Saturday, February 23, 2013

Wise counsel

Yesterday our stake president, Ross Montierth called and asked if he could come and visit.  I've never had a stake president in my home before- it was a special experience.  He spent about 45 minutes talking with Christina and I.  I know that represents a significant amount of time for him in his busy schedule.  I'd like to share a few highlights of what we talked about.

First, he took time to let us know he cares about us, and that the members of the church do as well.  Our ward is going to be fasting for my family on the next fast Sunday and he let us know that several other wards in the stake would be as well.  It is so humbling to be on the receiving end of so many thoughts and prayers.

He shared with us some of the health challenges that his own family has had to deal with and let us know that it is part of the Lord's plan for us to grow.  I've really felt a witness of this.  I know that Heavenly Father has an idea of who he wants me to be and I really feel that this trial is a part of helping me to become that man.

He reminded us that the Lord can heal us, but often delays that healing for our own benefit.  Also, it is more important to Him that we be spiritually made whole than that we be physically made whole.

He talked about blessings and counseled me to ask for blessings as often as I had the desire.  Usually an anointing is only necessary on the first occasion, but priesthood blessings are always available.  He reminded me that those blessings are based on my faith and told me that it was acceptable for me to ask the administering Elder for specific blessings.

We spoke about patriarchal blessings and the fact that we can learn different things from them at different points in our lives.

Also that this experience would draw us nearer together as a couple and as a family.  He gave me a hug as he left and I could feel that he genuinely cares for each of us as members of his stake.  It was a special visit.  I am so grateful for the church, for both my brothers and sisters as well as our leaders.  I do not aspire to be a leader in the church, but I do hope that I can follow their example.  I can see that they are guided by the spirit and I want that more in my life.

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