Well today, church was switched up and the Calgary South Stake had the pleasure of special meeting with Elder Neil Anderson of the Seventy. Elder Holland and President Eyring were also in town, but at different stake centers. It really was a great meeting and a nice change from the norm. Not only did we have the pleasure of hearing Elder Anderson speak, but we also heard from the Temple President and his wife (President Hansen was our sealer), the Stake RS President, and my favourite Stake President, President Carter. There was a big hullaballoo about these meetings and the mormon grapevine left none disappointed. There was talk about a Calgary temple, splitting up all the stakes in a different way, switching up the mission, big releases…. you name it, it was talked about. As soon as I learned that not all the stakes were getting a special meeting, I knew that nothing was in the works.

I really enjoy meetings where the spirit is obviously there. I love it when I feel pumped to do better and improve. And I like it when a topic promotes soul-searching and deeper thoughts. For example, the topic of Hope always brings to mind at least a few current trials and many that are past. Hope is something that I am trying to master because the end result is ultimate peace. Where I am in my life is trying to find one side to specifically hope for rather than just the broader topic because there’s something powerful in focused hope and faith. I do believe that sometimes we have to struggle in an occasionally immense sea as a test to ensure that our hope is enough to keep us afloat before we can start paddling in a set course. Sometimes I don’t do all I can to protect myself against a storm before I plea to the Master to calm the waves and the wind. I’m super grateful the Elder Anderson visited my stake and that my heart was open to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. I feel just that much closer to my Father in Heaven. And I understand a little bit better too.