"I have decided to keep a journal because I believe that my life is important not only to myself but also to others. Perhaps I can stimulate others in my family to do likewise so that the family may be strengthened through deeper communication. Only that material which keynote the central themes of my life and its experiences will be recorded. Certainly it will not always be serious because I enjoy a sense of humor and do not take myself serious enough to think that everything that happens to me is earth-shattering. In fact, I enjoy a good laugh with others when my antics and habits are in review. It would be more than I could ever hope for, if my wonderful and choice family – those now living and those yet to embrace life here upon this earth – would read my thoughts and come to understand me as I desire to understand them. Then a love would develop in all our hearts for our God; for one another; for life; and for the quest for eternal life together. And so whenever a record is being made I pray that the Spirit might be with me that it will be felt by those who read these words in the spirit of truth. Only the decisions that pertain to our relationships with our Father in Heaven and the Savior are important. All other decisions will be of little consequence."

Sunday, March 9, 1975

March 9, 1975

This has been an unusual day. I was asked by Elder Gordon King (who is finishing his last three months of his mission assigned to the eighth wad) to give him a special blessing. He asked to return to the eight ward because he felt there was special possibilities for missionary work because of the spirit of its members. Therefore, I prepared by fasting and prayer. The blessing I gave him with the Bishop (Fillerup) was informative regarding his activities now and in the future. I was also able to tell him that his calling and election would be made sure. What a frightening—awesome experience to make such a pronouncement.
                                            
I also gave Eric a father’s blessing—he is now going to Salmon Idaho to work on a ranch and it is a major move in his life. Hopefully, his move will launch him on a course that will lead to a life work and hopefully provide a key platform for our family business activities.


I also ordained Ricky to the Aaronic Priesthood. In doing all these things I was physically exhausted  . As the Savior asked who had touched his garment because “virtue had gone out of him” I understand to some degree what he meant. It takes tremendous effort to execute ordinances—blessings—etc with Priesthood power in tune created by righteous living and spiritual preparation.

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