Sunday, June 21, 2009

Reflections on Fathers




What a wonderful day this is. As I think of all the wonderful fathers in my life, my heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude. My own father has been there for me all my life, having helped given me life and being my support for so long, always proud of me. I love him so much, and can't think of what I would do without him. He's my dad, and he always will be my dad.



Another man who has been a father to me spiritually and in so many wonderful ways in the Church is Brother Capener. This man of faith has ordained me to the priesthood of our God,invited me to father-son campouts, and just taken me under his wing, always welcoming me. I look up to him so much.



President Watson of Exeter Stake has a testimony and faithfullness to the Gospel that inspires me. Always referring to me as his "adopted son," I can't help but respect that mighty servant of the Lord. His talks and firesides have affected me in a way that only he could. I have his guidance and love to thank for my spiritual progression in many ways.



There are many more fathers, so much that if I were to name them all I don't think I would have room to do so on this post. They will ever stand as a witness to me of the love and care that my Father in Heaven has for me, His child. I have not forgotten the sweet and powerful manifestations to my soul that He lives, that He loves me with a perfect love, and that I love Him. Thank you Father. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Thank you.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Sacred Bench

A wonderful person and fellow blogger has recently posted an elongated version of my conversion story on her blog Becoming LDS. Be sure to stop by, and if possible, send her your own conversion story!

http://www.becomingldsconversionstories.blogspot.com/2009/06/sacred-bench.html

Saturday, June 13, 2009

A Dance with the Spirit

Oh, what a day it has been!
If there is one thing I love about being a Mormon, it is taking one Saturday out of every month to let loose on the dance floor, not having to ever worry about crude lyrics, immodest dress, or immoral dancing. You just feel so free, and as a result you enjoy it so much! Who else gets to dance like that for a good almost three hours and then go to Church the next day? It is incredible. Especially when you can feel the Spirit at that dance. Which I did!

We had a newcomer to the dance. His name was Mitch. Rather on the small side, it would be easy to mistake him as a deacon. This wonderful kid came bravely to his first dance ever, and in the beginning you could tell that he was a bit shy about getting out there. I kept my eye on him, wanting to make sure that he didn't feel as uncomfortable as I did the first time. I was amazed and overwhelmed with feelings of joy and love as I saw so many faithful Latter Day Saint youth talk to him and introduce him. By the end of the dance, this meek teacher had, as Elder Tidwell would put it, "cut the rug," dancing with three girls and unhesitatingly rocking out in the middle of what had to be one of the biggest and most intimidating dance circles ever formed, something that I wouldn't even dare do!

That kid has some real bravery, and above all just a wonderful spirit about him. Because of people reaching out, and the Spirit that was with us at this dance, he was comfortable very soon and had soon made quite a few aqcuaintances! I was humbled to be one of them. God Bless You, Mitch! Way to go brother! We love ya!

This is just another reminder to me of why it is such a great day to be a Latter Day Saint youth in this day and age. I can't explain how impressed and happy I am becuase of what went on at the dance tonight. I love the youth of our stake.

Just goes to show you that God loves His children.