Blessings

I am so thankful for the priesthood. I've been feeling crummy for about a week now (I seem to always get colds) & I finally asked Jared & another brother in our ward, Mark, to give me a blessing yesterday. I was thinking this morning about how lucky I am to have this blessing in my life - priesthood blessings, that have the power to heal, comfort, instruct, and edify.

"Brothers and sisters, can you imagine how dark and empty mortality would be if there were no priesthood? If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. Without the power of the priesthood, 'the whole earth would be utterly wasted' (see D&C 2:1–3; D&C 2:1–3). There would be no light, no hope—only darkness. ...Think of it, brothers and sisters—the priesthood has been restored. It is here on the earth today. ...And the blessings of the priesthood are available to everyone. Indeed, the Father 'inviteth … all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God' (2 Ne. 26:33)" (Elder Robert D. Hales, "Blessings of the Priesthood," Ensign, November 1995).

I am so thankful for this priceless gift.