You ready? Before I say, in response to dad, I did shake his hand, but he was far too busy for pictures. Because of passing the sacrament, I was in one of the few areas where people got to shake his hand, so in the end I was blessed in a far better way than singing in the choir.
It was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He spoke to us. He looked at me. He shook my hand. He squeezed my arm a few times as he walked around me.
It was the best Easter ever.
I have tons of notes about his devotional, but there's one major point he talked about that I want to reiterate: for the apostles, and His gospel in general, that Easter morning centuries ago was very much a refiner's fire. In his words, after the resurrection "everything changed."
It was mind-blowingly incredible. He has such a spiritual presence. He truly is a giant among men, like Moses of old.
It was mind-blowingly incredible. He has such a spiritual presence. He truly is a giant among men, like Moses of old.
Speaking of, you know that Neil L. Andersen spoke a couple of weeks ago. Last Tuesday, we actually had another apostle! The venerable Dallin H. Oaks spoke at our devotional, and it was another powerful experience. We've been so incredibly blessed with our devotionals.
Let's briefly review the memorable ones:
Vocalpoint
BYU Men's Choir
Richard Elliot and David Archuleta
Neil L. Andersen
Dallin H. Oaks
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
How incredibly blessed my branch has been as we prepare to leave. We have less than 4 days left now. I hope my package gets here soon! I'll be able to call home during our layover, but I don't think it's very long, and it'll be fairly early in the morning. I'm not exactly sure when, but I think it'll be around 9 o'clock, while we're in Dallas. Don't ask me why we'll be in Texas, I have no clue how that flight pattern works out.
More exciting news! As you know, Tessa (Sister) Broyles arrived this week! That's been very exciting, even though I've only glimpsed her a few times since she's in her new arrival schedule. Last Wednesday, that same day, my district got to participate in the new arrivals "How to Begin Teaching" seminar. Basically, we start off each of their roleplay discussions, using the principles in How to Begin Teaching. It was a fantastic experience, and it really helped show me how far I've come, thanks to the Lord.
I've been thinking a little bit about writing again. I write brief short stories for fun sometimes, when one of the Elders has a memorable dream, and they enjoy reading them. They're all encouraging me to pursue writing, and it's something I love to do. When I was racing through the Book of Mormon, I filled a few pages, basically writing a talk about the phrase, "Sacrifices to Idol Gods," and it actually turned out pretty well. I want writing to be a part of my future.
We've been talking about the ferry accident in Korea a lot, lately. I think of the words in Esther: Perhaps we were "born for such a time as this." The gospel can bring peace to those who have lost children or siblings, and are confused, angry, and scared. We can bring them the good news of the plan of salvation, we can teach them where they are, that they're okay. Ultimately, our message is that they can be together again, forever.
The gospel is the only thing that can save this world from its own self-destruction, in the words of an early prophet. It can unite all people now and forever, bring peace everlasting, and progress eternal. I am so blessed to know of it, and now to have the chance to be the mouthpiece of the Spirit, so that I can teach others of it.
I love all of you so dearly.
Elder Austin Lynn
No comments:
Post a Comment