October 2, 1974

I have spent several hours transcribing this blessing from my tape recorder. I have pondered what it contains and am overwhelmed with gratitude for what it contains and the circumstances under which it was given. I feel that this blessing is meant for Norma as much as for me because we truly share our priesthood and we desire together to be “one” for this family and with our Savior and Father in Heaven who are “one”. My gratitude for the association of my Bishop is immeasurable. I love him more than a brother because in his immense humility and true leadership capabilities as outlined in D&C 121, he basks in the love, guidance, and glory of our Father in Heaven. Every action that I witness is one that brings glory to his Father and the Savior. And so it is that I can receive such a blessing under his hands and know that it is coming from God. The blessing could have been no greater had it come from the President of the Church himself. I say this with the deepest respect and humility because I perceive by the Spirit that this is the order of things in the Kingdom of God.

            We need to have assurance as imperfect mortal beings upon this earth that we are “measuring up” to some measure. I rejoice that my life at this time of my mortal and eternal existence is of worth to my dear Father in Heaven because my love for Him and for the Savior has reached such proportions that were it rejected my plea would be for extinction of my soul because of the devastating, crushing, destructive effect it would have upon my eternal soul and my identity as a son.