Stripling Warriors' Mom: Quench Not the Spirit---Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto thee.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Quench Not the Spirit---Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto thee.

I was unable to sleep last night so I read the Conference issue and picked up where I left off. I read the talk by Elder Keith K. Hilbig. I was impressed with this particular message. He quotes I Thessalonian 5:19 , "Quench not the Spirit." He then quotes from the Book of Mormon in Jacob who wrote 500 years before saying, "will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye deny the good word of Christ, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit?" He warns us, in our day to be careful not to hinder, disregard, or quench the Spirit in our lives."

He gives a checklist in choices that we could make that either brings us closer to God, to take us far from him.

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He quickens us, that is to say enlightens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm , both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."

I appreciate the reminders to help me become more receptive to the Holy Ghost and follow its counsel and be a better person is my humble prayer.

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Power to Act in God's Name

I believe and know very strongly that, " A man, young or old never stands taller than when he is doing his priesthood duties or responsibilities. Be it station as a Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, High Priest, Home teacher, priesthood holder husband, father, son or grandfather, Bishop, or Prophet of God. He has a mantle about him that emanates and gives him the authority to act in God's name, and uses it in righteousness. It is a blessing to him and his family. To this I know that he raises the bar in doing his duty to God and his fellow man.”

" I stand in awe of the goodness that pervades within that soul who honors and lives up to his priesthood calling with a pure heart. It is evident to me and cannot be hidden. I believe that quality shines in their countenances and His image is radiated in their face's.

Insights by Anna 11.22.09

Touch of The Master's Hand

And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
" It was battered and scarred,
Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

Myra Brooks Welch