The Anniversary Of A Friend's Birthday
Jun 8, 2020 17:54:17 GMT
Terry, gemdoctor, and 3 more like this
Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2020 17:54:17 GMT
A few days ago was the anniversary of the birthday of a dear departed friend. We met several years ago, at a conference in Utah. It was a delightful meeting, he and I becoming friends right from the start. We talked of many things: The Gospel, the Saviour, our fascination for Joseph Smith, etc. We became fast friends!
When first entering his office, I knew where everything was, and told him of a vision I had, where I was in his office. I told him the placement of things, to which he agreed. Except for one point. In my visit, while in vision, the sword, belonging to the Nauvoo Legion, was placed in a stand beside the fireplace; the type of stand which holds tools for the fire, such as a poker, ash shovel, etc. My friend told me that the sword had never been there, but was always upon the mantle. This was curious to me, and was definitely symbolic.
As time went on, my friend opened up to me, telling me of an experience he had wherein, he met the Saviour. It was a beautiful experience, and a definite boost to a believer's testimony. My friend visited a local church one time, and there told the story in Meeting, even describing the height of the Saviour, which was not received well by some who did not believe. He spoke of his love for his Saviour, and was easily brought to tears. Even though there was disbelief expressed, I believed and told my friend about meeting the Saviour myself. We talked of the Saviour, and enjoyed each other's company. He was a kind and gentle man, easily brought to laughter, and to tears. A wonderful example of service to the Saviour, and to his fellow man.
My friend had one of the largest, private, non-LDS collections of historical books, etc. And I was privileged to enter his vault and browse around. What a great experience! I would have liked to spend a few days, sequestered in there, memorizing book after book.
The thing I remember most about my friend is, that he followed the pattern of the Saviour, and lived that lifestyle which the Saviour taught. He was true to his beliefs, and a faithful man of God. He shared all he had, bestowing the priesthood upon me, and sealing my wife and I right there in his office. He was not an elitist, and would share with folks from various backgrounds, striving to bring people to the Saviour. I do miss him.
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When first entering his office, I knew where everything was, and told him of a vision I had, where I was in his office. I told him the placement of things, to which he agreed. Except for one point. In my visit, while in vision, the sword, belonging to the Nauvoo Legion, was placed in a stand beside the fireplace; the type of stand which holds tools for the fire, such as a poker, ash shovel, etc. My friend told me that the sword had never been there, but was always upon the mantle. This was curious to me, and was definitely symbolic.
As time went on, my friend opened up to me, telling me of an experience he had wherein, he met the Saviour. It was a beautiful experience, and a definite boost to a believer's testimony. My friend visited a local church one time, and there told the story in Meeting, even describing the height of the Saviour, which was not received well by some who did not believe. He spoke of his love for his Saviour, and was easily brought to tears. Even though there was disbelief expressed, I believed and told my friend about meeting the Saviour myself. We talked of the Saviour, and enjoyed each other's company. He was a kind and gentle man, easily brought to laughter, and to tears. A wonderful example of service to the Saviour, and to his fellow man.
My friend had one of the largest, private, non-LDS collections of historical books, etc. And I was privileged to enter his vault and browse around. What a great experience! I would have liked to spend a few days, sequestered in there, memorizing book after book.
The thing I remember most about my friend is, that he followed the pattern of the Saviour, and lived that lifestyle which the Saviour taught. He was true to his beliefs, and a faithful man of God. He shared all he had, bestowing the priesthood upon me, and sealing my wife and I right there in his office. He was not an elitist, and would share with folks from various backgrounds, striving to bring people to the Saviour. I do miss him.
.
