Adoption

I laid my hands upon his head and gave him the Holy Ghost, then proceeded to pronounce a priesthood blessing upon him. As I did so, I was filled with the most glorious and overwhelming feeling. It washed over me like a tidal wave. I had made a choice 7 years earlier to be his father and I did it as a choice, as an act of faith that I was doing the right thing. I did it without being acted upon. Now, all of a sudden, like a flood this feeling washed over me and the Holy Ghost testified that he was my child and he was supposed to be a part of our family. This was so unexpected.

It’s a Work Party… Or is it.

Off in the distance, I saw what looked to be the rowdiest people approaching the same lawn where we were sitting. They were acting rowdy; loud, obnoxious, tattoos, swearing, clearly not matching the crowd or the vibe at the park that day. My first thought was oh please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t sit by us.

Whoever Takes the Son Gets It All

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed, elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

NYNYS Mission December 1-10, 1996

We were walking down the street […] about to go into a store (RiteAid) when a lady and girl were exiting and I felt I should go and talk to them. But I continued into the store. I felt it again, so I ran out (without my companion) and chased them down. Just as they went into a store, so I waited. When they came out they were the bomb.

NYNYS Mission November 23-30, 1996

President Baily called this morning and talked to me. He said wow, It’s been a long time. But we’re excited to make you one of our new District Leaders. You’re one of the hardest-working missionaries in the mission. You’ll do good. Are you ready? Are you ready to do it, to lead by example, and lead the people in your district?