This week has been absolutely incredible and filled with much inspiration and revelation. Starting with general conference, I have never been more excited in my life to hear and watch the words of the prophets and apostles. I eagerly awaited the days of conference to which I could sustain my leaders and learn of new announcements of temples and the church statistics. I also was on edge about the condition of President Monson and couldn't wait to see him and hear his counsel to the church. I was disappointed and heartfelt to see him how he was and that he only addressed us twice. However it brought peace to my soul to he the strength in which he delivered his message and still stood strong.
When the sustaining of the church officers came around I was excited to show my support and honor to our prophet and apostles, but when President Uchtdorf asked if there were any opposed to our beloved prophet, and there were people who yelled out no, my heart broke to pieces, I was in shock. I sat in disbelief as I again heard them oppose the apostles. I was filled with anger and frustration and hurt as I thought of why or how someone could do such a thing. If it was a member, then of what possessed them to cry in opposition to their guider and teacher. If it wasn't a member, why would they take the time to go through everything to sit in the conference center just to oppose a prophet they didn't believe in. A part of me wishes I was in the conference center next to them to testify to them of the validity and holiness of the callings of the Lord. I learned in my heart that day that sustaining our leaders is a privilege and an honor, not to cast a popular vote on who the prophet should be. When they opposed, they were saying they oppose the will and direction of God himself, not opposing a group of men choosing the prophet. It is our way of showing that we support Gods will and that WE as members, will follow the prophets guidance and revelation. My heart goes out to those that opposed and I pray they can find there way in this life.
On a much happier and holier note, I had an amazingly beautiful experience and opportunity this past week while we were shopping at Walmart. We were waiting in line to check out, and then I remember I needed to get new pens. I told myself I could get them next time cause I didn't want to get out of line. I felt again like I should go get the pens. I didn't want to bother my companion because we were already in line, but again I thought I should get them. So we went towards the office supplies. On our way there, we met a man standing in an isle just standing there note moving, not looking at anything. We walked back behind him and he immediately turned around and walked towards us. He came up to us and shook our hands and had a very distraught look on his face. He told us he was a member and we asked if there was anything wrong. He said there actually was and that he needed a blessing. We walked back behind the shoe isle to get out of the crowd and we asked his name and began. He had explained to us that his family situation was less than unfortunate and that his son had tried to kill his other son and that he was in prison and that his whole family was falling apart. He had also explained to us that he was from Phenox and he was just driving along and felt to stop at Walmart, miles away from home.
We laid our hands on his head and I began to give him a blessing. I do not remember much of what was said, but in that back corner of a Mesa supermarket with the world going on around us, distractions at every angle, I will tell you that I have never felt the spirit stronger in my entire life nor has the spirit worked through me to bless someone else in all of my short experience. I remember I commanded peace to fill his life and that the Lord promised him that his family would become whole again. I do not remember his name, I do not remember what he said to us after. All I remember is tears streaming down his face and his entire complexion at peace. I will probably never meet that man again, nor will I know if his family improves. But I gained a testimony that day of the Lord, our Father in Heaven, and that he cares and watches each and every one of us in our lives. He knows who we are, He knows what we need, He guides the spirit to guide us to help those in need.
This past two weeks I was also able to attend the Easter Pageant. Once in Spanish and once in English. Both just as beautiful. I was also able to do service with my district at Butterfly wonderland. We met a ton of people and many members as well. We worked in the sting ray exhibit and got to see and experience Gods wonderful creations.
We've been able to meet and begin teaching two new investigators this week. Both show much interest and much desire to learn about the church. It's incredible how God prepares people to listen to and accept the gospel.
Stay strong everyone. The work of the Lord progresses every day and every day there are miracles. God loves us, He watches over us, He keeps us in his mind, he gave us The Savior to redeem us from our sins and save us so we can return to live with our Father in Heaven. I love him. I know He lives. I know we can one day become like Him, and I am grateful so much for this knowledge.
-Elder Hodges
Δ
DELTA
No comments:
Post a Comment