Stripling Warriors' Mom: Blessings of Priesthood power

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Priesthood Power in Action

Kory at his Seminary graduation May 2011, with his parents, Hank and Lori

Today was a milestone in our family. Grandson, Kory Lynn McIntire was ordained to the Melchizidek priesthood. He graduated from high school in May and from seminary, too.

I was invited to go for dinner with Hank, Lori and their family. It gave me an opportunity to go out and be with them for the ordination that was performed later at their home. As is sometimes the case, the stake accommodates Hank and his family, and with him as the bishop may have some wight to have the ordinance at their home. It was a very sacred time and special in that my son have his son a father's blessing to help him remember the importance of his worthiness and being ready to use his priesthood to bless others at all times.

Kory (K3) is such a fine boy. He has matured and taken on the responsibility that comes with this important ordinance in his young life. His father will be deployed in a few weeks and that will leave Lori, his mother with a Melchizidek priesthood holder in their home to bless them by that presence and in the event it will be needed for blessing the sick.

The children are all very attuned to the power of the priesthood blessings and how much it is a support without Dad's physical presence in the home. The fact that he will be away is not one they are used to, but have been protected and blessed even so. Lori is a strong and courageous wife and mother. I know she will be sustained in all situations while Hank is away.

K10 watched the ordination and told her mom, Lori that she wanted to "be next." Next at receiving a blessing, since they HAD just done that a couple of days before as a family. I am sure, even the baby, Korbin (K12) was given a special blessing from his daddy too.

How sweet is is to know they will all have a shield of righteousness girded about them during Hanks's deployment. I have a firm testimony that experience alone is what bonds and cements heaven to us for the eternities. What a treasure of knowledge.

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