Stripling Warriors' Mom: Texas Road House

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Hints of Family Reunion

Nathan & Tana

If this coming week has some similarities of a family reunion let me know.

Aunt Mary Beth is in town and the buzz is focused on renewing family ties. Michael, Joanna, James & Austin. (coming in on Monday late) and Beth is here with Cole & Ethan are here to join us in the festivities. This is a time that I really look forward to all year, almost like Christmas. No joke.

Saturday evening found us at "Texas Road House" in Sandy. The food was delicious and did tasted just like we were dining in Texas. The Onion Bud, a batter-fried onion appetizer was yummy. Yes, yummy. The atmosphere was also bubbling over with time standing still while we enjoyed one another's company and conversation. Those who were unable to be there missed out on a great meal and family bonding. You were missed also by the way.

I don't think things get any better than this just being together and being in the moment. I am blessed with many moments such as this evening and know there are plenty more ahead, God willing.

Ethan after Texas Road House

More photos coming.

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