Priesthood Blessings

“Brethren, young and old, do not be hesitant to ask for a priesthood blessing when you are in need of spiritual power. Fathers and other elders, cherish and magnify the privilege of blessing your children and the other children of our Heavenly Father. Be prepared to give priesthood blessings under the influence of the Holy Ghost whenever you are requested in sincerity and faith.”  -Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Yesterday in Sunday School was talked about the power of the Priesthood. One girl shared that since she's come to college, she sometimes really misses being able to receive father's blessings from her dad because they were very special to her. As I was sitting in class listening to her, a thought occurred to me. I realized that, as special as a father's blessing is, that ultimately every blessing is a father's blessing--a blessing from our Heavenly Father. Every priesthood blessing we receive--though it may be administered by different hands--originates from the same loving, caring, kind individual. The Father of us all is the one who gives us priesthood blessings and He has a very personal and concerned interest in our well-being and the affairs of our lives. The next time I receive a priesthood blessing I hope that I will be able to think beyond the hands on my head and remember what is at the heart of what is happening and being said. 

Thoughts on the Fourth

I am so grateful to live in a land with such a beautiful, rich heritage of brave men and women who sacrificed so that those who would come after them could enjoy the blessings of living in a free country. It has never been easy to stand in battle, to stand for truth, to go against the grain; yet so many have. For you. For me. Today, I am thankful for the Founders, the soldiers, the leaders, and the everyday men and women who have given their all so that we could have it all. We really are so extremely blessed.

"I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land [D&C 101:76–80]. I testify that the God of Heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits — even you who read my words — to preserve it."  -President Ezra Taft Benson, The Constitution--A Glorious Standard

Battle Creek Falls

I would actually consider this more of a walk than an actual hike. I've done this walk/hike twice this year already--once on a date and once for FHE. The hike is fairly easy to get to--it's just tucked away near the side of the mountains in Pleasant Grove. From Provo, the drive is about 25 minutes. Once there, the hike itself is only about half a mile. It goes uphill a little bit, but nothing too strenuous. Overall, this is a good place to go if you want a quick getaway, but nothing you'd commit your whole day to.

For more info about this hike: http://www.utah.com/hike/battle-creek-falls-trail

The Good Shepherd

Today I was studying why Christ has the title of "shepherd". In my searching, I came across this scripture:

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."  -Isaiah 40:11

This scripture is so beautiful and tender to me. I cannot help but see a loving, compassionate Savior when I read these words. It is such a good reminder that at the root of everything Christ has done--and still does--for us is love. He loves us so much. He gave everything for us. And continually, day by day, He desires to hold us close and to lead us back to our heavenly home. He is patient. He is kind. He gives us the benefit of the doubt and sees us as who we truly are and can become. He is gentle. He is perfect. And above all, He is there for you and I. He did not give His life thousands of years ago on our behalf only to abandon us right now. I know that He lives and that He is just as invested in the daily dealings of your life right now as He was in the daily dealings of the people in Jerusalem two millennium ago. Come unto Him and He will lead you to still waters and there, with Him, you can find rest.