What do you think?
Rate this book
My Will or Thine: An Inspiring True Story About LDS Priesthood Blessings and Deep Questions Surrounding Beliefs
Fans of Jeffrey R. Holland, Sheri Dew, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf will love this book.An inspiring true story of faith, hope, and God's love that explores the difficult questions we all ask ourselves regarding priesthood blessings.As I held my infant son in my arms, I began to ponder some deep questions regarding Latter-day Saint priesthood blessings. If his life ever became threatened by illness or accident and I needed to administer a priesthood blessing, how could I possibly know what to say? How could I know whether my feelings were from inspiration or from my own desires? If my duty was to tune into the frequency of the “Still, Small Voice” prompting me, then how could I possibly tune out the fatherly instincts screaming inside my head? I also began to wonder about other blessings that were not meant for the healing of the sick and afflicted—blessings of comfort and guidance. If I were facing a tough decision, what did it matter if I had someone give me a blessing? If my faith and obedience was the key to receiving God’s blessings, wouldn’t it be just as beneficial to only fast and pray?In searching for answers to these (and other) questions, I spent a lot of time with my nose in the scriptures, listening to General Conference talks, reading blogs, and devouring good books. It seemed like the majority of what I read on the subject of priesthood blessings was dedicated to miracles—the kind where people were able to “arise and walk” after being near death, etc. Many of them said something like, “The power of priesthood blessings is real. Let me tell you about a miracle I witnessed as a result of a priesthood blessing.” I wholeheartedly believe in God showing his divine power by healing people in miraculous ways, but those stories are considered miraculous and special for a reason—they’re not how things typically go. It would be easy to have faith in priesthood blessings if everyone were healed instantly every time a blessing was pronounced, but faith is not always that easy.Often times, and definitely so in my case, we learn best by experience. Answers to my questions did not become clear to me until I found myself in one of those dire and scary situations—the kind that terrified me and tried my soul to the highest level. This book is a true story. It purposefully does not contain any “arise and walk” type of miracles, but as you follow the inspiring journey of how I found answers to my own questions, your faith and testimony surrounding priesthood blessings and God’s love will grow.
- GenresLds
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
86 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2019
I have read it twice and benefited both times
This is a great text for remembering to see the small miracles from which the Lord accomplishes great things. The author does not profess gospel authority but rather shares his experience and leaves it to you to apply it to your life. It is a quick and simple read that offers profound observations and thought provoking insights.
This is a great text for remembering to see the small miracles from which the Lord accomplishes great things. The author does not profess gospel authority but rather shares his experience and leaves it to you to apply it to your life. It is a quick and simple read that offers profound observations and thought provoking insights.
June 21, 2017
Good questions and good answers
Surely these questions have been considered by many Priesthood holders. I can't help but wonder if questions like these left unanswered are what is behind those brethren who avoid giving blessings.
The author does a great job of stating and answering them within the emotional stories from his life. Thanks for the enjoyable and thoughtful read.
Surely these questions have been considered by many Priesthood holders. I can't help but wonder if questions like these left unanswered are what is behind those brethren who avoid giving blessings.
The author does a great job of stating and answering them within the emotional stories from his life. Thanks for the enjoyable and thoughtful read.
June 1, 2017
A good practical look at blessings
Having grown up LDS I can say I have both seen and heard of blessings being a great benefit to the recipient and the person giving the blessing. However they can also be frustrating in that sometimes the desired result isn't provided, or the blessing given doesn't address the concerns of the petitioner. I liked how the author discusses his own personal experiences with blessings both given and received, and what he learned in regards to how he approaches them now. This book doesn't provide any overly miraculous stories, but discusses how many blessings are miraculous in time. This is one good down to earth exploration of them.
Having grown up LDS I can say I have both seen and heard of blessings being a great benefit to the recipient and the person giving the blessing. However they can also be frustrating in that sometimes the desired result isn't provided, or the blessing given doesn't address the concerns of the petitioner. I liked how the author discusses his own personal experiences with blessings both given and received, and what he learned in regards to how he approaches them now. This book doesn't provide any overly miraculous stories, but discusses how many blessings are miraculous in time. This is one good down to earth exploration of them.
January 3, 2020
Easy to Read and Inspiring!
I approached reading this book thinking it would be more of a lecture type book. I was pleasantly surprised to find it is more story than anything else. Russell gives the reader a glimpse into his life and the trials that have shaped who he is and why. In addition, he writes in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. Along the way he sprinkles in life lessons that he has learned as a result of his experiences. And while he gives the disclaimer upfront that these are his opinions and not necessarily gospel truths, I think many people can gain from the insights contained in the book. I am glad to have read this book. Highly recommended!
I approached reading this book thinking it would be more of a lecture type book. I was pleasantly surprised to find it is more story than anything else. Russell gives the reader a glimpse into his life and the trials that have shaped who he is and why. In addition, he writes in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. Along the way he sprinkles in life lessons that he has learned as a result of his experiences. And while he gives the disclaimer upfront that these are his opinions and not necessarily gospel truths, I think many people can gain from the insights contained in the book. I am glad to have read this book. Highly recommended!
April 3, 2017
Every LDS member should read this book.
This book was so wonderfully written. It reminded me that although at times miracles happen with Priesthood blessings most of the time they don't or at least not the big noticeable miracles we want to see. Priesthood blessings will however bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and remind us we are never alone. I don't want to have a spoiler so let me just say Pay close attention as the author explains what it means to be grateful for our trials.
This book was so wonderfully written. It reminded me that although at times miracles happen with Priesthood blessings most of the time they don't or at least not the big noticeable miracles we want to see. Priesthood blessings will however bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and remind us we are never alone. I don't want to have a spoiler so let me just say Pay close attention as the author explains what it means to be grateful for our trials.
February 16, 2016
Loved it!
I would recommend this book to everyone. I believe the information on these pages are deeper than the surface pages of the book. This book answers questions that we really ask but are too afraid to ask. I really enjoyed reading and learning from this book
I would recommend this book to everyone. I believe the information on these pages are deeper than the surface pages of the book. This book answers questions that we really ask but are too afraid to ask. I really enjoyed reading and learning from this book
October 10, 2016
Faith
The author makes one feel his emotions. His sincerity is felt by the reader. I highly recommend this book to those who struggle to feel and understand gospel questions. I think his experiences will help me understand my struggles of mortality.
The author makes one feel his emotions. His sincerity is felt by the reader. I highly recommend this book to those who struggle to feel and understand gospel questions. I think his experiences will help me understand my struggles of mortality.
January 8, 2017
Inspiring stories of how to live through life's difficult times.
Enlightening stories of our connection to God, His will for us, and how we can lean on Him in times of need. Heartwarming and thoughtful.
Enlightening stories of our connection to God, His will for us, and how we can lean on Him in times of need. Heartwarming and thoughtful.
October 25, 2016
Wonderful
This book was informative. It was easy to understand and read. I would definitely recommend this book to other people.
This book was informative. It was easy to understand and read. I would definitely recommend this book to other people.
November 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I love the author's voice and insights. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish.
December 1, 2016
Amazing!
It is like you read my mind, and knew my history. This book was an answer to prayer. Thank you for listening to the Spirit.
It is like you read my mind, and knew my history. This book was an answer to prayer. Thank you for listening to the Spirit.
May 28, 2017
Good short read
A quick reminder that our experiences are to help us learn. We need to practice what we understand and know to be who God intends us to become. Good reminder
A quick reminder that our experiences are to help us learn. We need to practice what we understand and know to be who God intends us to become. Good reminder
March 15, 2021
I am not going to lie, when I found this book on Amazon, I thought it was a book by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. I thought that until the author mentioned writing an email. I was like, that can’t be right. 🤦🏼♀️ Anyway, despite mistaking the author for someone else at first, I found this book inspiring. We all go through tough times and trials and I think everyone can relate to the author and his struggles. I love how open he is about his heartaches and feelings. If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might find answers or a better understanding of priesthood blessings and what priesthood holders experience and feel. If you are not LDS, this book might help you understand our faith a little more, and what a priesthood blessing is and means to us. This book was a confirmation for me that God is always in control, but His plan for us might not be what we expect. We also have to do our part in receiving the miracles and blessings God intended for us.
August 12, 2017
We should all consider the blessings we stand in need of.
First of all, the tests we are called upon to endure are not fun. This poor guy shares two extremely difficult tests. But what he learns from them made this book well worth reading and learning from.
The most profound thing I learned was the idea that a person should only ask for a blessing when they are ready to hear direction from the Lord and obey in faith. This can be hard to do, but possible when we are truly ready.
And the giver of the blessing should be ready to be called to give a blessing at any given time, but they also need to have the presence of mind to take any necessary time to prepare themselves to deliver those words that will come to his mind.
The bottom line is the Lord is always in charge. We just have to be humble enough to allow Him to do what is best for us.
First of all, the tests we are called upon to endure are not fun. This poor guy shares two extremely difficult tests. But what he learns from them made this book well worth reading and learning from.
The most profound thing I learned was the idea that a person should only ask for a blessing when they are ready to hear direction from the Lord and obey in faith. This can be hard to do, but possible when we are truly ready.
And the giver of the blessing should be ready to be called to give a blessing at any given time, but they also need to have the presence of mind to take any necessary time to prepare themselves to deliver those words that will come to his mind.
The bottom line is the Lord is always in charge. We just have to be humble enough to allow Him to do what is best for us.
October 17, 2017
I just started going back to Church. I feel like a sponge wanting to learn and know more than I do. As I researched I found many people just like me. Seeking for the truth then I saw Russell's name, a name from my past.
Russell put his own personal feelings on the butchers' block and opened his life to the typical nay sayers to be shredded out in the open for everyone to witness. This takes pure courage. If you look at your own lives and you will see the little, everyday miracles adding up to a much larger miracle. I found a few paragraphs that seemed to be talking directly to me. I had to re-read the passages to my wife who is non-LDS.
Russell put his own personal feelings on the butchers' block and opened his life to the typical nay sayers to be shredded out in the open for everyone to witness. This takes pure courage. If you look at your own lives and you will see the little, everyday miracles adding up to a much larger miracle. I found a few paragraphs that seemed to be talking directly to me. I had to re-read the passages to my wife who is non-LDS.
December 26, 2017
Review Mine or Thine?
I've been reading this book as a day-ender and tonight I felt the goodness of that choice. It enabled me to ponder points I may have passed over if I'd been reading at my normal speed. I found more peace at the conclusion of it than I have in years. McConkie's style is simple, straightforward and real. By not preaching and allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions makes it satisfying and instructional for me.
I've been reading this book as a day-ender and tonight I felt the goodness of that choice. It enabled me to ponder points I may have passed over if I'd been reading at my normal speed. I found more peace at the conclusion of it than I have in years. McConkie's style is simple, straightforward and real. By not preaching and allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions makes it satisfying and instructional for me.
November 25, 2019
Gentle, real, humble and important to share
This was SO easy a read. Short chapters, to the point. Like an evening's chat with a respected friend. I don't have responsibility to perform lots of the Priesthood duties spoken of here, but I need to understand them so as to sustain others while they bless ME in their duties, while I get on with my own, appointed tasks. Thanks to author.
This was SO easy a read. Short chapters, to the point. Like an evening's chat with a respected friend. I don't have responsibility to perform lots of the Priesthood duties spoken of here, but I need to understand them so as to sustain others while they bless ME in their duties, while I get on with my own, appointed tasks. Thanks to author.
May 17, 2018
Really good!
Thanks for sharing this with me. I now have a better understanding of the role I must play when I receive a blessing, but more understanding of the priest holder's responsibility in giving the blessing.
I wish all of the brethren could have this same understanding.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I now have a better understanding of the role I must play when I receive a blessing, but more understanding of the priest holder's responsibility in giving the blessing.
I wish all of the brethren could have this same understanding.
October 2, 2017
Well written
Well written and some great insights into Priesthood blessings. The story was intriguing and I am left with a greater desire to seek out priesthood blessings in my life.
Well written and some great insights into Priesthood blessings. The story was intriguing and I am left with a greater desire to seek out priesthood blessings in my life.
February 19, 2019
A great read! Enjoyed the insight of the author.
A wonderful book that was made so interesting with personal experiences of priesthood blessings, prayer and trials. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished.
A wonderful book that was made so interesting with personal experiences of priesthood blessings, prayer and trials. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished.
May 8, 2024
I was given My Will or Thine as a gift from my mom because she knows I like lds nonfiction books and boy this did not disappoint! It was a very fast read that was informative and inspiring! I felt the spirit (and teared up) as I read this wonderful book. Definitely recommend!
March 19, 2018
Great read
Very heart felt and relatable. There is much to learn and apply from this book. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Very heart felt and relatable. There is much to learn and apply from this book. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
July 8, 2018
Great book about priesthood blessings and covers some thoughts and questions I've had as well.
April 2, 2019
Good book. Not long but good.
Book is good and explains blessings a little bit and how our trials help us to grow more. Worth the read.
Book is good and explains blessings a little bit and how our trials help us to grow more. Worth the read.
June 14, 2020
A blessing for all who wish to learn to be close to the Lord
I choose the rating as it is easy to read and an amazing book. It gave me so much about hope
I choose the rating as it is easy to read and an amazing book. It gave me so much about hope
April 4, 2017
Helped me understand Jesus and my purpose.
This was a good read. It was quite short, but McConkie got a message delivered to me at a time when I most needed it. This book should be used by just about anyone, especially those who are questioning why bad things happen to good, faithful people.
This was a good read. It was quite short, but McConkie got a message delivered to me at a time when I most needed it. This book should be used by just about anyone, especially those who are questioning why bad things happen to good, faithful people.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews