My Sacrament Meeting Talk

I have received so many blessings from the priesthood being exercised faithfully. I wish to share with you the peace I have found in my life because of this, as stated in Malachi:

(2) 4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.
5 My covenant was with him of life and peace…
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass "the immortality and eternal life of man" promised in (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth. The priesthood, or covenant with Levi, blessed the partakers with peace.

Those who carry this power and authority of God are charged to live righteously, following all of the commandments, and to come unto Christ. I have thusly been blessed through baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, weekly sacrament covenants, priesthood blessings, fathers blessings, a patriarchal blessing, and the blessings of the temple. Now, I don’t particularly want to talk about each individual blessing that a priesthood holder has given me, but I want to speak to you about how those blessings and ordinances and covenants have blessed my life because some of you may not have these things in your lives, and it is hard to know how wonderful it can be if you have never experienced such things.

D&C 121:36 …the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and… the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

At different stages in the lives of priesthood holders they prepare themselves to receive different responsibilities, they hold different offices in the priesthood, such as deacon, teacher, or priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and elder or high priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood. But, while men hold the priesthood and carry with them the power of God in all its offices, women too take part.

“The man holds the Priesthood, performs the priestly duties of the Church, but his wife enjoys with him every other privilege derived from the possession of the Priesthood. This is made clear, as an example, in the Temple service of the Church. The ordinances of the Temple are distinctly of Priesthood character, yet women have access to all of them, and the highest blessings of the Temple are conferred only upon a man and his wife jointly” (Priesthood and Church Government [1965], 83).
While women have been given the power of life, it is the priesthood, which binds our families together into a unit. One cannot exist without the other. My family is much stronger because of the men in my life who have taken the initiative to be righteous. They make a conscious effort to be a little kinder, to make good choices, and to create peace in the home. The priesthood binds our families together through temple ordinances such as in sealing power, but also as a presiding power to unite our families with purpose.

Although the authority of the priesthood is bestowed only on worthy male members of the Church, the blessings of the priesthood are available to all—men, women, and children. We all benefit from the influence of righteous priesthood leadership, and we all have the privilege of receiving the saving ordinances of the priesthood. Every person is invited to enter the waters of baptism, and even to enter into the temple. Every person is invited to ask others for a personal blessing when needed.

God, for his part, declares with an everlasting oath that all who receive the priesthood and obey the covenants that pertain to that priesthood shall receive “all that [the] Father hath.” (See D&C 84:38.)

The most important exercise of the priesthood takes place in the family. Each husband and father in the Church should strive to be worthy to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. With his wife as an equal partner, he presides in righteousness and love, serving as the family's spiritual leader. He leads the family in regular prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. He works with his wife to teach the children and help them prepare to receive the ordinances of salvation. He gives priesthood blessings for direction, healing, and comfort.

Many members do not have faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders in their homes. However, through the service of home teachers and priesthood leaders, all members of the Church can enjoy the blessings of priesthood power in their lives. Priesthood holders must remember that the priesthood should be a part of them at all times and in all circumstances. It is not like a cloak that can be put on and taken off at will. Any ordination to a priesthood office is a call to lifelong service, with the promise that the Lord will qualify priesthood holders to do His work according to their faithfulness.

Priesthood holders must be worthy in order to receive and exercise priesthood power. The words they speak and their everyday behavior affect their ability to serve. Their behavior in public must be above reproach. Their behavior in private is even more important. Again I share with you that Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord declared that "the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness" (D&C 121:36).
Personally… in my life… I have been blessed to have a father who wields the power of the priesthood as righteously as he knows how. He blessed me to be made clean in the waters of baptism that I might partake of the sacrament each week and be sinless at the beginning of each week. I was also blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct me, to comfort me through life and to be a light in the darkness.
In college I had faithful home teachers who would strive to see me every month. They watched over me, and did their part to keep each commandment to the fullest, that they may be worthy to exercise the priesthood power they had been given, should the moment arise. They were a wonderful example to me, and their strength gave me the strength to kneel in prayer to make sure I was supposed to marry the man that I have since married. Their example gave me the insight that we must all pray to know truth, or to receive promptings.

Now, my husband holds the priesthood. Though I see his faults much more than I have seen the faults of any other man, simply because I know him better than I have anyone else in my life save my son, I know that he truly strives to do the best he can… and when he falls short, he remembers that the Savior made the ultimate sacrifice that he might be able to repent, and continue to preside over and protect our family. He is such a great example of striving for perfection. He loves the temple, and the peace it gives. He loves the sacrament and the peace it gives. He is wonderful when he leads our family in prayer as he tries to become closer to the Savior. He understands so well the learning curve of life, and appreciates its true purpose of personal growth. I was fortunate to receive the blessings of a temple sealing with my husband, and to be washed and anointed and given the power, which comes from a temple endowment with him as well. The peace in our home from these blessings makes the trials of life so much easier to bear. I cannot adequately explain the peace I feel when I am in the temple, but I know that the power of God brings peace, which is far distant from the tumultuous lives most of us lead.

The passed few months have held hardships for my family. Though we have recently been blessed with a special new life to remind us of the important things, we have also had to bear the trials of illness. Before I went to the hospital, each time I asked my husband for a blessing… When I came home, I also asked a ward member to give me a blessing because I knew that my husband was so emotional from everything that had happened that he needed a chance to clear his head. But I needed the strength that a priesthood blessing gives, I needed that peace of mind, and I received it. My husband also called on ward members to help and give him blessings to comfort him, and give him peace. These blessings have helped us to remember that we have a purpose, and must endure this life to be strengthened, uplifted, and edified.

I want to tell you that having worthy men in my life… people who strive for the best, to be able to wield the power of God is such a blessing to me. This is what gets us through the hard times, and this is what gives us hope for the future. I have been blessed with knowledge, with comfort, with discernment, with power over my life, with health, with children, and with peace. Above all I have been blessed with peace. Christ Himself was the prince of peace, and I know that when the priesthood is exercised that it is through our Lord.

Heb. 7: 24-25
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Rom. 8: 34.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

I know that the power of the priesthood is the power to move mountains. Though we may not move them every day, mountains have been moved in my life. Each week as I take the sacrament, which has been blessed by righteous hands, I am washed clean that I may start anew and receive exaltation and eternal life. I can feel that power through the Holy Spirit, and these memories are a huge blessing to me. The memories tide me over when I am not feeling particularly spiritual.

Luke 10: 19
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Through the power of the priesthood we have been given the power to overcome even Satan, should we have to stand with him face to face. Gladly we do not need do that, because Christ withstood such temptation for us, but we have the power to be clean and remain removed from sin.

All that we must do to receive the blessings that we stand in need of is to adhere to our covenants, to keep the commandments, and to cry out unto the Lord in need or in gratitude.

Moses 6: 7
7 Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also.

Num. 25: 12-13
12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:
13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

The zeal I feel for the gospel of Jesus Christ has given me the strength to do so many things. I am so grateful to share this feeling with a righteous priesthood holder. The priesthood is the manifestation of the power of God in man, the biggest difference between this church and the other churches of the world. I am blessed each and every time a righteous man has exercised the priesthood in my life. I stand before you because of it, I have a testimony of eternal life and family because of it, I feel the power of the Holy Ghost because of it, and I have peace because of it. At the end of the day, I say a prayer to my Father, and can rest knowing that this life has been planned, and that I can do all things through Him.

Water in the Streets

Oh, what a fun time we've had!

Yet another fun pool day for our family.

Malcolm is splashing and kicking and playing a lot, and Tim is swimming properly for a change. They both really seem to be into it, and I love being pool side and not having to guard the waters for treacherous movements.

Although with Malcolm in with his cousin baby James, I'm not sure that there isn't treachery afoot, but hair eating is all in good fun, isn't it?

So, after our water adventure, and much fun had by our amazing baby...

The stormy season seems to be yet again upon us.

Lightning struck cars, flooded roads, and felled trees in the road seem to have tried to keep me from the Haines' home, but I emerged victorious, and made it safely there. Now, if the power will stay on long enough for me to write this blog, we'll be in good shape. I was just not meant to go running today!

But, I did end up able to teach my swimming lessons this morning, in spite of a creepy critter that made it's way up from the summery bay beaches. I think our molting soft--shelled visitor was too hot Oceanside, and decided to take a refreshing dip in the pool. The kids loved looking at the yummy looking crab. I, however, have had foot fiascos with said varmits before, and would not care to be pinched by another. I escaped unscathed, but I must say that these summer days seem to be more full than when school is in session.



As long as lightening does not strike my car, rubber tires be damned, than I think I will be sitting back and watching the storm pass from the comfort of a pool, or the shade of a tree.

Wait a minute!

http://www.dailycognition.com/index.php/2007/04/27/story-of-a-man-who-was-struck-by-lightning-7-times.html

Life in Ghent

My little family has become spoiled for Ghent. We have been house-sitting for our friends the Haines, and everything is so close and convenient to us here. The added living space is nice too, but this really is the life. Of course, I have post-poned going through my garage to relax a little this summer... But life is good.




More pool time and play time is resulting in a more tan and more active little baby. I fear that he will be crawling, and perhaps walking before too long. He's discovered how cute his feet are, so that must be the next step.
Can I also say that he is getting HUGE?! His appointment is coming up, but my scale shows that he is at least 18 pounds. What 4 month old (not quite) weighs that much? So I have been car seat shopping. These are the delights of motherhood.

Compared to his cousin James, it looks like he's been eating for twins!

Oh, and I have decided that I will join my friend Sarah in her half-marathon fervor, though my PPCM will probably force me to walk half, I am glad to be on the slow road to getting back in shape. I thank Jen Eyring and Marie Peterson for their inspiring actions in this venue. Hopefully I will be fit for a triathlon come spring. Tamara better whip me into biking shape!

But here in Ghent my days are being spent basking in the sun, and watching the cars go by. Aah, who has time to go work out on days like this?

Motorboat

I had a beautiful childhood flashback today.

It was back to a time when my daddy would paint my nails,
and run after us to give us a motorboat.
I think that some people call it a zerbert,
or some such thing...

But, what I do know is that when I
put a motorboat on my baby's belly today,
he laughed and squealed with such glee
that I was convinced
that it was the best moment in the world.

I love the tender mercies of the Lord, and the sweet and precious moments afforded to me in this life. I was puttering around doing a whole lot of nothing when it hit me that I have a little over a month left until I go back to work, and since I have wanted so desperately to be a mom, that I should do what it is I am supposed to do.

So, I spent over an hour of this evening discovering what sorts of things make a 3 month old happy. There never was such joy as this. I am so glad that my husband and I prayed about having this child. I feel as though a sort of promise has been fulfilled. I am better, and we have a happy and healthy son. Thank God.

So, we play and play and play some more...

I go outside and work out to get rid of this baby fat around my hips and get back in shape, and now that things are sort of settling in, I am really in love with my life.

Independance Day

So, I have been enjoying my summer vacation.
I love being able to spend time with my family and I love the time I get to spend outdoors... Alas, the fall is fast approaching to rob me of the precious moments I So, I have a feeling I will finally know about the "juggling act" so many moms have to do to make a home. Don't get me wrong, I love my job too, but there is something about being a mom that has captured my heart (literally apparently). But for now, I spend the moments loving my family, and playing with Malcolm, who is fast becoming my favorite toy.







Pool Time has long been a personal favorite. Tim hates that I want to take photos every time that we go. I have to get my photography fix somehow, and I am a big fan of catching every moment on film. I finally got a decent pool shot with Malcolm and me. Tim just doesn't understand that I am so bad at self shots that I need to take a million just to get the perfect one.

Tim and Malcolm are so easy to shoot. It's their natural beauty I guess... Maybe their devilish good looks?

No, I am just that good with a point and click camera! But, in all seriousness, we had a blast at the outdoor pool. Malcolm is so good in the water, and Tim is becoming a much better swimmer. He asserts that the only point in swimming is to keep from drowning, to escape angry bees, or to take the enemy by surprise... Oh is he missing out on a good time. I think he just looks cute in a swim suit.

So these are two of the men in my life, on a hot summer's day. Aren't they handsome?

So, with all of this summer fun, we much stop for fireworks. And what better occasion to use fireworks, or to watch the illegal use of fireworks, than our nation's celebration of independace from Britain?! So, though Tim had to work, I was so happy to spend the time with family, and to dress my favorite toy up in patriotic colors. Oh, and did I mention that I was a big enough geek that I coordinated scarves?


I love being able to play. dress up. Who would have thought that I haven't outgrown it?

Life A.M.

Life after Malcolm has changed my entire perspective on what is important, and has helped reinforce my beliefs. I have been meaning to start photo-blogging for quite some time, but just now have decided to actually begin. Thank you to Laurel Pace for being my inspiration.

So, life with peripartum cardiomyopathy has brought me through a kind of hell I would care never to revisit...

The time in my life that should have been charged with some of the happiest memories, were sprinkled with some of the scariest, and saddest.

Now, the bright side is that my body is healing, and my family is stronger. I can think of the future that I wanted as a real possibility, instead of as a wishlist. I appreciate every breath I take, and the little things that I used to stand up in arms about seem so pointless to dwell on.

I love my husband, and admire that he walked with me down to the pits.
Oh, and I am grateful for my little miracle. I love him so immensely. He is perfect. He knows exactly what needs are, and it's his stupid parents that have to figure everything out.

So, what is important in life? Food, shelter, sleep, and love. Above all else, a nurturing environment, and love. (Might I put in a plug for my religious beliefs here. That love really brings life into focus as well.) It's funny to think that clothes are optional, and baths are overrated. That silly noises can be funny, and stern looks can really hurt a person's feelings. That people rush to fix things when complaints are vocalized... and life is simpler when they are, so that there is no guessing if someone's feelings have been hurt. But, after all of this craziness I have gone through, I have found that it is true. If we spend a little less time thinking of the temporal, or worrying about our appearance and our grooming habits, and instead spend that time searching for the mental and emotional stimulation that we need as beings... well, then the reward in life will be huge. This is what babies are for. Every once in a while a new generation comes into our lives to remind us what is actually important in life. They remind us of the purity of the human soul, and of what we actually need.