Saturday, May 16, 2009

Learning at the Feet of Apostles



Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a fireside here in Reno, NV which was quite unusual. The featured speakers were 2 apostles and member of the seventy; Elder Bednar, Elder Anderson and Elder Zwick.
It was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. They opened it up for questions. I was thinking to myself, here are men that have talked with or seen Christ and they are inviting me to ask a question. After careful consideration, I knew my question. I pass the thought along to you, what would you ask given the chance?

They shared many powerful words with us and while I've always known that these men were called of God as apostles and prophets, the confirmation again of the spirit cannot adequately be described. Afterwards we got to go up and shake their hands. There must have been hundreds of people there, yet they stood patiently while we each shook hands with those that may have touched Divinity. Elder Zwick told my husband that he was one handsome man. *Love you Elder Zwick, my sentiments exactly. Although if there is anyone out there who knows how to get purple chemical stains out from dredlocks, please... email me.*And I told Elder Bednar since He had given us so much this night that I wanted to give him something. He looked at me cautiously, but being a large pregnant woman perhaps he wasn't too threatened. I gave him a bottle of hand sanitizer and told him to share. So I pass the thought along to you, am I nuts or am I nuts?
But really, I don't want these good men to get the swine flu.

4 comments :

MMW said...

so what were some of the best questions asked {and answers given} at the training?

what a great opportunity for you!

Liz said...

I love it! I would have loved to have seen his expression when you did that!

But I agree with MMW, what was your question? What were the others? This would be a great place to share those ideas.

This could turn into a great sharing time as well, asking the children what they would ask the apostles or even Jesus himself.

I am so glad that you were able to participate in something like this. I don't think that would ever happen here on PEI.

Rogers said...

That cracked me up. But then, I realized, you're right. Thanks for helping them stay healthy :D

Sofia's Primary Ideas said...

Sister MMW- I was "intrigued" by the questions. Someone asked a question to the effect when the second coming is. To which they replied, NEXT. A 32 year old single man poured out his heart and asked what he should do when he feels he doesn't belong ( felt awkward in a singles and family ward). Elder Zwick put his arm around him and said not to give up hope, he then asked all the 27-32 year old females to stand up and come talk to this man after the fireside. I think that the answers were standard things you can find in conference talks, but the power behind the words of the spirit was a feeling that I've never felt so strong. I think because of the intimacy of the situation. Yes! A great opportunity indeed!

Sister Liz- :) It was indeed something I've never thought of. What to ask an apostle? I decided on something rather different. I would ask them if it was our Father's will if they would heal a man in our ward. He was in a scuba diving accident a year ago and has been in a coma ever since. There is a parable that Jesus gave of a woman who pesters a king until finally the king gives in. I pray every night for this man, according to the will of God. I believe in miracles. I believe in healings. I have not felt any reason not to ask for such a thing of my Father, so why not of an apostle? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and perhaps the answer to many prayers. Yet, I didn't get the chance to ask.

One thing that stuck out was a person asking them to tell how they knew Jesus was the Christ. Elder Anderson quoted a scripture that to many the mysteries of God were revealed but they were under strict command not to impart only according to the word. He said some experiences are just to sacred to share. Elder Boyd K. Packer also says something along this line in his book The Holy Temple.

I would think the apostles would go to beautiful PEI before they hit mini-sin city Nevada! Go figure!

Sister Rogers- :) I'm nuts! I know! Maybe it will score me a point during judgement!