June 13 2004
This morning was Stake Conference. The general session was very uplifting and it seemed that all were in good spirits. It would have been difficult for anyone to leave that meeting without a smile either on their face or at least in the inside. The Stake Presidency’s proposal that I be ordained an Elder in the holy Melchizedek Priesthood was sustained. After Stake Conference I went with Ben Farrell, another missionary in preparation, and his mother to the Young Single Adults Branch in Chesapeake where he was asked to speak on “the keys of the priesthood”. I know that Ben will grow so much from serving a mission, as I hope I do as well. After leaving the meeting in Chesapeake I came home and partook of some left-over fried chicken that we dined on the prior evening. Following the chicken I enjoyed some home-made peach cobbler and chocolate cake. I don’t usually eat so much, but for some reason I did today. I left a bit later to venture to the Stake Center for my ordination. After a few words about the Priesthood, I was ordained. Unfortunately the Bishop was not able to be present, likewise his counselors weren’t either. Regrettably I can not remember the name of the brother who ordained me. I have difficulties remembering names. I must have spoken with him at various times in the past. His name will be on my ordination certificate, thus I will have to record it in my journal at a later time. In attendance was Vickie Farrell, John Farrell, Eddie Farrell and another young man who I also can’t remember his name. I will certainly have to work on remembering names while on my mission. Ben Farrell was also present and assisted in the ordination. I can’t say that I felt a transfer of energy or the obvious presence of the Spirit when I was ordained. Perhaps I should have fasted to magnify the Spirit. As I meditated on my ordination and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving I did notice a change. As I cleared my mind and placed my thoughts on the Lord I felt an energy within me stir. The feeling is similar to being excited and anxious, but different. I definitely feel renewed and ready for what lies ahead. Next week I fly to Seattle, Washington, to attend the Temple with Chad, Ann, and Heather-Ann Jenkins and Heather-Ann’s fiancé Jeff Johnson. Two days later I have the honor and privilege of witnessing Heather-Ann and Jeff be sealed as wife and husband for time and all eternity. It should be a very spiritual trip and a wonderful reunion. Brother Chad Jenkins will be my escort through the Temple. He also confirmed me a member of the Church on Okinawa, Japan. I look forward to the many wonderful things that next week will bring.
2 responses so far
This seems all so very exciting. Aren’t you just so excited?
The Seattle temple is quite lovely. My church building is right behind the temple, so I have the opportunity of being close to it every sunday. The grounds are very pretty, and you can see the temple spire protruding above everything else as you drive in.
Have you been to Seattle before? If not, you’re in for a treat. It’s beautiful up here.
I’ve been through the Seattle Int. Airport a number of times going back and forth to Japan over the 4 years I lived over there. It’s a huge and pretty spiffy airport. It always seemed to be raining when I was there though…and it was mainly at night when I passed through.
It would be great to live so close to the Temple! I await the announcement of a Temple in Virginia. They’ll probably build one in Richmond, but I think Williamsburg would be a better location (and only about 40 minutes from Virginia Beach!).