December 8, 2014

I had a lot of break through moments this week. One of them was this: The restoration could have happened with or without the Book of Mormon. Priesthood power could have been restored, revelation to restore lost truths could have happened and a prophet could have still been called without the Book of Mormon, but it wasn't because all of US needed evidence to pray about in order to receive a spiritual confirmation of all of the above. It sounds like a "duh" comment, but it hit me hard. The Book of Mormon really is a gift to us all from a loving God. If we study it the way He wants us to we will continue to have the spiritual strength we need to be faithful in this crazy world. I love it.

We had a fun week. We had training with President Watson last week for a couple of days and were able to go to the temple afterwards. It is such a blessing to have a temple here. I love the temple. There is a peace there that you can't feel anywhere else. It's amazing to hear the members speak about when President Hinckley was here to dedicate the temple. One lady received a blessing from one of the apostles while they were there and explained that as he put his hands on her head, she felt as if they were the Savior's hands. I thought about that. The priesthood is the power of God. Those who hold this power truly are only vessels of that power. And God, because He loves us, has restored His power to the earth so we can be blessed by it. Every priesthood blessing is as if it were the Savior's hands. What a miracle and blessing we have.

Dad it was great to hear about your missionary moment. It is wonderful that you are aware of the other people. You have always been good about noticing new or visiting people at church and talking with them. It is great to be able to simply explain the profound meaning of things like sacrament. It is simple things like that that I have always grown up knowing, but maybe not understanding and being able to teach that to other people is a gift. You have a great opportunity as Young Men's president! You will have a lasting influence on them. oh and it's about time that you got new sheep stomachs!

The plan for when I get back sounds great. Is Tras already on Christmas break? wow that seems early! Sounds like you have a fun trip planned out. quick but fun. So are you still in the same office as you were before or have you changed as well?

I love you all. Have you seen the " He is the Gift" video the church put out? Great to share with friends. Have a great week!

Rakkaudella, Sisar Heggie