my testimony of priesthood blessings

Over the last almost 2 1/2 years since I joined the church, I've gotten a lot of blessings. For different things, primarily health. I know they work if you have the faith as well. There are three that I've received over time that stand out. I've been prompted to share a little bit about those.

The first one was shortly after I became a member and I had my first visit with my new member teachers. One was explaining to me what a priesthood blessing was. I was really confused. I didn't understand what he was talking about. So he asked me if they could give me one. All I really remember about it is during, I felt really really tingly. Like there was electricity shooting from their hands on my head through me. It was really awesome to be honest. When it was over, one of them was crying. I told them what I felt. It was explained to me that what I felt was the Spirit. I've used that as kind of a baseline for future blessings.

The second one, I was really sick and received a blessing from two young men that were pre-mission. I remember during, while my eyes were closed, I saw white. Then a picture, as if I were on the outside watching the blessing take place. I saw myself sitting on the chair and the two young men giving the blessing. In between the two of them, I saw a figure in white robes with hands also on my head. The figure I can only describe as to how Jesus Christ may look. It was really kind of amazing. I had never seen that same image before or have since. I was prompted to draw what I saw and send it plus the description to both of them. It was about 2-3 days later that I was feeling a lot better. I credit that to the power of the priesthood with both of them plus faith. Now the young men are on their missions and I would be willing to bet they are doing marvelously.

The third one, I was beyond distraught. I was prompted to get ahold of my home teachers and ask for a blessing. Which was the last thing I wanted to do. I'm already awkward around guys and the last thing I wanted anyone to see was me when I'm a mess. I wanted to handle it on my own. That's what I'm used to and its what I do. I had been doing well with following promptings and I figured since He was telling me to do it, then I should. I reluctantly sent the text. Minutes later, one of my home teachers came with two other young men. They gave me the blessing and I cried like a little baby. The Spirit was so strong, I was overwhelmed. I felt a direct connection from the Spirit straight to my heart and deep into my soul. I know the words that were said were not only what I needed to hear, but straight from on high. I'm still kinda shaken by it honestly, but not in a bad way. I just hadn't felt anything like that since I had gotten my patriarchal blessing. Sometimes I still feel dumb for asking them for help. The advice I was later given, while valuable, I realized I already know this stuff. I felt/feel like if I had bothered to stop and think, I would have been able to handle it by myself. I think that I was prompted to ask for a blessing, not just because I needed it, but to show me its is OK to ask for help and that I need to learn to do so. To give them the chance to exercise their priesthood. As well as there were things He needed/wanted to tell me, but I probably wasn't listening and the only other way to get me to listen is through someone else. He chose who and how, prompted me to ask, then once I did, He was able to tell me things, and the rest of us were blessed.

Priesthood blessings work. As long as they are done by men, or young men, who hold it and use it righteously. They can and usually are directed by the Spirit on what to say to/for the person they are giving it to. You also must have the faith required that the blessing will work. Especially for healing blessings. They can give you one. If you don't believe it will work or think its magic all by itself, then you may not receive benefit from it.

I'm extremely shy when it comes to asking. I'm great at asking for others, but not at asking for myself. I don't know exactly why. Probably a mixture of my awkwardness and my I-can-do-it-all-on-my-own attitude. I'm learning to be more humble.

From these experiences I have learned that the men of our church are truly given the power of the priesthood from on high. To use righteously, to use in service, for blessing, and a whole lot more. I am thankful that there are worthy priesthood holders around. I look forward to the eventual future day when I'll have the priesthood in my home.

I say these things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.