Stephen is a Deacon

What a Sunday! Stephen was dressed in his suit (with white tennis shoes because his church shoes were missing) when I walked into the chapel and saw him sitting on the stand where we meet for priesthood. The moment is a little too emotional to describe. After opening exercises we split up and Stephen and his cousin, Tyler, went to the other end of the building with Brother Doug for Stephen's first official Young Mens class.

This Sunday, as with many Sundays, I was so busy during the first two hours that I didn't really get a chance to see him again until Sacrament. During Sacrament my brother-in-law, Jason Beyer, and good friend, Dan Copelin, joined me in performing the ordinance of conferring the Aaronic Priesthood on Stephen. The Spirit was really strong. Stephen then joined his cousin Tyler on the bench and prepared to pass the Sacrament. After church Stephen told my wife, Amy, that he felt so comfortable and relaxed with our hands laid on his head that he just about fell asleep. My little boy is growing up.

My wife, Amy, also got a new calling this Sunday. She is now the Young Women's President. Good luck with all that. I know she will do a good job. The young women already love her and she loves them. There goes our Wednesday nights together. Looks like her next trip to Young Women's camp will be in a more official capacity.

General Conference, October 2008

Our family watched both sessions of General Conference today. The first session we watched on our computer via byu.tv. We didn't have any problems getting the first session in loud and clear. However, our internet connection stalled about 15 minutes before the second session started so we drove over to my parents-in-law's to watch the second session on their satellite.

I was particularly impressed with how calm and reassuring the speakers were given the economic difficulties the U.S. (and, therefore, the world) is currently facing. The speakers had neither panic nor alarm in their voices as they acknowledged the difficulties, but reiterated that if we are prepared we should not worry. The Lord's work will continue to move forward and has already shown the ability to prosper in times of both economic difficulty and prosperity.

I can't help but think the last person I would want to give me a PPI is President Packer and the first person is President Eyring.