My Talk Given at Stake Conference
When I went for my interview with the Stake President, to get my first temple recommend, he asked me if I would tell my story, and have my talk go with the theme of the conference, which was: the second part of Alma 39:17, "Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?" Again, this is what I typed up before hand, although, I wrote this more with the promptings, so I stayed closer to what I wrote when I gave my talk.

Good morning brothers and sisters. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Delia Fraser, and I live in Whitehall. I was asked to tell my story today.

My story starts back in September of last year. My husband and I had just moved to Whitehall, from the Denver area. Our first day living in Montana had us helping my dad paint his friend's house. Their were 2 LDS missionaries helping out, too, doing some service work for my dad. My husband and I had the opportunity to meet them, and start talking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the following few weeks.

On October 8th, which was about 3 weeks after we arrived in Whitehall, we had the opportunity to ride with Brother Jensen from Sheridan, and the missionaries, to Billings, to attend the temple open house. Since we were still investigating the church, we felt that being able to see a temple would be an excellent way to learn more the religion. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me very much, and he provided a way for me to know the truth by attending the open house. After the 4th discussion, I was having a hard time understanding what was taught, and I would pray about it, but not get any answers right away. On the night before we left to go to Billings, I prayed, and then fell asleep. The most amazing thing had happened when I woke up. All the questions and things I was having a hard time understanding suddenly became clear, and made so much more sense than they had before. I was eager to go see the temple with this newfound understanding I had achieved. Going to the temple for the first time, and seeing all the wonderful craftsmanship, and care that went into making it was amazing. This must be a special place if such care and thought went into building it. As we walked through on the tour, the 2 missionaries, Elder Thompson and Elder Omer, would tell us a little bit about each room. It was amazing. As we walked into the Celestial room, I had this feeling like "this is where I want to be."

After the tour, we were sitting in the van, waiting for lunch time, and talking about the tour and what we thought, when the AP missionaries came up to the van to talk to us. Elder Garrick asked us if we had felt the spirit and if we would be baptized that day. After a while of talking to him about it, it suddenly felt like the right thing to do. A lot of the members of our soon-to-be ward were already in Billings because it was their day to be ushers for the tour. And Elder Garrick said we could get the last 2 discussions done at the Mission home, and also get lunch there. He also told us that 2 of the Area 70 were there and would be able to attend our baptism. At that time I had no idea what he meant, but the Elders were excited about it.

So we spent the rest of the day running around getting things ready to be baptized at 6 o'clock. So many people were so excited for us, and went out of their way to make sure we comfortable, and had everything we needed. I felt so important that day. The overwhelming feeling of love was amazing. I knew that I was making my heavenly father happy that day. I found out a couple weeks later, that the story of our baptism was to be sealed into the cornerstone at the temple's dedication. To know that my husband's and my baptism is so important to Heavenly Father, that it is a part of the history his House in Billings, now, is just an amazing feeling. I also know that Heavenly Father has some great and marvelous things in store for me. In practically everything I do, I can see the hand of Heavenly Father leading me and working with me. There was a reason Josh and I came to Montana the day that we did. And it was all part of the perfectly orchestrated plan Heavenly Father has for us. I know that I am needed here. Whether it is for my message today, or my calling as a Primary Teacher, or something I will do or a calling in the future. I know that I am an import daughter of God.

Since I have joined the church, and started applying the teachings of the gospel to my life, my life has been so blessed. We have a very loving and supporting ward family. And are so much happier now, than we have ever been. I have a sense of belonging, of importance, and of love. I don't know how I ever lived my life without the gospel, and without the guidance of the Lord, or the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

My favorite scripture, John 13:34-35 which reads "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one to another." I love this scripture because it tells us that by loving one another, as Jesus has loved us, all men will know that we are disciples of Jesus. By leading by example, and loving all those around us, and making them feel as important as so many people have done to me, they can feel the love, and get the chance to become a disciple of Christ themselves, and be baptized, and welcomed into Heavenly Father's kingdom.

Once again, just last month, my husband and I had to opportunity to go to Billings again, to go to the temple. But this time, the reason was so much more special. And again, we were shown how important we are to Heavenly Father. We decided, with the suggestion from President Weight, that it would very fitting for us to take out our endowments, and be sealed to each other on the special one-year celebration at the temple. Our wonderful Home Teachers, Dave and Britta Oliverson helped us out so much in planning and making the needed arrangements for us to stay in Billings overnight, making sure this was a memorable experience. They took such good care of us, and treated us like we the most important people there. So many members of our ward family had expressed interest in attending the temple when Josh and I went, to share in our experience. We had originally planned on going through the 6:30 session on the 19th, but because of the celebration, the temple was pretty busy, so we had to wait until the 10 o'clock session. I remember when we were first discussing the reason for wanting to wait for a session with enough available seats for everyone we were expecting, that the temple workers were a little overwhelmed at the interest so many people had in wanting to be there with us. To that, Britta said. "These are very special people." It was at that moment, that I knew, that Heavenly Father was pleased with the decisions that Josh and I have made, and that He was happy we were there, and he was showing us, again, how important we are to Him. The temple workers did such a wonderful job in helping us get things a little better organized so we all could go through the same session. Unfortunately, some of the people we were expecting couldn't make it to the later session because they couldn't stay, but their thoughts and hearts were with us.

We had the amazing privilege to have as our escorts through the temple, 2 of the most outstanding and loving people I have ever met. And we also are blessed enough to have them as our neighbors. Joe and Laurie Adams have played a tremendous role in our lives since we've lived in Montana. Their kindness and hospitality has out surpassed anything I could have ever expected from anyone. They are the most selfless and caring people I know. They are my role models, in everything they do. They make me want to be closer to Christ, and walk in his footsteps, as they are. They help us in so many ways. Whenever we have a question or concern, we can always go to them for help, and they welcome with open arms, and hearts.

In summary, I would like to say that each of us is important to Heavenly Father. And He shows each of us in different ways, how much He loves us, and wants us to succeed and be able to walk with Him once again.

I would like to thank you, for allowing me to tell you the first chapters in my story. I have a long road ahead of me, and I'm sure I will have many more chapters to write as I experience more and wonderful things, thanks to all of you good people, for the love and care you show unto me. Thank you.

And I would like to close, by telling you that I know the gospel is true. And that this is the true church of Jesus Christ restored to this earth, in the latter days, through the same priesthood power that existed back when Jesus walked the earth, through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the true head of this church is Jesus Christ himself, and he has called prophets to be here with us today, to lead and direct us. And I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and loves each one of us so much. And I say these things humbly, in the sacred name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.