Matthew 26: 9-15
This is when Jesus is anointed by the woman, and some of the disciples (John specifically mentioned Judas in chapter 12-ish) complain about the perceived waste of expensive goods; they considered it frivolous. Then Judas went to the priests, and from that time forth, sought an opportunity to betray him.
I don't know, but I wonder if Judas became slowly disenchanted with the Savior. Maybe it was actually just about the money, but if not, I wonder if he grew more and more distant from the intent and purpose of the Savior's actions, to the point that he could see something like a woman doing such a profound and pointed act of love and sacrifice for her master and only focus on the money that was wasted.
It feels like Judas got to the point where he considered Jesus to be wrong, or fallen, or something on those lines. This is common in church service. We see some failing in a leader, or slowly become disenchanted with the things he or she says, and we can be tempted to stop sustaining them, and even act out against them (See life of Joseph Smith, age 20-44).
This even happened to Judas: eventually, he realized that he was in the wrong. Too late for him, but not too late for us, usually.
I'm saying 'us' but I'm not sure if i've ever done this. I hope not.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Special Stake Conference
Saturday, I had an interview with Elder Hallstrom and Elder Eyring of the 70. It was such a shock to see the son of President Eyring, and man, they look a lot alike. I didn't think the interview amounted to much, and the feeling I had was one of, "ah, well, it won't be me." when I left, so I left. They (president Hodgman) warned me that I needed to keep my phone with me, and be ready just in case, which I did, but I didn't really believe him.
We went on a date, Julianne and I, and we ate a little food and bought a suit for me, and just didn't really plan on coming to the Stake Center again. But at around 3:30, my phone went off and sure enough, it was Nick Hodgman on the screen. He said they needed us down there at 4:45, so we called Lexie to babysit, got dressed (in my new suit!) and away we went.
They interviewed Julianne, first, and then me. My questions this time were much more in depth, and less about the three men I had recommended and much more about my worthiness. Do I keep my covenants. Is there anything that would embarrass the church. Any legal troubles. Any thing with pornography (yes, no, no, and no). They had also asked Julianne about some of those things, and it was relieving for both of us to be able to answer them well.
At this point, we both were seriously worried that maybe they HADN'T called a Stake President yet, and it would be me. It wasn't. They had called Joseph Miller, whom we both had felt good about before hand. I had put his name down on my recommended list, and spoke for him to the two brethren.
They asked me to be the second counselor, and I said I accept, and Julianne said she would support it. I'm still the Bishop until further notice.
Elder Hallstrom is very business-like, very to the point. Elder Eyring is much more calming and like his dad. It crossed our minds that pH was more like Elder Hallstrom, and Joseph Miller is probably more like Elder Eyring.
On our drive home, I told Julianne some of the things that have been bothering me for so many years, past things that I know I've repented of, but have always weighed on my mind. She was exactly what I expected: understanding, but willing and able to tell me where to stop worrying and where to focus, and I left that piece of our conversation with a much lighter heart.
We didn't tell our kids, but last night we called my parents and texted Julianne's. That was fun to tell them. I felt like I had reason for my mother to be proud, which at that moment meant a lot to me.
WE got up early, left as early as we could, raced the choir members from our ward for the good seats, and managed to find one in the middle of the pews in the chapel. Mack was already shaping up to be a monster.
It was so nice to shake hands with and hug some friends. The Oneals, whom we love very much. Julianne told him how much I had recommended him and the good things I said about him. They are good people, good friends. The Oesterle's, etc.
They read a letter from the First Presidency, releasing the current Stake Presidency. To see those three men stand up and be released was very emotional. I cried quite a lot. I have learned at the feet of President Hodgman for seven solid years. I have very dutifully tried to follow that man as my stake president. It was fitting to hear his release be read from the man both of us have been trying to follow, in the name of The Man ALL of us are trying to follow.
They called the three of us, and we were sustained. It appeared to be unanimous, but I was mostly looking forward at the presiding authority and the thirty members of Cedar Falls Ward in the choir.
Then we got up. First, pH spoke, Melissa, then Rick ONeal, John Sullivan, then me. It was very weird to be called President Weaver. then President Earnest, then President Miller's wife, Heidi, then him. Then the temple president's wife (President Nelson's Daughter) then him. then Elder Eyring, who gave a very personal history of his ancestor and shared a letter written by his father that was so touching and personal. What a remarkable insight. Then Elder Hallstrom spoke at length about reverence, and about providing spiritual experience for our children. Specifically about taking them to the temple to do baptism, preparing family names with them.
My first note from my new stake president: the connection that matters most, regardless of our calling or position, is the personal connection we make with the Lord.
Then we adjourned to the RS room and were set apart.
Elder Eyring called me his brother, and set me apart. He promised that there would be unity in our family. And that I would have love for and notice those on the sidelines, and that the Lord has made every needed preparation for this.
We were counseled that this calling had not better be a burden on our families, but a blessing. And we were promised that it would be. it would take work, but it would be.
There is so much more. I can't remember everything.
We went on a date, Julianne and I, and we ate a little food and bought a suit for me, and just didn't really plan on coming to the Stake Center again. But at around 3:30, my phone went off and sure enough, it was Nick Hodgman on the screen. He said they needed us down there at 4:45, so we called Lexie to babysit, got dressed (in my new suit!) and away we went.
They interviewed Julianne, first, and then me. My questions this time were much more in depth, and less about the three men I had recommended and much more about my worthiness. Do I keep my covenants. Is there anything that would embarrass the church. Any legal troubles. Any thing with pornography (yes, no, no, and no). They had also asked Julianne about some of those things, and it was relieving for both of us to be able to answer them well.
At this point, we both were seriously worried that maybe they HADN'T called a Stake President yet, and it would be me. It wasn't. They had called Joseph Miller, whom we both had felt good about before hand. I had put his name down on my recommended list, and spoke for him to the two brethren.
They asked me to be the second counselor, and I said I accept, and Julianne said she would support it. I'm still the Bishop until further notice.
Elder Hallstrom is very business-like, very to the point. Elder Eyring is much more calming and like his dad. It crossed our minds that pH was more like Elder Hallstrom, and Joseph Miller is probably more like Elder Eyring.
On our drive home, I told Julianne some of the things that have been bothering me for so many years, past things that I know I've repented of, but have always weighed on my mind. She was exactly what I expected: understanding, but willing and able to tell me where to stop worrying and where to focus, and I left that piece of our conversation with a much lighter heart.
We didn't tell our kids, but last night we called my parents and texted Julianne's. That was fun to tell them. I felt like I had reason for my mother to be proud, which at that moment meant a lot to me.
WE got up early, left as early as we could, raced the choir members from our ward for the good seats, and managed to find one in the middle of the pews in the chapel. Mack was already shaping up to be a monster.
It was so nice to shake hands with and hug some friends. The Oneals, whom we love very much. Julianne told him how much I had recommended him and the good things I said about him. They are good people, good friends. The Oesterle's, etc.
They read a letter from the First Presidency, releasing the current Stake Presidency. To see those three men stand up and be released was very emotional. I cried quite a lot. I have learned at the feet of President Hodgman for seven solid years. I have very dutifully tried to follow that man as my stake president. It was fitting to hear his release be read from the man both of us have been trying to follow, in the name of The Man ALL of us are trying to follow.
They called the three of us, and we were sustained. It appeared to be unanimous, but I was mostly looking forward at the presiding authority and the thirty members of Cedar Falls Ward in the choir.
Then we got up. First, pH spoke, Melissa, then Rick ONeal, John Sullivan, then me. It was very weird to be called President Weaver. then President Earnest, then President Miller's wife, Heidi, then him. Then the temple president's wife (President Nelson's Daughter) then him. then Elder Eyring, who gave a very personal history of his ancestor and shared a letter written by his father that was so touching and personal. What a remarkable insight. Then Elder Hallstrom spoke at length about reverence, and about providing spiritual experience for our children. Specifically about taking them to the temple to do baptism, preparing family names with them.
My first note from my new stake president: the connection that matters most, regardless of our calling or position, is the personal connection we make with the Lord.
Then we adjourned to the RS room and were set apart.
Elder Eyring called me his brother, and set me apart. He promised that there would be unity in our family. And that I would have love for and notice those on the sidelines, and that the Lord has made every needed preparation for this.
We were counseled that this calling had not better be a burden on our families, but a blessing. And we were promised that it would be. it would take work, but it would be.
There is so much more. I can't remember everything.
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