Stripling Warriors' Mom: A Blessing to teach the Gospel

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Studying and Preparing Relief Society Lesson

It dawned on me I had better be studying the lesson I give in two Sundays. The lesson is about John The Baptist. The lesson had a lot of references and found a few books handy to use and that were cited in the manual. I felt blessed to have them at my disposal at just the right time.

There are several ideas I have in how I want to present and make the lesson come alive. I am impressed with what Joseph Smith wrote about the mission of John the Baptist as an Elias, or forerunner. He was chosen to baptize the Savior and prepared the way to fulfill all righteousness. I read also in another source that Joseph was also an Elias and prepared the way for the Savior's Second Coming. That is profound and true.

I know I am going to learn so much; I want to be able to inspire and encourage the sisters in my new ward to embrace the knowledge in our manual. They will gain a better understanding of Joseph and his earthly mission that he performed into twenty-two years! The teacher always learns more than the student. I know that to be true when I taught Sunday school for three years teaching the Book of Mormon, Old and New Testament. Now I get to learn more about Joseph the Prophet of the Restoration and share that with the Relief Society sisters. The best part is that I also get to bear my testimony each month as the instructor. My cup runneth over.

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