Lately my thoughts have been focused on this subject, listening to General Conference in my car every day to and from work have caused me to remember the experiences that I have had on my mission about priesthood power, I remember because of the faith that I cultivated while serving faithfully I truly saw miracles, I wish to express thanks to a loving Heavenly Father for these blessings, I express my gratitude for the continued faith and prayers in my behalf for this trying time in my life. It hasn’t been easy but I have found out that I am a completely different person than I was a year ago, battle wounds and all. Through the sunshine and the hail that life provides I truly am grateful for my trails, I have moved from Provo, now live in Lehi with the best roommates that I could ask for at the moment. I have seen the hand of friendship from many in my ward and have felt like I am needed, I received a calling in this new ward that has honestly made me think about what it is that I need and want in this life, teaching Gospel Doctrine and also as the Ward Sunday School President I have felt the urgency to rethink temptation and follow what may seen the hardest road fighting temptation than to give in and then make that long road of repentance, yet by no means I am perfect and do make mistakes, just because I let my guard down. I want you to know that I have witnessed the healing power of the Savior, it is he that gently chastises me though yet he willingly forgives me. I have come to know on a deeper level of the constant care of the Savior in my life.
This Summer I was an EFY Counselor in AZ, NV, and UT. Working on a daily basis with young men and young women, I have come to really care for youth of the Church, and know that they are getting stronger and stronger each continuing year. I think of an experience I wish to relate to you.
While attending a week in Flagstaff AZ I was a counselor to 12 young men, many of them tried to play the card I am too cool for you, their attitudes were that of I really don’t need you, but don’t get me wrong they had testimonies of the Gospel but didn’t really come to EFY for the spiritual aspect but just to hang out with females. Naturally that is what 14-18 year old boys have on their minds. Ha-ha. But anyways I tried real hard to relate and understand where they were coming from. By Wednesday night (Pizza Night) it hadn’t clicked for them yet, as to why and what it is they needed in this life. So I actually pulled 3 of the boys aside and had a frank conversation discussing the need for their assistance in keeping the rules of EFY and let them know that I was concerned for them. We then finished the conversation and I released them back with the other boys for the devotional, that night’s devotional talked heavily on the topic of the Atonement and what it means to them. I felt the spirit enter the room and start testifying of what I had been teaching many of them had felt the spirit to the point of their eyes glazing over from the extra amount of water filling their eyes. As I finished I testified to them of what the atonement has done for me and reassured them that if it was their will, the atonement can be applied that same way to them. That night lights went out a little earlier that normal. Many had written the impressions that had come; I really appreciated what I had felt and did likewise. I was sitting in the hallway outside a room; one of the boys that I pulled aside and talked with was staying in that room I sat by, as I sat there talking to another counselor, the door opened and the very boy that I talked with stepped out of the door, and with tears in his eyes, looked down at me to apologize for his disobedience.
I stopped him and asked him a few questions, at this time I knew that I was already emotional and that I would probably start tearing up.
I stated… “You were just Praying weren’t you?”
His reply… “Yes”
I stated… “You felt the Spirit didn’t you?”
His Reply… “Yes”
I stated… “Well what are you going to do about it?”
His Reply… “I have to Change….”
I stated… “Well I need to write your impressions down you will have times in your life that will be tough but you will look back on this evening and remember that you felt it and that you felt the need to change.”
We ended the Conversation and as the door closed quietly behind him I head him sobbing back to his bed, I then broke down looking at this other counselor that was sitting with me he was sobbing; I know that the Spirit impressed upon him the love that Heavenly Father has for him. I know that he felt it. The next day was testimony meeting; his roommate got up and bore a simple yet powerful testimony; he had been praying for years for his friend to feel the spirit and that he would know that the Spirit is there to lead and guide us back to our Heavenly Father. He then stated that he was grateful that Heavenly father let him witness his prayer being answered as he heard his roommate sobbing by his bedside.
It is these experiences that lead me to believe the Quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost do come even to the most rebellious but I love the rebels and find great joy in this service. I have also come to know that I miss the mark many times; however my experiences tie me back to the Beautiful tapestry called life. There are never any imperfections in this tapestry but only considerable love that ties us together. I thank the Lord daily for the reminiscing of great memories and hope to keep that trait burning within me forever and ever.
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