Stripling Warriors' Mom: Testimony of Jesus Christ

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Beautiful Day Easter Sabbath--Eye Hath Not Seen

How can one describe the rich feast of the Spirit in sacrament meeting today? I took notes in my ward, but the words were just so inadequate to write down. It was the spirit that could not be written down. Simply. The youth speaker gave such a testimony of the Savior that my eyes teared and I just listened. The words stirred within my heart and soul the love and closeness of Jesus Christ in my life.
I had experienced a suggestion the speaker stated so I related to it exactly. He said to pray to God as if he was there talking to him face to face.

The memory of that experience touched me deeply and I appreciated so the reminder. I remember where I was and when it was that happened.

I Corinthians 2:9
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.--

Imagine how wonderful this makes me feel as I post these thoughts, words, and observations; along with a picture of what perhaps an artist supposes what Christ may or may not look like.

I know that he lives, even though I have never seen him. I know that I am loved by my Savior, Redeemer, Advocate with the Father, the Holy Messiah. A thought came to my mind as I realized today the kind of work that I chose to do was as an "advocate" for others who were unable to help themselves. It struck me that Jesus was an Advocate, giving his life in our behalf to help those who could not perform the atonement for themselves; he gave his life for me. My work seems so insignificant compared to what the Savior did in my behalf.

I love my Savior, He is my rock and foundation; he fills my soul. He is the Iron Rod that I cling to always. I am so thankful to have never forgotten who he was, even as a child, he knows me and is my friend and always there for me. The more I love Him, the more I love myself and others. He makes me feel complete.

* An added blessing to today's events was the priesthood ordination of Drew, daughter Tracie and Jared's oldest son. Another milestone in their lives. He is their oldest of five. He has grown into such a fine young man, and I know his parents are so pleased with him. It was good to see him receive the priesthood and get to perform in the duties of the office of a Deacon. He looked so grown up in his new black suit, I will post his picture of him and the family soon.

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