Mesquite Nevada West Stake Conference

Author: Cheryl Jensen

Mesquite Nevada West Stake Conference was held February 20 & 21 with Elder David P. Homer, a General Authority Seventy presiding.

Elder Homer said we have come together tonight because “This is Real.” There are many other choices we could have made. He asked that 3 Nephi 28:34 be read.” Hearken unto the words of Jesus and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them.”

Elder Homer asked the congregation to think back on the talks from conference in October and invited some to share what they remembered most: Kenvin Bown’s talk about taking charge of your testimony, ‘Amazing Grace’ sung by Pres. Jeffery Holland, Pres. Uchtdorf’s message of discipleship takes self-discipline, and Elder Gerett Gong’s invitation to be good neighbors. “These speakers take time to write and reflect on their talks often revising them 16 times or more, so their message is clear,” he said.

At the Sunday morning session, Elder Homer said faith is needed the most when it seems to be working the least. When faith is tested - press forward and over come doubts and fear. Hold to faith – it is all we have! Remember God knows more than you.

He invited all to be loyal, trust in God and reflect on who we are, and - whose we are? He told the story of visiting a family in a humble home in India and seeing a nail bent in the shape of a hook with tithing receipts on it, he asked the meaning. The father explained that the family of seven was reminded daily of the blessing they could claim because of their loyalty and faithfulness to the Lord.

Elder Homer read the words of the Savior who lamented,” thou that killest the prophets, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks? Behold your house is left unto you desolate!” Elder Homer contrasted this with D&C 10:65, “Behold I will gather them if they will not harden their hearts.” Elder Homer said we must make choices to claim the blessings that God is willing to give us.

He told of the parable of the loving father planning an abundant feast before sending his children on a long journey. Some ate, others turned away, some questioned the food, some left empty plates. The father said I cannot give you what you would not eat (partake of). Elder Homer referred to D& C 888: Draw near unto me - you receive that which you are willing to receive.

He told a story about a young girl who had the word ‘gravity’ on the cover of her scriptures. When asked about, she replied that God’s love is a lot like gravity, you can deny it, but it is always there! She had had struggles and had left her family and the church but now had returned to church. Are we standing on the fringes? What choices are we making? No matter where we are – “you have not traveled beyond the reach of His atonement.”

The Gospel challenges us to become something – a change of nature, not just going through the motions. He ended with, “Consider how you can be loyal to Him – He sent His Son to us.”

Pres. Mark Tichenor spoke at the Saturday evening meeting about our Divine identity as we live the law of consecration. He asked, “Is there something we can do better or be better? Or some talent we could develop to be better husbands, fathers and grandfathers! Being our best self is aligning our will with God. We are agents to choose a higher path and Christ will show us our weakness.” He asked us to see our life through an eternal lens and use it as a tool for improvement. He quoted Alma 26, “In His strength I can do all things.” He offered three steps: 1. Purposeful service- do our part with all our heart (Uchtdorf) 2. Consistent effort and have a new beginning (Kearon) and 3. Consecrated learning – tune our hearts to his voice.

Pres. Jared Hollingshead thanked the congregation for faithfully pressing forward in Jesus Christ. We can choose to be happy and reminded us of Pres. Nelson’s quote of “Our happiness has everything to do with our focus” – focus on Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith said happiness is the design of our existence. There is a peace that comes into our lives when we keep His commandments. There are those in this valley who faithfully trudge forward steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ. Through trials and adversity, we grow and are stretched. He told the story of losing his brother at the age of 28 and the trial his sister-in-law faced with two young sons to raise by herself, but she kept going.

When we stay loyal and stay committed, we rely on Him. Jesus Christ said, “Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”

Bro. Martinsen, executive secretary of the Utah St. George Mission, spoke about finding joy in Jesus Christ. His four points were: 1. Purity in Christ – guiding our heart day by day 2. Love of Christ is one by one 3. Unity in Christ – each is needed as we combine our efforts 4. Strength in Christ – trusting in His Grace we do what we can. To be joyfully gathered in is a description of who we are – not spectators.

Pres. Keith and Sr. Stephanie Reber of the St. Goerge temple spoke on Sunday morning. Sr. Reber invited all to come to the Temple and “let it change you – watch it change you. So live that our covenants guide us to the temple and give us hope, comfort and peace. Jesus Christ sets us up to succeed.”

Pres. Reber said, “So much of who I am has been shaped by the people in this valley –and added with a laugh - this is my territory.” (His ancestors settled this area; he grew up in Littlefield and graduated from Virgin Valley High School) He asked the purpose of the gospel in one word? Become! He spoke of the story of King Benjamin who asked, “now because of the covenant, have you become more like Him?” It is more than just believing – we must act differently. To become, equals a profound change of nature. There is a plan for us to become

worthy to live with Him again. The temple covenants help us become and demonstrate who we have become - changed.

Thanks to the choir for their prelude of many of the new hymns and their special musical number, ‘Jesus is the Way.’ Thanks to Ari Garnder for her inspiring rendition of “Consider the Lillies.”

Mark Tichenor, President Jared Hollingshead, Vern Pollock & Elder David P. Homer