The Touch of the Master's Hand

Mark 6:56

'And withersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole'.

Christ had power enough to heal all of their sicknesses. All they needed to do was but have faith enough to reach out to him. And to touch.

Through His Atonement, He still has power enough to heal each one of us. Of sickness, heartache, sin, depression. The healing of His Atonement encompasses all darkness in this world, and is available to all in this world.

I am reminded of a poem that one of my companions on the mission would quote. I loved it so much, I too memorised it.

The Touch of the Master's Hand

Myra B. Welch

Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer

thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,

"Who'll start the bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar, then, two! Only Two?

Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three..."

But no.

From the room, far back, a grey-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening a few loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low, said:

"What am I bid for the old violin?"

And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?

Two thousand! And who'll make it three?

"Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice;

And going and gone." said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

"We do not quite understand, what changed it's worth?"

Swift came the reply:

"The Touch Of The Master's Hand."

And many a man with his life out of tune,

and battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A 'mess of pottage,'a glass of wine;

A game - and he travels on.

He is 'going' once, and 'going' twice,

He's 'going' and almost 'gone'.

But the Master comes and the foolish crowd

Can never quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought

By the Touch of the Master's Hand.

As I reflected on this poem, it brought me back to a few days back.

I was driving out of a store parking lot and was waiting in a line of cars to turn. I ended up idling right next to a man with a sign asking for money or food for his family. I shamefully considered to ignore him, but from where he was standing, I knew that was an obvious lie to him, and any unobservant bystander. Plus, my wallet with cash not yet returned to it's rightful place was sprawled out on my lap, where he could no doubt see. So, I did the obligatory thing, and wound down the window and handed him a few notes. Embarrassed for him, I didn't give any eye-contact, and did the exchange as quickly as possible, grateful that the line of cars were finally moving ahead.

As I drove home, I was so disappointed in myself. I wished I had seen this man, as Christ does. And treated him accordingly. He would have smiled, and tried to convey love in his eyes. He would have looked him in the eyes. I wish I had at least given him eye-contact and a smile. I wish my eyes were filled with the love of Christ for this man.

President Uchtdorf has shared:

'A story is told that during a bombing in a city in WW II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith, and of God's presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but it's hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was - a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: "You are my hands."

The Touch of the Master's Hand is available to all, sometimes through others' hands. Let's make those hands our own!

Christmas

I have been so excited for this day. Today we finally get to put our Christmas Tree and decorations up! We have the Nativity Scenes, Christmas stockings, figurines, books etc. We also have a festive scent to melt, so we can even smell Christmas in the air.

Then there are all the gifts we've been slowly accumulating these past few months. We're not completely done yet, but we're getting there.

We've even made Christmas Eve and Christmas day plans with family. All is coming together.

Boy, this Christmas preparation can be all-consuming!

I recall on the mission, thinking how ironic it was during the weeks prior to Christmas, to tract street after street, only to be told that they were too busy preparing for Christmas to have us come in.

Gratefully, today I was in Matthew 26. And was reminded of where my thoughts most especially need to be during this Christmas season.

I read of the anointing of Jesus. The reverence that that woman must have shown as she poured the 'precious ointment' on His head.

I read of the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Peters denials. I pondered if I too would have denied Him. Do I deny Him? Do I sell Him? This chapter is very humbling.

And then the Atonement. The great sacrifice Christ suffered for each one of us. There is little in this account of what the Atonement was, and I'm finding it hard to explain it myself, but I'll find some scriptures elsewhere that may help.

Luke 22:41-44, Alma 7:11-12, Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-18

What I can share though, is what it has meant, and continues to mean for me.

All that is good in my life comes because of Jesus' great sacrifice for me. The peace in my soul is because of repentance. The spirit in our home because of His promises. The joy in my life because of His mercy. The richness of love. The hope of healing. The goodness of God. All that I prize in my life is because Christ suffered for my sins. And yours too! I am so unworthy, of myself, of these blessings. So unworthy. Yet, life is so good.

I testify of Jesus. That He is our Saviour. And that He lives. His Kingdom is already established upon this earth, and His gospel, in all it's truth and light, is here in it's fulness! He will come again, and I thrill for that day! I commend Him to you. Despite all that is bad in this world, there is so much good. So much joy to be had. And it is only through Him.

I hope we can all do better to remember Jesus Christ (and all He means in our lives) this season, and always.

Fruits

Matt 21:18-19

'Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.'

I love how Christ teaches us how to live, in everything He did. Maybe there are more teaching opportunities/moments in my day, as a mother, than I am presently seeing?

As I read about the Fig tree, I pondered whether I too am lacking in fulfilling the purposes the Lord intends for me. Would I too be condemned to wither?

Then in vs 43 it says:

'Therefore Say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.'

Would my work (what I've been foreordained to do) then be given to another?

With this self-evaluation, I thought of all the activities that take up my time. Are they building 'my' kingdom? - my glory, wealth, pleasures? or His? Sometimes it can get hard to decipher.

It reminded me of a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar this last General Conference. In it he quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith, speaking to President Brigham Young.

'Tell the people to be humble and faithful and [be] sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach [you what] to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom...'

About a week ago, I was reading a talk given by President Henry B. Eyring, also in this past General Conference. One part that really hit home was in his final words. He said:

'You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then go and do whatever he asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every Sermon, song and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you.'

I wanted to be trustworthy of Him. I thought of some of the things I have been prompted to do, that I hadn't done yet, and resolved to do them that very day. One was to write a note of gratitude to Brent (something that was spoken of in church the previous day). I wrote the note, and left it on the side table of our bed. Another one, was to visit a Care Centre for the elderly with Eden and Mercedes. This is totally out of my comfort zone, but knowing it was an impression from the Spirit, it gave me that extra courage to do it. And we did. And it was wonderful. And we're going to make it a regular thing.

That night happened to end very stressful for me,and as usual, I ended up taking it out on Brent. We went about putting the girls down, and getting ready for the next day, when I got on the phone with family from Australia. Brent and I never got to resolve our frustrations together, and by the end of the phone call he had long gone to sleep. I felt so awful that I hadn't apologised to him, and wanted him to know that I love him more than the way I was treating him. I was super grateful when I went into our room, that he had fallen asleep with the note I had written earlier that morning opened and still in his hand.

I know these are only small experiences. But they have strengthened my faith in the guidance we are given to build His Kingdom. To bear the fruits he intends of us. Even in these very small deeds we are prompted to do.

The Better Way

I'm in the New Testament now, and have also restarted The Book of Mormon. Reading both books together, along with the words or our holy prophets today, highlights in my mind how omnipresent, yet personal Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and their great work are.

Today I was in Matt 11.

'Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light'. (vs 28-30)

A lot of what Heavenly Father asks of us, His Commandments, sometimes seem hard. They might come across as not much fun at all, quite boring. Outdated. Too much work. Yet, it has been my experience, that the more I follow His commandments, the more REAL fun, and joy I have!

I think of the mission. Hard - yes. Giving 18 months of my life, 24/7 to the Lord in His service doesn't sound, and to be honest- wasn't always 'fun'. But I cannot think of a time in my life, when I've felt as much constant peace and true JOY! If there is one thing that the world cannot offer, that is peace!

I think of marriage. It's tragic to think that marriage is so degraded and optional in commonplace society now. Yes it is hard at times. But being one with someone, in daily life, as well as purpose, ...I'm not sure how do describe it... nothing else comes close to that feeling!

I think of having Children. Yes, it is hard, and the sacrifice - MONUMENTAL! But life is SO much more fun and meaningful with them. Our marriage is better! Life is better!

So, what this scripture says to me is that taking Christs 'yoke' (work, commandments...) upon us will be 'work', but the 'rest unto your souls' that He promises - 'peace of mind and heart' , joy that the world cannot offer- is worth the sacrifice.

Don't take my word for it though. Find out for yourself!

Charity

I've been in Moroni 7 for a few days now. I just don't want to leave. I read and re-read vs 45, over and over and over...somehow hoping that each time I read it, it will settle itself into my soul and become a part of me. One more time.

'And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

...Charity is the pure love of Christ.'

How I so desire to feel this way. Towards everyone!

I think of my life and all my day-to-day activities, as well as the thoughts and motives that are my companion, and I realise how different my world would be if I felt this Charity for all around me.

No complaining. Or anger. Free from selfishness. Wouldn't it feel liberating to not be so self-centered? No doing things to gain the praise of those around you - just think of all the activities, all the thoughts and efforts that would be omitted from our days if we didn't do things to seek the praise and approval of those around us...or maybe it's just me.

I like to think of those that I know I feel this charity towards. I think of my family and how much I love them, and desire all the happiness and joy for them. My life would be so rich if I felt this way for EVERYONE.

Moroni teaches to pray for this charity, with 'all the energy of heart'.

Elder Gene R. Cook also shares that having charity for others starts with having charity towards ourselves. Seeing ourselves as God sees us.

And understanding Gods love for us, comes with truly understanding the Atonement of our Saviour. Which, I'm thinking, is a lifelong quest, that is worth the time and effort.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life'.

Yesterday, as I sat listening to the words of the temple ordinances, coupled with the sweet whisperings of the spirit, I learnt something that seems so juvenile in gospel understanding, yet has taking me so long to have 'click'. I have been sanctified! Every time I partake of the sacrament each week, I am sanctified. Every time I repent in prayer, I am sanctified.

'As we increasingly think and act like Him, the attributes of the natural man will slip away to be replaced by the heart and the mind of Christ. We will become like Him and then truly receive Him.' (Gene R. Cook)

I love the scriptures. I love how they help me to see my weaknesses, and then give me hope enough to work on overcoming them. I love how they teach of Christ. I want to know Him better. I love how there is a place I can go, to come to know Him more.

Faith to be clean

I may open up about myself a little more than I'd usually like, with conflicting feelings between hoping you don't understand, but then really hoping you do.

For quite a while now, as I study the scriptures and words of the Prophets, I subconsciously seek out answers to the same question that has been weighing on me for...what seems like my whole life.

How/when will I be free of all the evil desires/tendancies/weaknesses I have?

Sanctification. Purification. Atonement. '...washed in the blood of the lamb...', and more, jump out at me. Can I hope for it to come soon? In the next decade? This life? I get so impatient - I know, another one to add to the list.

Ether 12 is a good start.

vs 7. '...He showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him...'

Christ hasn't appeared to me in person, BUT through His Spirit He has! I'm sure that counts.

I feel His spirit every day. I recognise His spirit prompting me to take a deep breath and not dwell on, say, what Brent may have innocently forgotten to do, despite my natural yearning to make him suffer for it! Or to whisper to myself, when I'm tired and done being a mother, 'Come what may, and love it!'. Which magically turns my thoughts to how grateful I am to have these sweet girls.

Sometimes I get thinking faith is a gift from God. Some have it, and some don't. Although that is true with some, for others of us, it's not all lost. We can 'choose' faith. Elder Richard C. Edgely gave a FABULOUS talk this past General Conference on this very topic.

'Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours.'

Go and read the rest!!!

http://www.new.lds.org/ (Faith - The Choice is Yours)

Now x-referencing to Alma 5:12, speaking of Alma, 'And according to his faith there was a mightly change wrought in his heart'.

So, all is not lost! I know I have faith in Christ, because I feel His Spirit. I know I can continue to work on my faith in him, because it is a 'choice'. And now I know that through this faith (in Him. In His Atonement. In His power to heal/cleanse/save) I CAN have a 'mightly change wrought in [my] heart'. There is hope!

Then I got to vs 19 in Ether 12.

Speaking of some faithful few who '...truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith...'

That got me way excited! One day, we all will 'see' with our own eyes, all that we have hope and faith in. One day I'll 'see' for myself that His Atonement has purified me. One day I'll 'see' Him in all His glory. One day, everything that rings true in my heart, will ring true period. I'm so excited for that day!

Corom who?

I'm in Ether 10-11 in The Book of Mormon today. It is easy to skim over these kind of chapters that cover generations and many decades in a matter of a few verses. He begat him, who begat him...etc.

In my attempt at trying to learn from these seemingly uneventful scriptures, a line that I kept reading over and over, finally caught my attention.

Ether 10:17 'And it came to pass that _______ did that which was good in the sight of the Lord all his days; and he begat...'

This time it was a 'Corom'. We don't know much about Corom, other than who his father was and who his son was. He only got one verse in the whole book. Yet, he 'did that which was good in the sight of the Lord all his days...' and for that, he will have an eternal increase, just like all those faithful prophets in the scriptures who have chapters dedicated to their service.

My father once shared with me an analogy of how he views himself. If building the kingdom was likened unto building a pyramid or structure, he envisions himself being one of those many 'invisible' workers, quietly carrying bricks for the building.

I guess we all can't be the architects or the supervisors, but that is the beauty of God's plan. We don't have to be! Even my 'Nursery Assisting' efforts can qualify me!

Errands.

Last night I spoke on the phone with my older sister, Kristall.

Amongst other things, we spoke about Sister Julie Beck (Relief Society President) and her recent visit to Sydney. Sister Beck spoke at a women's fireside on the 'Spiritual War' we are now engaged in.

That got me thinking.

If we are at war, right this minute. And I am presuming that I am on the Lords side, helping Him in this battle - What am I doing each day to help Him fight? Who's souls am I trying to save? Am I one of His faithful warriors? Can He rely on me to fulfil my part? Or am I distracted, thinking of my own needs. Maybe I'm in my tent, taking a nap, or reading a book. Am I even on the battle field? I would be heartbroken if I found out that there were casualties around me, that I would've helped prevent, but I was too busy running on that treadmill, watching that movie, or on FB!

Maybe half the battle, is knowing you're in one in the first place.

I love President Thomas S. Monson, and the attitude he has always lived by. He said, (and I am paraphrasing), "If the Lord needs an errand to be run, I want him to know that he can rely on Tom Monson to get it done".

My Mother-in-Law once shared with me something that helps her to focus on the things that are 'needful'. She said each morning as she prays, she relays to Heavenly Father her plans for the day, and then she asks Him, what He would have her do. I think that is fabulous, and am going to try do better to do the same.

It can get overwhelming thinking of all the souls, whom we cherish and have stewardship over, wondering how we can fight for them this day, but as we go to our Father in prayer, He will direct us to who is in need of our help. Maybe it's a kind word that is needed, encouragement, testimony, prayers, love. Isn't that kind of exciting? Being engaged in this battle doesn't mean destroying others, but lifting them. Loving them. Serving them as Christ would.

Let's all enlist ourselves -in both word, and especially deed! And say to the Lord each day, "Any more errands to be run?"

Contribute to the conversation.

I'm not all that articulate or profound. Nor, do I have anything original to share. But I want to add my voice (as Elder M. Russell Ballard has asked) to the cyber conversation on Faith. Another 'drop' for good is never a bad thing! :)

Each day I wake up, usually in the wee hours of the morning, to the sound of my 6 month old ravenous daughter. Once I've fed her happy and sleepy, I get to dedicate 1/2 an hour to the Lord in His Holy Scriptures. I know 1/2 an hour is meager compared to a lot of you faithful people, but that does me good.

I also study the scriptures with my husband, Brent, before we end the day. We study a different topic each week, this week focusing on Marriage. Can you think of a better topic to study before jumping into bed with your sweetheart?

So, each day I'll share what I've learnt in both these study sessions, as well as all the unscheduled teachings the Spirit see's I need throughout the day. It is quite amazing how often we are taught from on high, usually without even recognising it as such. President Henry B. Eyring shared a few years ago, how he would ask himself this question each night before retiring to bed, no matter how tired he was, and then he would journal the answer in his little notebook. "How had I seen the hand of God blessing our family today?". I too want to keep this record, so that my posterity can also see God blessing our lives.

I love the Lord. I love His Gospel. I love His work. If my voice is going to be heard, amidst the crowd of voices, that is what I want people to hear.