Set Apart
Isn't jargon interesting? Within our community, we use the phrase "set apart." It means exactly what it sounds like it means, yet it is so much bigger than merely being set to the side as different. Online dictionaries give us some light: "Set apart means to keep or intend for a special purpose. Synonyms are: bless, sanctify, consecrate, hallow, dedicate. I love the idea that we have been consecrated to serve in a special way - for a special purpose.
Nearly the entire family gathered in President Allen's office...actually a seminary classroom doubling as a stake office until new offices are built (as an appendage to the second new building for our stake). It would have been impossible to fit us all in his office. We were missing Lia and her daughters, Ethan, Andrew, Brooke and Clint, and Jake. We were still a large group. It was such a great feeling to look around the room and see the faces of loved ones.
President Allen asked Lauren to say the opening prayer, and then he made a few comments. He related how he knew I was to be the Superstition Springs Relief Society President, and added that my early release was really too early, but he was under the impression that we would be leaving the end of April. He was very kind when he released me, saying, "It is time now to focus on your mission." It was a great kindness. It just seemed that there was so much to do to get ready.....and we weren't even trying to learn a new language!
He told us that we will see greater blessings for the family - miracles. I believe that. I know that is true.
He asked our three children to bear their testimonies (Derek, Erin and Melissa). I loved that as much as anything else that evening.
Erin spoke about taking the sacrament, and about how every once in a while it is thick dense flavorful homemade bread, and how it is so delicious that Erin thinks, "Oh I want more!" The last time this happened, she heard a woman behind her say, "No thanks, I already partook of the sacrament earlier."
Erin had a strong desire to turn and say, "You really should have this....it is delicious!" She likened it to the gospel - which is delicious, and how often we miss out because we simply don't partake.
Derek said that SK always told him a mission is not a sacrifice - it's a privilege. Despite it being hard to have us leave, he expressed that he is honestly happy to see us go. He described how when the call came to serve in Denmark, that was for Dad, and this call fulfills my long-wished for desire to visit the land of my ancestors. He shared some observations about the young single adults we worked with in Denmark, and how much he and Kate had enjoyed seeing us with them.
Melissa bore her testimony about gratitude....and quoted a much-loved quote, "Gratitude is the key to happiness." I was grateful for that! She expressed appreciation for the many ways the Lord has blessed their family. She shared an experience we had with my brother Dave while we were in Denmark, and said, "I know as their mission president, he will take good care of them."
I bore my testimony about our Savior Jesus Christ, about the gift of the restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith, and about the need to have the Spirit with us.
SK bore his testimony about gratitude also, but stated that like so many things in life, gratitude is a choice. He also bore a strong witness that the Book of Mormon is true.
President Allen then set us apart. He laid his hands upon each of our heads and pronounced a blessing on us. He first set apart SK. I wish I could remember all he said, but I know he was inspired to say those things, and I know they will come to pass in our lives. SK was blessed that he will seek after and find those who are lost. We were both blessed that we will love and honor our mission president....THAT has already come to pass! We both were also blessed with good health and the ability to throw off any illnesses that come our way. He set me apart second, and I will be forever grateful for those many reassurances and blessings. I was blessed to love the YSAs. Remembering what was said will sustain and lift me through the coming months and years.
Derek Taylor closed with prayer, and then we gathered at our home for donuts and milk and loving farewells. We pulled out early the next morning.
Nearly the entire family gathered in President Allen's office...actually a seminary classroom doubling as a stake office until new offices are built (as an appendage to the second new building for our stake). It would have been impossible to fit us all in his office. We were missing Lia and her daughters, Ethan, Andrew, Brooke and Clint, and Jake. We were still a large group. It was such a great feeling to look around the room and see the faces of loved ones.
President Allen asked Lauren to say the opening prayer, and then he made a few comments. He related how he knew I was to be the Superstition Springs Relief Society President, and added that my early release was really too early, but he was under the impression that we would be leaving the end of April. He was very kind when he released me, saying, "It is time now to focus on your mission." It was a great kindness. It just seemed that there was so much to do to get ready.....and we weren't even trying to learn a new language!
He told us that we will see greater blessings for the family - miracles. I believe that. I know that is true.
He asked our three children to bear their testimonies (Derek, Erin and Melissa). I loved that as much as anything else that evening.
Erin spoke about taking the sacrament, and about how every once in a while it is thick dense flavorful homemade bread, and how it is so delicious that Erin thinks, "Oh I want more!" The last time this happened, she heard a woman behind her say, "No thanks, I already partook of the sacrament earlier."
Erin had a strong desire to turn and say, "You really should have this....it is delicious!" She likened it to the gospel - which is delicious, and how often we miss out because we simply don't partake.
Derek said that SK always told him a mission is not a sacrifice - it's a privilege. Despite it being hard to have us leave, he expressed that he is honestly happy to see us go. He described how when the call came to serve in Denmark, that was for Dad, and this call fulfills my long-wished for desire to visit the land of my ancestors. He shared some observations about the young single adults we worked with in Denmark, and how much he and Kate had enjoyed seeing us with them.
Melissa bore her testimony about gratitude....and quoted a much-loved quote, "Gratitude is the key to happiness." I was grateful for that! She expressed appreciation for the many ways the Lord has blessed their family. She shared an experience we had with my brother Dave while we were in Denmark, and said, "I know as their mission president, he will take good care of them."
I bore my testimony about our Savior Jesus Christ, about the gift of the restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith, and about the need to have the Spirit with us.
SK bore his testimony about gratitude also, but stated that like so many things in life, gratitude is a choice. He also bore a strong witness that the Book of Mormon is true.
President Allen then set us apart. He laid his hands upon each of our heads and pronounced a blessing on us. He first set apart SK. I wish I could remember all he said, but I know he was inspired to say those things, and I know they will come to pass in our lives. SK was blessed that he will seek after and find those who are lost. We were both blessed that we will love and honor our mission president....THAT has already come to pass! We both were also blessed with good health and the ability to throw off any illnesses that come our way. He set me apart second, and I will be forever grateful for those many reassurances and blessings. I was blessed to love the YSAs. Remembering what was said will sustain and lift me through the coming months and years.
Derek Taylor closed with prayer, and then we gathered at our home for donuts and milk and loving farewells. We pulled out early the next morning.
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