Showing posts with label neighbor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighbor. Show all posts

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Baptism by Immersion - Our First Grandchild

Today we attended the baptism of our first grandchild, who recently turned eight. I was impressed by several things that happened. First, I saw at the church in the long room where the baptismal font was located, a room completely filled with friends and family there to support him. I could tell that this was not just a small token of friendship, but I felt the deep love they had for this young family. What a great way to be welcomed into the kingdom of God.

Next, I witnessed the strength of a brave young man that stepped into a cold water font because the hot water pipes had frozen the night before. He was baptized by his father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and has been given authority by God to baptize someone into the church and kingdom of Jesus Christ. And just as the Savior was baptized by immersion, which means being lowered completely under the water, my grandson was completely immersed and washed clean from sin. He came up with a broad smile, shaking the cold water off like a puppy shakes water from it's fur. It made us all smile with an unforgettable memory.

Finally, I saw the earnest expression on my daughter's face and that of her husband. I recognized the years of concern and deliberate effort they had given to preparing their son for this day. I saw the inner tears and profound feelings that remained largely unexpressed by them, in this group of many. I saw into their hearts and felt the Lord's love for them all.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Lord, How Can I Know Thee - Poem



Lord, How Can I Know Thee

Lord, how can I know thee
  my Savior and friend
  thy suffering and heartache
  thy trials and pain

How can I know thee
  thy gifts to obtain
  gain entrance into Heaven
  and live with Thee again

            Know thou thy neighbor
              who also pleads today
              for comfort in suffering
              with trials and pain

            Know her desires
              her joys and her fears
              so she and thee, may come
              and live with me here

Lord, how can I serve thee
  when small means have I
  my hands, my heart
  and time passing by

How can I serve thee
  thou art far away
  with oil I cannot anoint thee
  nor can I wipe thy tears away

            Serve thou thy neighbor
              bring comfort and cheer
              embrace her and tell her
              I'll always be near

            Tend to her needs
              whether great or small
              and take time to know her
              to listen, to call

Lord, how can I love thee
  creator of Heaven and earth
  whose forgiveness and mercy
  are of greatest worth

How can I love thee
  with all my heart
  my might, mind and strength
  from thee ne’er to part

            Love thou thy neighbor
              let your heart o’er flow
              with charity and forgiveness
              great joy thou shalt know

            Dear child, I love thee
              and blessed are ye
              if ye love one of the least of these
              ye have also loved me


By Janice Harten
Matt 25
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.