The Lioness at the Gate

Stake Conference this weekend was wonderful. I always enjoy our adult session on Saturday night, not only because it means I get to spend uninterrupted time with my husband but because I am always uplifted by our Stake members and leaders. Our wonderful Stake Presidency, President Adams Love, President Todd Cassidy and President Trevor Steinblik are such a great team and example to us all.

They talked a lot of Gardens..both our physical gardens and our spiritual gardens. One thing President Cassidy talked about was writing down our impressions and thoughts ---that's for sure something I need to be better about. I know I had many impressions last night that I should have written down because, even tonight, I've already forgotten them.

Today we were blessed to be taught by several of our Church leaders via broadcast from the Conference Center to all of Davis County. One of the leaders was Sister Beck, our General Relief Society President. She spoke of being the Lioness at the Gate. The one who guards and protects our family. She said that if the Lioness at the Gate believes in the Word of Wisdom, she will teach her family to stay away from alcohol, coffee, to eat wholesome foods. If the Lioness believes in Missionary work, she will teach her family to live their lives so that they can serve missions. I have to admit, I felt empowered. I am that Lioness in our home. I have the ability to shape and mold, along with some serious help from my Lion friend:), three young and amazing children. I only hope to be able to be a better Lioness each day!

The final speaker today was President Eyring, of the First Presidency. He spoke of the building up of Zion. That Zion is a group of people...not a place. That Zion is where we stand and it is up to us to create. He talked of his move to Bountiful Utah in 1977 and how he felt that Bountiful had been his Zion (I joked to Philip that Bountiful may have a influx of people here soon because President Eyring had said it was "Zion" He didn't REALLY say that folks -- it was just my joke.) Anyway, Bountiful has been his Zion -- Tonight I ask myself where is mine?

When Philip was called to be a High Councilman they talked to me specifically about keeping our home a place where the spirit could dwell, specifically to keep it as holy as the temple. I had heard that many times before but when it was specifically asked of me from our Stake President -- for some reason it meant more. It meant that I needed to do this to help sustain my husband in his calling. That I needed to be better and to stand taller. I will admit, that though I fail at this task a lot of the time, I do TRY to be better and stand taller -- so tonight, as I ask myself "where is my Zion?" I can honestly answer -- OUR HOME.