New Beginnings

     Today was our stake conference. We had the pleasure of having Elder Quentin L. Cook come speak to us. Jamal was an usher so we were able to have really good seats. Our stake presidency was released and a new presidency was sustained.
    One of the things that resonated with both Jamal and I was a story about the son of our stake president, a  young man who has down syndrome. Jamal works with him in Young Mens. The stake president talked about how he never knew before having his son how much he would learn from him. He pointed out that his son has gone through delayed stages of growth physically, socially, emotionally, and verbally, but that one thing had remained constant, and that was his son's ability to love. He told of how his son has always been able to love anyone no matter what. He loves the man leaving Walmart with a bald tattoo covered head just has much as he loves his grandpa. The reason for this is because his son does not judge. He sees everyone as Heavenly Father would see them. His favorite song has always been "I am a child of god." He understands that everyone is a child of God and we should see them as Christ does. Jamal and I felt we could definitely learn a message from this young man.
    On another note, Jamal and I had the pleasure to go to the sealing of my best friend yesterday. It was really neat for us to go back to the temple and remember what it was like for us to be married 6 months ago. The sealer's message was profound and the spirit was very strong. We were so grateful we were able to attend and join with her and her new husband on their special day.
 

Congratulations Jess and Cleber!