Today, I spoke in church

I was asked to speak in church... I thought I would put my talk on here so those who could not be here, or for family far away can read...

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law abiding citizens wherever they live. Proclamation to the Family paragraph 6.

The power of the Priesthood is not something to be taken lightly. We know, that at the age of 12, our young men are given the responisibility and priviledge to become Priesthood holders; first the Aaronic, and then the Melchezidek. Each having keys and responsibilities that they can share with others. We watch our young men reverently bless and pass the sacrament. This sacred ordinace that they perform weekly is for our benefit. To renew our covenants with our Father in Heaven. They collect fast offerings, so we as ward members can contribute to our ward and help those in need. I am grateful for these young men who willingly do these little acts of service that strengthens their growth and ours as well.

So, where am I going with this you might be asking? I am going to speak to you on my feelings of the Priesthood. Broaden that to The Blessings of the Priesthood and how that strengthens my Family.

Growing up, my dad was not the most active member of the church. His family were converts, but I don't think the gospel really "stuck" until many years later. My mom on the other hand, was raised in the church, and my grandpa served as Bishop, counselors, and on the High Council. The Priesthood was in my mothers' home. My dad had the Priesthood, but didn't use it to the best of his ability. That all changed for our family when my dad was deployed to Japan and was seperated from our family for 18 months. It was hard on us as a family, but I feel it was harder on my dad. He knew that if something did happen to him, we would be lost, and we would not be together. So, he came home, and together my mom and dad started preparing to go to the Temple. I will never forget that day. It is very special and dear to me, and I am pleased to say that my dad honors his Priesthood and helps those when needed.

Shortly after my family was sealed, I remember telling my mom that I didn't want to get married in the Temple, I wanted to be sealed later on, so my children could feel the way I felt that day. That statement made my mom cry. She expressed her desire for all of her children to be worthy to have a Temple marriage and to have children born into the covenant. She told me to be worthy to meet that man, who also would be worthy to take me to the Temple. I decided that that is what I wanted to do, and I tried really hard not to make my mom cry again.

When Nick and I met, I knew he was the one for me. He has this demeanor about him, that I just couldn't shake out of my head. I knew he was a returned missionary, because he talked about his mission a lot. Nick could also recite the Young Womens' theme, and I then found out he had five sisters and no brothers. I could see him physically, and spiritually. I was smitten, and he hadn't even asked me out on a date officially. Our courtship, to some might not be that exciting, but cliche as it is, for me, Love at first sight. I believe it was our third date, he drove us out to the temple and we walked around talking. A lot of talking... if I was convinced of spending eternity with this man, I had to make sure he felt the same way. We talked about our childhoods, ourfamilies, and friends. We talked about school, dreams and goals. We talked about just whatever came to our minds. We looked at pictures of him on his mission, and I could just see it. There he was, right in front of me, the man I would spend eternity with. We talked about marriage. We talked about raising a family. We agreed on almost everything, and we knew our children would be raised to love the Blazers! Sorry, I just had to put that part in there. We knew we wanted to raise our children in the church. To let them have the truthfulness of the gospel. Nick wanted to be a father and a patriach. I knew he had a testimony of the Gospel and that he wanted to be a husband and a father. And here we are almost ten years later. Still in love, and growing spiritually more and more with each other each and everyday. Our children are lucky to call him dad!!

When I think of being married to a priesthood holder and all the responsibilities that come with it, I am so thankful it is him and not me. I love that Nick will say YES each and everytime someone calls for help with a blessing. That he is willing to help move people, teach with the missionaries, lead our family in prayer, and at family home evening. I will stay at home with the four crazies, as long as he is there for us! But we as wives have a certain responsibility too, and I would like to share a story slash experience with you.
Last spring, Bosston was really sick. I had noticed that he wasn't himself, but I kind of kept it to myself. I prayed for him to cheer up, and feel better, but I kept it at that. He was sleeping a lot, irritable, no appetite, but I told myself he was fine and just tired. Then one Sunday, it just broke. I left church with him and went home. He had a high fever and was sleepy. The Bishop called me at home to see how things were going. I let it go. I told Bishop that I know something is wrong with my child. I could feel it, but for awhile I was denying it. I read too many articles and probably watch too many doctor shows. But this time, I admitted to Bishop and to myself that Bosston was sick. He counciled for me to ask Nick to give him a blessing, and to fast for Bosston. Bishop also told me this, He told me that as a mother, I have divine intuition to my children's welfare. I have a special calling to be a voice for them. Heavenly Father challenges our faith, and he knows we can get through this. Although I do not hold the Priesthood, I can be my child's voice to ask for certain things on their behalf. I was grateful for this knowledge and explanation. There is no perfect parenting handbook out there, but Love and understanding are two things we should all practice. I was grateful for this challenge in my life. Although stressful at the time, we pulled through, and I know it was because of the Priesthood blessings we had received. Now that Dasher and Emmah are in school and getting older (tear) we give them the opportunity to ask for things that they need. We teach them to pray, to be thankful, and to ask for blessings also. Bosston is learning also. He knows when family members are sick, and that Heavenly Father will heal them if we just ask. He knows that! and that makes me smile. Lucy, well, we are just thankful that she will sit and fold her arms, although during prayers she is starting to whisper her own prayers. He hears them! As a mom, especially one who stays at home, it is my duty and opportunity to fill the gaps until Dad comes home; to make our home where the spirit can reside. To be a peacemaker, a comedian, nurse, cook, and everything else that defines the word mother. I am thankful that our home is an inviting place where friends, family, loved ones and even strangers can come and feel the spirit. Don't get me wrong, it gets crazy a lot... but at the end of the day, I know our home is protected, and that protection comes with the priesthood.


I am thankful to have the priesthood in our home. In March of 2003, my dad, still in the Marine Corps at the time, was called to go overseas. The war was just at the beginning, and they were shipped out. We were living with my parents at the time, and extended our stay with them to be there for my mom. My older brother was on a mission and my younger brother was not old enough to hold the priesthood, so Nick was the priesthood holder in the house. He helped give blessings to my mom and sisters and just the knowledge of knowing we were protected that much more, made the home a happier place. One night, Dasher (8mos) woke up crying; and he cried and cried for what seems like hours. We tried everything and of course as first time parents you always fear the worst. We rocked, walked, handed off to other people, but he just kept crying. Then my mom said, "he needs a blessing." Duh? why hadn't we thought of that an hour ago. So, with the help of a friend, Nick was able to give him a blessing. And I tell you this, as soon as the oil was annointed onto his small head, the crying stopped. The spirit was so strong in the room, we all felt peace. We all breathed a sigh of completness. Dasher slept so well that night. Whatever was bugging him stopped and as his mom, I know he felt Heavenly Father's touch through his dad's hands.

I was able to share my momtuition with my little sister. They recently had a baby, and at first the little lady was having a hard time. She has swallowed some amniotic fluid on the way out, and her breathing was not right. The nurses wouldn't let anyone hold her, and my sister was distraught. I suggested a blessing. But nothing, they let the doctors poke and praw her with no results. I suggested again, but another day went by and still nothing. I prayed. I prayed for Quincee, but mostly prayed for my sister and her husband to have the strength to put their faith and trust in the Lord. No more suggesting. I told Aubrey -my sister, that Quincee needs a blessing. I relayed the message that Bishop had given to me. As mothers we have to be our child's voice. Aubrey needed to hear that. I told her asking for blessings is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. We are showing Heavenly Father our willing to sacrifice and to put everything in his hands. Quincee received a blessing from her dad and my dad, and within hours, she was taken off oxygen and they were finally able to hold her. I know their testimony of priesthood blessings grew stronger that day!

As mommies and daddies, we need to teach our children the importance of the Priesthood. We need to raise our boys to be worthy to hold the priesthood. Teach them the importance of the responsibilites that they will have. We need to teach our daughters to be worthy to marry a Priesthood holder, so they too can feel of the blessings that come with the priesthood.

"And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all- they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." Alma 52:20-21

We have a primary song that talks about the family and I would like to share two verses with you before I close. A father's place is to preside, provide, To love and teach the gospel to his children. A father leads in family paryer to share their love for Father in Heaven. A mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children. She teaches children to obey, to pray, to love and serve in the family. God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be. This is how He shares his Love, for the the family is of God.