Daddy's Release
I was blessed to be able to attend the stake priesthood meeting where Daddy was released. I thought you'd appreciate knowing what happened in that meeting. I have tried to accurately paraphrase the speakers. I have used quote marks only when I'm pretty sure I got down their exact words. Comments in [] are my own thoughts or comments.
Opening Song: Hope of Israel
President Bywater: [He stands and gets immediately to the business of the meeting. He released Michael Dale Tobler, though he found that a difficult thing to choke out. He then called David Clayson who was sustained unanimously. President Bywater then gave a very brief summary of Daddy's past and present medical condition and then explained that he would be receiving no further treatments and that the family was just trying to make him as comfortable as possible at home. President Bywater then read the following statement that Daddy typed up before the meeting.]
After I while I started to wonder, "Why me?" I went to the temple on Thursday to do initiatory work and to contemplate this new calling. I received there in the temple a strong confirmation that this calling was right.
My mission president challenged all of us missionaries to never stand at the podium without referring to the scriptures. I'd like to refer you to a scripture in Luke 14.
My wife is willing to support me in this new calling as she has always been. I gave her a blessing when she was pregnant with our 4th child. Though she did not tell me at the time, she has a distinct impression that she would raise the child alone and to be prepared for that. A week later, I was called to serve as the bishop of our ward. She never complained.
President Clifford: "They've stacked the deck with lawyers." [President Bywater and President Clayson are both lawyers.] I'll have to study up on my lawyer jokes.
[President Clifford continued to speak with obvious heavy emotion.]
"I love Michael Tobler."
"I'll miss my friend, but I know that's part of life. I know President Clayson will do a great job."
Mike will get to see President O'Rourke before too long. I'm sure they will have a lot to catch up on and will be very happy to see each other.
"Rejoice in the life that Michael Tobler lived. His sacrifice was sufficient. Can't we all hope to say that?"
President Bywater: I testify with Mike Tobler that continuous revelation is in operation. I'm sure that President Clayson is the Lord's choice to fill this position.
It has been a blessing for our stake presidency to be associated with President Tobler at this difficult time in his life. He has come even closer to his Savior. In our presidency meetings his prayers have become even more sincere and the veil has seemed thin.
You Aaronic Priesthood brethren should understand the order in this church. We needed to take care of this business before the next stake conference. "For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church." (D&C 28:13) Remember this day and record it in your journal so that you can remember that this is a church of order.
[President Bywater concluded his remarks with his testimony of the Savior and an admonition to keep President Tobler and his family in your prayers.]
Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour.
I'm not sure that I've ever been to a priesthood meeting with more sniffling going on but it was a wonderful experience. It was clear to me that the men of the stake really love Michael Tobler.
Opening Song: Hope of Israel
President Bywater: [He stands and gets immediately to the business of the meeting. He released Michael Dale Tobler, though he found that a difficult thing to choke out. He then called David Clayson who was sustained unanimously. President Bywater then gave a very brief summary of Daddy's past and present medical condition and then explained that he would be receiving no further treatments and that the family was just trying to make him as comfortable as possible at home. President Bywater then read the following statement that Daddy typed up before the meeting.]
President Clayson: When I was called a few days ago, all I could think about at first was Mike Tobler. I don't know him as well as some of you do but I served with him in the Young Mens and that has been a wonderful opportunity. [Pres. Clayton hasn't been part of this stake for very long. Apparently where he lives was added to the stake not that long ago.]
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve in the Meadows Stake Presidency over the past six years. I testify of the love that President Bywater and President Clifford have for each member of this stake.
I know that God the Eternal Father lives. His Son, Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and has suffered for our sins. I am grateful for my testimony and hope all that I do for the remainder of my life will be sufficient for Him to grant me His Grace and bring me back to the presence of Our Eternal Father.
I know that continuous revelation is operative in the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know of our heavenly father's love. The blessings of living with the restored gospel will always give us the right perspective as we face our challenges in our lives.
After I while I started to wonder, "Why me?" I went to the temple on Thursday to do initiatory work and to contemplate this new calling. I received there in the temple a strong confirmation that this calling was right.
My mission president challenged all of us missionaries to never stand at the podium without referring to the scriptures. I'd like to refer you to a scripture in Luke 14.
12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.[President Clayson then bore his testimony of the Savior.]
13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
My wife is willing to support me in this new calling as she has always been. I gave her a blessing when she was pregnant with our 4th child. Though she did not tell me at the time, she has a distinct impression that she would raise the child alone and to be prepared for that. A week later, I was called to serve as the bishop of our ward. She never complained.
President Clifford: "They've stacked the deck with lawyers." [President Bywater and President Clayson are both lawyers.] I'll have to study up on my lawyer jokes.
[President Clifford continued to speak with obvious heavy emotion.]
"I love Michael Tobler."
"I'll miss my friend, but I know that's part of life. I know President Clayson will do a great job."
Mike will get to see President O'Rourke before too long. I'm sure they will have a lot to catch up on and will be very happy to see each other.
"Rejoice in the life that Michael Tobler lived. His sacrifice was sufficient. Can't we all hope to say that?"
President Bywater: I testify with Mike Tobler that continuous revelation is in operation. I'm sure that President Clayson is the Lord's choice to fill this position.
It has been a blessing for our stake presidency to be associated with President Tobler at this difficult time in his life. He has come even closer to his Savior. In our presidency meetings his prayers have become even more sincere and the veil has seemed thin.
You Aaronic Priesthood brethren should understand the order in this church. We needed to take care of this business before the next stake conference. "For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church." (D&C 28:13) Remember this day and record it in your journal so that you can remember that this is a church of order.
[President Bywater concluded his remarks with his testimony of the Savior and an admonition to keep President Tobler and his family in your prayers.]
Closing Song: I Need Thee Every Hour.
I'm not sure that I've ever been to a priesthood meeting with more sniffling going on but it was a wonderful experience. It was clear to me that the men of the stake really love Michael Tobler.
posted by Bradley Ross @ 9:27 AM
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