The handshake

I don't ever keep track of how many hands I shake in a day period but it is usually a lot. Especially when I am around several missionaries for conferences or meetings. It is the only thing we do so we do it over and over and over again but YESTERDAY! Oh YESTERDAY! I shook hands with Elder L. Tom Perry! He came to California for mission conference. He actually went to other missions in the surrounding area. I am not sure how many he visited but it sounded like a lot. I was surprised at how tall he was. I guess I don't really think about the height when I am watching conference but he is about 6'1ish. The conference was scheduled to start around 9 but right when he got there he requested to shake the hands of all the missionaries so it started a little later. SO all 190 missionaries took turns shaking his hand and telling him where we were from. It was pretty amazing. I mean it was just a normal hand shake but out of all the ones that happen throughout the day or even my life time for that matter, I will always remember this one.

 

The conference was AMAZING! I learned so much! I think my favorite part was learning about the prophets. He started with Spencer W. Kimball sharing how he made the call for every worthy young man to serve a mission and those sisters that would like to go as well. Ezra Taft Benson encouraged us to study more from the Book of Mormon. Howard W. Hunter was asking us to get involved with Family History work and getting those names to the temple. Gordon B. Hinckley was my favorite part. He shared how whenever he traveled somewhere, he would ask "how much time do we have before our meeting?" and when the response was given he would follow by saying  "how many stake centers can we visit in that time?" Apparently he would go visit every stake center he could before his next appointment. Once he arrived to the Stake Center he would jump out of the car, walk around the stake center and then say "There is not enough room for a temple here," then move on to the next one. Elder L. Tom Perry said that Gordon B. Hinckley was ALWAYS looking for places to build temples. Isn't that cool? No wonder he was able to have so many built in his time. Last but not least Thomas S. Monson really cares about the people. We have been moving forward in so many ways with missionary work, family history, knowledge of the Book of Mormon and Temples. We should remember the example of President Monson and not forget the people that are behind all the work we do.

 

He also talked about the Priesthood. I have to say honestly usually when Priesthood talks come up, I zone out. I think that is because I don't have it. Yesterday as he was speaking about the Priesthood I really listened. I realized how wonderful it has been to grow up with the priesthood always in my home. The main focus of his message was getting priesthood in homes.  I am teaching family members that have not had that opportunity. My dad has always been a wonderful example to me of how to live worthy and be a true follower of Christ. We have an investigator that came to mind as I was listening. I am really excited to share the things I learned. I know that it was inspired. 

 

He shared a story of a women who had one request when she died. She wanted to be buried with her temple recommend. I think that is so awesome. She was really wanting to live worthy of that until the end! It reminded me of something my companion said to me in the MTC. She said she wanted to be the most righteous the day she died. I think that is such a great goal and it truly brings out the importance of one of our lessons. We teach a lesson on enduring to the end. I don't think that I really understood what it meant to endure to the end until now. The thing is that this life is not the end. So basically the saying should be Endure Forever! Haha just a thought.

 

Well I better run! The elders just showed up and are waiting to use the computer! Love you all!

 

-Hermana Fish