Stripling Warriors' Mom: Motivation to go earlier to Church

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sabbath Meetings * Dinner with the Ks, & Oreos

Today is Sunday and a day of rest, and worship attending meetings. The sister missionaries spoke in our ward. They talked on the atonement and used stories to illustrate the Savior's gift to us. The talks centered on Christ's atonement. The story about the "Touch Of The Master's Hand" was also given. I have that story on my blog and am familiar with it. One of our high council brethren from our ward spoke in sacrament meeting. Our bishop also spoke. He also talked in our combined Relief Society/Priesthood meeting.

*I made an observation today. When I go earlier to get a soft seat in the chapel and save half a row for Aaron and Candice I feel the spirit more with less distractions there than when sitting in the overflow area.

I went to Hank & Lori's for dinner. We had a nice dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh fruit and dessert of Oreo's and mint chocolate chip and Butterfinger ice cream. Yummmm.

After dinner K7 wanted to play Apples to Apples game. It was fun and I ended up with the most cards. It was a fun game. The kids enjoyed the grandparents playing with them.

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