Ryan's Experience

In our ward conference yesterday we talked a lot about testimony and conversion.  Both need to be continually worked on.  Many people talk about their "conversion experience".  And lots of people in the gospel have a moment when they were told by the spirit that the gospel is true.  But, we need to continue to strive to have conversion experiences daily.  By praying and reading the scriptures we are more able to see our Heavenly Fathers hand in our lives almost daily.  Those tender mercies are our Heavenly Fathers way of teaching us. I am grateful that Ryan shared this experience and I have decided to try and be more vocal about these wonderful experiences that happen that show my the love my Heavenly Father has for me.
 From Ryan's email:
Hey guys…

I had a pretty cool experience last week and Rich has urged me to write it down.  I figured as long as I was writing it down I would share it with the family.

A little over a year ago Elder Andersen’s assistant had reached out to me stating that he would like to meet with me next time I was in SLC.  She reached out shortly after that piece on mashable.com ran that story on me.  It was the one that was really long and pretty in depth (if you did not read it I don’t blame you it was REALLY long) but it did have some quotes in there about my faith and who I am as a person.  It is probably the most significant piece of media I have ever done since the website receives so many impressions.  Anyway I have not had an extra day just kicking around while in SLC so the meeting has not been able to happen until last week.  Last Friday I spoke at a tech conference that Josh James had put together and flew in early for the opportunity to speak with an Apostle.

I was a little nervous and maybe tad bit intimidated to go into the meeting not totally sure what to expect.  Elder Andersen greeted me and was very kind and appreciative that I had made the time to come by his office to visit.  We spoke for a little while just kind of introducing ourselves.  After that he asked if it was ok if Elder Rasband and another brother (who’s name I can’t remember but is in charge of some of the social media that the church does) could join us.  When they came in they again were very appreciative.  Much of what they had to say to me was how grateful they are that I am staying true to the Gospel, true to who I am.  They talked with me at how difficult the world can be and realized that my profession posed many challenges.  Elder Andersen said that he had listened to some of my music and found it to be good and liked the message that it contained.  After that they talked with me about how concerned they are for the youth.  How it is such a hard time in a persons life with so many outside influences.  Elder Rasband asked if there was anyway to give the church a “shout out” that it would help.  They understand how difficult it is to talk to the youth and said that my words could go a long way.  After that Elder Rasband had to excuse himself and go to another meeting.  After he left Elder Andersen asked if there was anything he could do for me.  I told him of an idea that I had about trying to do a Christmas album and collaborating with the Choir.  I think that request caught him by surprise but he kind of chuckled and said he would see if he could make it happen.  He asked if I ever had down time in my travels if I could meet with the youth when time permitted that he could set it up.  He was sure to tell me that as I got older it was not about accumulating more money (one you have enough) but what I would do with my time.  Elder Andersen finished our visit with his testimony and asking if I would like a blessing.  Yes.  He gave me a blessing much of it I don’t remember as I was trying to take notes in my head about the entire morning.  

I walked away from this meeting with a few things.  The biggest being how strong the Spirit of the Lord is that the Elders carry with them.  Although they are just men, they are called of God to lead His Church here on Earth and stand as a witness of Jesus Christ.  Being with them I could only equate it to being with Dad.  I felt their love and as they voiced their concerns for the members I got a glimpse of their compassion.  Yes, it reminded me of Dad and it felt like being around him.  I am not sure if he was there in the room with me but it sure felt like it as I was quickly put at ease talking with them.  Hearing their testimonies and sharing mine with them was pretty awesome.

Mom I am so grateful for all that you and Dad did for us growing up and continue to do for us today.  Your examples are the foundation of so much of my life.  I am happy to have brothers and sisters and in laws that we can share these experiences with.  

Have a great week!