Reaching Heaven

I reached out to heaven this weekend. I asked for a Priesthood blessing and received one from a friends husband and son.

Once his hands were placed on my head I felt peace and the love of the savior. Then I was told I was going to face a trial. This was mentioned more than once. This is a little disconcerting but not a big surprise as he blessed me with courage for what was ahead.  Then I was blessed with strength to fulfill calling my calling. I was admonished to live the word of wisdom to the letter, to find a dietitian and to do what the doctors tell me. That I would have the endurance to finish my mission here. I was also told to bear testimony through the trial. Maybe that is one reason I have felt prompted to start blogging again.

The irony of this disease is that I used to want to die.  Life was so hard for me. I've had two unhappy marriages and struggled with severe depression and anxiety. Now want to live. I finally accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ in my life. I finally realized that God loves and accepts me as I am. Unconditional love allowed me to love myself and in turn I love others.

In talking to my daughter about why this trial, not in bitterness just philosophically wondering. We talked about how suffering gives us empathy for others. I said, I think I'm pretty good at the empathy thing. Do I really need more? She then said, maybe you're supposed to get closer to the savior. Wow. Think about that for a while. Here is my favorite scripture. It ties into this thought:

Alma 7:11-13 And he shall go forth suffering pains and affliction and temptations of every kind: and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death which bind his people; infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.