Why I’m so grateful someone pushed through awkwardness to serve

If you expect your patriarchal blessing to make wild or unusual promises and predictions, you may be misunderstanding what a patriarchal blessing is. Your patriarchal blessing isn’t a fortune cookie, and the patriarch isn’t a fortuneteller.[1] The patriarch is a prophet, called to convey God’s words and will to you. He is only authorized to pronounce the promises he is prompted by the Holy Ghost to give. Patriarchs are counseled by their leaders to avoid making sensational or extravagant promises in the blessings they pronounce, even if the Spirit shows them rather remarkable things about the blessing’s recipient. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), tenth President of the Church, explained, “I know of one or two cases … where a brother has been blessed by the patriarch and told that he would become a member of the Council of the Twelve [Apostles]. Usually [the patriarchs] don’t say that … even if the patriarch felt that the chances are [very good] that a man will be called to the leading councils of the Church.” President Smith added, “Patriarchs should be very careful in giving their blessings not to make extravagant expressions and to be conservative in what they say.”[2] Thus, you should not expect extravagant things to be mentioned in your blessing. Patriarchs generally avoid, for example, talking about things like the timing of the Second Coming when they give a blessing. While the young man or young woman being blessed may live to see the second coming of Christ, most patriarchs simply wouldn’t mention that in the blessing. President Smith further explained:

My husband and I are infertility survivors. After learning that our mortal bodies were not able to create children, our hearts began to turn toward adoption. This decision came with serious prayer, contemplation, and faith. For me, there was even some healthy mourning for the dream of being able to physically carry and deliver a child.

From dating to ward activities, there are a variety of awkward opportunities that arise when you put a group of young single adults together! As LDS Living Facebook follower Kirie Close says about the most awkward experience in the YSA ward, "Ummm . . . my entire time as a ward member in it. But it was fun!" Here are a few more of our favorite Facebook comments from LDS Living readers who responded to our question: "What was your most awkward experience in the YSA ward?"

If you are looking for some uplifting and stunning music, check out these new a cappella songs by BYU's Noteworthy and UVU's VoiceLine that were filmed with the gorgeous backdrop of southern Utah wilderness.

Author's note: the advice in this article is not meant to imply that we should shun those who have hurt our feelings or with whom we disagree. That is unavoidable, even in healthy relationships. The discussion of boundaries refers specifically to those who are abusive or have repeatedly or majorly violated our trust without sincere repentance. Thank you.

This week’s readings: Your choice

The following has been published in full with permission from Nate Checketts.

Maps are awesome. I mean, think about it: someone with so much more knowledge and experience than us took the time to measure, calculate, and draw the terrain and roads. They added towns and cities, miles and landmarks, and roads of all kinds. They even added the N on top so everyone else in the world—who isn’t my husband—can know where north is. Through their efforts, they have unlocked a world of driving and destinations for me. Because of them, I don’t have to be lost (as much). Because of them, I can know exactly how to get where I want to go.

With Easter approaching, it's a great time to focus our studies on Christ and His Atonement. Here are 10 powerful books that will help you come closer to Christ every day of the year.