Lines of Authority

For several years now I have wondered about my line of priesthood authority. I had asked my dad, who ordained me an elder before I left for my mission in Uruguay, but he did not have his either. In turn he spoke with his father and began a conversation of logistically how lines of authority are recorded. We were unsure if a person had several lines (one for each ordination-deacon, elder, bishop, etc.) or if there was only one according to the highest priesthood office held. We never got straight answers and we were pretty confused and disheartened.

A few days ago, I was waiting for the missionaries at the Oakland Temple Visitor's center for a lesson with an investigator. Before I found out it was cancelled, I wandered downstairs into the Family History library and asked one of the workers if there was a way to access the Church records for ordination. They referred me upstairs to the visitors center and the folks at the desk referred me to a missionary who works in the Visitor's center office. I got conflicting information and left, again, distrought.

Later, I googled "line of authority" and came upon an LDS company that sells (tacky) framed lines of authority with Greg Olsen paintings in the background. I browsed the site and found an email address linked to an office who dealt with lines of authority issues. So I took a chance, emailed them and waited.

Now I would like to say how impressed I am with the church's recent overhaul of their information technology. The New Family Search is brilliant (I logged in and found Henry's pedigree in about 3 min). I can request a copy of my patriarchal blessing with two clicks from the main page. Light years ahead of where it used to be. I am pleased to say that the lines of authority office is in-step with the rest of the church information offices. I received my official line of authority as recorded by the church in 1 day.

Here it is:

• John Lester Stephens High Priest 15 Jul 1990
• Larry Thompson Stephens High Priest 30 Aug 1970
• Robert Dee Sanderson High Priest 27 Aug 1953
• George Quayle Morris High Priest 8 Mar 1908
• Rudger Clawson Apostle 10 Oct 1898
• Lorenzo Snow Apostle 12 Feb 1849
• Heber Chase Kimball Apostle 14 Feb 1835
• The Three Witnesses 14 Feb 1835
• Oliver Cowdery
• David Whitmer
• Martin Harris
• Joseph Smith, Jr Apostle 1829
• Peter, James, and John Apostles ordained during the earthy ministry of:
• Jesus Christ

My priesthood authority comes from an unbroken line of priesthood holders, each conferring the authority to the next by the laying on of hands, directly from the savior himself.

If you are interested in your own line of priesthood authority email: lineofauthority@ldschurch.org

Include the following:

· Full name of the priesthood holder:

· Date of birth:

· Current ward and stake:

· Current priesthood office held:

· Address and ZIP Code:

· Who performed the ordination:

(Note: Priesthood line of authority is not recorded for Aaronic priesthood offices)

Oh, the Things He Can Do. . .

Here are links to two videos I took of Henry this afternoon. They're basically the same thing, but I couldn't decide between them, so I put both of them up. I would've just gone with the first one (which is actually the second one I took), but the light in the second one is better and you can see how wonderfully blue his eyes are. (Have I mentioned I'm in love with his eyes? They're almost as amazing as his dad's.)

Click here for the first one and here for the second one.

In other news, I'm trying to write seminar papers and Cory is trying to survive weeks of state-mandated testing. I'm also trying to work on a baby book for Henry, cook dinner every night, write a novel, and keep myself sane. Of course Henry helps with all of the above. His big project for the moment is getting tooth #3--his first one on top!--the rest of the way out. In the meantime, he is the undisputed King of Droolers.

We're so proud. :)

Easter

Here are some pictures from Easter weekend. We had fun at a barbecue with friends on Saturday and Henry got to go on his first Easter egg hunt! He didn't really get it. If he'd understood candy--and if we'd given him any--he maybe would've been a little more interested. Maybe next year. :)

Family! Hehe.

This was at Target before the barbecue. We were desperately trying to find a non-girly Easter basket. Then Cory put this on him. (Oh the irony.)

Family again! This is Easter morning.

And this is after Church. His shirt and tie and coat were still dry! It was amazing. And yes, I tried getting pictures without his pacifier. But then he grabbed it and shoved it back in his mouth.

AHH! A talking muffin! (I'm teaching him that joke as soon as he can talk.)

Back to the barbecue! It was also Henry's first real (extended) experience with grass. He wasn't so sure about it.

Warmed up to it eventually, though. :)

Hey, look! I'm in a picture! With Henry! It's amazing. :)

10 months!

Henry is 10 months old today. Two more months until his first birthday! Crazy. I can't believe how much he's grown and changed. And on that theme, here's a comparison. On the left is the picture we took when we brought him home from the hospital. On the right is the picture I took of him today on our way home from Target (where we bought him a foam mace and chain with a matching battle axe. I'm sure there will be pictures of those later.)

Henry's Favorite Book

Find him reading it with Daddy here on youtube because blogger couldn't upload it, for whatever reason.

It's called Touch and Feel Baby Animals. We read it every night. Like three times. Enjoy!