories of them, often how they blessed our lives and made us better.  Indeed, a friend is someone who leaves you a better person.  We all want for friendship, someone we can trust, love, confide in and share things.  The scriptures teach us how to be a good friend.  Friendships are strengthened with gospel principles.  Everybody needs a friend, and we all need to be ‘nourished by the good word of God.’

Spencer Turner:

Alma 32:2 ‘And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.’  When I was young I found a talent for rugby league and played in many leagues for many teams.  I was blessed to achieve much success in just a few years.  I wanted a career in rugby, but all that changed when I went to Especially For Youth.  After much prayer, I felt a strong desire to change and prepare for a mission.  This was hard, but it was such a strong desire and feeling to prepare to serve a mission.  I knew that this was the right decision.  It was hard to let rugby go, especially as I had been given many offers to play for some big teams.  When I was on the phone to these coaches to decline their offer, I explained why I wanted to serve a mission.  I know this will help me to be the best young man I can be.

Megan Dolbyn:

I have been asked to speak about ‘The joy of being an LDS teenager’.  I thought of my family and thought that this could be a challenge!  I asked some of my friends what they through and they replied with many things that have inspired me too.  There are many aspects of being an LDS teenager that brings joy: 1) seminary and scripture study; 2) knowledge that I’m a daughter of God and He loves me and I’m not alone; 3) youth programmes and sharing activities with others that share the same standards – the highlight for me this year was the EFY convention; 4) the Personal Progress programme in Young Women’s; 5) going to the temple; 5) having other young people to look up to, such as those who have prepared and gone on missions.  I’m grateful to be an LDS youth.

President Roy Tunnicliffe:

We’ve heard many message today; it’s all about ‘finding joy in the journey’.  I’d like to reflect on the words in the first verse of the hymn ‘Come, Come Ye Saints’.  Sometimes in our lives we can have “useless cares” that get in the way of finding joy in our lives.  There was an experience travelling to America with my family, there were challenges at the airport, with immigration, with the hire car.  I wanted to find joy in the journey, but I allowed ‘useless cares’ to get in the way, and this deprives us of joy.  We could change the words to one of the hymns to ‘Where Can I Turn for Joy’.  We can liken finding joy to the ocean waters, where joy may not be on the surface, but the currents and the depth of the water.  Joy can sometimes be with the difficulties and challenges we face.  Whether we find joy or not is up to us.  There are many sources of joy – real and lasting joy: 1) when we turn to Jesus Christ and rely on His atoning sacrifice; 2) when we report and keep God’s commandments; 3) when we reach out to others and bring them to Christ.  It’s impossible to find real joy without these things.  We invite you to participate in a year of joy – seeking and sharing joy with as many people as you can.  Let it inspire us to help with moving God’s work forwards.