For unto us a child is born. . . called Wonderful, Counselor--

Born of Goodly Parents . . . .


I dearly love the scriptures where it speaks of Christ in the Book of Mormon compared to Isaiah 8 in II Nephi 19:6. I am reading in II Nephi and appreciate the comments Hank made last week about the the Lord's vineyard and the Isaiah connection. During the time I was taking classes at the Orem Institute, Bro. Ed Pinegar lectured on those chapters and made it sound so clear and easy to understand. It has been a while and I have forgotten what he taught about it now. Back to the chapter and verse reference--

"For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace".

The words are in the "Messiah," years ago I had a cassette of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing that and used to play it a lot. I remember Matt when he was little used to sing along with it. He liked the words even as a 3 year old. He was about the same age as Cole is now. He would repeat the "Hallelujahs." I thought that quite amazing for him to do that at his young age. Something must have struck a familiar chord.

Matt just a babe in arms when he remembered the Savior and sang, "Hallelujah."

I know the Savior lives, and He is the son of God. My testimony as a member of the Church grew much as I gained knowledge about HIM. I related to the baby Jesus as a four year old through church attendance in Chicago, and know those impressions of him have stayed with me.

My faith in Christ is what motivated me throughout the years to keep the faith and serve with all my heart, mind and strength. The best part was teaching my children about him. I loved the Bible stories I learned in those primary years and in Sunday school on through high school. I gained a testimony of Christ and the prophets of old.

I am most grateful for goodly parents. I know they loved me and encouraged me through their going to church all those years. We went to many different churches but I never knew the difference. Church was church, in retrospect it freed me from "shopping" around for a church as an adult to go to in finding the truth. The truth actually came to me, one morning in January 1968 when the missionaries knocked on my front door.

The rest is history I guess it could be said of my conversion story. Jesus was always real to me. I never doubted his divinity; I was born with that knowledge. The same was true when I first heard the Joseph Smith story. I already believed in angels, so it was easy for me to grasp the truth of Joseph Smith's First Vision and Moroni's visit. It is said of those that know and believe nothing waivring are from the tribe of Ephraim and have "believing blood." The blood of Israel must course through my veins. It is also the Abrahamic Covenant, which is all encompassing.

My membership in the Church is precious to me. My testimony grows and I continue to nurture it. I am not perfect though, and have human frailties. I love my Savior and know he suffered all pain and endured it all in my behalf. I weep during the sacrament songs and feel the great love He has for me personally, the Spirit bears witness to me that it is true. I Stand All Amazed.

I want all my posterity to know how much you are loved as well by the Savior. Never lose sight of that, and ask for his forgiveness in your shortcomings and he will make up with his grace and make you whole. I love you all and you're all precious to me. We are precious to Him too. Life is so precious and I KNOW the greatest blessing we can enjoy as a family is eternal life and live together forever.