|
| |
|
Teeter-Territory Earth Log Add your comments to our guestbook! Great site ~ have researched my own lineage ~ and wonder if you have come across Matthias Dieter / Teeter who died 1758 Agusta VA leaving heirs: Put Matthaus John Christian. LAKESHORE32@ODYSSEY.NET I had an experience a few years ago that I thought was extraordinary. Being a new bishop in the Big Bear Ward in 1992, I was very nervous at conducting my first ward conference. I made sure that all the preparation was done like; having a ward clean-up the day before; making sure that all callings were filled; double checking all the reports that needed to be filed with the stake; etc. On top of those things I was asked to give a talk for 15-20 minutes in an extended Sacrament Service. Sitting on the stand I was not able to see everyone in the congregation and I found myself talking with my Father in Heaven and praying for relief from my anxiety while genuinely asking that I might be able to convey the message that I was inspired to give. I don’t know why but I was very nervous as I was about to start speaking. I looked into the congregation, a packed house (I might add). About 4 or 5 rows back on the right sat a familiar face. I paused, and started talking. I realized that the Lord had blessed me. My first words were, “I was very nervous about speaking to you today and as I stand before you I am reminded at how blessed I am. I see a familiar face (pointing to the right) and I am reminded that things could be worse than being here and having to give this talk. I’d like to welcome Dr. Wilcox, my dentist from Downey. Being here is better than being in a dentist’s chair.” After a roar of laughter, I felt a calmness come over me as I realized that I was among friends. After the meeting I talked with Dr. Wilcox, he said that he was just visiting for the weekend and decided to drop in for church. I’m sure glad he did! Jeff Teeter jeff@teeter-territory.com I’d like to share with you one of my most spiritual experiences. A few years ago, when I was a bishop in Big Bear, California, my family went to General Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. We had a wonderful time staying with the Burnett’s in West Jordan. On Saturday morning we went to the tabernacle for Conference, we had tickets and we were sure to get inside to be seated. We had arrived early, about seven a.m. and stood in line to wait, thoroughly enjoying the spirit and reverence only found on Temple Square. When the doors were opened and the line started moving we were filled with the excitement and anticipation of sitting and being taught at the Prophet’s feet. You can’t imagine the disappointment we felt at being turned away at the door and being told that the tabernacle was full. It being a pleasant spring morning, we decided to sit on a planter and listen to the proceedings of Conference while being surrounded by the Spirit of the Temple. As the session opened I remember looking up toward the spires of the Temple and seeing a host of angels descending toward the tabernacle. I remember noticing that they were dressed in white robes and the one closest to me was carrying a satchel or book. As I reflect on this experience I am sure that they were sent to record the proceedings of that very special session. You see, the session was a solemn assembly where the membership of the Church was sustaining a new Prophet. It was April, 1995 and the new Prophet was Gordon B. Hinckley. I feel saddened by the building of the new conference center where the seating has been expanded and fewer people will have the opportunity to have part in such a special experience. I learned a great lesson that day…Don’t dwell on the adversity that may be in your face. Instead, look around you for the blessings that our Father sends. Jeff Teeter jeff@teeter-territory.com |
