My Patriarchal Blessing

I suggested that we each read our blessings as we start out the new year.  I finally have gotten around to it.
I am awed and amazed.
I was given my blessing on April 23, 1978.  It was short, much shorter than each of my children's, and very to the point. There were no super exciting dramatic things like I oft heard people share. It was basically, be good- get blessed.
That is what I thought for most of my early years in the church.
Now, I see it quite differently.
Here are  2 paragraphs I would like to share:
"Karen, I bless you that you may have a hunger and thirst for righteousness, a desire to know and search the scriptures, to become intimately acquainted with your Father in heave and the Lord, Jesus Christ.  I bless you that your mind might be keen and your intellect enlightened, that you may be able to comprehend the scriptures.  As you are diligent and faithful in seeking knowledge, the Lord will touch you that you will understand the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I bless you that you will come to know and understand that the principles of the gospel are eternal truths, the same truths by which the earth and the universe were created and are operated, and these same truths you may use in your life to judge the truth of all things. Hold fast to those things which measure up to these eternal truths, for they will bring true joy and happiness into your life as you are obedient to them.
I bless you that as a mother... that you might teach these truths to your children..."

How blessed I feel this cold Sunday morning when the warmth of the Gospel shines so clearly in my life.  I end my class every single Wednesday night challenging the students to keep seeking, ever seeking, the truth of all things.  I continue to seek knowledge and truth.  It does bring me great joy when I hear a truth and the Spirit speaks to me of its truth.
Just this morning I watched a BYU discussion on Alma 40- 42.  ( I need to teach that this week) Never before have these doctrines felt so clear and obvious to me.  How awesome has been my growth in this Gospel!  (Of course, I know I have much more to learn)
Study, pray, and prepare.  Read your Patriarchal blessings if you have not done so already.

A dream about Tom

I had extra time today, so I was going through some paperwork.
I found this scribbled on the bottom of a notebook I use for General Conference talks.

8/22/09
" On the night of Tom's birthday, the Lord gave me a special gift.  I had a dream:  I was working in a hospital, and I had a locker.  As I was looking in my locker, I heard  and saw some missionaries come in the room.
I heard Tommy's  voice.  Someone tole me not to look because it was Tommy, and he was still on his mission.  As they walked away, I looked up and saw him and heard his voice!  It was wonderful!  It was as clear as a bell.  Thank you Heavenly Father!"

I am grateful today that I wrote that down. I have had many great spiritual dreams, some I have never even told anyone about.  Some have to do with genealogy.

I want my boys to know how much I missed them when they were on their missions.  Bret was the hardest, because he was so far, and contact was slower and different than now.  I knew they would be blessed and watched over, but I will admit some days were hard.

I am grateful for all of you choosing righteousness and keeping your covenants.