The change that I've felt in the last few months is such a blessing from the Lord. I've felt his hand in my life as I struggle with adversity. I've felt grief which I bear be supported with His help. Honestly, the spirit has been in abundance in our lives and I'm not really sure why. I can say that I've tried so hard to live up to my potential and fallen so very short. But, the Lord seems to be pushing me along, my faults and all.
I want so badly to serve like I did on my mission. It was in my daily prayers for about my whole mission. I'd pray something like, "please bless that my life will be blessed with the opportunity to serve like this, after my mission is finished." I hope and pray that one I day we can again fully consecrate my life to the Lord.
You are the one. You have been chosen to represent a whole lineage of ancestry regarding your heritage. My patriarchal blessing talks about this. My Dad says that is why I'm his Idol. I've held resentment in the past towards this principle of Family and Heritage. Both sides of my family are converts. I don't have Grandparents that have the solid faith of the Gospel. I don't have a shining example of a Father that is strict in observing the covenants that he has made. But, I love and respect him for what he has done with the little he has been given. He has been converted and does not shy from his testimony. The life which he was given, he has definitely done the best according to his knowledge and understanding. I see his downfalls, justifications and edge. You on the other hand, have a greater knowledge and brighter understanding. You can't deny the experiences and spiritual manifestations in your life. Therefore, are held to the same understanding. "Where much is given, much is required."
Many are called but few are chosen and why are they not chosen? Because the aspire to the honors of men. I believe I have been called to represent my Heritage. To link my ancestry to the Gospel. What an honor and privilege. It is a complete paradigm shift to my attitude almost my whole life. I always questioned, Why? Why does my blood not trace back to the early pioneers of the church? Why didn't my ancestor defend the Prophet Joseph to the death? I can imagine the faith building stories and sense of pride I would have knowing and drawing on the past. I'm so grateful for my wife and her heritage and that my kids do have that literal pioneer blood. God permitted me to marry one of His angels and I am grateful. My lot in life is not one of spiritual ease. I've learned by sad experience and on my own. I'm so grateful for the Jesus who paved the way himself, that I may know where to look for answers. But, I can be chosen to represent an entire lineage not converted to the Gospel. Can you imagine the afterlife and celebration? Your entire heritage linked by your effort. The work was literally just done for my immediate ancestry. And now I have the opportunity to give them the chance to accept the Gospel.
While the Temple I felt a special bond to one Pieter Jan VanSteenkiste. As I proceeded in the initiatory, one of the Patrons stopped me mid sentence and said, "I feel impressed to ask you to come and work in the Temple. You belong here. You need to be here. Now go talk to your Bishop and get it done."
Today we attended the Gila Valley temple dedication at our Stake building. What an awesome experience!!! President Erying gave a compelling talk about linking the hearts of our children to their fathers. We participated in the Hosana shout after President Monson dedicated the building. My previous thoughts of my ancestry were running through my mind.
Currently there is no temple in Belgium and 5000 members. You have blessed with a special heritage that will burn with in you as you continue to do the work of the Lord. Could I literally fulfill Elijah's prophecy and turn my heart to my literal Fathers in Belgium? Could I do their work and also help those that are living now? I believe this may be my calling as my patriarchal blessing has stated. I'd love to be able to write a check for a substantial amount of money to build a temple for my ancestors. Could you imagine the rejoicing of my literal lineage if this happened? I pray that we are blessed financially to be able to serve in the capacity the Lord sees fit.
