Katelyn Elgaaen in Utica New York: September 18, 2017 Utica Stake Conference! and TRANSFERS!

So, I found out that I am going to Oswego! I heard that this time of year it is crazy because of all the fishing... but we will see.

Here are a few things that I summed up from Stake conference;

There is truly no greater role than that of Mother and Father. They are sacred titles that are shared with out Heavenly Parents. One of the greatest difficulties as a parent is agency and placing someone else before yourself. 2 Nephi 2:25 says, "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they may have joy." Sometimes parenting is not joyful. But, 'parents fall that there children might have joy.' One of the greatest blessings of parenthood is seeing joyful children and receiving a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father feels and sees for us.

The best way to help children understand the difficulty and importance of this future role is by modeling it and creating an environment where they can learn of it. Living a balanced life of: physical (D&C 89), mental [keeping mind and environment clean, also continuing education], emotional [we came to earth to process emotions] and spiritual- will nurture and teach.

The world will teach children if we do not. Having a balance and understanding of what is important will allow children to be raised in light (D&C 93:40) Way's to help bring that light is by:

weekly attending church and always going to learn.
having consistent family home evening
encouraging good media and habits
Daily praying with family and allowing children to see you pray personally and for them.
Daily Scripture study where the doctrine is applied (1 Nephi 19:23) and understood.
Doing family history and talking about the importance of the temple- while going often personally.

(2 Nephi 25:26) We cannot just hope our testimony will enter into the next generation by osmosis. We must talk about Christ often, leading by example (children and youth can detect hypocrisy), and loving them openly.

I have never been a parent before, but all of the talks really touched me and emphasized the importance of the purpose of this life and the life to come. I hope that we all can come closer to our savior with our families and those we teach.