When the Savior walked the roads of Jerusalem He went about healing the sick, raising the dead and providing comfort to those in need.  There are many recorded miracles of Him giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and healing to the broken heart.  He called 12 special witnesses, or apostles who in turn were given the power and authority to do the same things Christ did.  By the laying on of hands these apostles were given the power and authority to perform the same  miracles as Jesus could perform. This power given by the Savior is called the priesthood.  

Matthew 10:1

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."

The apostles in turn were able to confer the priesthood to other worthy men so that they could bless the lives of others.  The priesthood holds the ability to run the Saviors church as it was run during the life of Christ and  the apostles.  Through wickedness this power to perform God's work was lost, but was eventually restored through a modern prophet by the name of Joseph Smith.  Anyways the Lord's priesthood has been restored and is held by worthy men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I have been blessed to have been given the honor to hold the priesthood of God and have on many occasions felt the power of the priesthood in my own life. 

My wife and I are expecting our first child.  She is due in November and we are both really excited.  A couple of weeks ago my wife woke up in the middle of the night and was experiencing some bleeding.  We got in our car and drove to the emergency room of a hospital nearby.  We were both really worried about the well being of the baby and didn't know what to expect.  While we were waiting I felt impressed to call my cousin who lived nearby and have him help me give my wife a blessing.  Blessings are not a new concept.  Early members of Christ's church called upon priesthood holders to give blessings of comfort and healing. 

James 5:14 


"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"

My cousin was able to anoint my wife's head with olive oil that had been set apart for the specific purpose of healing the sick.  We were then able to lay our hands on her head and give her a blessing.  The blessing was a great comfort to my wife.  I do not remember all the words said, but I remember feeling a spirit of peace.  I felt calm and had a sense of love about me.  I knew that everything would be ok.  Prior to the blessing we were taken in to few an ultrasound.  After the blessing the doctor came in and explained that all the labs and everything looked good.  We had a high likelihood of going to term and delivering a healthy baby.  

I know that the priesthood is real.  I know it is God's power that He has given to man under certain conditions.  This power is used to uplift those around us.  I am so grateful that I have been entrusted with this power and responsibility.  I am grateful that I have the opportunity to act in the name of Christ and that I can do His will.  I know that's exactly what He would be doing.  I know that Jesus is the Savior and that He will return to the earth soon.  I know His power has been restored through living prophets.  I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's church.  It contains all the promises and ordinances needed to return to God.  I am grateful for Him and the guidance He gives me on a daily basis.  I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ.