Stripling Warriors' Mom: Thy Faith shall make thee whole

Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter Joy, with Hope and Promise

These lilies were waiting for me when I returned from Cincinnati last week. Ron got them to welcome me home. I LOVE lillies, and how fresh and sweet they smell like spring. The scent fills the living room and into the kitchen.

The flowers are appropriate for Easter and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His promise gives hope and faith that he makes everything better and fills me.

Michael at the hospital on March 25, 2012

The last several weeks have been a trial of our(my)faith. My son Michael has been recovering from open heart surgery. It was good to be there with him as he came out of his sedation. He progressed very well and was walking around a little and was even hearing talk about his release. But he has had a few setbacks and coming through them courageously. We have not idea what he is going through or what his wife, Joanna is experiencing. It is their journey and a rough one at that. Our constant prayers go out to them, and are so grateful for the love and outpouring of compassion at this time.

Michael's lupus nephritis has flared up and made his healing slower. I know he is being watched over and that God is aware of him and blessing him even so. I have a peace and know he is in God's hands. Thank you to everyone praying in his behalf.

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