Stripling Warriors' Mom: Life is Good

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Ron's Kind and Loving Thoughts Speak For Him

Ron thoughts—Dec. 4-2011:

My dear Anna and I have been having some good discussions lately regarding how blessed we are to have each other at this time. Some of the results of these discussions are listed in the family Christmas letter that we have put together.

So many similarities in our likes and dislikes. It is incredible. I am so blessed to have a sweet companion that is so close to the spirit, and also gives me such comfort as she expresses her love and appreciation for my dear Connie.

This morning she was so expressive and sincere in her expressions of love and appreciation. I mentioned again to her how much Connie loves the Savior. She said that she knows that and can see the “countenance” of the Savior in Connie when she looks at her pictures, and sees how much she cared for her children and for me. She mentioned that Connie had been through the refiners fire along with me, and she was so grateful to be able to “share” me with her.

I told Anna that she too had been through the refiners fire, and had come out of the experiences as a bright shining jewel. I told her (Anna) how much I loved her, and appreciated her love for the Savior and her testimony of Him and of the gospel. I also told her how much I appreciated how she has helped me realize what a good relationship I had with Connie and confirmed my knowledge of the good person she is, and how that “training” has also helped me so much in my relationship and love for her (Anna).

Yes, as I told her “LIFE IS GOOD”

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