Stake Conference Twitter Notes
November 9, 2014 1 Comment
Here are my twitter notes from our Stake Conference held November 9, 2014. Sunday included a broadcast from SLC.
Dad is just in the other room.
November 18, 2012 10 Comments
NOTE: My father-in-law, Paul J. Puffer passed away on November 5th. He was a great man with a very strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I had the incredible honor of speaking at his funeral. With the permission of my mother-in-law, I have posted the text of this talk here.
As a brief intro, my name is Troy Parker. Paul Puffer is my father-in-law. As Dad would tell the story (and I’ll call him Dad from here on out) he paid me to marry his third daughter, Jill. Of course, he only said that to make me feel like I measured up. Read more of this post
Age adjustments, phone calls and answered prayers
October 13, 2012 3 Comments
Anyone who follows me on Twitter (@LDSTroy) or my blog knows that I love to tweet during General Conference (#LDSConf). I admit, with some nerdy embarrassment, that I have been a part of the #TwitterStake since its beginning. Not only is it a way for me to take notes but I get to see everyone else’s notes. There are more “notes” than anyone could ever read but at the very least, it keeps me awake and alert through all of conference.
So when Conference started and President Thomas S. Monson offered his opening remarks, I was listening and tweeting – for a few seconds. When his comments switched to missionary work and the age adjustment for both young men (18) and young women (19), I was stunned.
A Year Ago Today – Galilee
March 31, 2012 Leave a comment
March 30, 2011
Mt. of Beattitudes
Jill sitting on the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount
Close to the height of His popularity, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, which included the Beatitudes.  It is perhaps the most read of Jesus’ teachings and introducing something more than what the Law of Moses had become.  It moved the focus from things we do – our behavior, to the feelings and motives we have.  If we have correct motives, if we develop the attributes of Christ, our Christian acts will follow – a by-product of who we have become. Read more of this post
The Miracle of the Shampoo
March 27, 2012 1 Comment
The Oregon City Stake just celebrated its 40th anniversary. One thing you need to know about the Oregon City Stake is that we don’t do things small. So as the 40th year of the Stake existence approached, a go-getter sister (aren’t they all) was called and a committee formed. The result was a wonderfully delightful evening of reminiscing and reacquainting. It reminded me of what I’m sure the Sons of Mosiah felt when they were reunited after years of being a part in the service of God. Read more of this post
Bold, unwavering faith in the Resurrection is Key
February 23, 2012 Leave a comment
Sign on the door of the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem
I have been impressed lately with the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I don’t know that anyone can overstate the impact and significance – both globally and individually – of the literal resurrection of the Lord. In this secular day when “science” is king and the only way to know anything is through the scientific method, belief in the actual resurrection of Jesus is key and needs to be boldly articulated more often. Read more of this post
What I learned at a Christian retreat
October 31, 2011 3 Comments
The boys who attended the retreat.
My junior and senior years of high school were spent in a small South coast town in Oregon. Though I was the only active member of the Church in my class, I spent my time with other, very devoted Christians. Who I am today is certainly a reflection of those friends. None of us were perfect but we were good kids. Part of our social experience was a non-denominational youth program called Young Life. Like the Mormon mutual, this group would get together weekly at someone’s home, sing songs, eat food and have a brief spiritual thought. Read more of this post
The Spirit communicates with more than tears.
October 25, 2011 9 Comments
A few fast Sundays ago, a full-time missionary assigned to our ward bore his testimony or witness of the Savior and restoration of His Church. His was a heartfelt declaration of his love for the Gospel, Jesus Christ, his missionary companion and the members of the ward. He attempted to explain the feelings he has when he feels the Spirit. He struggled to describe the experience and finally said that, for him, it felt like when he played sports only a thousand times better.
One of the struggles persons of faith have is describing for others how they feel the Spirit. It is like describing the taste of salt – you just can’t find the appropriate words. Read more of this post
Young Women’s Camp may be God’s secret weapon
August 8, 2011 12 Comments
Photo: Megan Louise Carter
Though hidden from most males in the Church, Young Women’s Camp, also known as Girl’s Camp, is one of the Church’s most successful programs and could be Heavenly Father’s secret weapon. My involvement with Girl’s Camp began many years ago when my mother, a Young Women’s leader, asked me to pick up girls from camp. As an 18 year-old, this wasn’t a horrible assignment. The thought of being the first boy the girls had seen in a week overshadowed the long, four-hour drive. My dreams died a slow death on the narrow roads of the coastal range in Southern Oregon due to bad directions and I never made it to camp. In fact, the girls arrived home before I did. Read more of this post
"The Things of My Soul" 