DeafRM64

HI.. Yes... the hardest part of being single is lack of companion. Among other things included is pressure, dating and clock tick tocking.. I'm 43 yrs old and have never been married. I was engaged years years ago when I was 21 but it didn't work out. As I look back, it was a blessing in disguise that I decided not to marry this person because he was incompatible in every way. I was young and naive wanting to get married like the young women in the church. I"m so glad I didn't marry this person. I"m still not married, but as I got older, I got used to it. IT's not so bad being single. I've learned to embrace it. Immserse yourself in service and you won't feel so lonely. I know I will be waiting a long time for my chance, but know the wait is worth it. I assure you as you get older, it won't hurt so much. My 2 cents worth. DeafRM64

Moksha: You said "Since I have joined the Church, no one in my ward has even suggested that I get a Patriarchal Blessing. My guess is that they are nonessential. Perhaps they are viewed less as a form of divination and more as a proforma rite for young adults." Patriarchal blessings are very essential. I"m sad that no one in your ward told you about patriarchal blessings and what they are. There are books that you can read and learn about patriarchal blessings. I suggest you talk to your bishop to get one.

HI.. I read your posting about your concerns that your patriarchal blessing and your brother's blessings are very similar. Well, let me ask you this question.. Are both your blessings exactly the SAME? No patriarchal blessing are exactly the same even given by the same patriarch. It may be similar, but not exactly the same. You can compare this with snowflakes. There are millions and millions of snowflakes and some may be similar, but no snowflake is exactly alike. It's the same with patriarchal blessings. I don't think we should blame the patriarch for not failing his calling no matter how old he is or health status. I've had friends who say their blessing is not as great as they had hoped because the patriarch was old or sick when he gave their PB. You got to remember, the patriarch is just a "mouthpiece" for the Lord. My suggestion is for you to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him about it. Hope this helps. :)