The Touch of the Master's Hand

"Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow cannot explain the change which comes into their lives. There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk humbly, and to be more like the Savior. Having received their spiritual eyesight and glimpsed the promises of eternity, they echo the words of the blind man to whom Jesus restored sight: 'One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see' (John 9:25)."

--President Thomas S. Monson, "Anxiously Engaged", Ensign, Nov. 2004, 58

I love this quote and have never had a stronger testimony then at this time that Heavenly Father is in our daily lives looking out for us as His children. Today is the 24th, and Ryan consumes all my thoughts today. Ryan passed on the 24th of August, which is coming up. This past winter has been a stormy and gloomy one because of our grief, but in our grief there are so many blessings! Time and time again I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father has placed things in our path that bring us comfort and joy, letting us know He is aware and that He cares. The saying touch of the master's hand rings so true with this fact. We can feel His hand guiding and blessing us along this rocky path of life more strongly than at any other time. I know that it must be so hard for Him to see our pain and struggle, and so He blesses us, when we humble ourselves to His will. I have so many examples of His hand directly blessing our family: All of the walks following Ryan's passing in October really were special, on Ryan's due date October 28th, there was a special on the Oprah show on Trisomy 18 and celine Dion (my fave) was a guest featuring "Miracle Children", in November at Chelsea's wedding I have never needed to touch and shake the hands of Apostles of the Lord then at that time and just being near them was so healing, in November also our Stake here in Puyallup welcomed Russell M. Nelson who came and spoke to us at Stake Conference and His words were very comforting along with meeting him was very healing (that's being near, and shaking hands with over half of the Twelve Apostles!), the October General Conference talks were meant for us along with this past General Conference in April Elder Scott's talk felt like it was like the Savior Himself was standing there saying those words to me, in December I received a personally signed beautiful portrait of the Savior holding a baby by Del Parson, and the list can go on! On days that were hard, there He was to offer a special blessing in the midst of it. I am ever so thankful for a loving and understanding Father in heaven who is always there and always aware.