YOUTH CONFERENCE IN PALMYRA 2015

Four years have passed since the youth of our church went to Palmyra, and this past summer the youth endured the six hour drive to upstate New York to visit the sites. Youth conference, along with other church programs such as girls camp is something that my girls always look forward to every year. They love the camaraderie among friends as well as the spirit that it brings. 

When it comes to youth conference every stake in the church plans a spiritual activity. I know a few wards who have TREK every four years (which is something our stake should seriously consider in planning.) Some may have a temple trip like we did last year, but this year our youth traveled to Palmyra to visit all the historical sites. 

We almost didn't go this year, and I'm so glad that the youth went simply because not everyone in our church has ever been to upstate New York to explore, and see the history sites. So I'm extremely grateful that are stake president stuck to his word on having the youth go to Palmyra. So, so grateful. 

I know that if these youth take in all that they see, and put themselves in that moment of what happened in Palmyra including the hill cumorah, and sacred grove that they will feel the spirit. Testimonies will be strengthened, the spirit of the Lord will be felt so strong, and to learn about where the church started and to see it in person truly makes it more meaningful.

I remember when Sierra went with the youth four years ago. I remember how much fun she had, and how attuned she was with the spirit once she returned home. Having all those spiritual experiences throughout that summer really helped her deal with all the trials that she went through as well as issues that were harboring deep within her heart, and mind. It is remarkable to have talked with her about what she learned, and felt that summer because that was a very difficult year for her dealing with drama among "so called friends", and just overall life. And now...she's preparing for a mission!! Yay! 

We also had the opportunity this year to go to Palmyra as a family, and Lexie was excited to have also gone with the youth. She mentioned that it was different seeing the hill cumorah without the stage, but mentioned that the spirit was just as strong. 

Lexie didn't capture too many photos of her youth trip which is probably good because that meant that she was focusing more on listening, and enjoying time with her friends. Taking pictures is great and all, but to go without having that device of technology glued to your hand makes a huge difference, and you tend to pay more attention to your surroundings. 

I am so grateful for programs such as youth conference that remind our youth of the plan of salvation, happiness, and enduring to the end. And it is my hope that like her sister Sierra, Lexie will always remember what she is taught and to take that with her no matter where she goes once she is in college, and on her own. 

Youth Conference '14.

^^^ Inside the Washington D.C. temple vistiors center, photo source-Sam Muller ^^^

I marvel at the testimonies that were said by the youth on the last day of youth conference. I am amazed, and taken back by them. Some of their testimonies that were said reminded me of myself when I first joined the church. All bearing a simple witness to others that this church is it. The cream of the crop. That the Book of Mormon truly is another word of God, and that everything written in it is true. That Jesus Christ is their Savior, and that through him all things are possible. Amen to that. Joining the church at the age of 20 was the best thing that I have ever done, and a monumental moment I will never forget! The gospel anchors me closer, and closer to God and helps me recognize that life has a purpose, and that I have an important role in this life. And this is what I yearn for my children, and for every youth in the world. 

Youth conference at the Jersey shore.

One advantage of living in New Jersey is the fact that it only takes us 50 minutes to go the shore. Last week while other stakes did a pioneer trek for their youth conference (which I think that would absolutely be a great idea if we did that) the youth in our stake attended a three day conference in the comforts near the ocean in Cape May.

This year their theme was Arise and Shine Forth. The meaning behind those words stands so true for me. This is the chance for all the youth to stand up, share their beliefs, and let their spirit shine. I love that!

The youth in the church are so fortunate to have youth conference year after year. Various classes this year included a returned missionary discussion panel in which several returned missionaries prepared to answer questions for those who are preparing to serve a church mission. They also had a class on optimism, and another one in 'recognizing, & keeping the holy ghost'. It is a conference in which they learn about gospel principles, serving others, and it helps build their testimony in the gospel.

Towards the end of June Atlantic City endured a powerful thunderstorm. My girlfriend and I visited Ocean City the day after the storm, and it looked like as if an intense hurricane hit the city. We saw tree stumps through windows, power lines dangling low almost touching the street, and they had a power outage that lasted more than a week!

can you find her?

After the storm Mormon helping hands came to the rescue and for the past few weeks members of our church have been driving down to help clean up the mess. The youth also made the time during the conference to do their part in serving a community that was in need.

 They even had time to spare, and hung out at the Cape May Zoo.

I always look forward when Sierra comes home so she can tell me all about what she learned in the classes, the boys she danced with at the dance, and any pranks they did to the young men. They always turn a spiritual activity into a world of fun. It is nice to hear about their experiences, and to watch these kids grow in the gospel. It puts my mind at ease knowing that these kids have the gospel of Jesus Christ in their life that will help them grow spiritually in hopes that it will keep them on the right path. It helps them define who they are, and by attending these conferences gives them a chance to remember as to why they became baptized a member of the church. They are the ones who have a choice to take in all that they have learned, and to apply it in their daily lives.

And if there is a beach nearby... it's double the fun!

***Photo sources were leaders of the young women, and some of Sierra's friends!

Youth Conference in Palmyra, NY

"I had actually seen the light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I seen a vision, yet it was true...I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it."

~Joseph Smith

Last week over 150 youth including youth leaders from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spent Youth Conference in Palmyra New York. We all went the week before as a family to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and other sites. So this was a special treat for Sierra going once again, but with the youth.

Although it was unbearably hot since the entire eastern seaboard experienced a heat wave of up to 116+ degrees...the youth still managed to enjoy themselves and take in everything spiritual.

Sierra came home to tell me all that they did and the spiritual experiences that they all encountered which included...

*Performing baptisms for the dead at the temple (which I heard they ended up doing work for over   

  1000 people!

*Bearing their testimonies inside the chapel.

*Walking the Sacred Grove...TWICE.

*Touring the Book of Mormon Publishing Site.

*Visiting the Smith Family farm.

*Walking up to the top of the Hill Cumorah.

They also had a dance on the last night of their trip. I think the dance took their minds off being so terribly hot since there was no air conditioning in the dorms they were sleeping in. 

As Sierra was telling me all about the three days spent in Palmyra she really enjoyed all that she did...company included. She loves her friends in the church very much, and will do anything for them. The joy that the spirit brings when all the youth from our church attend any activities church related draws them closer to Christ, and I know that it wants to make all of them a better person, and loving friend to all.

After all...that's why we have these youth activities, so they can all draw closer to our Savior

Jesus Christ.

**all photos taken by Sierra's friends...not me.