Stripling Warriors' Mom: Be Not Afraidto bear your testimony

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Be not weary in well doing--

I am preparing my Relief Society lesson and wanted to do something of significance. A treat is usually in order when it comes to rewarding the sisters that day. However the last few months the other teacher has not given out the chocolate favorite. So I was wondering what would suffice in its place.

I woke up with some definite impression that sounded right to me. Here goes. The lesson is about Eternal Truths. I relate that to the scriptures and the influence a woman can have on her husband/family. Not all of the women are mothers, so I will de-emphasize that for their sakes.

I wrote out the word t-e-s-t-i-m-o-n-y and came up with words that began with each letter. Then added M-y to begin the word testimony. This is what I came up with.

MY TESTIMONY

M-Make a commitment to bear in December or January
Y-Yield to enticings of the Spirit

T-Testify of Truth, divinity of Jesus Christ
E-Example to family, express gratitude
S-Supplicate-ask for strength
T-Teach, take courage
I-Inspired let Spirit guide
M-Mysteries unfolded unto you
O-Often- use it, write it down!
N-Nurture and uplift
Y-Yearn to share it often

I extend this challenge to all and any of you who read this.

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