Such POWER
This week has been amazing in so many fashions. I am not really sure where to start. There have been highs, lows, bumps, washouts, and so much more. Though I am not sure I have learned all there is to learn from each experiences, I have learned a great deal. My eyes have been opened a tiny bit more when it comes to the overwhelming emotions, joy, and pleasure of expanding glory. WOW! That sums up so much of what I am feeling.
My thoughts have been rolling around Alma 8 most of the week. I have pondered and learned from other sources, but it keeps coming back to the one verse. Chapter 8 verse 31. Alma and Amulek were given a POWER. Have you ever really pondered what that meant? It says in this verse that they could not be confined, neither could man slay them, yet they did not exercise this POWER until they had subjected themselves to such treatment, witnessed death, and were on the brink of their own.
My mind has been wrapped around understanding this POWER. We read over and over again of people who were delivered by the POWER of God. It is my understanding that this POWER is the priesthood. I know I have talked about and thought about this power a great deal. I have just had the distinct impression that it is important to understand the difference between the authority to exercise such POWER and the POWER itself. How do we apply it to our lives? How do we use it effectively to help others? It just seem to keep popping up in all that I do.
Today in priesthood meeting we talked about such POWER. We looked at 1 Nephi 13. The chapter is filled with the word POWER. It is all summarized of sorts in verse 37. "...they shall have the gift and the POWER of the Holy Ghost..."
The thoughts came to me as I listened to the words of the Sacrament prayer. POWER in the blessing is given to all who partake of it earnestly. The emblems are sanctified to all those who eat or drink in Remembrance of Him. They are given POWER to stand as witnesses of Him, assistance in always remembering Him, POWER to keep His commandments, and the ability to always have His spirit to be with them. That in itself is amazing POWER.
However, as I pondered those words, I am amazed at how many do not see this POWER. There are so many who do not seek it, desire it, or want to receive it. They doubt themselves. They subject themselves to the devil as they do so. (Mosiah 15:1-9) Are we willing to exercise this God given POWER to master the flesh to the will of the Father?
I had the amazing opportunity to escort one of my children through the temple this week as they received a fullness of their blessings and POWER of such blessings, if they are willing to seek understanding of this POWER. I found myself repeating over and over again the words of such blessings.
Then I was blessed to witness the crowning moment in the life of another one of my children, as he made covenants to his lovely bride, God, angels, and a room full of witnesses. In doing so, they were blessed the great POWER to rise.
I encourage each of you to take some time to search, ponder, and pray about the POWER of this priesthood that has been restored upon the earth. Review the blessings(POWERS) given to each of us through the ordinances of this priesthood. I encourage you "hold fast" vs. "cling", 1 Nephi 8:21-23, 24-35, and 36-38) Choose now which group you will pattern your life after. Start today.
I marvel at this POWER. I know it is real, magnificent, and glorious. I strive to increase my understanding thereof, and hope that you will do the same.
So there you go, my week in a nutshell.
The Queen worked off and on this week. Her focus has been divided. I am amazed how well she manages to balance between the two. When all was said and done, she crashed from exhaustion and has spent the weekend re-gaining strength for the next adventure.
The Professor has completed another year. Not only did she juggle the event of family this week, but she also carried the highly stressful emotions of the closure of a school year. She came home Friday, emotionally on edge, locked herself in her room, slept, wept, and re-built her energies for another round that will start in a few short weeks.
Tall Man finally joined with is Ehl-Bo. It was a marvelous opportunity to witness the union of the two. All the anticipation, hard work, and focus came to a head as we joined them in Payson. They two escaped for the weekend, basking in one another's presence as they prepare for many years of the Grand Adventure ahead of them.
SnackPack had some milestones of his own. We were so pleased to be able to share them with him. Of course, we celebrated with Ice Cream at our favorite creamery. It was a challenge to be so close to temptation, but the Queen and I survived and would not have traded the moment for anything else.
Our week has been filled with such joy! I hope that yours has been as well. Our thoughts and prayers have often visited those who were not able to share in person, but we know did so in spirit.
May the week to come be filled with learning, listening, walking, and understanding.
My thoughts have been rolling around Alma 8 most of the week. I have pondered and learned from other sources, but it keeps coming back to the one verse. Chapter 8 verse 31. Alma and Amulek were given a POWER. Have you ever really pondered what that meant? It says in this verse that they could not be confined, neither could man slay them, yet they did not exercise this POWER until they had subjected themselves to such treatment, witnessed death, and were on the brink of their own.
My mind has been wrapped around understanding this POWER. We read over and over again of people who were delivered by the POWER of God. It is my understanding that this POWER is the priesthood. I know I have talked about and thought about this power a great deal. I have just had the distinct impression that it is important to understand the difference between the authority to exercise such POWER and the POWER itself. How do we apply it to our lives? How do we use it effectively to help others? It just seem to keep popping up in all that I do.
Today in priesthood meeting we talked about such POWER. We looked at 1 Nephi 13. The chapter is filled with the word POWER. It is all summarized of sorts in verse 37. "...they shall have the gift and the POWER of the Holy Ghost..."
The thoughts came to me as I listened to the words of the Sacrament prayer. POWER in the blessing is given to all who partake of it earnestly. The emblems are sanctified to all those who eat or drink in Remembrance of Him. They are given POWER to stand as witnesses of Him, assistance in always remembering Him, POWER to keep His commandments, and the ability to always have His spirit to be with them. That in itself is amazing POWER.
However, as I pondered those words, I am amazed at how many do not see this POWER. There are so many who do not seek it, desire it, or want to receive it. They doubt themselves. They subject themselves to the devil as they do so. (Mosiah 15:1-9) Are we willing to exercise this God given POWER to master the flesh to the will of the Father?
I had the amazing opportunity to escort one of my children through the temple this week as they received a fullness of their blessings and POWER of such blessings, if they are willing to seek understanding of this POWER. I found myself repeating over and over again the words of such blessings.
Then I was blessed to witness the crowning moment in the life of another one of my children, as he made covenants to his lovely bride, God, angels, and a room full of witnesses. In doing so, they were blessed the great POWER to rise.
I encourage each of you to take some time to search, ponder, and pray about the POWER of this priesthood that has been restored upon the earth. Review the blessings(POWERS) given to each of us through the ordinances of this priesthood. I encourage you "hold fast" vs. "cling", 1 Nephi 8:21-23, 24-35, and 36-38) Choose now which group you will pattern your life after. Start today.
I marvel at this POWER. I know it is real, magnificent, and glorious. I strive to increase my understanding thereof, and hope that you will do the same.
So there you go, my week in a nutshell.
The Queen worked off and on this week. Her focus has been divided. I am amazed how well she manages to balance between the two. When all was said and done, she crashed from exhaustion and has spent the weekend re-gaining strength for the next adventure.
The Professor has completed another year. Not only did she juggle the event of family this week, but she also carried the highly stressful emotions of the closure of a school year. She came home Friday, emotionally on edge, locked herself in her room, slept, wept, and re-built her energies for another round that will start in a few short weeks.
Tall Man finally joined with is Ehl-Bo. It was a marvelous opportunity to witness the union of the two. All the anticipation, hard work, and focus came to a head as we joined them in Payson. They two escaped for the weekend, basking in one another's presence as they prepare for many years of the Grand Adventure ahead of them.
SnackPack had some milestones of his own. We were so pleased to be able to share them with him. Of course, we celebrated with Ice Cream at our favorite creamery. It was a challenge to be so close to temptation, but the Queen and I survived and would not have traded the moment for anything else.
Our week has been filled with such joy! I hope that yours has been as well. Our thoughts and prayers have often visited those who were not able to share in person, but we know did so in spirit.
May the week to come be filled with learning, listening, walking, and understanding.
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