Elder Russell M. Nelson

This weekend for our Stake Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to release our stake presidency and put in a new one. We were able to hear him speak on Saturday night, and then again on Sunday. For the Saturday night session, somehow Erik scored some soft seats, only 5 rows back, right in the center. It was really neat to be that close to Elder Nelson, and to see his facial expressions. He is a very witty man, and had us laughing quite often. But he also has a great love for his Savior, and for each one of us. That is what I noticed most, was the great love that flowed through him. Sunday we got nice hard metal chairs to sit on, but it didn't diminish at all from the feeling of being in the same room as an apostle of the Lord. It was an incredible feeling, both Saturday night and Sunday, when he walked into the room. Immediately everyone stood out of respect, and within seconds everyone was silent. It was absolutely silent. I didn't even hear any babies crying or children talking, where just moments before Elder Nelson entered, the church was full of noise as people visited with each other. Indeed our Stake Presidency was released - President Farley, President Walsh, and President Webster. They were great, and we loved them dearly (still do). Our new stake presidency will be great as well - President Williams, President Miller, and President Perkins. It was quite the shock for everyone that President Williams was called since he has only been in about a year as our Bishop, but we have no doubt that he can do it. As I don't want to misquote anyone from the meetings, I'm simply going to list a few things that meant something to me, but I won't credit their having been said by any one person. * Things that seem to matter so much, matter so little, but the eternal things matter so much. * How can the Lord bless you if you won't keep his commandments? * Christ like love is always manifested by service. * Find a need and fill it! * On enduring to the end - It would have been easier not to do it, but we kept going.