Stripling Warriors' Mom: A Grandson Attends Temple for first time

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Family Time Together--Special day at the Temple~Heaven on Earth

Here we stand in the freezing cold, still feeling the warmth of the love of God and the Savior for us in the temple. A great day, one to be remembered always.

Draper Utah Temple

Today was a wonderful day to have spent time in one of the temples. The occasion was for family and close friends to wish well, one of my grandsons as he had the privilege of attending for the first time.

He is getting ready for his mission, newly called to serve in the Madagascar Mission, on the other side of the world. It was heart warming to see four generations represented there together in one place, the holy temple.

My grandson, Kris, his father, Hank--his Grandpa Lynn, and great-grandfather, Bestafar, his maternal grandparent and great-grandfather. He chose to go to the Draper Utah, Temple. It is such a milestone in Kris' life and one that most all parents look forward to their own children embracing the blessings of the temple bestowed upon them, and to receive their temple endowment.

It is a very sacred, meaningful experience, in a nutshell. The connection of linking heaven and earth is the best way to explain.

It was a unifying experience to be together in one place and celebrate the coming of age for Kristopher. He looks so young and yet he is ready to go serve the Lord for two years. It amazes me as I have watched his father, and uncles go forth to serve.

It seems that they go out and young boys, and come back MEN! The experiences they gain in those two years is mind boggling. How blessed we are for making those sacrifices that make it possible for missionaries to serve wherever they are called to do so. May God bless our missionaries, I pray.

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