Stake Conference

Today we had the opportunity to go to Stake Conference. It was so nice to be able to go to church at a later time than the 12:30 church we normally have. We were able to get home from church at like 12:30 and so we could relax for the rest of the day. It was so nice! We were also uplifted by some great speakers. We were taught that we need to live up to our Full Potential. There is so much that we can do in this life, but we need to make sure that we are living up to that potential. We also learned about Patriarchal Blessings (for those of you who don't know what they are I would suggest you go to mormon.org to find out). We learned that they are a personal liahona (guide) to you. If we are to use them then we will be led in the direction that we need to go. It was nice to be uplifted by the Stake Presidency, and the other speakers. As of late I have been much more interested in being a better person and a better church member. I have always gone to church and tried to do the right things, but I don't know what it is but lately I have tried to be even better. Thanks be to my beautiful and wonderful wife who inspires me everyday.

I started reading a series of books around Christmas time. They are by Chris Stewart and it is called "The Great and the Terrible". They are about where we came from, why we are here, and where are we going. It puts these things in a story kind of way to make it a little bit more interesting for us readers. It talks about the world that we live in today and the wars that happen and the author writes with a gospel perspective. It really is quite inspiring to read the words that he is writing. I started reading the fourth book just yesterday and was completely stuck in it. While I was reading today it brought tears to my eyes as I thought about the world and how it is going to get even worse than it is and not only will nations fight against one another but it will be good against evil. Even when all of this happens our Heavenly Father will remain with us and guide us in all that we do. It was just a really great experience, and I would recommend these books to anyone.

Tonight Karissa and I were able to have over my sister and her husband and son. It was fun to have them over for dinner and then to play a game called Puerto Rico. We had a fun time, and although I didn't win (because we extended the game longer than it should have gone) it was still fun to spend time with family. I am really grateful for the wonderful relationships that I have with such wonderful family members. I have truly been blessed with such a great family. Well until another day.

Scott Dodds

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