We had a real treat this weekend. We have been hearing for a while that we were going to be having a special stake meeting and be able to have an Apostle speak to us. Then a few weeks ago found out it was going to be Elder David Bednar.

On monday, President Child called Kelley and asked him if he could attend a special meeting on Saturday that was for the Bishops and Stake Presidencies of our area. BIshop Burns was going to be out of town so Kelley's number was up. He was pretty excited about it because they told him that there would be 2 Apostles at this meeting!

It turned out to be quite a great experience for Kelley. President Boyd K. Packer was the other Apostle that attended! They had the opportunity to meet both of them and shake their hands before the meeting started. Then they talked to them for a while, had time when they could ask them any questions , and then they taught them some more. He was there for about 5 hours. It was pretty much a once in a life time experience...pretty special.

Then on Sunday, we were taught by Elder Bednar. He was an amazing speaker. He was very straight forward, just told it like it is. He taught us things about agency that I have never even thought of before. To sum it up, we have made covenants with God. He sets the terms and conditions of the covenant(Baptism). We accepted these terms and conditions, it is not optional to just choose not to be obedient to the commandments. Jesus Christ made the plan we accepted possible with His sacrifice. We can never pay him back with anything we have because he gave us all that we have. All we can give him is our will. It was pretty powerful. He seriously had everyone in the building (which was overflowing) on the edge of their seats.

He talked about how hard Satan is working to convince our youth to follow him. He said we cannot be timid in proclaiming what we know to be true. We need to give all of our heart, might, mind and strength and example to help our families and those around us to make good choices.

President Child had talked before Elder Bednar and had told about how he had chosen to not serve a mission. He said it was the greatest regret that he has in his life. He said shortly after that he had promised the Lord that he would spend the rest of his life in His service. President Child said that he felt very strongly that he needed to tell this congregation that anyone in the right circumstances should consider serving a mission.

Elder Bednar finished his talk with the council that Every young man should serve a mission. He said they were called before they were born and this is just a fulfillment of the covenant they made. He talked about us older folks serving missions too. He said if you have your health and financial means, this is what you should be doing! He closed with his testimony and an apostolic blessing on everyone there and on our families. The spirit was so strong. After it over, it was like no one wanted to leave. Everyone lined up to shake his hand. He had the most powerful presence about him. What a great experience!. Wish my whole family could have been there. It was like Kelley said about the meeting the day before..."I can tell you what he said, but I can't tell you what it felt like to be there." My bucket is full.