For those of you who may not know, in the LDS (Mormon) faith, we believe that men who are called and set apart or given the keys and authority (Patriarchs) have the right and priviledge of laying their hands on an individual and pronouncing a blessing that will serve as a guide and comfort to that person for the rest of their lives. It is "personal scripture" for lack of a better term. A virtual compass to lead the individual during particularly difficult times in life or for day to day guidance. It can include warnings, admonitions, and particularly, blessings. It also declares the lineage or ancestral lines specific to one of the 12 tribes of Isreal. So far, Amy, Hannah and I are all of the same tribe. The boys may prove different.
Hannah decided that she was ready. She called the Executive Secretary in our ward who schedules all of the meetings with our Bishop and set an appointment to get an interview for her blessing. She got the recommend the next week stating her worthiness to the Patriarch to recieve the blessing and this last Sunday January 9, 2011 at 3pm we met at the patriarch's home for her blessing. We came fasting and prepared for a great experience. We were not dissapointed. It was very special, and spiritual.
In the weeks leading up to her blessing, Amy and I both pulled ours out and read them again. We shared them with Hannah. It was fun for her to see some of the things fulfilled in our lives and some that have yet to be fulfilled.
I also realized that on the new LDS website, one may order a patriarchal blessing of a direct ancestor who has passed away, with some very basic information. Saturday before the blessing, we received in the mail the patriarchal blessings of my Grandma and Grandpa Brand. Little did I realize that they both recieved them on the same day from the same patriarch. Hannah was able to read them as well in preparation for her own blessing.
Patriarch Terry was very nice. Hannah noticed that he seemed to weigh every word carefully before he spoke, both before the blessing while we were visiting, and all throughout the blessing. It was clear that he was listening for inspiration from heaven.
The Spirit was very strong. I am usually emotional anyway but was suprised at just how emotional I was. It's probably a combination of the spirituality of the situation, the fact that Hannah is turning into a young women right before our eyes, and the fact that I was starving from the fast!
I am so proud of her. I am also so proud of her mom Amy. For me, at least, there are few times when I really feel the stamp of approval from heaven for the job I am doing with my family. Sunday I felt truly that God was pleased with the way Amy and I are raising our family. It felt really great.
