Dear Sisters,
June - The month that let's us know spring has ended and summer is well on the way. Some of the days are cool, but most of them are warm. Most gardens have been planted and we are into the growing season.

We had a wonderful Stake Conference. So many talks that seemed to be given just for me. Two that I would like to review are President Gillenwater's and President Porter's. I think that they are so important in our lives right now.

President Gillenwater talked about the rodeo. When he mentioned a rodeo, he had me. I am originally from Utah and every year during the Days of 47 Celebration honoring the pioneers, my grandparents would take us to the rodeo. I love the rodeo!! When President Gillenwater talked about the commitment that the bull riders must have, I realized that each of us needs to show the same level of commitment. The bull riders have to concentrate on what needs to be done. They can't let anything take their minds off what it is that they must do to finish the task at hand. There are all kinds of noises, shouts, yells, bells, clowns, horses, and other riders. Each of these could become a distraction and might be the fatal one. The rider must have a firm commitment and keep his eye on the prize. Each of us has that same responsibility -- keep our eyes on the prize, have the commitment to ignore the outside distractions and move forward with every ounce of our being concentrating on where we are going.

President Porter spoke about the stake theme for this year: "To the Rescue and Saving the Rising Generation." He asked us to do five things in order to better prepare ourselves for this challenge:
1. Read a copy of the Book of Mormon by the next Stake Conference. Mark passages that have meaning for you. When you finish, give the book away. Then don't worry about it.
2. Eat dinner with others - either with your family or someone you invite to join you - with no TV or radio or outside distraction.
3. Don't talk bad about others. Make sure each person's name is safe with you. Don't say anything negative about those with whom you live, serve, or work. Treat them as you would want to be treated.
4. Give four hours (outside of your church callings) away to service, or to friendship of others.
5. Attend the temple more often.

Can you imagine how much growth there will be in our stake if we all do these things? I think we will have such a tremendous spirit about the gospel and about each other that we will not be able to contain all the blessings we will receive. I hope each of us will think about these talks and the others that were given and move our lives in a positive direction.
May heaven's choicest blessings be on you and yours this month.

Love,
Pat Romney