Setting Apart

June 20, 2013

Elder Ronald Rasband, Michael and Anna Kay Waddoups, Elder M. Russell Ballard

We were officially set apart today.  Elder Ballard set Michael apart and I was set apart by Elder Rasband.  We were thrilled.  We've interacted with many of the Twelve Apostles, but Elder Ballard is one we haven't had much to do with.  The theme for our mission is "Bee the best you can bee" and Elder Ballard gave a talk on bees in the last October Conference and then just wrote a book about bees entitled "One Drop at a Time".  We figure it wasn't just a coincidence that he was chosen to set Michael apart.

Heather and John Stevens, Elder Rasband, Michael and Anna Kay Waddoups, Elder Ballard, Wendi and Brian Isaacson

We should have recorded the blessings we were given so we could remember every word, but we did write down everything we could remember.

Elder Ballard and Elder Rasband set Michael apart.  They were the only two in the room who had the authority to do that.  When I was set apart, Elder Ballard asked Michael, Brian and John to assist.  What an honor to have the three main men in my life assist in setting me apart as a missionary.  Thank you to Brian and John for being worthy to do so.  (Elder Ballard rested his arm on Brian's arm.  We're concerned that he will never wash that arm again.)

I talked to Elder Rasband a couple of days later and said thanks for letting my son-in-laws assist.  He told me Elder Ballard felt impressed that they should be included.

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Elder Ballard to Michael (with Elder Rasband):
- blessed with rights, power, privileges, and keys of a mission president
- remember that Rome has been one of the great historical cradles of Christianity; often you will find yourself walking where Paul and Peter walked and taught
- instructed that confidence and humility equal power
- teach missionaries to be respectful and considerate of other churches and their beliefs, especially the Catholic Church, but also to never shy from teaching the truth of what has been restored, and that many of those old beliefs (specifically the Nicene Creed [with a little history]) are wrong  "Nicene Creed is not true."
- Italy is in great need of the blessings of the restored gospel
- let the Book of Mormon become a great tool in missionaries' teaching
- the language will return to you fully
- make good use of your skills as a leader, one who can help others see the important issues and come to a consensus
- guidance and insight regarding assigning missionaries to areas and companions
- bless with strength, wisdom and discernment to know what is right, what to do, what to say and what not to say
- temple will be a great blessing
- talents and skills will be put to use in bringing consensus and harmony
- go out and teach with the missionaries
- teach from the Book of Mormon, Book of Mormon, and Book of Mormon
- Italian language will all come back
- your family will be protected and watched over and blessed for your service
- you are now the mission president

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Elder Rasband to Anna Kay (with Elder Ballard, Michael, Brian, and John):
- blessed with rights, power, and privileges of a missionary
- continue to support and stand by your husband as you together teach the gospel
- be able to strengthen Italian people with your testimony
- confidence (in message and language) as you teach from pulpits and on street corners
- help husband to stay healthy (you too), and to help him make time for rejuvenation      amidst very busy days
- referred to and reaffirmed Elder Ballard's "apostolic blessing" upon your family
- blessed that the gift of tongues would continue with you
- strength and stamina to serve as a missionary
- ability to do what is asks and the ability to council on things that Michael might need even if he doesn't ask
- give guidance and support to your husband regarding missionaries and their health, particularly sister missionaries, that they will be most effective, especially as it relates to principles in Preach My Gospel
- family will be blessed and taken care of
- blessings of family given to Michael were meant for me, too
- the fulfillment of the silent desires of your heart

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Family dinner at Buca di Beppo.  John's brother, Daniel, and Emily joined us.  Emily had been at the hospital for a chemotherapy treatment.  We're so glad she was able to join us.  (Look how cute she is with hair!)

Gelato is our motto!