Endnotes

I have needed the counsel from my patriarchal blessing all my life, especially at times of decision or challenge.

Over time, I have discovered that there are many scriptures quoted throughout my blessing. Sometimes they are indicated with quotation marks, but more often, a few words are woven into the cadences of sentences without notation. This opens a new level of discovery for me. As I find and study the quoted passages, these scriptures provide context, expand my understanding, and often give me a scripture hero with whom I can relate. As I collect these hidden references, they become valuable endnotes to my patriarchal blessing.

Every time you wonder what you should do with your life, study your patriarchal blessing. Every time you want to feel God’s love, read your patriarchal blessing. Your patriarchal blessing is your own personal revelation, and it’s scripture just for you.

-Teresa Bell, The Hand of God in Your Life

Here is a link to Teresa Bell’s talk with some of the best insights and doctrine about patriarchal blessings. The segment begins at minute 17:43.

The Hand of God in Your Life 

Decluttering some journals

I felt a nudge to clean out two boxes of journals and memorabilia last week. From reams of paper from my teenage and college years, I pulled a thin collection of excerpts to keep. Most pages landed solidly in the trash bin, but the process of sorting was enlightening. Here are some takeaways:

I have come a long way and overcome a lot.

I still have some patterns of thought that began in childhood that I need to conquer.

My family will not have to sort through this trash someday. Thank goodness.

Not every thought and emotion is accurate and worthy to keep.

My words awoke some empathy for what young women experience during these years.

The writing I kept:

  • Anything about my family
  • A few entries about my friends
  • Violin and science achievements
  • Goals
  • Especially funny and memorable experiences
  • Expressions of my testimony of Jesus Christ

I have always intended to leave behind a written record of my life, but it will be edited for content and length. (Says the woman who has also written thousands of blog posts. 😉)

What an honor

I attended this young lady’s temple endowment this week and it was one of the biggest honors of my life to be included.

I remember my grandmother using the same word, “honored,” as she accompanied me for my endowment. I noted this, but didn’t understand why she would say it until I learned the significance of temple covenants for myself.

I think my grandmother understood that she was witnessing the sacred acts that would bring Heavenly Father closer to me and allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to do its work in me…enabling me to overcome anything.

What an honor it is to witness the stunning grace of God for a loved one.

And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

Doctrine and Covenants 109:22